Early spring is a good time to paddle in Southwestern Ontario. Choosing a weekend from 5 months away is a game of chance but has worked so far. Sometimes weather can be wintery or spring like. Water levels can be high or already disappointingly low.
The rivers I hope for are usually the Bayfield, Benmiller section of the Maitland, South Maitland, 9 Mile and Priceville/Durham section of the Saugeen. During lower water years we usually paddle the Maitland and Saugeen.
These paddles can be relatively calm or exciting class one with sweepers and occasional class 2s. They are always cold water paddles and require proper gear!
We stay at Camp Kintail in rustic camp cabins. The costs are reasonable and past participants have enjoyed their stay. Please be mindful of other groups using the facilities at the same time. I will not be collecting money until 2027. People can fill out what nights and meals they plan to attend.
https://www.campkintail.ca/_files/ugd/661def_b4726ed31f8f4353b3a5f988a8…
Please note that this only concerns those who want to join in or are coming from a distance. Some folks just show up for a day paddle or stay somewhere else!
For those who sign up a spreadsheet will be sent out to arrange paddlers, canoes, attendance and details.