Category Archives: Paddle

2019 Spring Paddle Announcement

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2019 Spring Paddle Announcement

The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are excited to announce that we will be leading trips into the Minesing Wetlands via canoe or kayak on April 28th and May 12!

To register for the events please contact our events team by email (fomwevents@gmail.com). In your email please include the following information for each participant: full name, email, phone number and type of watercraft (kayak vs canoe) you will be joining us in. Please note that we only take 12 guest boats per trip, so register early to reserve your spot!

The exact route will be chosen at the discretion of the leaders based on water levels, as well as wind direction and speed. Final trip details such as route, locations to put in and take out boats will be emailed to participants on the Wednesday before the trip.

Regardless of the trip route we will meet at 8:30 a.m. and the trip will take approximately 5 hours, as this is approximately an 18 km paddle.

There is a maximum of 12 boats per trip which is reflected in the amount of tickets available. Due to the 12-boat limit, we have to estimate the amount of tickets for each watercraft type. As a result, we have made less kayak tickets available.

At least a basic paddling know how is required for this trip. Participants are expected to bring their own vessel, equipped with all of the required safety equipment (life jackets, bailer, whistle, light and throw rope). We do not rent equipment however if you need a vessel (kayak or canoe) there are at least three local providers you can contact. Contact fomwevents@gmail.com if you require the contact information for local outfitters.

There is a minimum age requirement of 14 years of age to join the trip.

Fee is $25 per person. This includes safe passage with certified leaders and ecological interpretation of the Minesing Wetlands.

 

 

A look back at 2017…in pictures

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Another year of outreach and education from the Friends of Minesing Wetlands. As usual we were very busy.

This collage of pictures shows:

  • Our annual spring paddle through the Minesing Wetlands
  • FOMW volunteers doing a roadside cleanup
  • Viewing platform upgrade at Mayers Marsh
  • Our annual curling bonspiel
  • Ontario Nature members at the Minesing Wetlands along the Mad River hiking trail

Thanks to all our members and partners for another successful year!

Spring Paddle Announcement

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**FULL – both paddles are now full and we are not accepting anymore RSVPs**

The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are excited to announce two dates when we will be leading trips into the Minesing Wetlands via canoe or kayak! April 23rd and May 7th.

To join us on the 23rd of April, please contact Naomi Saunders:
nsaunders@nvca.on.ca

If you would like to join us on May the 7th, please contact Kristyn Ferguson :
Kristyn.Ferguson@natureconservancy.ca

This will reserve a spot for yourself and anyone accompanying you. We only take 12 guest boats per trip.

We will meet at 8:30 a.m. (at the latest) at the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnson Road (County Road 28) in Springwater Township. This should give us enough time to off-load our canoes and shuttle our cars to the end destination which is approximately 10 minutes away. Hopefully this will be done quickly so that we can get on the water for 9 a.m. The trip will take approximately 5 hours.

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions of the day, which should include high cut boots or rubber boots for possible portages. Also, bring extra clothing in case you get wet. Bring your own warm drinks, snacks for along the way, and a packed lunch for our break around noon.

At least a basic paddling knowhow is required for this trip. All boats must be equipped with the required safety equipment (lifejackets, bailer, whistle, light and throw rope). We do not rent equipment however if you need a boat there are at least three local providers you can contact.

The cost for joining us is $40 for non-members and $20 for members. This includes safe passage with certified leaders and ecological interpretation of the Minesing Wetlands.

Fall Paddle 2015

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Hello Friends of Minesing Wetlands.

FOMW will be leading a fall paddle through the Minesing Wetlands on October 3, 2015.

If you have questions or would like to RSVP please contact Sean Rootham s_rootham@ducks.ca

There is limited space on this trip.

The cost is $20 for members and $40 for non-members.

We will meet and depart at the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnson Road (Cty Rd 28) and take out at the Edenvale Conservation Area.

Plan to meet at Willow Creek Coral no later than 8:30 am. The trip will take approx. 5 hours. At least a basic paddling know-how is required for this trip. All boats must be equipped with the required safety equipment (life jackets, bailer, whistle, light and throw rope).

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions of the day. Also, bring extra clothing in case you get wet. Bring your own warm drinks and snacks for along the way, and a packed lunch for our break around noon.

Paddling in the Minesing Wetlands

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The most popular (and easiest) trip is to launch at the Willow Creek Canoe Corral on George Johnston Road and exit at Edenvale Conservation Area (Hwy 26).  There is a technical “narrows” section about half hour into the trip – follow the staked arrows to find your way – the creek branches here and you can get lost/stuck if you take the wrong branch.  Many people get lost in the Willow Creek marsh – it becomes lake-like and you lose the creek channel.  The “re-entry” point (where it enters the silver maple swamp near the Nottawasaga River) is at  UTM 589089 4918425 (Lat/Long is 44.414226 -79.881549).  From there, the creek channel (and tree markers) should be visible  – water levels are lower once you hit the main river so just follow the river down to Edenvale.  Please note that windy conditions can make the Willow marsh very challenging/unsafe (whitecaps).

The Nottawasaga River (Angus to Edenvale) is also navigable; however, there are significant log jams (up to a couple hundred metres in length) that may require portaging – and very slippery banks to ascend.

The Mad River route is navigable but be prepared for small log jams/tight squeezes/short carry arounds.  The river opens up as it approaches the Nottawasaga – similar to Willow, it can be a lake during the spring freshet with no clear reference points (and attendant dangers).  The “re-entry” point (where it enters the silver maple swamp is at UTM 587350 4917146 (Lat/Long 44.402254 -79.903071).  Please note that the Nottawasaga River often backs up into the Mad River at this point – in these conditions you actually have to paddle upstream (north) to get to the Nottawasaga – though you’re sure you should be heading downstream!

People get lost in the Minesing Wetlands every year – it is important to have a compass and GPS and be familiar with their use.  And ensure you take all safety precautions i.e. all safety gear, clothing for the weather and extras.  Plan the paddle and paddle the plan and ensure that someone (outside of the tripper group) is aware of your plans.  The wind can be a real safety concern in terms of potential for capsizing and exhaustion and we highly recommend checking the wind forecast before you embark.

Be safe and enjoy – it’s a fabulous spot!

 

FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015

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FOMW Spring Canoe Trips 2015

The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are excited to announce two dates when we will be leading trips into the Minesing Wetlands via canoe or kayak! April 18th and May 9th.

To join us on the 18th of April, please contact:
Kristyn Ferguson at 519-826-0068 x.222/519-400-9140 Kristyn.Ferguson@natureconservancy.ca

If you would like to join us on May the 9th, please contact:
Sean Rootham at
s_rootham@ducks.ca

This will reserve a spot for yourself and anyone accompanying you.
We only take 20 boats per trip.

We will meet at 8:30 a.m. (at the latest) at the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnson Road (County Road 28) in Springwater Township. This should give us enough time to off-load our canoes and shuttle our cars to the end destination, which is approximately 10 minutes away. Hopefully this will be done quickly so that we can get on the water for 9 a.m. The trip will take approximately 5 hours.

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions of the day, which should include high cut boots or rubber boots for possible portages. Also, bring extra clothing in case you get wet. Bring your own warm drinks, snacks for along the way, and a packed lunch for our break around noon.

At least a basic paddling knowhow is required for this trip. All boats must be equipped with the required safety equipment (lifejackets, bailer, whistle, light and throw rope). We do not rent equipment, however if you need a boat there are at least three local providers you can contact.

The cost for joining us is $40 for non-members and $20 for members.
This includes safe passage with certified leaders and ecological interpretation of the Minesing Wetlands.

fomw_paddle_pic  FOMW

 

Water Walker Festival

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Saturday March -22nd

Water Walker Festival

– presented by the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club

The Uptown Theatre-55 Dunlop St. Barrie

Tickets as follows:

In advance $12.00/person-(Children 10 and under Free)

Available at: Canoe North, Sojourn, MEC, Paddleshack, Tropical North

Also on the internet at : bckc.ca

At the Box office: $15.00/person-(Children10 and under free)

About the Waterwalker (from Paddle Canada)

Paddle Canada’s Waterwalker Film Festival is a tribute to the late Bill Mason, the great conservationist, canoeist and filmmaker. Mason once stated, “The medium of film is for me a means of expressing my love and enjoyment of the natural world, and of sharing my concern for what’s happening to it with anybody who looks and listens.”

Passionate in his beliefs, always speaking from the heart, his films inspired many people to dedicate themselves to the enjoyment and conservation of Canada’s wilderness and waterways.

By taking part in the festival, it is our hope that you will be encouraged to become more involved with the protection and conservation of our unique Canadian wilderness and waterways.

Spring Paddles 2014

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Paddle the Minesing Wetlands

The Friends of Minesing Wetlands (FOMW) are excited to announce the dates for our annual spring paddle in the Minesing Wetlands.  They are:

April 12, 2014

May 3, 2014

May 17, 2014

To R.S.V.P. for one of these paddles (space is limited) please contact nsaunders@nvca.on.ca

All trips depart from the Willow Creek Canoe Coral on George Johnson Road (County Road 28) and will take approximately 5 hours.

Dress appropriately for the conditions of the day, which should include high cut boots for possible portages.  Bring your own warm drinks, water, and snacks for the go – as well as a packed lunch for our break around noon.

Midday break for lunch

Midday break for lunch

At least a basic paddling know-how is required for this trip and ensure that you bring the required safety equipment for your boat (life jacket, bailer, throw rope, whistle, flashlight). We can arrange for the rental of canoes and life jackets if needed.

The cost is $40 for non-members and $20 for members.  This includes safe passage with certified leaders and ecological interpretation of the Minesing Wetlands.