Best time to visit in spring ?

I'm coming over from the UK next spring to visit family in Bracebridge.

Ideally I will need some 'sanity' time while I'm there and would like to do some canoeing and skiing.

Can anyone suggest the best time to come to catch enough snow to ski (downhill) and yet have some water to paddle (at Algonquin say, or local rivers if anyone fancies a paddle and can keep me comapy - hint) or is this a totally impractical combination ?

Thanks

Hi Carol,

I have canoed, gone bicycling, and cross country skiing... all in the same day. It is definitly possible.

The rivers tend to start opening up in late march and early April... but it really depends on the year and there can be a month's variation. The downhill ski hills tend to have snow fairly late on the northern slopes but as I am not a downhill skiier I don't really know how far it goes. Hope this helps...

Don Haines

Thanks Donald

Depends on when you come. I assume you mean april/may. While it is true the ice is gone in April the water will be VERY cold. Skiing is still possible in April or even early May due to the use of snow making machines at the ski hills but Canoeing or Kayaking in April will be *technically* possible but not necessarilly enjoyable.

Most kayaking in the UK happens Nov to March which is pretty cold here to.

Okay our winters aren't as cold as yours but water can only be so cold - or am I mad.

I've been reading 'Thrill of the Paddle' and I suppose I'm quite impressed by the semi-frozen paddling (esp. the surprised looking ice climber with the canoe paddling down beside him!)

I've got a drysuit and warm clothes so if its feasable I'd probably be happy to give it a go!

Any other loonies out there in the Bracebrifge area fancy a trip or two next spring ??

Carol