Barron Canyon Trip
June 3, 2023
Three canoes and three couples set off on a day trip of Barron Canyon under clear skies and warm temperatures during the first weekend of June. The group started out at 10:00 AM from Squirrel Rapids with a lovely tail wind to help push us towards our goal. The 420 m portage was expertly overcome without any mishaps, and we arrived at the Canyon at noon. The group paddled a bit beyond the Canyon, but not as far as Brigham Chute, and then doubled back, now with a head wind, to the first campsite on a point.
We stopped for a well-deserved lunch. A few monarch butterflies were seen, but we did not run into a moose or a bear. After a leisurely lunch and a pause to allow a large group of canoes to pass, avoiding a crowd at the portage, the group began paddling again with a strong head wind, returning to Squirrel Rapids around 4:00 PM.
The group then set out to enjoy the 1.5 km Barron Canyon Trail and view, while our noble leader kept an eye on our canoes. We climbed through the forest without having to battle any bugs.
Bennett Lake and Fagan Lake Trip Report May 2023
On May 30th some club members headed to Bennett Lake, near Perth, to explore the area. It was a 1-hour drive from Kanata and we were expecting a hot day with low winds. We paid a $10 fee to launch from Ennis Cottages trailer parking lot. We brought along swimsuits in case we got hot. We paddled south from the launch, heading around the lake in a clockwise direction. We also paddled south along Fall River and into Fagan Lake before returning to Bennett Lake and paddling the western shoreline back to the launch. There were cottages on the lake in some places. Many were not occupied yet. The south end of Bennett Lake, Fall River and Fagan Lake were the most scenic and had only a few cottages. Bennett Lake north of Ennis Cottages towards Fallbrook had marsh areas and would not be as good for swimming. We did not see any motor boats and only saw one other canoe. We noticed a few blackflies when we stopped to eat lunch but they did not bother us with bug spray on.
Shed Orientation June 6 7pm - 8pm
Need to get a canoe for a club trip but the trip leader is not going to the shed? At this session, you will learn how to unlock the shed plus do the paperwork to borrow a boat. In addition, you will be shown how to safely tie a canoe to your car. Finally, we'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the club. No need to pre-register. Just turn up. Both members and non-members are welcome.
Note: See the two attachments below for additional information on the club. The first attachment is the club handbook which gives detailed information on most aspects of the club. The second attachment is an orientation lecture given in 2019 which provides an overview of the club. Note that the mileage rates have increased since this talk was given.
 2023 RACCC Handbook Final.pdf | [ ] | 1041 kB |
| RACCC_Orientation_2019.pdf | [ ] | 1049 kB |
How to Not Get Lost
Wed June 7, 2023, 7pm - 9pm
There will be an in-person safety seminar teaching how to avoid getting lost while paddling.
This will include map and compass work. You will learn navigation techniques.
No need to register. There is no fee. Just show up. All welcome, both members and non-members. Click Read More for more details.
Training Update
April 29 2023
As with previous years, the club has put together an extensive training program that begins in May.
When people do want to sign up for courses, many of them find the updated PlayRA system confusing. This article includes hyperlinks to individual PlayRA course pages. If you have trouble with the process, you can call 613-733-5100 or visit the East Desk to sign up for courses.
For more information, click on headings such as "Flat Water Training" below.
May 4 2023 Update
- FW Tandem Thursday Skills Coaching – Thursdays June 1 & 8 (9:30-2:30), barcode 40420
- 1 of 8 spots on this coaching opportunity are full.
- The PlayRA registration page is https://theracentre.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-002/40420?cat1=Canoe%20Camping
- FW Intro Tandem - July 8-9, barcode 45764 <-- NEW, added since other two FW Intro Tandem courses full
- 1 of 8 spots on this course are full.
- The PlayRA registration page is https://theracentre.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-002/45764?cat1=Canoe%20Camping
- Click on Registration Information and scroll to bottom on registration page to see July 8-9 course. 3 places left.
- Intro Canoe Tripping and Camping – June 16-18, barcode 40419 - CANCELLED
- 1 of 8 spots on this course are full.
- The PlayRA registration page is https://theracentre.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-002/40419?cat1=Canoe%20Camping
Click Read More to see a list of courses and which are full as of April 29.
Check on Membership Expiry Before Course Registration
We offer a member and non-member price for many courses but people will only receive the members’ rate if their membership is current/active at the time the course is offered.
o If you try to register for a course in July but your membership expires in May, you will be charged the non-members rate (even though you are trying to register in April).
o So DO NOT press “pay” if you are a member but are still seeing the non-member price at the checkout.
Membership Renewals
When you renew your membership it will take effect on the day your current membership expires. For example, if your membership expires on June 03, 2023 and your renew it in April, your new membership will run from June 03, 2023 until June 03, 2024.
If you have renewed your membership, you should be charged the member rate even if the new membership has not yet come into effect.
Note that on-line, the non-member price is what you will see initially but it should discount to the members price at the checkout.
Open Canoe Nationals (Slalom Racing)
If you want to test your technique, meet some fantastic paddlers and great people, I highly recommend attending the 2023 North American Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Championships in Wausau Wisconsin this year. It is a great way to get extra tips from some of the best paddlers in North America!
2023 Discounts for RACCC Members
A benefit of being a member of the RACCC is that some retailers and course providers give discounts to club members.
Also, the RA has a number of community partners that represent a wide range of sectors offering benefits to RA members. Click here for more information.
Managing Your Club Emails
The RACCC website will send emails to every member to notifiy them of general news as well as Trip postings etc. You can change which emails you receive based on your preferences.
Little Clyde River and Rivens Lake Trip Report
April 16 2023
We left the Lammermoor Road launch on the Little Clyde River about 9 am April 16, 2023. It was sunny and warm (25 degrees C.) with no wind. We were dressed in our cold-water gear and had our hypothermia kit along. We saw a few places where snow remained from snowbanks beside the road. The water was still cold but there was no ice.
Pakenham/ Blakeney April 8 2023
We met near the Pakenham beach at 9:30 am and paddled 17 km to Blakeney Rapids and back.
The water was higher than we had seen it before. A creek blocked access to the usual parking area. The town had placed barricades to prevent people from driving through the creek. We launched from an unusual spot near the larger parking area.
The weather was cool with a high of 6 C. We were dressed in drysuits and wetsuits as well as having hypothermia gear along. We were warm enough.
Toronto Life Canoe Tripping Article
“After a vicious school rumour destroyed my confidence, canoe tripping helped me get it back”
To read article, click here.