Toronto area whitewater in August

I know this is an Ottawa-area newsgroup, but I can't find anything closer to me.

My son and I just finished the MKC whitewater canoeing course (and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in moving water, expert or novice). I have been paddling flatwater since the early '70s, but up to now fast, rough water was something to avoid. Now that we have some technique under our belts, we are looking for somewhere in the Toronto area we can practice. Even just a single 1km stretch of class I or II rapids will do, as long as it isn;t too far. The only rivers around here with any kind of water depth in August seem to be the Don, Credit and Humber, any one of which would probably eat away the hull before we got any distance at all.

Does anyone know of anywhere in this area that holds a decent level through the summer and isn't too much for a middle-aged novice to practice his whitewater canoeing technique on?

I do not personally know of any such site here in Niagara, but know that there is a river that fits the class running next to the 406.

There is a store on 4th Avenue in St. Catharines, where we purchased a kayak called Outdoor Adventure. Maybe you could give them a call and ask them.

There also is a kayaking club down here, but I do not have the particulars.

Hi Peter, could you give me a bit more info (location and maybe a phone number) of where you took your course?

Thanks, muchly appreciated. Derek email: specht -at- pacificcoast.net

I know this is an Ottawa-area newsgroup, but I can't find anything closer to me. My son and I just finished the MKC whitewater canoeing course (and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in moving water, expert or novice). I have been paddling flatwater since the early '70s, but up to now fast, rough water was something to avoid. Now that we have some technique under our belts, we are looking for somewhere in the Toronto area we can practice. Even just a single 1km stretch of class I or II rapids will do, as long as it isn;t too far. The only rivers around here with any kind of water depth in August seem to be the Don, Credit and Humber, any one of which would probably eat away the hull before we got any distance at all. Does anyone know of anywhere in this area that holds a decent level through the summer and isn't too much for a middle-aged novice to practice his whitewater canoeing technique on? |

Doug, I think I know the one you mean. I commuted to Welland for several months a couple of years ago and I remember seeing the creek (river?) just after getting on to the 406 from the QEW. I will try your suggestion.

Hi there Peter,

MKC is great, my friend/teacher used to instruct there.. great place and great people huh? Who was your insturctor there? I'm from Markham... about finding flow in the Toronto Area.. I've been looking all over the place for that well the only small rapid you will get is during Spring time when snow melts in some little river in parks ie: Too good pond near where I live.. best around March-May.. after that.. its too low to paddle... Your best bet Peter is to go to Gull River in Minden.. just 1.5hr North/East of Toronto... It is a man made 600m class III river, it flows all year with a dam control at the top, the Whitewater Ontario Center is located there as well.. you can practice at the bottom of the river where it wash out to the lake if you are looking for something easier to play on.. hope that helps... I don't check the Newsgroup often... if you have any questions you can

See you on the river! Sam