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Welcome to the

RA Canoe Camping Club

 

The RACCC is a diverse and inclusive canoe club for adults and families. We have over 270 members of all ages and skill levels, over 250 events each year offered through our flatwater, whitewater, and family programs, as well as numerous training opportunities.

 

For more information about the RACCC click here or check out our frequently asked question page.

 

Come paddling with us! 

How to join the RACCC - About the RA Centre

 

Latest News

IMG 5747 Edit EditCrotch Lake in Algonquin Park

August 13 to 17 2026

Trip leader, Katie L wrote: We had a wonderful 5 days on Crotch Lake in Algonquin Park. Six of us set up our campsite for the duration on a lovely beach front with plenty of room for several tents. Rain came and went but most days were pleasant. Aug can be chilly at night but we hunkered down in our tents to the sound of the loons. Upon return to our campsite on the last full day we were treated to a welcome committee of a family of loons. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with such a great group of campers and I look forward to my next trip to Crotch Lake.

Read more: Crotch Lake in Algonquin Park 2026

Paddle for Men's Mental Health

By Cory Dignard

I'm paddling more than 800 km from the shores of Georgian Bay to downtown Ottawa, over 40 days, to raise awareness and support for Men's Mental Health. This EPIC expedition will include more than 800 km of paddling, including Great Lakes, narrow channels and urban paddling.

The first eight days I’ll be joined by four club members, as we paddle from Killbear Provincial Park, camp in The Massasauga Provincial Park and on Beausoleil Island, finishing on Lake Couchiching, which is part of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway.

To learn more about my paddling plans see Georgian Bay to Ottawa Expedition  .

Until October 9, all donations will go directly to The Ottawa Mission (ottawamission.com), who have been supporting men in Ottawa since 1906. To learn more and donate visit Paddle for Men's Mental Health - CanadaHelps .

The Wanigan, a part of canoeing history

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Attachments:
Download this file (Canoebytes - The Wanigan, a part of canoeing history-compressed-pdfa-1b.pdf)Canoebytes - The Wanigan, a part of canoeing history-compressed-pdfa-1b.pdf[ ]356 kB

Lac Leamy to Ottawa River Trip Report

July 26 2026

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Attachments:
Download this file (Lac Leamy to Ottawa River Trip Report 2026.pdf)Lac Leamy to Ottawa River Trip Report 2026.pdf[ ]1140 kB

IMG 3926Second Barron Canyon Trip Report

August 15 2026

Following the popularity of the Canada Day Barron Canyon trip, Paul Arseneault happily organized a return excursion for those who had missed out on the July adventure. On August 15, a group of ten set out to explore the Barron Canyon, including three enthusiastic participants returning for a second visit after the July 1 trip. With perfect summer weather on our side, it promised to be a memorable day.

Read more: Second Barron Canyon Trip 2026

Picture1Radiant Lake Trip Report

July 30-August 2 2026

Six of us spent the August long weekend paddling from Wendigo Lake to Radiant Lake in Algonquin Park. We left Thursday evening and made our way to North Depot Lake, covering about 8 km with two portages.

We claimed an amazing island campsite with a great beach and plenty of space. After the first day's paddle we cooled off with a swim. We also explored the other side of the island, where we could see the extensive tree damage from the storm that made headlines in June of 2025 after a young camper was injured by a falling tree. During the night, we were serenaded by a pack of wolves howling nearby.

Read more: Radiant Lake Trip Report 2026

Les Chutes de Plaisance Day Trip Report

Saturday May 23, 2026

PXL 20260523 154821060MP Edit EditA group of twelve enthusiastic paddlers, both longtime members of the RACCC and keen new members, enjoyed a wonderful day trip up the Riviere de la Petite Nation to Plaisance Falls, which are a natural and historic site. These falls are breathtakingly beautiful with their 63 metre drop.

Much gratitude and appreciation go to the leaders for planning and organizing this annual trip. They addressed any problems that might arise with spring weather, thunderstorms and the strong current at this time of the year. They paired experienced paddlers with those who are still learning. Experienced paddlers willingly switched positions to help out others. We appreciated that safety and enjoyment of a canoe trip for all was a priority.

Read more: Les Chutes de Plaisance Day Trip Report 2026

Six camp items the RACCC taught me about

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Attachments:
Download this file (Canoebytes - Six camp items the RACCC taught me about.pdf)Canoebytes - Six camp items the RACCC taught me about.pdf[ ]2607 kB

IMG 1914 EditGreenland Kayak Rolling Clinic

On Saturday, July 25th three students and two Paddle Canada instructors met to learn Greenland kayak rolls. The weather was perfect! The Ottawa River water was warm. Our instructors capably showed us how kayak rolls were done and helped us learn the body positions required, first on land and then in the water. As students we did our best to try rolling our kayaks, beginning at the end of the kayak roll and working backwards to the start of the kayak roll. When all of the parts were put together, we all came pretty close to learning a kayak roll and we had a good time too. Thank you to our capable kayak instructor team Suze and Andrea!

Flotation Tanks for FW Canoes

All of the FW canoes have flotation tanks at the bow and stern. They are supposed to keep the boat floating if it tips over. Unfortunately, many of the flotation tanks had leaks that kept them from functioning properly.

On Saturday July 17, 2026, a work party plugged most, if not all, of the leaks in the flotation tanks. They also installed new flotation tanks plugs in all the boats.

In the next month, the work party will pressure test the flotation tanks to see if any leaks remain. The intent is to repeat the pressure tests every spring so that leaks can be repaired early.

New Procedures

When taking out FW boats, ensure that the plugs in the flotation tanks are snugly screwed in. if they are not, screw them in all the way but not too tight.

The plugs do not have to be removed when returning the canoes.

If a plug goes missing, cove the hole with tape. When the boat is returned, remove the tape and notify the Assets Coordinator that the plug is missing.

At the end of the season, the Assets coordinator or delegate will unscrew all the plugs from the boats. This will prevent damage to the flotation tanks over the winter.

Gatineau River Trip: July 19, 2026: laughter, teamwork, wind ferries and sailing!

gatineau river catamaran smallIt was an auspicious date....Our hearty team of 6 met at 8 AM at the boathouse! ready to go!! (4 others were unable to join us per the FIFA Final Game, other commitments ... the Mud Run ?? !  and stomache flu.  Hope they can join in next time!)
Sunday June 19th was intended for a 'sweet and easy' day trip, away from the city, on the beautiful Tena-gadino zibbi (Gatineau River) especially for participants from our recent Tandem Canoeing courses. (5.5 km out and back). Great plan....until we launched the canoes ... into a 20 km headwind... Williwaws roaring along!! (*definition below) Ouuuhhpahh! :-) But, not to worry! It was opportunity to learn about wind ferries, which got us easily into a sheltered bay on the far side. From there, we made headway sneaking up the shoreline and more wind ferry diagonals from shore to shore as needed. Yup, a bit of a challenge. But, with rests and water-breaks it became quite do-able. A team with good humour and willingness does wonders.

Read more: Gatineau River Trip: July 19, 2026: laughter, teamwork, wind ferries and sailing!

History Tour on the Ottawa River

July 11

Click on attachment below for trip report and photos.

Attachments:
Download this file (History Tour on the Ottawa River-compressed.pdf)History Tour on the Ottawa River-compressed.pdf[ ]997 kB

Crotch Lake – North Frontenac - Trip Report

July 6-9, 2026

Click on attachment below for trip report and photos.

Attachments:
Download this file (Trip Report - Crotch Lake North Frontenac - July 6-9, 2026.pdf)Trip Report - Crotch Lake North Frontenac - July 6-9, 2026.pdf[ ]1878 kB