Whitewater Canoe Trip - Algonquin Park: Petawawa River (8/24/2009)

Are you ready for an adventure? Join my son Steven(15) and me as we explore Algonquin Park Petawawa River on a whitewater canoe trip in August.

The river starts at Butt Lake in northern Algonquin Park and flows east, emptying into the Ottawa River at the Town of Petawawa. The river is 187 kilometers in length and drains an area of 4,200 square kilometers. The river's name comes from the Algonquian language, meaning "where one hears a noise like this", which refers to its many rapids. From the late 1800s until the 1960s, the river was used for log driving of the timber from the forested areas surrounding the river. The river is popular among canoeing enthusiasts for its white water rapids and often spectacular views.

We will depart from the Whitby GO Station on Monday morning at 8AM and will be driving up to Algonquin Park (East gate). Be prepared for a 5 day interior trip running down the Petawawa River. This section of the river has class 1,2,3,4 rapids. In August, the river will be most likely be at the low water level. This will make about 2/3 of all the rapids, class 2 or below. Most people with good basic canoeing skills with a little theory and practice can successfully navigate class 1 and 2 rapids. Our plan is to cover about 10-20 km per day at a casual pace. The total trip is about 50 km. We will covering this distance in 3 full days. The first and last day is mostly car travel time with a little paddling. Our plan is to scout all rapids first. All rapids can be portaged if required. Pack and plan for the portages to be done in one trip. We will drive back to Whitby on Friday (early) afternoon.

This trip is open to intermediate and advance experience canoeing individuals only.

Some whitewater theory and practice will form part of the trip to improve skills and build confidence.

Participants will be required to supply their own equipment i.e. backpacks, etc.

Canoes, paddles, etc will be picked up at the local outfitter. All canoes have been reserved by me.

Priority will be given to experience level, payment received on time, and people willing to drive.

NOTE: Participants must wear their life jackets at all times while on the water for the duration of the trip.

No pre-meeting is planned. Coordination will be via email and telephone calls. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

1. Please provide a brief summary of your canoeing/interior camping experience.

2. What whitewater experience do you have?

3. Describe your swimming ablities?

4. Are you capable of one trip solo/team portages? (The canoe weights 85 lbs)

5. Do you have good rain gear?