Between Bolton and Weston, where rains brought by Hurricane Hazel washed away 14 homes in October 1954, the Humber River is now carefully flood controlled by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Though this stretch is completely open and accessible, the two dam projects along its length have successfully reduced the river to mainly a fast flowing stream. Passage requires the highest water levels, but this means several hours of nearly uninterrupted swifts and rock gardens with no actual classified rapids.
The past two Aprils we tackled the section between Kleinburg and Weston. This year we are starting farther upstream at Bolton, Dick's Dam Park, and the intersection of Sackville St. with Hickman St. The takeout is at Humber Bridge Trail (road) off of Highway 27, north of Major Mackenzie Drive.
There are a couple of short portages/mandatory wading around the McFall dam, cataract, and diversion project in the original Bolton village. After this there are no other man made obstacles for the duration, and it is 27 kilometres to Kleinburg. The last occasion took 6 hours including an hour on shore for lunch.
Bring some lunch and water, hot thermos works well too as we stop along the bank for breaks and photos. Bring foul weather gear, we wore drysuits, gloves, hats, helmets, & PFD. We had sun, rain, wind, and snow in past years. Bring some warm dry clothing just in case. Leave some extras in your car too.
By signing up for this trip you also agree to the conditions in the WCA liability waiver. Please locate it on the WCA website or I can send you one.
Canoes and Kayaks are welcome.