Event Safety
Paddlers: Please read!

Members of the Wilderness Canoe Association, the Auxiliary Coast Guard, and the Toronto Police Auxiliary Marine Unit have volunteered their time to assist in making the day a safe one. Mobile safety crews will be stationed at various points along the route. Watercraft will be checked for safety prior to launching.  Watercraft deemed unsafe or which do not have the proper safety equipment, will not be allowed to launch.

There are rapids that must be negotiated and falls that must be portaged during the paddle. Please ensure that your canoe and/or kayak is in good repair before the day of the event.

Rubber dinghies are not suitable for this event and will not be permitted to launch.

No more than three adults are permitted in a canoe. At least one paddler must be experienced.

Helmets are not required, but are strongly recommended.

While the event is open to everyone, when deciding whether to participate, please keep in mind the nature of the river and the capabilities of you and your children.  Strong river currents and hidden obstacles may be encountered.

There are three portages, one at each of the weirs. Portage signs are posted about 50 metres before each portage take-out. Please use the portage trail. We’ve chosen the easiest, safest places to put your canoe back in the water. Stay away from the weirs as the currents are very strong.

If you are approaching another boat and need to pass, please let the other paddlers know you are coming and pass only on straight, calm stretches of the river.

One waiver and a registration form must be completed by each participant prior to launching.

As outlined by Transport Canada, the following safety equipment must be on board:

  • one Canadian-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person
  • one buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 metres (49'3") in length
  • at least one paddle
  • one bailer, minimum of 750 ml in size with a wide opening
  • a sound-signalling device, such as a whistle

To review Transport Canada's safety equipment requirements click here.

To see a list of suggested gear for the event, click here.