Trip Rating: 4/5
I have been making an effort to explore more river trips, partly because they feel completely different from our usual lake paddling. The challenge is logistics. Most river routes require a long walk or a car shuttle to get back upstream. The Oxbow is one of the rare exceptions. Because of the U shaped bend in the river, the put-in and take-out end up close together. You get a full 15 km downstream run, and the walk back is only about one kilometre. It is a surprisingly accessible trip for recreational paddlers who want something a little more adventurous than flatwater without stepping into whitewater.
Launch Site
The launch is a simple dirt ramp under a bridge. Parking is easy and the current is gentle at the start. There are no washroom facilities, but as river launches go, it is straightforward and reliable. Coordinates: 43.110267, -80.245216
Trip Length
This is a committed downstream trip. Once you begin, there are very few places to exit, and the flow makes paddling back upstream unrealistic. Plan accordingly.
- Distance: roughly 15 km
- Time: 2.5 to 4 hours depending on flow
- Character: mostly calm current with a few small, fun swifts.
The Walk Back
The take-out is surprisingly close to the launch. The walk back to the vehicle is about one kilometre on quiet roads. Many paddlers bring lightweight sandals in a dry bag for this part.
Difficulty
This route works well for recreational paddlers who are comfortable in a kayak and able to manage gentle current. The difficulty comes mostly from committing to the downstream run and navigating a few short rapids.
- Mostly calm current with occasional faster sections
- Mild manoeuvring needed around bends
- Very limited exit options until the end
It is a fun way to get a feel for moving water without needing whitewater skills.
Cost
$0
Additional Notes
A fellow paddler documented a similar version of this route. Their write-up is available here.
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