The Nottawasaga River – Yours to Explore!

The Nottawasaga River –
Yours to Explore!
ORCKA – Ontario Canoeing and Kayaking
Routes…and Beyond Seminar
February 27, 2010
Where Is the
Nottawasaga
River?
Headwaters in Dufferin
County (Orangeville)
Middle and Lower
Reaches in Simcoe County
Alliston, Angus and
Wasaga Beach are the
main communities along
the canoe route
Within a two hour drive
from any point in the
GTA
Lay of the Land
Headwaters flow through
steep terrain of the
Niagara Escarpment
(southwest part of map)
Middle and lower reaches
flow through flat postglacial lake plain
associated with Lake
Algonquin (11,000 BP)
Key canoeing reaches are
low gradient – flat water
with occasional Class 1
rapids
Rich History!
• Extensively used by First Nations – fishing, trade (midway
between Wendats and Petuns)
• Traversed by famous explorers – Samuel de Champlain
and John Franklin
• Key role in War of 1812 – Nine Mile Portage (Kempenfelt
Bay to River) and the HMS Nancy
• Key role in securing the Upper Great Lakes
and ending the war
• Nancy Island Historical Site and annual
“Wasaga Under Siege” re-enactment
Canoeing the Nottawasaga
• Middle River (Alliston to Angus)
• Minesing Wetlands
– Nottawasaga River Route
– Willow Creek Route
– Mad River Route
• Lower River
– Edenvale to Klondike Park Road
– Klondike Park Road to Schoonertown
– Schoonertown to Georgian Bay
Lower River
Edenvale Conservation Area to Wasaga Sports Park (16 km) –
flat water
Wasaga Sports Park to Schoonertown (10 km) – Class 1 riffles
and flat water; natural and urban
Schoonertown to Georgian Bay (heavy boat traffic during
summer season)
Edenvale to Wasaga Sports Park
Edenvale Conservation
Area Launch
Edenvale Conservation Area – Overnight
Camping for Canoers/Kayakers
Jack’s Lake (Mini-Minesing)
Jack’s Lake!
Wasaga Sports Park Launch
Wasaga Sports Park to Schoonertown
Approaching Schoonertown –
parking/pull-out across river
from McDonald’s (just east of
bridge)
Schoonertown to Georgian Bay –
(not recommended: Victoria Day – Thanksgiving)
Local Touring Outfitters
http://www.eagleadventureexperiences.com/
Healthy Communities Network –
Fall Canoe Hike
http://www.healthycommunitynetwork.ca/
First “hike” in Fall 2009 –
25 canoes and kayaks!
Stay tuned for 2010!
Summary
• The Nottawasaga River is a great canoeing
destination: close to home, close to nature
• Variety of half day and day trips available
as well as an overnighter – perfect for
families
• Every season is different and rewarding
• Easy access from major highways
• Accommodations, food and other tourist
destinations (Wasaga Beach!) nearby
Hazards – PIRATES!!!
(only angry if wet…)
Other hazards – Vikings???
(generally friendly unless
hungry)
THANK
YOU!