| Paddling Title |
Massasauga Intro to Backcountry Camping |
| Type of Trip |
Backcountry |
| Date(s) |
July 4-6, 2026 |
| OVERALL RATING FOR THIS TRIP |
GRADE B (COMFORTABLE BEGINNER) |
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
Skills required to deal with the following anticipated conditions. |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Comfortable forward stroke; Comfortable reverse stroke; Comfortable turning strokes; Able to perform assisted rescue as swimmer within 2 attempts and as a rescuer * |
| Anticipated Trip Conditions |
|
| Wind |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Light to Moderate; 11 to 20 kms/hour; Wind noticeably affects movement of the paddler |
| Waves, Breaking Waves, Swell |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Waves up to 2 feet; Small breaking waves Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop; scattered whitecaps) |
| Current |
Grade A (Beginner) None or mild |
| Open Crossings |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Up to 2 kms |
| Landing Type |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Pebble; more steep; sand bars |
| Landing Frequency |
Grade C (Intermediate) No more than 5 kms between landings |
| Total Distance Per Day |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Up to 15 km |
| IMPORTANT HOC TRIP RATING INFORMATION AND CANCELLATION |
We can only anticipate what the trip conditions will be prior to the trip; and they are subject to change based on the weather information for that day; therefore, the overall trip rating and the required skills needed to safely attend the trip, may be upgraded on the day of the trip. This eventuality includes the possible cancellation for some or all its participants; or the postponement of a trip for the following day. By signing up for a club trip, the participant assumes the risk that such a cancellation may occur, even as late as on the shoreline.
HOC Paddling Trip Rating Tool-2024-02-29 |
| Important Trip Details |
This trip is for the person who has some paddling experience and would like to try backcountry camping for the first time.
Participants must have completed at least one full day trip prior to this weekend.
There will be a meeting ahead of time to ensure that everyone knows what to anticipate for camping in the backcountry, what equipment to bring, how to pack a kayak, and preparing food. If you do not have all the equipment, the club has equipment which can be loaned for this trip.
Parking is not included and is paid at the park office by each participant upon arrival.
Note that there is no water available at the park office or launch site. |
| Body of Water |
Georgian Bay |
| Registration Opens |
Backcountry camping - 8 weeks before the trip start date |
| Registration Opens on this date (at 12:00 am) |
Saturday, May 9 |
| Name of Volunteer Trip Leader(s) |
Ed Brunato, Ken Besser |
| Email of Volunteer Trip Leaders(s) |
seakayakcanada@gmail.com and kenbesser@gmail.com |
| Contingency Email, Name |
seakayakcanada@gmail.com, Ed Brunato
kenbesser@gmail.com, Ken Besser |
| Trip Address |
Pete's Place Access Point (Massasauga Provincial Park) |
| Google Pin of Parking |
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BJWkrSEVVyQo7Au9A |
| Paddling Vessels Permitted |
Recreational kayaks are NOT permitted |
| Google Pin of Boat Launch |
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8xcZs38NAUCwiayo7 |
| Arrival time - To get boats, equipment ready for launch |
10:00 am. Please allow time to purchase parking permit upon arrival. |
TIME - SHORELINE SAFETY MEETING (PRE-LAUNCH)
(PDFs on; Kayaks, equipment on the shore, ready to go) |
11:00 AM |
| Maximum number of paddlers including leader(s) |
8 |
| Boat Rental Available |
Yes |
| Boat Rental Details |
Swift Canoe & Kayak, Waubaushene, Ontarion, swiftoutside.com/georgian-bay
The participant is soley responsible for making the arrangement with the outfitter, including the safe pick up and drop off of the kayak and gear. |
| Bathroom Facilities |
Toilets at park office.
Thunderbox at campsite. |
| Trip Safety Requirements, What to Bring |
Kayak with sealed fore and aft bulkhead compartments unless the paddle has been specified to permit recreational boats;
Inflatable boats are not permitted;
A properly fitting PFD or lifejacket must be worn at all times while in your kayak; Inflatable PFDs are not permitted:
One (1) buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long;
One (1) bailer OR One manual bilge pump;
One (1) pealess whistle;
If paddling before sunrise or after sunset or in periods of restricted visibility like fog, one (1) all-round light (A light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees);
For multi day trips, one (1) magnetic compass (handheld or deck);
For kayaks over 6m (19’8”): One (1) watertight flashlight with working batteries AND Six (6) flares of Type A (Rocket parachute flare), Type B (Multi Star flare) Type C (Hand flare) Type D (Smoke Signal), however, only two (2) can be Type D;
A minimum of one spare paddle per 2 participants;
A spray skirt is required unless you are in a recreational boat (a boat which lacks either a fore or aft sealed bulkhead) or on a Grade A trip;
Each participant must have completed their wet exit practise within the past 12 months
Please note the club does not provide equipment. If rentals are noted above, it is at the expense of the club member. Please read the details. |
| Trip Cost Per Participant |
$13 |
| Incidental Costs |
Additional expenses may arise on this trip and the participant assumes the financial responsibility. These are costs which have not been factored in the trip budget and will typically, but not exclusively, entail unforeseen expenses, such as evacuation, ambulance, treatments, food, lodging due to illness. |
| Trip Cancellation Policy - Trips Under $100 |
No refund unless your spot is filled from the waitlist.
Should you qualify for a refund, a $5 cancellation fee will be applied.
To cancel your trip at any point; you must email the Club Manager: manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca or phone: 905 634 2012 |
