PLEASE review your information, if changes are to be made, please email info@oldsaltsclub.com
Here’s to a safe and fun canoe season along with exciting social events.
Category: Blog Post
Pond Training ~ Reminder to Register
Pond Trainings starts next week…Yippee
A gentle reminder, pond trainings are open to ALL members.
Date: Tues April 21, Monday April 27, and Tues April 28,
Location: Victoria and Shirley Street pond, meet at the shed at 12:30 p.m.
The ‘Shed is located at 510 Dutton Drive, Watereloo.
Cost: $2.00 per date (for towing, pay at the pond)
RSVP: to Anne Woolner ~ to plan for number of canoes required.
Email: annewoolner@hotmail.com
Phone: 519-743-2277
Trip Schedule 2026
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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| *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. |
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| **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. |
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| 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 |
2026 Trip Schedule
Please SAVE the list of trips for this season
If you can volunteer for “Trip Leader OR Tower” let Anne Woolner know. annewoolner@hotmail.com
New Trip Fees: (these amounts are paid when you meet for trips)
Trips under 60kms: $8. Meet at shed at 8:30am ~
Trips 61-100kms: $15. Meet at the shed at 8:00am
Trips over 100kms: $20. Meet at the shed at 8:00am
End of 2025 Season CANOE CLEANING
As our season ends, HELP is required!
And, as you know, many hands make light work!
Canoe Cleaning: Tuesday, September 30
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Frank’s House: 300 White Rock Cres, Waterloo
What to Bring: Rags, Sponges, Pails … and your own sweet self! 
Shhhh… Rumour is there may be a 😉 beverage after…
Fall Paddle: Grindstone Creek/Hamilton Harbour (New)
Where: Grindstone Creek / Hamilton Harbour
When: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m., (at the shed)
Trip Organizer: Michael De Andrade
Tower: TBA
Skill Level Required – Beginner
Trip Fee – $8:00
Trip Details:
This is a relatively easy paddle on Grindstone Creek near the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario. The surrounding wetlands are rich in biodiversity and wildlife. The distance by canoe is approximately 4 kilometres (return). Upon completion of Grindstone Creek, we will venture into Hamilton Harbour to the Coates Paradise access point then back to the designated parking lot.
Carpooling:
Should you choose to carpool, please make arrangements before we meet Tuesday morning.
If you carpool, please reimburse your driver ($5 would be appropriate for this trip.) If you drive in a different car each way, please reimburse both drivers.
Should you choose to carpool, please make arrangements before we meet Tuesday morning.
If you carpool, please reimburse your driver ($5 would be appropriate for this trip.) If you drive in a different car each way, please reimburse both drivers.
Bring:
Lunch/snacks, water, hat, sunscreen, PFD, & proper footwear. No flip-flops or crocs—AND Emergency Contact Card—and tell your paddling partner where it is!
Register for Trip:
Contact: Michael De Andrade 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 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
LONG POINT PROVINCIAL PARK: BIG CREEK
TRIP: Big Creek (3rd. Concession Rd, Access #3) to Long Point Provincial Park
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
Date: September 16, 2025
Time: Meet at the Shed at 8:00 am.
Trip Leader: Michael de Andrade
Tower: TBD
Trip Fee: $15
Trip Details: Big Creek is a watercourse in Norfolk County, Ontario. It is called the “Canadian Amazon” as it meanders through the heavily lush canopy of the Carolinian forests of Norfolk County to Long Point. It is approximately 60 kms long (we are doing a section of it) and empties into Lake Erie at Port Rowan, Long Point. Its watershed covers 730 square kilometres.
This is a longer trip, approximately a 3- hour paddle, that does require maneuvering skills and stamina.
Shuttle: Yes
Carpooling: Please make car pooling arrangements before we meet on Tuesday morning. If you carpool, please reimburse your driver ($5-10 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, dry bag with extra clothing. Wear proper footwear (closed toe) AND carry your Emergency Contact Card—tell your paddling partner where it is!
Registration: Please contact Michael De Andrade, mdeanrade@hotmail.com, or 519-716-5067 to register for this trip, and advise if you paddle stern, bow, or either.
You will receive a confirmation email.
If you don’t receive confirmation by Monday night, please contact the trip leader to ensure you’re on the list.
NOTE:
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
Please check your email the morning of the trip in case of cancellation!
Nith River (Above the Dam), New Hamburg
TRIP: Up and down the Nith River from William Scott Park, New Hamburg
SKILL LEVEL: Easy Breezy – open to all, Basic level and up
DATE: Tuesday, August 19/ 25
TRIP FEE: $8
TRIP LEADER: Petra Suffling
TOWER: Evan Jenkins
TIME: Meet at the Wing 404 Shed, 510 Dutton Dr, Waterloo, to be ready for 8:30 a.m. departure
TRIP DETAILS:
A lovely, easy 2-hour paddle up and back on the winding river with ever-changing views of forest, farms, large estates and bird life. There is hardly any current. No shuttle required.
After the paddle, we have our packed lunch in the park, then we drive 4 minutes to the 1.6 km long boardwalks at the beautiful Mike Schout Wetlands Preserve, located at 28 Smith’s Creek Drive. Wander and enjoy for as long as you want before heading home.
CARPOOL:
Please make carpool arrangements before we meet on Tuesday. If you carpool, please reimburse your driver. $8 would be appropriate for this trip, and if you ride in a different car on the way back reimburse both drivers.
BRING:
PFD, lunch & snacks, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, dry bag with extra clothing. Wear proper footwear (closed toe) AND carry your Emergency Contact Card—tell your paddling partner where it is!
REGISTRATION:
Please contact Petra at: petrasuffling@gmail:com 519 497 4837 , and advise as to whether you paddle bow, stern, or either.
*You will receive a confirmation email by Monday evening.
*If you don’t receive confirmation, contact Petra to ensure you’re on the list.
*If you change your mind, or are unable to make it for some reason, please let Petra 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.
SAUGEEN RIVER # 1
DATE: Thursday, August 14
TRIP: Walkerton—Lobies Park.
Intermediate Skill Level Required.
TIME: Meet at the Shed to leave at 8:00 am sharp.
Driving time is close to two hours.
Our time on the river will be approximately 4 hours.
COST: $15.00
LEADER: Anne Woolner
TOWER: Reg Barsoum
TRIP DETAILS:
The Put-In is in downtown Walkerton at Concession Rd 10, Access Point 5; Take-Out is at Concession Rd 10 & Brant Concession Rd 10, Access Point 7.
We’ll encounter moderate rapids and picturesque scenery as we meander north viewing high sand cliffs and observing flora and fauna.
We stop for lunch at a lovely bend in the river where some swim and surf.
This is an all-day trip that usually ends with an ice-cream cone!
CARPOOLING:
If you carpool, please reimburse the driver ($15 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!
REGISTRATION: 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 Wednesday 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, partner, etc.
Please check your email the morning of the trip in the event of cancellation.
Speed River: Royal City Park (Guelph)
TRIP: Speed River: Royal City Park, Guelph
DATE: Tuesday, August 12/25
COST: $8.00
LEADERS: Agnes Arthur & Janet Smith
TOWER: Reg Barsoum
Meet at the Shed to leave 8:30 am
TRIP DETAILS:
This is a 2-hour paddle (out and back) that starts in the heart of Guelph and passes by historic landmarks. We eat lunch in the park, with ice-cream after at the Boathouse Tearoom, a few minutes from the take-out.
CARPOOL:
Please make car pooling arrangements before we meet Tuesday morning. If you carpool, please reimburse your driver ($5 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!
REGISTRATION: Please contact Agnes Arthur by email or phone at (agnesj1976@gmail.com or cell 519-504-0285) or Janet Smith (janetjanetjanet1960@gmail.com or cell 416-520-7455) to register for this trip–advising whether you paddle bow or stern.
*You will receive a confirmation email to confirm your spot.
*If you don’t receive a confirmation by Monday night, please 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.
Please check your email the morning of the trip in case of cancellation!
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.