Big Fork Creek, Fenwick, ON

Trip Rating: 4.0/5

For my first solo trip of the season, I launched from E.C. Brown Park and paddled west on the Welland River. It seemed like a good choice: calm water, flat conditions, and sunshine.

After about 3 km of paddling I spotted a small creek branching off under a bridge. It turned into one of the coolest trips I’ve had in a while.

The forest had flooded, making it possible to paddle through the trees.

The water was surprisingly deep, too.

There were a few farms in sight, but mostly quiet.

Amazing views.

Launch Sites:

I launched from E.C. Brown Park in Fenwick. The address is 536–544 River Rd, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0. There is a small parking lot and a gravel boat launch. I didn’t see any washrooms, so make sure you take care of things beforehand, especially if you’re wearing a wetsuit for the cold water.

I saw a baby beaver in this area – he was too fast to get on camera.

Yes, I went through.

Then Michelle.

Difficulty: This paddle wasn’t overly technical. There is an easterly current in the river, and the creek drains into it, so the first leg was a constant upstream paddle. The only strong current was under the bridge in the background, but even that wasn’t too dramatic. The good news is that the paddle back is entirely with the current. Be careful of floodwater, pre-scout your route, and wear proper PFD and safety gear.

Off the normal creek’s path.

This looked like a very old train bridge, no longer in use.

Still going.

Trip Length: With all my exploring and weaving through trees, the trip came in at 18 km and took about 3 hours.

All good things must come to an end. I packed up and headed home.

Cost: $0