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:

2025 Trip Schedule V3

2025 TRIP SCHEDULE V3

DATE	WHERE	TRIP LEADER(S)	TOWER(S)	TRIP INFO.
Tuesday, May 6	Conestoga River (St. Jacobs) to Grand River (Kaufman Flats)	Anne Woolner	Bruce B.	An interesting trip weaving from St. Jacobs, through the countryside, and meeting the Grand River. 3-hour paddle
Tuesday, May 13	Nith River: Ayr-Blenheim Rd. (Silver Bridge)	Anne Woolner	Bruce B.	A challenging & exciting paddle for strong paddlers with some nice drops in the river and small rapids. Intermediate training required. 3-3.5 hr.
Tuesday, May 20	Grand River:Inverhaugh-Kaufman Flats	Anne Woolner	Bruce B.	Excellent views with a few challenging manoeuvres. Experienced paddlers & Intermediate training. 4.5-hour paddle
Tuesday, May 27	Nith River: Blenheim Rd. (Silver Bridge) to Canning	Anne Woolner	Bruce B.	Exciting paddle, with rapids. Intermediate training/strong paddling skills required. 3-4-hour paddle
Thursday, May 29	Grand River:Moyers Landing—Riverbluffs Inaugural trip for new members followed by lunch at Riverbluffs	Michael DeAndrade	Bruce B.	A relatively easy 1.5 hour paddle. Be prepared to navigate, or walk around rapids, depending on water levels.
*Tuesday, June 3 (Easy Breezy)	St.Marys /Trout Creek CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN	Michael DeAndrade	Bruce B.	A 2-km leisurely paddle along Trout Creek (round trip)& then on the Thames, offering unique views of the Grand Trunk Trail's Sarnia Bridge, while enjoying gliding through peaceful waters.
Tues. June 10 Easy Breezy	St. Marys/Trout Creek	Michael DeAndrade	Bruce B	A 2-km leisurely paddle along Trout Creek (round trip)& then on the Thames, offering unique views of the Grand Trunk Trail's Sarnia Bridge, while enjoying gliding through peaceful waters.
Thursday, June 12	Grand River Freeport to Pat's Trailer	Anne Woolner	Frank Kuntz	This trip involves a potage around the Mannheim Weir, and passes golf courses & Pioneer Tower.and finishes at Pat's trailer for a potluck lunch. 2-2 1/2hours
Tuesday, June 17	Paradise Lake	Social Committee		A fun day of water sports, games, & paddling. Snacks & lunch are provided by the camp.
Tuesday, June 24	Grand River: Bean Park (Paris)—Brant Conservation Area	Anne Woolner	Doug H	A lazy summer paddle with wide river vistas & a chance to see eagles and blue herons. 2-2.5-hour paddle
*Thursday, June 26 (Easy Breezy)	Hespeler Pond	Anne Woolner	Frank Kuntz	A 2-hour paddle past marsh areas home to cranes & egrets. Option to lunch at a local pub after!
Tuesday, July 1	Grand River Shirley Drive to Freeport	Bruce B	Bruce B	An exciting paddle with a few drops in water levels to make things interesting- 3 hour paddle
Tuesday, July 8	Grand River—Brant Conservation Area to Erie St.	Kathleen Barsoum	Reg Barsoum	A ~2.5 hour trip on the Grand, with interesting challenges—and maybe bald eagles and blue herons.
Tuesday, July 15	Grand River: West Montrose to Kaufman Flats			A great trip down the Grand, under the Covered Bridge, and past golf courses.
Thursday, July 17	Thames River (London) Fanshaw Park to Springhill Dam	Michael DeAndrade		We paddle 22 ks. on Canada's most southerly river, past villages and a Carolinian forest.Intermediate training is required
Tuesday, July 22	Grand River: 210 Water St. South, Cambridge (Galt, previously Petrocan) to Birley Gates			Stamina required for this 4-4.5-hour paddle—offering opportunities to practice river reading and other manoeuvres.
*Thursday, July 24 (Easy Breezy)	Stratford Lake: Avon River (Lake Victoria)			A lovely paddle on the Avon River's Lake Victoria, followed by a picnic lunch on the island.
Tuesday, July 29	Beaver River: Kimberley to Slabtown	Doug Arthur & Bruce Williams		Lower section has small rapids, with increasing difficulty approaching Slabtown. Intermediate training required.
Tuesday Aug 5 & Wed. Aug. 6	Green & Black Rivers (overnight trip)	Anne Woolner		Paddle both rivers on Tues. On Wednesday, paddle Orillia's shoreline stopping at Stephen Leacock's home for lunch/tour.
*Tuesday, August 12 (Easy Breezy)	Hespeler Pond	Janet & Agnes		A 2-hour paddle past marsh areas home to cranes & egrets. Option to lunch at a local pub after!
Thursday, August 14	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.
*Tuesday, August 19 (Easy Breezy)	Nith River: New Hamburg at William Scott Park	Petra Suffling		All are welcome! After paddling on the Nith, we could walk the boardwalk & go for lunch.
Thursday, August 21	210 Water St.S, Cambridge (Galt) (previously- Petrocan) to Glen Morris			This is a 2-hour paddle with a few rapids to practice our river reading skills.
Tuesday, August 26	Saugeen River # 3 Access #10—Access #13	Anne Woolner		An all-day trip requiring stamina & Intermediate training—followed by a swim at Port Elgin & supper at the Hotel!
*Tuesday, September 2 (Easy Breezy)	Rockwood: Paddle & BBQ	Social Committee		An afternoon paddle through interesting rock formations, followed by a potluck & wiener roast Everyone welcome!
September 8—12	Bondi Village, Algonquin Highlands	Anne Woolner		Featuring day paddles, evening wolf howls, star-gazing, & camp fires! Oxtongue River's Ragged Falls, is spectacular!
Tuesday, September 16	Big Creek, Norfolk County (known as "The Canadian Amazon")	Michael DeAndrade		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
Tuesday, September 23 (rain date September 25)	Regatta	Social Committee		Games, canoeing and fun times. Potluck lunch. Everyone welcome!
Thursday, September 30	Canoe Cleaning at Frank's house			Bring buckets, sponges, & 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.

RESCHEDULED—Thames River & Trout Creek

When: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Where: St. Marys

Time: Meet at the Shed for 8:30 Departure

Trip Leader: Michael De Andrade

Tower: Bruce Burkhardt

Skill Level Required: Beginner (Easy Breezy)

Trip Fee: $8:00 (exact amount)

Trip Details:

This is an easy, leisurely paddle on the Thames River & Trout Creek in St. Marys, Ontario. A great opportunity to see wildlife including a nesting bald eagle family. The distance by canoe is approximately 8 kilometres, a relatively short distance, and can be completed in a few hours of paddling. There is no car shuttle required.

Finish the day with a stop at the famous Hearn’s Ice Cream on Queen Street!

This trip may be cancelled if the water flow is too low.

Carpooling:
Should you choose to carpool, please make arrangements before we meet Tuesday morning. ($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!

Register for Trip:

Contact Michael De Andrade by email or phone to register, advising if you paddle stern or bow.

Email: mdeanrade@hotmail.com

Phone: 519-716-5067

You will receive an email to confirm your registration.
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 paddle for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners etc.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL THE MORNING OF THE TRIP IN CASE OF CANCELLATION