Rouge River Creeking (Full Event)

Outing Type → 

 


We plan to paddle down the Rouge River from Milne Dam Conservation Park to about Old Finch Road, approx. 14 kms.  Last year we did this in 5 hours, which included lunch.   This should be a total of 14 km. 
The water level was at 3.42m (discharge flow 2.2 m3/s) and it was a bump and grind adventure.   I am hoping to do the river at a higher level this year.  Maybe double?   Generally, the river was a classic class 1 to 1.5 creek, with lots of obstacles.  Last year it was a bump and grind trip occasionally, so a plastic whitewater boat would be preferred.

If the water is too high or low we might move the event to Saturday, April 11, 2026.


You will need a whitewater boat and prepared to jump in and out of your boat to get around sweepers and downed trees,rocks, etc.
Real-Time Hydrometric Data Graph for ROUGE RIVER NEAR MARKHAM (02HC022) [ON] - Water Level and Flow - Environment Canada


If you are looking for a canoe partner or canoe to sit in, let me know, and I will try and coordinate connected people with canoes with people looking for a canoe.  Send me an email or call me.
 

Check out previous years YouTube videos

https://youtu.be/IIN-4Hk3dxc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIglq057Rn0

The Basics
Event Location

Rouge River, Markham, Ontario

Date(s) & Time
Event Duration
1 day
Difficulty Rating
Novice
Registration Cut Off
April 2, 2026
Participant Info
Who's Invited
People capable to paddle in Class 1 swifts and rapids with sweepers
Maximum Group Size
8 boats
Minimum Group Size
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description

Put In 8:30 am
Place 2 cars at Finch takeout (limited parking). Or drivers share an Uber ride back to put in to pick up their cars.
Start 9 am at Milne Dam Conservation Park
Lunch ~12 noon ish 1/2 hour
4-5 hours paddle
2-3 pm Takeout. Drivers shuttle back to putin to collect their vehicles.
3-4 pm vehicle shuttle to pick up everybody at Finch.

 

 

Required Items to Bring

Whitewater boat and gear
Dry or wet suit
water/food

Recommended Items to Bring

Whitewater boat for bump and grind conditions

Water/food

Drysuit
Extra clothes if you go for a swim.

How to Get There
Event Directions

Putin Milne Dam Conservation Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUA7gSnPPY29kSft6
 

Takeout Finch Road Bridge
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DijYLMnfjXpsUj3B9

 

Limited parking here at Old Finch Road only

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WZARtiMDLVG1rpex9

See Gary for details who leaves their car here.  Need a mini-van ideally to shuttle all drivers back to the start.

 

 

Carpool Info

We are all going to drive to the Put In.

One or two cars will be parked at the Take Out location (or close by).  Very limited parking at Takeout.   These vehicles will be used to shuttle drivers back to Put In to collect their vehicles.  Those vehicles can then return to the Takeout to pick up gear and people.

Try to seek to carpool with others to reduce the amount of drivers and cars.