Grand River: Cambridge (Galt) to Birley Gates

Date: July 22

Trip: 210 Water St. S., Galt, Cambridge (previously Petrocan), to Birley Gates
Time: Meet at the Shed for departure at 8:30 sharp!
Cost: $8.00
Leader: Anne Woolner
Tower: Bruce Burkhardt
Intermediate Level: Strong paddling skills and stamina needed. Approximately a 4-4½ hour paddle.
Trip Details: Interesting and exciting challenges on the river make this trip a favourite—and offer a great opportunity to practise river reading and maneuvers learned in training.
Carpooling: If you carpool, please reimburse the driver ($10 would be appropriate for this trip). If you drive in a different car each way, please reimburse both drivers.
Bring: PFD, water, hat, lunch & snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, dry bag with extra clothing, and proper footwear (closed toe) AND Emergency Contact Card—tell your partner where it is!
Register: Contact Anne Woolner
annewoolner@hotmail.com, 519-743-2277 to register, advising whether you paddle stern or bow.
*You will receive a confirmation email. If you don’t receive confirmation by Monday night, contact Anne to ensure you’re on the list.

If you change your mind, or are unable to make it for some reason, please let Anne know asap as this will affect the number of canoes required, partners, etc.

Brant Conservation Area—Erie Street

Trip: Brant Conservation Area—Erie Street

Date: Tuesday, July 8
INTERMEDIATE TRAINING REQUIRED
Time: Meet at the Shed for 8:30 Departure
Trip Fee: $8.00
Leader: Kathleen Barsoum
Tower: Reg Barsoum
Trip Details: A ~2½ hour paddle on the Grand River, with some interesting challenges. Every year this river presents differently, ensuring an exciting paddle every time.
Car Pooling: Please make arrangements before we meet Tuesday morning.
If you carpool, please reimburse the driver ($5 would be appropriate for this trip). If you drive in a different car each way, please reimburse both drivers.
Bring: PFD, water, hat, lunch & snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, dry bag with extra clothing, and proper footwear (closed toe) AND Emergency Contact Card—tell your partner where it is!
Register: Contact Kathleen by email or phone to register, kathleen.barsoum@gmail.com, 519-588-9179, advising whether you paddle bow or stern.
*You will receive a confirmation email.
*If you don’t receive confirmation by Monday night, please contact Kathleen.
*If you change your mind, or are unable to make it, please advise Kathleen asap as this will affect the number of canoes required, partners, etc.

Please check your email the morning of the trip in case of cancellation.

URGENT: Trip Leaders and Towers for Upcoming Trips Required

LEADER AND TOWER NEEDED FOR TUESDAY, JULY 8—
Grand River: Brant Conservation Area to Erie Street

(Trip Details blog will be published once leader and tower are in place.)

This club operates on the strength of its volunteers. Many thanks to our Trip Planning Committee who have planned a great schedule to accommodate members of all skill levels. However………

We still require people to sign up to lead and tow various upcoming trips. Don’t wait to be asked……just volunteer! Please check out the trip schedule and see which trips you would like to lead or to tow. Contact Anne Woolner to get your name on the trip schedule asap.

Trips that don’t have volunteers to lead or tow will be CANCELLED!

We have many experienced paddlers in this club who have been on most of the trips on the schedule. Please consider volunteering to lead a trip (and/or team up with someone to share responsibilities). There are lots of resources available in the Handbook to help— and Anne is just a phone call away!

If there is a trip that you would like to see, but is missing from the schedule, let Anne know. Suggestions are most welcome.

Contact Info:
Anne Woolner, Trip Co-ordinator: annewoolner@hotmail.com, 519-743-2277.

Canada Day: Kaufman Flats—Shirley Drive!

Date: Tuesday, July 1st
A Great Way to Celebrate Canada Day!

Trip: Grand River: Kaufman Flats to Shirley Drive
Time: Meet at the shed for 8:30 a.m. departure
Trip Leader & Tower: Bruce Burkhardt
Shuttle: Yes.
Trip Fee: $8

Details:
A lovely paddle through Bridgeport with a little excitement passing under the Bridgeport bridge. We will pass by Bingemans and can check out the trailer park and campgrounds as we paddle past. This is a 2 ½ hour paddle.
Bring:
PFD, lunch & snacks, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear (pants/jacket), dry bag with extra clothing, & proper footwear (closed toe) AND Emergency Contact Card—tell your paddling partner where it is!
Register:
Contact Bruce Burkhardt by phone or email bruce@poly-corp.com or 519-500-7000 to register.

*You will receive a confirmation email from the trip leader Monday evening.
*If you don’t receive a confirmation email by Monday night, contact the trip leader to ensure you’re on the list.
If you change your mind or are unable to make it for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

*Please check your email the morning of the trip in case of cancellation.

Speed River: Hespeler Pond (aka Hespeler Mill Pond)

EASY PADDLE! Everyone Welcome!

Date: June 26/25
Leader: Anne Woolner
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Cost: $8

MEET at the Shed to leave @ 8:30am
TRIP DETAILS: Hespeler Pond, 235 Queen St. East, Cambridge
A 1 ½ hour paddle on flat water past areas of marshland which are homes to cranes, egrets, and herons. After, a short walk to a local pub for lunch is a nice finish to the day.

BRING: PFD, snacks, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear (pants/jacket), dry bag with change of clothing, & proper footwear (closed toe) AND Energency Contact Card—tell your paddling partner where it is!

CONTACT: Please contact Anne Woolner by email or phone, at annewoolner@hotmail.com, 519-7453-2277, to register.
*If you don’t receive confirmation by Wednesday night, contact Anne to ensure you’re on the list.
*If you change your mind, or are unable to paddle, please let Anne know asap as this will affect the number of canoes required, partner, etc.
Please check you email the morning of the trip in case of cancellation.

Grand River: Bean Park (Paris) to Brant Conservation Area

Date: Tuesday, June 24/25
Leader: Anne Woolner
Tower: Doug Hoegy

Cost: $8
Time: Meet at the Shed for departure at 8:30 am sharp!

Trip Details: A 2½ hour paddle with a few rapids, wide river vistas, and a chance to see bald eagles and blue herons.

Carpool: Please make carpooling arrangements before we meet Tuesday morning. If you carpool, please reimburse the driver ($10 would be appropriate for this trip). If you drive in a different car each way, please reimburse both drivers.

Bring: PFD, lunch & snacks, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear (pants/jacket), dry bag with extra clothing, & proper footwear (closed toe) AND Emergency Contact Card—tell your paddling partner where it is!

Contact: Anne Woolner, annewoolner@hotmail.com, 519-743-2277, to register, advising whether you paddle bow or stern.

You will receive a confirmation email. If you haven’t received confirmation by Monday night, contact Anne to confirm you’re on the list.
If you change your mind, or are unable to make it, please let Anne know asap as this will affect the number of canoes required, partners. etc.

NOTE: Most of the cars will be parked outside the Conservation Area (to save the park fee.) There is adequate parking, but carpooling is encouraged.
You will have to walk from the ‘take-out’ to the parking lot as only the towing vehicle will be at the ‘take-out’.
If you choose to park there, the cost is $6.75.
If anyone has a pass for the Grand River Conservation Area, let Anne know.

Please check your email the morning of the trip in case of cancellation.

Thames River/Trout Creek Photos

Photos from Thames River/Trout Creek, June 10/25:

2026 Trip Schedule

2026 TRIP SCHEDULE

DATE	WHERE	TRIP LEADER(S)	TOWER(S)	TRIP INFO.
Mon.May 4 Refresher course (rain date May 30)	Glen Morris - Birley Gates		Bruce B
**Tues. May 5	Grand River Inverhaugh to Kaufman's		Bruce B.	Excellent views with a few challenging manoeuvres. Experienced paddlers & Intermediate training. 4.5-hour paddle
Sat. May 9 Basic training (rain date May 30)	meeting at River Bluffs, Cambridge		Bruce B
**Tues. May 12	Nith River- Ayr to Blenheim Rd (Silver Bridge)	Anne	Bruce B.	Exciting paddle, with rapids. Intermediate training/strong paddling skills required. 3-4-hour paddle
**Tues. May 19	Conestoga & Grand Rivers St. Jacobs to Kaufman's		Bruce B.	Exellent views with a few challenges. Experienced paddlers & intermediate training required ~4 hours
Sunday, May 24 (rain date May 30) Intermediate Training	Water st, Cambridge to Birley Gates		Bruce B
**Tues.May 26	Nith- Blenhiem (Silver Bridge) to Canning (2nd exit)		Bruce B.	Exciting paddle with lots of rapids. Intermediate training and strong paddling skills required. ~3-4 hour paddle
Thurs. May 28	Grand River- Moyers Landing to RiverBluffs Inaugural trip for new members followed by a BBQ lunch @ Riverbluffs	Michael De Andrade	Bruce B	A relatively easy 1.5 hour paddle. Be prepared to navigate, or walk around rapids, depending on water levels.
Tues. June 2	Grindstone Creek	Michael De Andrade		This is a realtively easy paddle on Grindstone Creek near the Botanical Gardens in Burlington.the surrounding wetlands are rich in biodiversity and wildlife.
Tues. June 9	Grand River- Freeport - Pat's Trailer			This trip involves a portage around the Mannheim Weir & past 2 golf courses and the Pioneer tower. It ends with a potluck lunch at Pat's Trailer.
Thursday, June 11	TBA			Easy Breezy Lovely paddle through the harbour and into Cootes Paradise
Tues. June 16	Paradise Lake	Social Committee		A fun day of water sports, games and paddling. Snacks & lunch are provided by the camp.
Tues, June 23	Grand River Bean Park -Brant Conservation Area			A lazy summer paddle with wide river vistas & a chance to see eagles and blue herons. 2-2.5-hour paddle
Thurs.June 25	Royal City Park	Robin H.		Easy Breezy A 2 hour trip passing local landmarks and with many turtle sightings. We end with ice cream at the Boathouse Tearoom
Tues, June 30	Grand River Brant Conservation Area to Erie St.			A 2 hour trip with interesting challenges & maybe a sighting of Bald Eagles and Blue Herons.
**Tues, July 7	Saugeen River #1 Lobe Park—Concession #10 Access #5—Access #7			An all-day trip that usually ends with an ice-cream cone! Some moderate rapids and spectacular scenery as we meander north. Intermediate training.
*Thurs. July 9	St.Mary's			Easy Breezy An peaceful paddle along the Trout Creek and Thames (round trip).
Tues. July 14	Grand River Water St- Glen Morris			This is a 2 hour paddle with some rapids to practice our river reading
Tues. July 21	Grand River Glen Morris to Birley Gates			A popular stretch of the river that is constantly changing. It seems like a new river on each excursion.
Thurs,July 23	Big Creek			We meander through Norfolk County towards Lake Erie's Long Point. Requires stamina & manoeuvring skills around downed trees & other obstacles. We could end with a swim at the beach. ˜3 hours
**Tues, July 28	Beaver Kimberly to Slabtown	Doug & Bruce		Intermediate training required.The Lower section has small rapids with increasing difficulty (and fun) approaching Slab Town
Tues. Aug.4	Grand River Kaufman's - Shirley Dr			Intermediate training required.The Lower section has small rapids with increasing difficulty (and fun) approaching Slab Town
*Tues. Aug 11	Stratford Lake and picnic			Easy Breezy An ejoyablepaddle around the lake in Stratford followed by a picnic lunch on the island
Thurs. Aug 13	Grand River Shirley -Freeport			An exciting paddle with a few drops to make things interesting ~2-3 hours
Tues. Aug. 18	Grand River Westmount Rose-Riverbend			A scenic paddle throgh farm land and past 2 golf courses ~2-3 hours
*Thurs. Aug. 20	Nith River New Hamburg			Easy Breezy All are welcome! After paddling on the Nith, we could walk the boardwalk & go for lunch.
**Tues. Aug. 25	Saugeen River #3 Access #10-Access #13	Anne		Intermediate training required. An all day trip that requires stamina and good paddling skills followed by a swim at Port Elgin and supper at the Hotel. ~ 4 hours
*Tues. Sept 1	Guelph Lake	Anne		Easy breezy. An interesting Paddle around the lake and can also include swimming and hiking, followed by a BBQ
Tues. Sept. 8	Grand River Kaufman's to Otterbein			Another scenic trip with lots of chances to spy Blue Herons and possibly a Bald Eagle. We pass under Brigeport Bridge.
Thurs. Sept. 10	TBA
Sept. 14-18	Bondi	Anne	Reg B.	A memorable get away at a beautiful lodge on Lake of Bays featuring day paddles, star gazing,evening wolf howls and great hiking. Oxtongue River's Ragged Falls is spectacular!
*Tues.Sept.22 Hespler Pond				Easy breezy A 2 hour trip past marsh areas which are home to cranes and egrets.Option to lunch at a local pub to finish off the day.
Thurs. Sept 24	TBA
Tues. Sept 29	TBA
Thurs. oct.21	Canoe cleaning at Franks			Bring buckets, sponges and rags. There might be food and special beverages after the cleaning

Paddle & Potluck— June 12 (Easy Breezy!)

Date: Thursday, June 12

Trip: Grand River: Freeport to Pat’s trailer for a potluck lunch

Time: Meet at the Shed to leave @ 8:30 am.

Leader: Anne Woolner
Tower: Frank Kuntz

Cost: $8

Trip Details: EASY BREEZY, FOLLOWED BY POTLUCK.

This trip requires Basic Training but does involve a short portage around the Mannheim Weir. It twists and turns around golf courses and the Pioneer Tower. Our ‘take-out’ is at Pat’s trailer.

People who are not canoeing are welcome to come for the potluck only. Meet in the parking lot at 211 Pioneer Tower Rd at 11:00 am. Pat will let you in.

If you are canoeing, bring your food item in a cooler or prepared for transport. Make sure it’s in a vehicle going to Pat’s trailer and staying there, and NOT in the trunk of a vehicle returning drivers to the put-in! When we shuttle to the take out, all of the food & lawn chairs will be deposited at the trailer.

Remember to Bring: lawn chair, cutlery-plate-drink(s) potluck item to share after paddle.

For the paddle, remember Emergency Contact Card, water, hat, sunscreen, PFD, and proper foot wear- no flip flops or crocs.

Register: Please contact Anne Woolner annewoolner@hotmail.com 519-743-2277 to register, advising whether you paddle stern or bow.

You will receive a confirmation email. If you don’t receive confirmation by Wednesday night, contact Anne to make sure you’re on the list.

If you change your mind, or are unable to make it for some reason, please let Anne know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc

Pat’s Potluck Information:
I will meet the paddlers at Freeport (the put-in) to lead them to the entrance gate. Everyone is invited! Plan to attend and meet “new and past members”!

DIRECTIONS: If you take the expressway (HWY 8) south from Kitchener towards 401, take the King Street exit towards London.

From King Street, at the lights (Sportsworld Drive is on the left), turn right onto Baxter Place.

Then take a quick right onto Pioneer Tower Road.

Stay on this road until you reach the Pioneer Sportsmans Club at 211 Pioneer Tower Rd, which is on the left after a green area and past some houses.

Pat will meet you at the gate.