Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Association

GLSKA is a non-profit club whose goal is to promote the activity of sea kayaking. Our trips and activities are organized and led by club volunteers: we charge no fees other than those designed to recover shared costs and expenses. We offer:

• a variety of trips – day trips, weekend camping trips and some longer trips. Some are more suitable for experienced sea kayakers, others are perfect for beginners;
• on these trips, at Rendezvous, our annual camping weekend, and in winter pool sessions, you can get help with the development of paddling skills, navigation and safety;
• a quarterly newsletter, downloadable pdfs of useful resources and access on this site to detailed trip reports.

• PANDEMIC PADDLING – LET’S KEEP IT SAFE
  The health experts tell us that, even with the high level of vaccination achieved in Ontario and other parts of Canada, we will still need to take precautions against the spread of covid-19 well into 2021. Members planning trips and paddles should therefore consider having their trip applicants complete a Covid-19 Screening questionnaire – this ...
• Going on a GLSKA Trip?
  This information is intended primarily for club members who have promised themselves that they will go on their first GLSKA member-organized trip. I have assumed that you may be fairly new to kayaking, and so have little or no experience of camping out of a kayak. To help, I have included some general information and ...
• Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan – July 20-26, 2025
  Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan
• Lady Evelyn Lake – Temagami – August 10-16, 2025 (TRIP IS FULL)
  Lady Evelyn Lake / Maple Mountain / Diamond Lake
• Massasauga Provincial Park – Georgian Bay – June 20-24, 2025
  Massasauga Provincial Park
• Lake Superior Provincial Park, Lake Superior – June 20-29, 2025
  Lake Superior Provincial Park, Lake Superior
• Rendezvous 2025 – June 6-8
  Join us from June 6-8 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound / Georgian Bay – May 23-26, 2025 (TRIP IS FULL)
  Killbear Provincial Park
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2025
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Spring is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• Grand River – Fall Colours Kayaking – October 20, 2024
  Big Creek (Caledonia) – Grand River
• 2024 Annual General Meeting
  WHEN: Saturday November 16th, 10:30 – 3:30 pm WHERE: Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room 40 Stavebank Road North. Port Credit, Mississauga Tel: 905-615-4830 The planned agenda is as follows: 10:30 – 11:30 am Social Time 11:30 – 12:00 pm Social Time continues with Pizza and soft drinks 12:00 – 1:00 pm Key Note Speaker **Al Pace of Canoe North Adventures** 1:15 – 3:15 pm Business portion of ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay – September 2-3, 2024
  Skills and Rolling clinic: The water should still be warm, which makes it easier to practice skills where you are purposely getting wet. We will meet in the afternoon of Mon. Sept. 2nd and during the day of Tues. Sept. 3rd for peer support; spotting each other as we work on a variety of skills. Skills worked ...
• Killarney – Georgian Bay – August 19-23, 2024
  Trip Description: Launch on Mon 22nd August at 12 noon from Chikanishing Creek and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2 hours of paddling. Will set up a base camp for the 4 nights (and/or switch sites if there’s consensus on a better site discovered) and explore the islands between Killarney and ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay: August 12 – 16, 2024
  Trip Description: Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Monday, August 12 to purchase your vehicle parking pass at the Park office. We will launch from Chikanishing Creek and search for a base camp. The area’s increase in popularity may require us to paddle some distance to find an appropriate campsite. ...
• Lady Evelyn Lake / Maple Mountain / Lake Temagami – August 11 – 17, 2024
  Trip Description: Day 1: Launch at Mowat Landing on Montreal River on 11 August at 11am and paddle south on Lady Evelyn River then west into Lady Evelyn Lake, find a suitable camp spot (20-25K) Please note: There is a 270M portage approx. 1.2K after the launch. A boat shuttle is available for a fee ($15/boat in ...
• Killarney-Bustard Islands – Georgian Bay: August 6 – 12, 2024
  Trip Description: Launch on Tuesday 6 August from Chikanishing Creek parking lot at 1:00PM and set up camp for one night east of the Fox Islands. Parking fees for the duration need to be paid to staff at Killarney Provincial Park. The distance from Chikanishing Creek to the first nights campsite will be at most 10 ...
• Wawa to Neys Provincial Park (incl Pukaskwa NP) – Lake Superior: July 21 – August 4, 2024
  Trip Description: Starting out at Naturally Superior Adventures on the morning of July 21, we will travel north- west, exploring the coastline that has inspired many artists, voyageurs and explorers through the Superior Highlands, Pukaskwa National Park and onto Pic Island off Neys Provincial Park. Upon arrival to Prisoner’s Cove at Neys Provincial Park, we will ...
• Snake-Big McCoy-Shawanaga – Georgian Bay: July 18-21, 2024
  Trip Description: Launch on Thursday 18 July from Snug Harbour and set up camp for one night on Snake Island. You can arrive anytime but should leave Snug Harbour by 7:00 PM to ensure you have sufficient daylight to make the crossing to Snake Island by 9:00PM. I will escort a group from Snug Harbour to ...
• Dillon to McCoys – Georgian Bay – July 15-18, 2024
  Trip Description: We will launch from Dillon Cove Marina at 1pm on Mon 15th and paddle (12K) to big McCoy to set up base camp for exploration trips in the area, such as down to Mink Islands, Limstone Island or across to Hertzberg Island/French’s bay, depending on weather and conditions. We leave midday Thurs 18th to ...
• Franklin Island to Cathcart Island – Georgian Bay – July 8-12, 2024
  Trip Description: Day 1.  Snug harbour  –  Franklin Isl.   setting tents and short trip around Franklin Day 2. Circumnavigate Franklin Day 3. Franklin – Snake – Cathcart to Camp Day 4. Cathcart – Batteau – Sandy – Cathcart Day 5. Cathcart – Pancake – Snug harbour Notes: Itenary may vary with weather and campsite availability. We will be paddling up to 20 km/day, ...
• Rendezvous 2024 – Photo Gallery
• Rendezvous 2024 – June 7-9
  Join us from June 7-9 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound – Georgian Bay: May 24-27, 2024
  Trip Description: Meet outside the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 24. Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear PP combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with the rock ridges and pines of the ...
• Massasauga Provincial Park – Georgian Bay: May 3-5, 2024
  Trip Description: Easing into the season, two night base camp with option to extend to the 3rd night. Hoping to have two campsites close to each other, 10 km from car parking. Paddling 20 km/day. Exploring around Moon Island may be exposed to Georgian Bay winds and 1 metre waves, 2 KM crossings in sheltered areas ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2024
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Winter is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• 2023 Annual General Meeting and presentation
  The Annual General Meeting will be held in-person. WHEN: Sunday November 19th,  4:30 pm to 9:00pm WHERE: Clarkson Community Centre, Margaret Marland Room 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga The planned agenda is as follows: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Social Time and Pizza 6:00 – 7:00 pm Key Note Speaker – Barry Butcher 7:00 – 9:00 pm Business portion of meeting Volunteers are needed for the meeting for the following ...
• Georgian Bay – Philip Edward Island: September 4-7, 2023
  Trip Description: Departing from Chikanishing Creek, we will explore the islands of the area and plan to camp at a number of different sites. Please note: Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues. Best suited to people that can be on the water early, if weather determines this. Participants must be willing to paddle as a group ...
• Lady Evelyn Lake / Maple Mountain / Lake Temagami: August 14-20, 2023
  Trip Description: Day 1: Launch at Mowat Landing on Montreal River on 14 August at 11am and paddle south on Lady Evelyn River. There is a 270M portage about 1.2KM after the launch. Travel west into Lady Evelyn Lake to find a suitable camp spot (20-25K) Day 2: Continue on Lady Evelyn Lake to Lady Evelyn PP ...
• Georgian Bay – Killarney: August 14-17, 2023
  Trip Description: We will launch on Monday 14th August at 12 noon from the town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. We will set up a base camp for the 3 nights and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. Please note: This trip ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park area – Lake Superior: July 23-31, 2023
  Trip Description: We will meet at 4 pm on Sunday July 23 at the Rock Island Lodge, near Wawa, Ontario, and set up our tents in Naturally Superior Adventures camping area near the shore. We will dine together in the Lodge dining room and review our trip plans. Early the next morning, Monday, July 24, Naturally ...
• Georgian Bay – Dillon to McCoys: July 10-13, 2023
  Trip Description: We will launch from Dillon Cove Marina at 1 pm on Monday, July 10th and paddle (12K) to big McCoy to set up base camp for exploration trips in the area, such as down to Mink Islands, Limestone Island or across to Hertzberg Island/French’s bay, depending on weather and conditions. We leave midday on Thursday, July 13th ...
• Britt, Churchill Island, French River Delta – Georgian Bay: July 3-7, 2023
  Trip Description: Britt to French River delta, and back. Daily distance paddled under 20 km/day, but participants should be able to paddle longer distances as conditions require (weather, poor availability of campsites). Paddle in waves up to 1 M. If conditions do not permit long open crossings, we may base camp & explore the Churchill Island, ...
• Rendezvous 2023 – June 9-11
  REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED Event Location Join us for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park June 9-11.  Build upon your kayaking knowledge and skills and expand your circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Killbear Provincial Park is located north of Parry Island.  Pre-Covid, our Rendezvous were held at the Wasauksing Marina & Campground at Oak ...
• Bayfield Inlet to Deep Bay, Carling – Georgian Bay: June 25-29, 2023
  Trip Description: Day 1: Launch at Bayfield Inlet Government Dock on Sunday, 25 June at 10am. After launching we will paddle about 25K towards Pointe au Baril and then south to find a camp spot on Hertzberg Island for the first night. Day 2: Short paddle to Big McCoy Island to camp there for two nights (7K) Day ...
• Massasauga Provincial Park – Georgian Bay: June 16-19, 2023
  Trip Description: Meet at 11am on June 16 for a noon launch from Pete’s Place in the Massasauga Provincial Park. After launching we will paddle about 10 km to Sharp Island where we will set up our base camp. Trip ends at Pete’s Place early in the afternoon on the 19th. Distance paddled each day will ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound – Georgian Bay: May 26-29, 2023
  Trip Description: Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 26. Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear PP combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with the rock ridges and pines of the ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay: May 19-22, 2023
  Meeting Location / Time: Snug Habour, TBD Trip Organizer: John Fitzsimons (Fitzj13@gmail.com) Launch on 19 May from Snug Harbour and set up camp for three nights on Franklin Island at designated camp area. You can arrive anytime but should leave Snug Harbour by 7:00 PM to ensure you have sufficient daylight to make the crossing by 8:50 PM. The ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2023
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Winter is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• 2022 Annual General Meeting and presentation by Adventure Canada
  The Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on November 22, 2022 via Zoom. There will be a presentation by Adventure Canada this year. Adventure Canada offers various guided small ship tours to points such as the Arctic, Europe, and Antarctica to name only a few. More information on their trips can be found at adventurecanada.com. Topic: ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound / Georgian Bay: September 5-6, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Killbear Provincial Park, Lighthouse campground Trip Organizer: Dorothy Van Esbroeck (kayak@cyg.net) The water should still be warm at this time of the year, which makes it easier to practice skills where you will be getting wet. I will be camping at Killbear Provincial Park in Lighthouse campground. We will meet in the afternoon Sept. 5th and ...
• Mink & McCoy Islands – Georgian Bay: September 9-13, 2022
  Trip Description: Meet on Friday, September 9th at 12:00 pm at the Dillon community dock. We will paddle to Big McCoy, find a suitable campsite and set up a base camp. Saturday, Sunday and Monday we will explore the chain of Mink Islands as well as Hertzberg and Shawanaga Islands. We will return to Dillon Tuesday ...
• Rossport to Silver Islet – Lake Superior: 22-30 July, 2022
  Paddling through the many island chains of western Lake Superior’s National Marine Conservation area is a trip not to be missed.  Secluded and remote, you will be self-sufficient for gear, food and supplies, yet get the company of a few like minded paddlers to explore this rare bit of wilderness tranquility.  Having paddled this section ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay: July 7-11, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Chikanishing Creek; TBD Trip Organizer: Dorothy Van Esbroeck (kayak@cyg.net) Departing from Chikanishing Creek, we will explore the islands of the area and hope to camp in a number of different sites if available. Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues. Best suited to people that can be on the water early, if weather determines ...
• Killarney to Britt – Georgian Bay: July 4-10, 2022
  We will meet at Rocher Rouge Campground in Killarney on Monday, July 4th where we will stay the night. Early Tuesday Morning, we will drive to the public launch in Killarney, off-load kayaks and gear and be on our way. Tuesday evening, we will camp in the Phillip Edward Island area. For the remainder of ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay: June 27-29, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Snug Habour; TBD Trip Organizer: Dorothy Van Esbroeck (kayak@cyg.net) Departing from Snug Harbour we will explore the shoreline of Franklin Island. Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues. Participants must be willing to paddle as a group and have a map. There may be breaks for photography or practicing skills. Please note: Participants are responsible ...
• Killarney to Deep Bay, Carling – Georgian Bay: June 12-18, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Chikanishing Creek Launch at 11am on Sunday, 12 June Trip Organizer: Sam Wyss (sonsamw@gmail.com) Description Launch at Chikanishing Creek on Sunday, 12 June at 11am. After launching we will paddle east for approximately 20K to find a suitable camp spot for the first night. The following days we will follow the shore line towards the French River ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay: June 12-16, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: George Lake entrance, Killarney PP Noon, June 12 Trip Organizer: Jim DiLellio (jim.dilellio@hotmail.com) Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Sunday June 12. We will launch from Chikanishing Creek. Base camping is planned, but participants should also be prepared to move camp if required. Over the following days we will explore the ...
• Nova Scotia Skills Trip, June 11-15, 2022
  As we move into a new year, I have felt it appropriate to offer up the opportunity that was cancelled last year due to COVID. Have you thought of taking your skills to the ocean but don’t know where to begin? I know that moving from the Great Lakes paddling environment to an ocean can ...
• McCoy Islands – Georgian Bay: June 3-5, 2022
  Meeting Location / Launch Time: Dillon Cove Marina; 4:00pm on 3-June-2022 At the boat launch, please unload promptly and remove your vehicle from the launch area as soon as possible. Trip Organizer: Melissa Hachkowski & her sidekick Mica  (somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com) I do paddle with my 16 lbs pooch. Parking at Dillon Cove Marina, we’ll make our way out to the McCoy Islands ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound / Georgian Bay: May 27-30, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 27 Trip Organizers: Victoria Best (victoriaahb@yahoo.ca); Dave Morningstar (dave.amstar@hotmail.com) Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area.  Killbear PP combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with ...
• Bayfield Inlet to Key River – Georgian Bay: May 26-30, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Bayfield Inlet, May 26 – Details TBD Trip Organizer: Wolfram Esser (wolframesser@gmail.com) & Rob Wright We’ll meet on Thursday evening to camp out at Rob’s cottage at Bayfield Inlet. On Friday morning we’ll set out to paddle up the coast. Over the next three days we’ll make our way up to the mouth of the ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay: May 20-23, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Snug Harbour,  Franklin Island (See description for details) Trip Organizers: John Fitzsimons   (Fitzj13@gmail.com) Launch on 20 May from Snug Harbour and set up camp for three nights on Franklin Island at designated camp area. You can arrive anytime but should leave Snug Harbour by 7:00PM to ensure you have sufficient daylight to make the crossing ...
• GLSKA Pool Sessions: Oakville, April 9 & 23
  This is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques, and try the finer paddling tricks in a warm, safe environment.  You can work on your own or in small groups to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls.  Some instruction, assistance and coaching may be provided by GLSKA members. Dates & times for ...
• GLSKA Pool Sessions April 2, 9 & 23, 2022: Toronto
  Paddling season will soon be upon us and GLSKA is again offering pool sessions for those who would like to refresh their muscle-memory.  Pool sessions will be held again this year in Toronto.  This is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques, and try the finer paddling tricks in a warm, safe environment.  You can work ...
• Toronto Winter Pool Sessions (Every Sunday, February 6 – March 27, 2022)
  Dates:                    Every Sunday; From February 6 – March 27, 2022 on a ‘pick-your-date’ basis (see below) Time:                     4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Location:              Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street, North York, ON, ...
• 2021 Annual General Meeting – Includes a presentation by Canoe North Adventures
  On Monday November 22, GLSKA will hold its AGM meeting via Zoom.  An agenda will follow prior to meeting.  The meeting is open to all members but it would be more productive if you email me directly (gardave@sympatico.ca) indicating your interest in participating.  In that way my email of access to the meeting can be ...
• 2021 Annual General Meeting On-Line
  The 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held online on November 22. The meeting is open to all club members. Please check your email for details sent to members on 25th October. You will receive the Agenda before the meeting. If you are planning to attend please send me an email. This will allow me ...
• South West Lake Nipissing and East French River, September 8 – 13, 2021
  Over the course of this six-day trip, we will explore sections of the southwest shore of Lake Nipissing and the East French River Provincial Park. The French River was part of the major fur-trading route between Montreal and the Great Lakes for nearly two hundred years and is part of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park Sept. 11 – 18, 2021
  This is considered a fall trip in the north, so it is likely that wind and weather will make it challenging. It is rated C4 due the possibility of dealing with 2m waves, long crossings in the fog and long paddling days (35km) when necessary. Participants should expect a required session before the trip to practise ...
• Georgian Bay – North Channel, August 16 – 21, 2021
  This is a traveling exploratory trip from Little Current to the Bay of Islands, the south shore of the La Cloche Ridge Conservation Reserve, the Benjamins, and various other islands in the North Channel.  Meet at Spider Bay Marina in Little Current on Manitoulin Island at 11 am Monday August 16 to purchase your vehicle parking pass and ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay, July 14-16, 2021
  A chance to get back on the water, explore and time for practising skills such as bracing and rolling as well as navigation such as hand railing. Launch from Snug Harbour. Parking is available at Gilly’s. COVID protocols will be in effect and all participants will need to bring a current screening document. Preference given to those fully ...
• Naiscoot River area of Georgian Bay, 29 July to August 1, 2021
  Launching from a local marina at 10am, (daily parking fee of $8/day applies), we’ll make our way out to Georgian Bay and then travel north a bit to establish a base camp for three nights that will allow us to explore the area as far north as Byng Inlet. Day trips exploring will be up ...
• Lake Superior – Rossport to Black Bay Peninsula, 22 – 29 July 2021
  Launch on Thursday, 22 July – 10am at Rossport. This trip will take us through the islands south of Rossport, along the south shores of Simpson and St. Ignace Islands, towards Black Bay Peninsula and back to Rossport. We will camp in a different location most night’s including at the CPR Spit with the possibility ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay, June 29 – July 3, 2021
  Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Tuesday, June 29 to purchase your vehicle parking pass. We will launch from Chikanishing Creek and search for a base camp. The area’s increase in popularity may require us to paddle some distance to find an appropriate campsite. Participants should be prepared ...
• Lake Superior, Slate Islands – July 11-15, 2021
  Launch on Sunday, 11 July – 6am at Terrace Bay and head for the 10KM open water crossing to Slate Islands. The early start time is selected as typically wind conditions are calmer in the morning. We will tour the Islands over the next 4 days and camp in two locations 2-3 nights at the ...
• No Trace Camping: Enhancing Your Paddling Experience in Nature
  By: Victoria Best, Club Secretary There is much we can do to help preserve the beauty of the natural environment we all enjoy when kayaking. Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace Kayaking Plan Ahead and Prepare repackage ...
• Killarney – Georgian Bay. 19–23 August 2021
  Launch on 13 August at 11am from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. The early departure increases but does not ensure an appropriate camp site can be found in a reasonable distance at this increasingly popular area. We will set up camp for 2 ...
• Prospects for Rendezvous 2021 not good
  Hello Members We are all hoping for a better paddling season this year versus last.  While I do expect this to be the case I believe that there will still be many challenges for the upcoming spring and summer season.  Hopefully we will not be fully locked down and have much of our paddling areas off ...
• Video Post – Wet entry and roll-up
  Shot in a swimming pool the video gives us a great underwater view of the paddler getting his feet and legs back into the cockpit of his upside-down kayak prior to rolling back up. This part of the self-rescue is usually the toughest for first-timers to grasp, so our thanks go to glska member Norm ...
• Proposed Sea Kayaking Trip to Great Slave Lake East Arm, August 2021
  Trip Organizer: Sam Wyss  sonsamw@gmail.com I’m considering organizing a trip to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and wonder if there is any interest from club members in participating. The trip would take place within the first two weeks of August 2021 starting out of Yellowknife. The following is an approximate itinerary: Day 1: Meeting Point Yellowknife ...
• Documents & Forms
  Trip Guidelines Float Plan Guidelines and suggestions for trip organizers Incident Report Risk Management Waiver GLSKA By Laws
• 2020 Annual General Meeting Held On-Line
  As we all know 2020 was a very challenging year for us all both personally and as a club.  In mid November your Board Of Directors held a Zoom meeting in lieu of a traditional AGM which, for obvious reasons, was not possible this year. The season began with lockdowns and many challenges to kayaking activities.  ...
• Old site trip reports & misc. private
  TRIP REPORTS Most of these Trip Reports were written by our members and were originally published in Qayaq, our club’s newsletter. They reflect the views and experiences of the members writing them – we hope you find them useful in planning your own trips. the Great Lakes Lake Ontario GLSKA’s First Official Trip March 1, 2013 Wild Ending to a Trip ...
• Eastern Georgian Bay
  Eastern Georgian Bay Franklin Island Clean-up, Georgian Bay 20 – 22 September 2019. Free Rental Kayak Available! August 15, 2019 Greenland Rolling Clinic, Tucker Lake September 22-23, 2018 EVENT FULL September 8, 2018 Killbear Provincial Park, Georgian Bay – 26 May – 28/29 May 2017 March 22, 2017 SNAKE ISLANDS OVER THE ICE June 22, 2015 Massassauga July 11-13 trip October 1, 2014 French River Kayak ...
• 2021 Nova Scotia Skills Adventure, June 5-12 (tentative) 2021
  The Sea is calling.  Have you thought of taking your skills to the ocean but don’t know where to begin?  I know that moving from the Great Lakes paddling environment to an ocean can be daunting. I have partnered with Committed 2 the Core sea kayak coaching to offer a unique opportunity to build confidence ...
• 2020 Annual General Meeting
  This is the traditional time of year that the Board of Directors would be notifying you of the time and date of our Annual General Meeting. As we all know this past year has been unlike any other. Many activities have been curtailed due to health restrictions and some of those continue today. Pool sessions ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay August 31–September 3, 2020
  Launch on Monday, August 31 at 12 noon from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up a base camp for the 3 nights and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include open water and ...
• ONE TREE ISLAND, GEORGIAN BAY JULY 16–21, 2020
  We stopped on Hen Island this June for lunch and saw wind turbines in the distance around Henvey Inlet.  I have paddled the North Georgian Bay shoreline and islands area several times and think it is the best section of the Bay for camping, paddling and scenery. The plan for this trip is to make ...
• Mink-McCoy-Snake Islands, Georgian Bay 4 – 7 July, 2020
  Launch on Saturday, 4 July at 12 noon from Dillon and head to Big McCoy Island to set up camp for two nights. On Sunday, weather permitting, we will visit the Limestone Islands and return to Big McCoy for the night. On Monday we head south following the many islands to the Mink Islands, from ...
• Killarney–Georgian Bay, Thurs. 13 August – Mon. 17 August 2020
  TRIP FULL* Launch on 13th August after lunch at 2 PM from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area.  This trip will ...
• Record Water Levels in Lake Huron/Georgian Bay
  GLSKA member Peter Attfield writes … Last week (mid-June) I was kayak camping in Georgian Bay for a few days, and the water level was higher than I had ever seen. Some people I encountered claimed that the water was up a foot from last year, and one said ten feet from last year! I didn’t ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound/Georgian Bay May 22 – 25, 2020
  Organizer: Victoria Best victoriaahb@yahoo.caTrip Type: Day Trips/Base CampGLSKA CLassification:  B2 Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 22. Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear PP is located on Georgian Bay in ...
• Correction! Our Oakville Pool Session Still Has Places. Toronto Session is fully booked.
  This year the Toronto session has filled up quickly and Chantal now has a waiting list. The Oakville session however still has opportunities for you to get a good start on the paddling season. So if you want to polish your paddling technique, resolve your rolling or are a beginner looking for a start ...
• RENDEZVOUS 2020 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
  Ignore whatever the weather outside is up to and just think of the pleasure of of being on the Bay in June. Our annual Rendezvous will take place June 26 – 28, 2020 once again at the popular Wasauksing  Marina ( Oak Point) camping ground on Parry Island. The paddling, the food and the company will ...
• Checleset Bay trip cancelled
  Unfortunately not enough members have materialized for this trip and we have had to cancel it. The organizers are trying to make alternative arrangements: please contact us if interested. Victoria Best  victoriaahb@yahoo.ca Dave Morningstar  dave.amstar@hotmail.com    
• Qayaq – End of an Era
  The time has come for us to say farewell to the Qayaq newsletter in its traditional form.  For over 30 years, Qayaq has been the cornerstone of club communications.  In its beginning, there was no email or internet and Qayak, penned for 25 years by Sandy Richardson, was how we read articles of interest and ...
• Love Georgian Bay? Learn more about the issues facing it.
  The Georgian Bay Association (GLSKA is a member) is hosting a half-day series of speakers and workshops in Toronto this Saturday – 19th October, 2019. To learn more, visit:    https://georgianbay.ca/news/register-now-for-h20-2019
• Please join us at GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 23 November, 2019
  Our special guests at this year’s  Annual General Meeting will be a rescue team from the Peel Police Marine Unit.  Their presentation will deal with survival and rescue in cold water.  We will be meeting to review our club’s performance in the paddling year that is drawing to its close. If you are a paid-up GLSKA ...
• Skills Weekend – near Parry Sound, Sept. 21–22, 2019
  Looking to learn a roll or improve a roll? Interested in self and assisted rescues? Wanting to perfect a Greenland roll? Join me for a weekend of anything you wish to learn or improve on at a powerboat free lake. Camping provided on site for a minimal fee. Comfort station and showers provided. Potluck dinner on ...
• Franklin Island Clean-up, Georgian Bay 20 – 22 September 2019. Free Rental Kayak Available!
  This is the resurrection of GLSKA’s Fall Gathering/Clean-up weekend that used to be held every year. Evidently the need still exists and as usual will be focused on the Franklin Island area. According to White Squall this is the area in most need of cleanup and if this area can be kept reasonably clean it ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway – Lake Simcoe to Beausoleil Island, Sept. 23 – 28, 2019
  Plan to meet at McRae Provincial Park on the north-east side of Lake Simcoe. We will push off by 10:00 a.m. Monday Sept. 23. The Trent-Severn is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in Central Ontario. This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each night. Day distances will ...
• Qayaq – we need to know what you think.
  Qayaq, GLSKA’s quarterly magazine, is a valued read for many of our members, with its reports of paddles undertaken and club news. The type of content has not changed much since the first issue appeared thirty years ago in the spring of 1989, just after GLSKA got started. What has changed however is the way ...
• Britt to Bustards/French River, Georgian Bay August 18-23, 2019
  This trip will be a full exploration of the area between Britt and the Bustards / French River delta, returning to Britt. Meeting is planned for 11 am Aug 18 with launch at 12:30 pm from Ice Cream On the Rocks where launching and parking fees apply.  We will return to Ice Cream On the ...
• Britt to Bustards/French River, Georgian Bay August 18-23, 2019
  This trip will be a full exploration of the area between Britt and the Bustards / French River delta, returning to Britt. Meeting is planned for 11 am Aug 18 with launch at 12:30 pm from Ice Cream On the Rocks where launching and parking fees apply.  We will return to Ice Cream On the ...
• Big McCoy, Georgian Bay June 24 – 25, 2019
  We will meet at Rendezvous and stay at Oak Point for an extra night so that we get an early launch on Monday. Big McCoy is less than 30 km from Oak Point and includes an exposed 7 km crossing from Snake Island to the Minks. The group will need to travel at 6 km ...
• Pukaskwa National Park & Superior Highlands Area July 14 – 27, 2019
  One spot available! Pukaskwa and Superior Highlands comprise the most remote and undeveloped stretch of shoreline on the entire Great Lakes.  We will see stunning panoramic views of the coastline as we paddle past sweeping sand beaches, bold headlands and secluded coves. We will meet in Wawa on July 14 and take a van shuttle from Michipicoten ...
• Fishing Islands, Lake Huron – June 8, 2019
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula.  They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s (Unfortunately new owners do not like people visiting it.), interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, ...
• Fishing Islands, Lake Huron – June 8, 2019
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula.  They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s (Unfortunately new owners do not like people visiting it.), interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, ...
• Skills Practice Session, Lake Sunova, Lakeside May 26, 2019
  A get together to watch, practice and learn skills from each other in  relatively warm water. Sculling, rolling or rescues.  Water may still be cool, and a wet suit or drysuit may be recommended if you want to spend a lot of time in the water helping others. If you’d like to join, please send ...
• Skills Practice Session, Lake Sunova, Lakeside May 26, 2019
  A get together to watch, practice and learn skills from each other in  relatively warm water. Sculling, rolling or rescues.  Water may still be cool, and a wet suit or drysuit may be recommended if you want to spend a lot of time in the water helping others. If you’d like to join, please send ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay July 8–12, 2019 Sorry folks: trip now full!
  We will paddle to Big McCoy Island and set up camp on the afternoon of July 8.  We will explore the Mink Islands and the Islands west of big McCoy.  One of the full days on McCoy is set aside for a leisure day where individuals can relax, swim, paint, sketch, photograph, some individual/smaller group paddling ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park, July 20 to 27, 2019: Trip Full
  We will meet at Naturally Superior near Michipicoten on July 20 where we can enjoy a catered dinner and camping on the beach. Their shuttle will take us to a starting point at Sinclair Cove at the south end of the park on July 21 (at a cost of approximately $50 per person depending on ...
• Port Ryerse – Turkey Point, Lake Erie Saturday 1 June, 2019
  For a little early season tune-up, we’ll paddle from Port Ryerse up to Turkey Point for lunch on the beach, and then return to Ryerse (just under 20km).  Trip is exposed and along shore. Water will still be cold, and a wet suit or dry suit is required. If you’d like to join please send ...
• Silver Islet to Rossport, Lake Superior July 20 to 31, 2019 – Trip Now Full
  Paddling through the many island chains of western Lake Superior’s National Marine Conservation area is a trip not to be missed.  Secluded and remote, you will be self -sufficient for gear, food and supplies, yet get the company of a few like minded paddlers- to explore this rare bit of wilderness tranquility.  Having paddled this ...
• Toronto Islands, Saturday September 14, 2019
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA.  The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year.  These include cycling, hiking, kayaking, and XC-skiing.  Throughout the day we can share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and upcoming adventures.  Both clubs offer ...
• Toronto Islands, Saturday June 8, 2019
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA.  The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year.  These include cycling, hiking, kayaking, and XC-skiing.  Throughout the day we can share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and upcoming adventures.  Both clubs offer ...
• Holland River (south end of Lake Simcoe) Saturday June 15, 2019
  Sheltered, with next to no current, we’ll paddle downstream towards the mouth of the river and then return to the cars via the same route.  Landing options are very minimal as this is largely a marsh/wetland area. Trip Organizer:  Melissa Hachowski  somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com Trip Type:  Day Trip GLSKA Trip Class.   B2 (about 20 km)  guidelines Group Size:  max. 8 participants Meeting location/time:  Contact ...
• Holland River (south end of Lake Simcoe) Saturday June 15, 2019
  Sheltered, with next to no current, we’ll paddle downstream towards the mouth of the river and then return to the cars via the same route.  Landing options are very minimal as this is largely a marsh/wetland area. Trip Organizer:  Melissa Hachowski  somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com Trip Type:  Day Trip GLSKA Trip Class.   B2 (about 20 km)  guidelines Group Size:  max. 8 participants Meeting location/time:  Contact ...
• Nottawasaga River, Klondike Park, Sunday May 5, 2019
  Sheltered, the Nottawasaga River winds through old Willow trees with a very slight current.  We’ll paddle upstream about 10km and then return via the same route to the cars.  A minor launching fee applies at the parking location and is considered as a donation to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. Trip Organizer:  Melissa Hachkowski   somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com Trip Type:  ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay August 22–26, 2019
  Launch on Thursday 22 August after lunch at 2 PM from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area.  This trip will ...
• Skills Weekend – Greenland Rolling, near Parry Sound, August 17 – 18, 2019 Event Full
  Interested in Greenland rolling? Having difficulty completing a certain Greenland roll? Join me for a weekend of layback rolls, forward finishing rolls, hand rolls and throwing stick rolls at a private campground on a power boat free lake. Tent camping is optional with a minimum fee to the camp owner . Comfort station on site. Detailed information ...
• Wahwashkesh Lake, Ontario Sat. 4 May – Tues. 7 May, 2019
  This trip will be an exploratory paddle of Wahwashkesh lake, the lake is part of the Magnetawan River system.  We will travel to Bennetts marina at Bennetts Bay, Wahwashkesh Lake, put in and paddle to my brother in laws (Larry) cottage property in Holts Bay on Saturday.  There we can set up camp for three ...
• Port Dalhousie to Jordan Harbour Shipwreck 27 April, 2019 TRIP FULL
  We will launch at Lakeside Beach Park in Port Dalhousie. There is a large parking lot just behind the beach. From there we will paddle approximately 10km E down the shore line to the mouth of Jordan Harbour and check out the shipwreck. Once completed, we will retrace our path back to the cars. After ...
• Killarney – Georgian Bay 24-27 June 2019: Two Spots Now Open
  This trip was full, but due to cancellations two spots have become open.. We will launch from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French ...
• Rendezvous 2019
  Rendezvous 2019 Now Open For Registration! Come and enjoy some of the best freshwater sea kayaking in the world – right on our doorstep in Georgian Bay, June 21 – 23. IT’S BETTER IN THE BAY! Come play, paddle or just relax with GLSKA members on, in or under the waters of the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, widely considered ...
• Bay of Fundy & Nova Scotia’s South 14-29 August, 2019
  We will meet near Bangor Maine and proceed the following day to Blacks Harbour where we will take a car ferry to the remote and peaceful island of Grand Manan and Anchorage PP campground.  The Grand Manan Archipelago is geologically rugged and promises dramatic coastal kayaking, or hiking in case of persistent fog.  Finback, humpback, ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound 24 May–27 May, 2019 Trip Now Full
  Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 25.  Killbear Provincial Park will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District near the town of Nobel.  ...
• Our Spring Pool Sessions Now Open For Enrolment
  Both sessions now fully subscribed.  Applications beyond capacity are being put on a waiting list.  Paddling season will soon be upon us and GLSKA is again offering pool sessions for those who would like to refresh their muscle-memory. Pool sessions will be held at two different locations again this year, Oakville and Toronto. This is your opportunity to ...
• On-Water Clinics with Wayne Horodowich, Port Credit June 15, 16, 2019
  GLSKA has been presented with the first option to participate in the clinics listed below. These clinics are being proposed for the weekend of Saturday and Sunday June 15 & 16th, 2019. These programs will be held in south Mississauga near Port Credit. One course will be offered per day and the cost will be ...
• New Year’s Day Paddle, Oakville Lake Ontario
  Join me for a New Year’s Day paddle to take in the Courage polar bear swim! We will put in at Bronte harbour and paddle up to the event.  Afterwards we will warm up at a local coffee shop. Please note this is a weather permitting paddle and is subject to last minute cancelation due to the ...
• Please join us at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 17th November, 2018
  Please join us at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 17 November, 2018 Our featured speaker is Steve Ruskay, an experienced trip guide and paddling instructor. Steve has some cool views on warm socks and other paddling hints. At the meeting GLSKA members can vote on resolutions, join a committee to get things done, stand for election to ...
• Greenland Rolling Clinic, Tucker Lake September 22-23, 2018 EVENT FULL
  Interested in Greenland rolling? Looking to improve or fine tune some Greenland rolls? Join me for a weekend dedicated to Greenland rolling on Tucker Lake south of Parry Sound. Participants must have all equipment or need to rent e.g. at White Squall. Proper water immersion gear is necessary as we will be spending most time in the ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay Sept. 9 – 12, 2018
  Meet on Sunday, September 9th at 11:00 at Dillon.  We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp.  Monday and Tuesday we will explore the chain of Mink Islands as well as Hertzberg and Shawanaga Islands.  We will return to Dillon Wednesday morning. Participants should be capable of a wet exit/re-entry and comfortable with wave ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay Sept. 9 – 12, 2018
  Meet on Sunday, September 9th at 11:00 at Dillon.  We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp.  Monday and Tuesday we will explore the chain of Mink Islands as well as Hertzberg and Shawanaga Islands.  We will return to Dillon Wednesday morning. Participants should be capable of a wet exit/re-entry and comfortable with wave ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway, Sunday Sept. 23 – Sunday Sept. – 30, 2018
  Plan to meet at the Trent Talbot Marina in Gamebridge on the east side of Lake Simcoe.  We will push off by 10:00am Sun. Sept 23rd. The Trent-Severn waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in central Ontario. This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each night.  Day ...
• Twelve Mile Bay to Britt, Georgian Bay, Sun. July 29 to Sat. August 4, 2018 (TRIP NOW FULL)
  This is an exploratory trip.  After shuttling vehicles, we will paddle north from 12 Mile Bay, moving camp each day, exploring the many islands on the way up to Britt, where we return to our vehicles at Ice Cream on the Rocks.  Portions of the coast are exposed.  Participants should be comfortable paddling in 1 meter waves, and ...
• One Tree & Bustards, Georgian Bay July 13-16, 2018
    We’ll launch from Ice Cream On the Rocks (launching and parking fees apply) at 11 am sharp (please arrive by 10:30).  We’ll paddle to One Tree Island for the first night. Plan is to go on to Bustards, and then back towards Key River, though plans are flexible. Expect distances ofaround 20-25 km per day ...
• Port Ryerse – Turkey Point, Lake Erie July 8, 2018
  We’ll paddle from Port Ryerse up to Turkey Point for lunch on the beach, and then return to Ryerse.  Trip is exposed and along shore. If you’d like to join please send email to organizer so that any changes can be communicated. Meeting Place & Time:  Port Ryerse 9:30 am for 10:00 am launch Trip Organizer:  Scott Innes ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay August 7-10, 2018 (TRIP NOW FULL)
  We will meet at Dillon on Tuesday August 7 for a 11:00 am launch.  We will paddle to the McCoys and set up camp. The next two days we will explore the Minks  and islands surrounding the McCoys.  We will return Friday August 10. Parking is available at Dillon Cove Marina for a fee.  At the ...
• Britt to the Bustards, Georgian Bay August 24-27, 2018
  (TRIP NOW FULL) We’ll be launching from Ice Cream On the Rocks (launching and parking fees apply) at 11 am and will head north.  Over the course of the extended weekend we’ll make our way to the Bustards and back, returning to Britt on Monday afternoon.  We will set up camp at a new site every ...
• Skills Weekend, Tucker Lake, Muskoka August 18-19, 2018
  New to kayaking? Looking to improve on some paddling skills? Wish to learn self and assisted rescues? Join me for a weekend of basic skill lessons on a sheltered lake for two leisurely days. Tent camping is available for a minimal fee. Washroom amenities and showers. Detailed information will go out to those who sign up. Trip Organizer:  ...
• Rossport to Hattie Cove including Slate Islands, Lake Superior August 10–23, 2018
  Part 1: We will explore the shoreline east of the Rossport Islands. This area is remote and is considered one of the hidden gems of the north shore. We will see steep towering cliffs, beautiful cobble beaches, absolutely fantastic and beautiful vistas. Part 2: A boat shuttle will take us 12 km off shore from the ...
• Rossport to Hattie Cove including Slate Islands, Lake Superior August 10–23, 2018
  Part 1: We will explore the shoreline east of the Rossport Islands. This area is remote and is considered one of the hidden gems of the north shore. We will see steep towering cliffs, beautiful cobble beaches, absolutely fantastic and beautiful vistas. Part 2: A boat shuttle will take us 12 km off shore from the ...
• An annual tradition! Join Sandy on the 15th annual Fishing Islands trip, June 16, 2018
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s (Unfortunately new owners do not want people visiting.), interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, terns, ...
• Pukaskwa Coast, Lake Superior July 27 – Aug 5, 2018
  We will paddle from Hattie’s Cove to Michipicoten river, moving campsites daily unless forced to remain due to unfavorable conditions.  Participants should expect cold water, waves, and surf landing/launches and have experience and practice with self and assisted rescues. Dry suit or wet suit required. Leaving on July 27, we will carpool to Michipicoten River, shuttle ...
• Phillip Edward Island, Georgian Bay June 11–15, 2018
  Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Monday June 11 and launch from Chikanishing Creek.  Base camping is planned, but participants should also be prepared to move camp if required. Over the following days we will explore the south shore of Phillip Edward Island and the surrounding islands.  Participants should be prepared ...
• Slate Islands, Lake Superior 9 -15 July 2018 (paddling days 11-14)
  The purpose of the trip is to enjoy circumnavigating and exploring by kayak the Slate Islands, approx. 12 km SE of Terrace Bay in Lake Superior.  Superior is awesome and unpredictable, so the skills are classified at level 3 even though the group will be very cautious considering the temperature of the water. Participants will take a ...
• Toronto Islands Saturday, September 22, 2018
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Toronto Islands Saturday June 9, 2018
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Snake Island, Georgian Bay May 18 – 21, 2018
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbour on the morning of Friday May 18th at 10:00am.  Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Island National Park May 4 – 6, 2018
  We’ll be kayaking out of Honey Harbour next Friday afternoon and base camping on Beausoleil Island for the weekend with daily paddles to explore the adjacent islands.  Friday’s paddle is approximately 7km, Saturday’s paddle is variable but likely 10-15km and Sunday’s is about 20km. Wood tent platforms, outhouses, sheltered picnicking area and fire boxes are at the ...
• KIllbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound 25 to 28 May 2018
  Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 25.  Killbear Provincial Park will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District near the town of Nobel.  ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay 24 – 27 June 2018
  THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL We will launch from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling ...
• Rendezvous 2018 – Big Success: 79 Registrants!
  Register now for Rendezvous 2018! June 22 – 24 Where we meet to paddle, learn new skills, swap memories and plan the paddles to come. Rendezvous 2018 is our 25th annual meet-up (we think). What we are sure of is that great paddling and socializing are pretty well guaranteed at this event. And this year it will not ...
• GLSKA POOL SESSIONS NOW ONGOING
  Paddling season will soon be upon us and GLSKA is again offering pool sessions for those who would like to refresh their muscle-memory. Pool sessions are being held at two locations this year, Burlington and Toronto. This is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques, and try the finer paddling tricks in a warm, safe environment. You can ...
• Our 2017 Annual General Meeting
  There had been concerns that this year’s Annual General Meeting, set for the afternoon of November 11th – Remembrance Day – might conflict with family arrangements, but that turned out not to be the case: twenty eight members (including the board) and two guests were present, a much bigger turn-out than those we have seen ...
• BEAUSOLEIL ISLAND (GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK) 29 Sept – 1 Oct, 2017
  We will launch at 10 am on September 29th from the public dock adjacent to the Honey Harbour Library.  Parking will be at a private residence across the street about 3 houses away for approx. $10 per day. We will camp at Honeymoon Bay, there are good campsites with picnic shelter, covered fireplace, outhouse and access ...
• MINK & McCOY ISLANDS with SNAKE ISLAND, GEORGIAN BAY 22-24 Sept. 2017
  We will depart from Snug Harbour Friday evening and make our way to the first campsite approximately 4 km off shore.  Travelling north on Saturday, we’ll explore the shoals and islands of the Mink & McCoy Island chains as we share in stories of the past summer’s adventures and come up with the ‘list’ for next summer.  ...
• Toronto Islands 9 September, 2017
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Proposed transfer of Philip Edward Island ignores interests of kayakers, campers and residents, says past president of Georgian Bay Association
  The proposed settlement of the claim by the Wiikwemkoong for compensation for the loss of Fitzwilliam Island, their traditional land, is badly flawed and will result in “very significant and adverse ecological and social impacts on the current users of this area”. This is the conclusion reached by John McMullen, past president of the Georgian ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway Sept. 23 to Sept. 30, 2017. Trip Now Full
  Plan to meet at Lock 20 in Peterborough in early afternoon of Sept 23 to arrange lock-age for the week, set up camp and shuttle vehicles to the end point in Brighton, ON. We will push off from lock 20 early on the 24th.  The Trent-Severn Waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers ...
• BRITT to The BUSTARDS, FRENCH RIVER, GEORGIAN BAY September 11-16, 2017
  This trip will be a full exploration of the area between Britt and the Bustards / French River delta, returning to Britt. Meeting is planned for 11 am Sept. 11 with launch at 12:30 pm from Ice Cream On the Rocks where launching and parking fees apply. We will return to Ice Cream On the Rocks ...
• PORT RYERSE – TURKEY POINT LAKE ERIE, DAY PADDLE, Tuesday Aug. 1, 2017
  Paddle from Port Ryerse to Turkey Point for lunch, and then return to Ryerse. Planning to spend a little time on the beach at Turkey Point looking for rolls lost during paddling hiatus. Trip is exposed and along shore, though current forecast has light wind. Meeting Location/Time:  Port Ryerse, launch at 10:00 am Trip Organizer:  Scott Innes ...
• Proposed Wiikwemkoong Boundary Islands Transfer
  The Ontario government has released its proposed settlement of the Wiikwemkoong claim for the loss of its ancestral land today known as Fitzwilliam Island. The proposal is that the Wiikwe be given financial compensation plus the whole of Prince Edward Island and pretty well all other Crown land islands from Killarney to the French River.  ...
• Day Trips in Dillon Area summer, 2017
  Joan Kline, a new GLSKA member, is visiting the Parry Sound area and is hoping to find paddlers interested in joining her on day trips out of Dillon harbour. You can contact Joan at:  joankline@charter.net
• Western Islands , Georgian Bay July 28 – 30, 2017
    Starting early on 28 July at 10am in Twelve Mile Bay, we will paddle to O’Donnell Point, through a few islands before crossing 14km of open and exposed water to the Western Islands and set up camp for two nights. On Saturday we will explore the Islands including the light house in the southern part ...
• Norgate Inlet and Naiscoot river area – Georgian Bay . July 23 – 26, 2017 TRIP NOW FULL!
  We will launch from Britt and paddle south to Foster Island area of Norgate Inlet and set up a base camp. On the next two days we will explore the islands and inlets around Norgate, north and south channels of the Naiscoot river as well as the mouth of Bayfield inlet. Participants should be prepared for ...
• Philip Edward Island July 20 – 23, 2017. TRIP NOW FULL
  Launching from Chikanishing Creek, we will explore the islands and shoreline of Philip Edward Island. The plan is not to base camp. Participants need to be comfortable in waves up to 1 metre and be able to be on the water by 8 am. We may practise skills in later afternoons. If weather is not ...
• Pinery Provincial Park July 5 or 6, 2017
  A chance to practice skills of interest such as bracing, rescues or rolling learning from each other. Not everyone needs a kayak as you will only be in your boat half the time. Meeting at Beach 9 on which ever day the wind and weather is best. Trip may be postponed and rescheduled if wind, ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay August 7 – 10, 2017 (NOTE CHANGED DATES)
  We will launch from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling between islands. Parking is ...
• St. Ignace Island Archipelago, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, July 12 – 23, 2017 Trip Now Full – Note change of dates
  The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (LSNMCA) was established in 2007 and spans all of the water, shoals, and shoreline extending from Bottle Point just east of Terrace Bay westward to Thunder Cape at the tip of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in the west. We will launch from and return to the community of Rossport. ...
• Beausoleil Island (Georgian Bay Islands National Park), June 2 – 4 2017
  Description: We will launch at 10 am on Friday June 2nd, paddle to Beausoleil Is to establish our primitive basecamp campsite, and paddle in the afternoon.  We will venture from our base on the following two days, circumnavigating the island if conditions permit, and explore the area.  Participants must be prepared for cold water (wet suit/dry ...
• Beausoleil Island (Georgian Bay Islands National Park), June 2 – 4 2017
  Description: We will launch at 10 am on Friday June 2nd, paddle to Beausoleil Is to establish our primitive basecamp campsite, and paddle in the afternoon.  We will venture from our base on the following two days, circumnavigating the island if conditions permit, and explore the area.  Participants must be prepared for cold water (wet suit/dry ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park July 16 – 21, 2017 This trip has been cancelled
  Lake Superior Provincial Park July 16 – 21, 2017 This trip has been cancelled
• Mink & McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay June 7 – 10
  We will meet at Dillon on Wed. June 7 with a 1:00 PM launch.  We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp in time to enjoy supper and fellowship.  Thurs. and Fri. we will explore the chain of Mink islands and the Shawanaga Islands.  We will return Sat June 10 in the AM.  Georgian ...
• Fishing Islands – Lake Huron June 10, 2017
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s, interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, terns, cormorants, herons and at least one pair of ...
• MINK & MCCOY ISLANDS, GEORGIAN BAY JUNE 7 – 10
  We will meet at Dillon on Wed. June 7 for a 1:00 PM launch. We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp in time to enjoy supper and fellowship. Thurs. and Fri. we will explore the chain of Mink islands and the Shawanaga Islands.We will return Sat June 10 in the AM. ...
• Rendezvous 2017
  You are invited to GLSKA’S 29th Annual Rendezvous which will be held at Oak Point Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, 2017. The campground is located next to the Wasauksing Marina, at the west end of Parry Island (about 25 km from Parry Sound). The route will be well signed. We have enjoyed this location for many ...
• Snake Island – Georgian Bay 19 – 22 May 2017
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbour on the morning of Friday May 19th at 10:00am.  Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Toronto Island – 3 June, 2017
  This trip will be led by John Fleming. Please confirm your attendance with him. This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Georgian Bay – 26 May – 28/29 May 2017
  Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 26. Killbear Provincial Park will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District near the town of Nobel. ...
• GLSKA Annual General Meeting 2016
  The good news first – the club remains solvent, about the same number of trips were enjoyed this year as last, and our 2016 Rendezvous was greatly enjoyed. On the disappointing side of the ledger, our membership numbers continue to experience a slow decline. On the 29th October 20 members turned up at the Port ...
• North Channel – September 12 – 18
  Launch by noon on 12 September from Spanish and head south east to the Benjamin Islands for the first night of camping. We will then head west and explore the area between the Benjamin’s and Sanford Island, camping on a different Island every night along the way. Be prepared for daily paddling of 20-35k . ...
• Rideau Canal – Kingston to Ottawa – September 25 to October 2
  The Rideau Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers and canal cuts winding 202 km from Kingston to Ottawa. One of Canada’s historic canals and a Canadian Heritage River, the Rideau, is maintained and operated by Parks Canada to preserve and present the canal’s natural and historic features, as ...
• Keweenaw Water Trail – Upper Peninsula of Michigan August 20 to September 3
  Michigan’s Keweenaw Water Trail is associated with the Keweenaw Peninsula, an area of unique geology that projects approximately 200 km north-easterly from the south shore of Lake Superior. The Water Trail is a 220 kilometer loop paddle that includes the protected waters of the Portage Shipping Canal across the ...
• North Channel – Whalesback channel August 10-16
  Come with us and explore the chain of islands that form the Whalesback Channel which is said to be the most scenic Great Lakes waterway in Ontario’s Algoma Country. Serpent River Campground (between Spragge and Spanish River, Ontario) is where we will meet for camping the first night, and will be launching from, parking at ...
• North of Killarney July 18-25
  This will be an exploratory trip into the islands north of the town of Killarney. The trip will leave from and return to the town of Killarney. It will involve breaking camp each day with the possible exception of a day for extended hiking and exploration. The plan is to ...
• Toronto Island – June 11
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Killarney – French River – August 4 – 7
  Launch from Town of Killarney and head south east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 1-2 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling between islands. Parking is available for approx. ...
• Bruce Peninsula Cliffs – June 26 – 27 (cancelled)
  This trip is designed to enjoy long paddles along the two most dramatic sections of Georgian Bay coastline on the Bruce Peninsula, including Bruce National Park, Lion’s Head, and Hope Bay Nature Reserves. Paddling this area is rated for advanced skills due to changeable weather, limited landing opportunities and very cold water. We will ...
• Britt to Killarney – July 28 to August 3
  At 3 PM Thursday, July 28, several of us will shuttle a vehicle and trailer to Killarney that can carry 6 kayaks and 5 people back to Britt at the end of the trip. An additional car will be shuttled to Killarney if the group is more than 5 people. A rack that can carry ...
• Tucker Lake July 16–17
  I will focus on assisted and self rescues, paddle strokes, bracing and tips and tricks. Lessons are held on a calm, boat free lake. On-site camping is available if desired.  
• Kayak Safety Tips
  by Paula Huber From my 40 years’ experience as a cold water scuba diving instructor, cold water scuba diver and zodiac hard hull dive boat operator I have learned many lessons about safety in and on the water. These lessons are transferable to kayaking. COMMON SENSE Be mentally and physically prepared for your paddle day. We all have ...
• Paddling Ontario’s Canals
  by Jim Fitton Having spent four weeks in the past four years paddling the Rideau and the Trent-Severn/Murray systems, I have developed some experience (I would not say expertise) in the business of canal crawling, and I would like to share some of this with my fellow kayak enthusiasts. Now, I know that some of you ...
• Test for Lake Nipigon
  Test for Lake Nipigon
• Fishing Islands-Lake Huron – June 11
  Join us for the 13th annual Fishing Islands Trip. The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s, interesting geology, and nesting colonies of gulls, ...
• Snake and Cathcart Islands – Friday May 13 to Sunday May 15
  Launching Friday, May 13 at 6pm from Snug Harbour, we’ll cross over to Snake Island for the night. Saturday we’ll travel up into the Cathcart-Stapley-Lally Island area to break camp and then use the remainder of Saturday and Sunday to explore the islands and shoals around, and practice skills, rescues and such. Cooler water is ...
• Snake, Big McCoy, and Green Islands (full)
  Departing from Snug Harbour at 1:00 PM Thursday August 4, we will travel to Snake Island and spend the night there. Plan is to pick up fresh fish from Gillys before departing and cook Thursday night on fire at Snake Island. On the morning of Friday August 5, we will paddle by ...
• Franklin Island
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbor on the morning of Friday May 20th at 10:00am. Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Franklin Island
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbor on the morning of Friday May 20th at 10:00am. Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Novice Trip to Massasauga Provincial Park (full)
  Meet at Pete’s Place Access Point at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 to load kayaks and shuttle cars to an off-site parking lot. We will paddle among the sheltered islands off the west side of Moon Island, stop for lunch and then proceed to our campsite on Sharpe ...
• Holland River
  We’ll paddle the Holland River from Holland Landing to it’s mouth on Cook’s Bay, Lake Simcoe. 10km each way through a diverse wetland. As this is a wetland, there isn’t really any opportunity to land, so expect to paddle 20km straight. There is no real current on the river to speak of and it is ...
• Pukaskwa NP & Neys PP, Lake Superior – July 9 – 17
  Trip description: Boarding our shuttle at 7 am on July 9th in Wawa, we will travel by road to Pukaskwa National Park, where we’ll launch near noon. We will paddle south-east along this 170 km coast of Lake Superior exploring the many coves, sand beaches, towering cliffs, wildlife, waterfalls, ghost towns, artifacts and pristine campsites ...
• Pool Sessions – East York
  GLSKA will have three Saturday sessions: April 9, 16 and 23, 3:15-5:00 p.m. in D.A. Morrison Pool in East York (271 Gledhill Avenue, M4C 4L2, southeast of O’Connor Drive and Coxwell Avenue). The cost is $54 for all three sessions. You are expected to bring your clean boat. Whatever level you are at, this is your ...
• Rendezvous 2016
  This is your invitation to join us at this year’s 28th Annual Rendezvous. Build your knowledge and skills, renew past acquaintances and expand your circle of kayaking friends. The Rendezvous will be held Oak Point Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19. The campground is located next to the Wasauksing Marina, at the west end of ...
• Burlington pool sessions 2016
  We will have three Saturday sessions: April 2, 9 and 16th, 6:30-8:30 pm in Centennial Pool in Burlington (on New Street between Appleby and Burloak). The cost is $76 for all three sessions. You are expected to bring your (clean!) boat. Whatever level you are at, this is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques and try ...
• Annual General Meeting
  GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting is on Saturday, October 24, 2015 HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US It’s the day that GLSKA members choose their Board of Directors, review the past year and set a direction for the future. If you are a paid-up member you are entitled to attend, make your voice heard, ...
• Annual General Meeting
  GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting is on Saturday, October 24, 2015 HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US It’s the day that GLSKA members choose their Board of Directors, review the past year and set a direction for the future. If you are a paid-up member you are entitled to attend, make your voice heard, ...
• Franklin Island October 5-8
  This is a final trip to enjoy camping on Franklin island and kayaking in this area. There will be one central camp and day trips out from this camp. This time of the year the water can be more difficult and so participants should expect 1 m waves and cooler water. All participants ...
• Cathcarts/Umbrellas/Snake island Aug 21-23
  We will meet at Wasauksing marina on Friday morning, paddle to the Umbrellas for lunch and then to Cathcarts (25 km, open crossings) to set up camp for 2 nights. On Saturday we will visit Snake island. Coming back to the marina on Sunday afternoon
• WESTERN ISLANDS Sat Aug 8 – Mon Aug 10
  Trip Description: Starting early on Saturday 8 August in Twelve Mile Bay, we will paddle to O’Donnell Point, through a few islands before crossing 14km of open and exposed water to the Western Islands and set up camp for two nights. On Sunday we will explore the islands including the light house in the southern ...
• Britt to French River – August 29 to September 3
  Britt to the Fingerboards area of the French River Provincial Park. Meet at Ice Cream on the Rocks in Britt at 10 am on Saturday, August 29 to load kayaks and paddle to One Tree Island. On Sunday, conditions permitting, we will head for Bottle Island, passing the Fingerboards to set up camp ...
• Tales of the Rideau
  by Paula Huber June 1, 2002, the wind howled sending strong gusts slashing the waters of Mooney’s Bay, Rideau River. My heart thumped as my husband gave me a shove and I slid across the choppy water in my 12-ft. Sun Flight kayak. My Rideau Canal journey had begun, an 11-day paddle from Hog’s Back lock ...
• Britt
  We will meet in Britt at the Ice Cream on the Rocks at 10:00 on Wednesday July 1 for an 11:00 departure. We will paddle north towards Champlain Island, Bustards, French River delta, based on conditions. Expect open exposed crossings and paddling days of 25 km.
• Britt
  We will meet in Britt at the Ice Cream on the Rocks at 10:00 on Wednesday July 1 for an 11:00 departure. We will paddle north towards Champlain Island, Bustards, French River delta, based on conditions. Expect open exposed crossings and paddling days of 25 km.
• Rendezvous 2015 Gallery
  Rendezvous 2015 Gallery
• GEORGIAN BAY’S NORTHEAST BAY COAST
  There is a certain mystery to this wild corner of Georgian Bay, brought on by few roads, far too many islands for one short lifetime, and sparkling reefs just waiting for a southwest blow. It’s a land that needs respect. Never a hub of commerce, there was a time a few short decades ago, when steel magnates ...
• FISHING STATION ADDENDUM
  By Sandy Richardson This spring I found some interesting additional information about the fishing station on Main Station Island. I offer it here as an addendum to the article that appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Qayaq. In late May I participated in an event at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival called “The Bruce Re-Beckons”. It was ...
• SNAKE ISLANDS OVER THE ICE
  by Hart Haessler It was March 21st….. Four impatient kayakers and a dog were gathered at the Snug Harbour dock. Lee, Sam, John, John, Kyra and I gazed out to the Snake Islands in the west. The destination was only barely visible as a dark speck against the grey horizon. Environment Canada had assured us of ...
• Bayfield Inlet – Aug 14-16
  A great opportunity for new members to paddle and camp in this classic area of protected bays and small islands. There is a lot of variety within a short paddling distance. Preference will be given to less experienced paddlers. Participants can elect to qualify for a Paddle Canada Basic Skills certificate. Depending on skill levels, ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway Sep 19-26
  Plan to meet at the Beavermead Campground, 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, On., located on Little Lake.  We will push off by 10:00 a.m. Sun. Sept 20th.  The Trent-Severn Waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in Central Ontario.  This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each ...
• Snake and Big McCoy Islands – June 12-14
  Launching from Snug Harbour, we’ll cross to Snake Island for Friday night and then make our way north to a campsite in the vicinity of Big McCoy Island for Saturday night. Lots of time for exploring, photography, sun bathing and swimming. A classic trip! We’ll also have time to practice any skills or rescues if ...
• Flowerpot Island 2015 – Photo Gallery
  Flowerpot Island 2015 - Photo Gallery
• Minks and McCoys Tue Jul 14 – Fri Jul 17, 2015
  Trip Description:  Plan to meet on Tuesday July 14th at 10:30 at Dillon Marina. After put in, we will paddle for about 2 hours to find a suitable campsite on Big McCoy Island. We will set up camp for three nights and spend two days exploring the area. Harvey Sadowick and Paul ...
• Wear Your PFD Day May 16, 2015
  To kick off National Safe Boating Week, the National Safe Boating Council is having a North American Wear Your PFD Day: http://www.readysetwearit.com/ They are going for a world record of the most peeps wearing a PFD on the same day. May 16, is the day. There are no registered events for Toronto (only one in Barrie). So ...
• Wear Your PFD Day – May 16, 2015
  To kick off National Safe Boating Week, the National Safe Boating Council is having a North American Wear Your PFD Day:   http://www.readysetwearit.com/ They are going for a world record of the most peeps wearing a PFD on the same day. May 16, is the day. There are no registered events for Toronto (only one in Barrie). So we decided ...
• SNAKE BIG MCCOY GREEN ISLANDS August 13-16
  Departing from Snug Harbour at 1:00 PM Thursday August 13, we will travel to Snake Island and spend the night there. Plan is to pick up fresh fish from Gillys before departing and cook Thursday night on fire at Snake Island. On the morning of Friday August 14, we will ...
• FISHING ISLANDS LAKE HURON June 13
  Join us for the 12th annual Fishing Islands Trip. The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and remains, interesting geology and nesting areas for gulls, cormorants, herons and bald eagles. We will put ...
• Minks and McCoys Tue Jul 7 – Fri Jul 10, 2015
  Plan to meet on Tuesday July 7th at 10:30 at Dillon Marina. After put in, we will paddle for about 2 hours to find a suitable campsite on Big McCoy Island. We will set up camp for three nights and spend the week exploring the area. This is early in the season so ...
• Flowerpot Island 29–31 May 2015
  We will paddle to Flowerpot Island and set a base camp there for 2 nights. As every year, we will be looking for the rare calypso orchid, and enjoy day paddles along the shore or to surrounding islands. This trip involves large open crossings and the water will still be ...
• Pickerel River – Lost Channel 8–10 May 2015
  Plan to meet on Friday at 12 noon at the Lost Channel Inn and Marina just of Hwy 522. After put in, we will paddle for about 2 hours to find a suitable campsite in the area of Cincinnati Island on Kawigamok Lake. We will set up camp for two nights and spend the weekend ...
• Holland River, May 9, 2015
  Departing from Soldier’s Bay in Holland Landing at 1:00pm, we’ll travel north down the Holland River to its mouth at Lake Simcoe for approximately 10 km and then return 10 km to the car. There is no relative current to speak of on this river and it is usually extremely calm, except for the carp ...
• Beausoleil Island 5-7 June 2015
  Enjoy paddling Beausoleil and area islands and bays. We will launch from Honey Harbour at 10 am on Friday, June 5th, set up our tents at Honeymoon Bay and then head out for an afternoon paddle. Daily destinations will depend on wind strength & wave height. Paddlers must have the necessary skills to allow comfort ...
• Nottawasaga River June 7, 2015
  Trip description: Departing from the boat launch at Klondike Park ($3 launch/boat) at 1:00 PM, we’ll paddle upstream for approximately 90 minutes and then return via the same route to our cars. The first portion of the trip will be a nice workout against the current although there are no rapids. This is a very ...
• Toronto Island, June 6, 2015
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Sking. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Rendezvous 2015 June 19-21 Oak Point, Parry Island
  Rendezvous is the premier annual event of the year. Members, guests, and friends gather for three days of car camping, workshops, skills development and day paddles. Of course socializing, the famous pot luck dinner and entertainment will also be highlights of the event. Renewing friendships, making new ones, and exchanging tales of favourite trips are ...
• Maps
  Two views of maps that can be made from the Land Information Ontario website: https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/MakeATopographicMap/index.html?viewer=Make_A_Topographic_Map.MATM&locale=en-CA This link brings you to a disclaimer. “Agree” to gain access to the maps. Click Select Map Layers. Check Topographic Data and Ontario Imagery. Type in the location you want to see. Use the sliders in the box on the left to show ...
• Maps
  Two views of maps that can be made from the Land Information Ontario website: http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/web/mnr/gib/basedata/viewer/viewer.html This link brings you to a disclaimer. “Agree” to gain access to the maps. Click Select Map Layers. Check Topographic Data and Ontario Imagery. Type in the location you want to see. Use the sliders in the box on the left to show ...
• Toronto Pool Sessions 2015
  If there is enough interest, we will have three Saturday sessions at the D A Morrison pool, east of Woodbine Avenue and between Danforth Avenue and O’Connor Drive on Saturday afternoons, April 25th and May 2nd and 9th from 3:15 to 5 PM. This is in addition to the pool sessions in Burlington on Sundays April 11th, 18th and 25th. The pools ...
• May long weekend – Frankin Island
  Trip description: Meet at Snug Harbour on Friday May 15 and paddle to a campsite. Over the weekend we can do a circumnavigation of the Island (+/- 25 km), visit the Red Rock Lighthouse (5km crossing), or weather permitting, paddle from Winkler to Green Island and the Northern Minks (+/- 7km). If the weather is ...
• THE ONCE AND FUTURE GREAT LAKES COUNTRY
  by Sandy Richardson The Once and Future Great Lakes Country: An Ecological History By John L. Riley McGill-Queens University Press, 2013 The Once and Future Great Lakes Country is a comprehensive history of the environmental changes that have taken place in the Great Lakes region in the 11,000 years since the last ice age. It makes a fascinating, if ...
• Squallowing
  Cleaning up the Bay White Squall, along with key community partners has been involved in campsite rehabilitation and installation of wilderness thunderboxes on the crown is-lands of Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound region for over 10 years. As in 2013, we had to partly shift focus to the southwest coasts of Franklin Island as that ...
• Membership renewal
  RENEWAL CAN NOW BE DONE ON LINE!  If you have not yet done so, now is the time to re-new your GLSKA membership for another year or two. The early bird special saves you $5 on a single or family membership (your renewal must be received on or before 31 December of this year). The ...
• The Importance of Physical Activity
  by Pauline Halstead One might think that such a title is inappropriate or perhaps unnecessary for this paddling association. However, according to Health Canada, about 11% of men and 16% of women will experience a major depression at some point in their lives. It is commonly thought that exercise has many benefits and enhances health. Apart from ...
• Cracks in the Ice
  by Viki Mather The ice conditions of early December were nearly perfect. Lots of ice, not very much snow. I could not wait for it to get thick enough to skate on! But I did wait. Fortunately, it did not take very long. Every day for a week we stepped out into the lake. Easy as ...
• Tips for Meal Organization
  In preparation of one of your meals, have you ever had to go back and forth to your kayak because you keep realizing you’re missing an ingredient or utensil to prepare your meal; having to check through both hatches, looking through bags, emptying your kayak until you’ve finally found it? Maybe it’s raining hard and ...
• Tips for Meal Organization
  In preparation of one of your meals, have you ever had to go back and forth to your kayak because you keep realizing you’re missing an ingredient or utensil to prepare your meal; having to check through both hatches, looking through bags, emptying your kayak until you’ve finally found it? Maybe it’s raining hard and ...
• GLSKA 2014 Annual General Meeting
  Our Annual General Meeting for 2014 took place on Saturday, October 25 in the comfortable boardroom of Oetiker Ltd. in Alliston – premises generously made available to us by Sam Wyss. After coffee and socializing Ralph Gardave welcomed members and guests. To get us started two short workshops were offered – Ralph gave a practical presentation ...
• GLSKA 2014 Annual General Meeting
  Our Annual General Meeting for 2014 took place on Saturday, October 25 in the comfortable boardroom of Oetiker Ltd. in Alliston – premises generously made available to us by Sam Wyss. After coffee and socializing Ralph Gardave welcomed members and guests. To get us started two short workshops were offered – Ralph gave a practical presentation ...
• Is your kayak in need of some repair?
  My kayak spends over 25 days on Georgian Bay every summer and as a result suffers many scrapes. To patch the keel has therefore become the end of summer routine for me. I am not talking a cosmetic fix of scratches to the gelcoat, what I mean is damage to the keel that exposes fiberglass. ...
• SHIPWRECKS OF THE FISHING ISLANDS
  by Sandy Richardson The Fishing Islands are a group of roughly 80-90, mostly small, rocky islands stretching about 15 kilometres from Oliphant north to Howdenvale off the west coast of the Bruce Peninsula. The shallow waters around these islands, with numerous shoals and sandbanks, have long formed a treacherous barrier for ships between the mainland and ...
• Qayaq Corner – Training and Practice
  by Ralph Gardave For those of you who know me you know that I’m a strong proponent of training and practice. It is this be-lief that was behind the offering of the White Squall workshops at Rendezvous. As I write this on Dec 05 it has been less than two weeks since I was in the ...
• A Day in the Fishing Islands
  How do you take the magic and put it into words? It is in the adventure, the fresh air, the weather, the scenery, great companions, interesting conversation, and in the conquering of the passage. Oh what a day out in the kayak can do for your soul! After a way too long winter, I was longing ...
• A Day in the Fishing Islands
  by Kim Gregor How do you take the magic and put it into words? It is in the adventure, the fresh air, the weather, the scenery, great companions, interesting conversation, and in the conquering of the passage. Oh what a day out in the kayak can do for your soul! After a way too long winter, I ...
• Twenty-four Years Behind the Shaft
  by John Fitzsimons Over the years, GLSKA members have logged thousands of hours and paddled thousands of kilometers to investigate almost all parts of the Great Lakes, a treasure that can only be dreamed about by paddlers in other parts of the world. Over the twenty-four year period from 1989 to 2012, the membership of GLSKA ...
• Burlington pool sessions 2015
  We will have three Saturday sessions: April 11, 8:00-10:00 pm in Centennial Pool in Burlington (on New Street between Appleby and Burloak), and on April 18, 7:30-9:30 pm and April 25, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, in Angela Coughlan pool (Upper Middle and Guelph line). The cost is $75 for all three sessions. You are expected ...
• Get Wise About Bears
  Most kayakers who enjoy multi-day or overnight trips will sooner or later come across some evidence of a bear, or even meet the animal in person. The more you know about bears and their behaviour, the safer you (and the bears) will be. Mike McIntosh is a committed to improving our bear knowledge and was an ...
• GLSKA Annual General Meeting
  You are invited to join us – the proceedings start at 11:00 a.m. with coffee and socializing. A light lunch will be served (we’ll supply the pizza: please bring your own cup or mug, plate and cutlery). We plan to have a speaker and a couple of workshops – details to be announced. These will be ...
• Free Maps
  As the boating season draws to an end, the next best thing to being there is to spend the hours looking at maps! This one of Franklin Island is from the Forest Management Planning for the Parry Sound area. Much of the province is subject to logging on Crown lands. Go to this website http://www.efmp.lrc.gov.on.ca/eFMP/home.do ...
• Squallowing – Summer of Change
  by Tim Dyer I have witnessed many changes in Bay weather these past few years, and this one goes down in the books as a particularly wild one. Our melting polar ice is causing more waves in the jet stream resulting in a vigorous mixing of air masses than we normally get. On the water, it ...
• Paddling Blues
  by Colette Brown Always from the shore, I watched my hubby, Jim Brown, paddle in his Red Sea Kayak, named Cardi-Yak Expedition, with Captain Daisy his hearing alert dog. It was inspiring and captivating for me! After reviewing videos of his paddling adventures, I was always left with a hunger trail and a silent pull to join ...
• Paddling with Sticks
  I never set out to paddle with a Greenland stick it just sort of happened. It was the spring of 2010 that circumstances conspired to spark my curiosity and the opportunity to try it out. Sure I had a few rogue friends out there that were using Greenland paddles but back then it was somewhat of a novelty ...
• Massassauga July 11-13 trip
  by Elise Hug Thanks to everyone for making the Massassauga July 11-13 trip really fun! And to the weather gods for making the weather a mix of great and manageable. ! Here’s a short list the trip highlights for me: Ralph’s amazing campsite selection: 328 had perfect hammock trees and a quintessential Canadian Shield aesthetic, 329 had the best ...
• French River Kayak Trip
  by Fred Somerville Recently some fellow kayakers and myself decided to do a trip on the French River. This was always a destination trip for us so we finally decided to make the plunge. We had already done various other Georgian Bay locations such as the Minks and McCoy’s, the Key River to the Bustards, Sandy/Bateau ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway September 20-27, 2014
  Saturday September 20 11:45 Fayyez picks me up. 12:30 Drove up with Fayyaz Sat 2:45 arrived at lock. Called 705-955-3342 says back here in 50 min. Loud thunder, heavy rain. 3:30 We buy transit passes cost is per ft. My pass costs $83. I didn’t realize of course that there is general agreement among the participants that all kayaks ...
• 3-5 October 2014 Georgian Bay Storm Huddle
  The aim of this event is to bring together paddlers who enjoy rough water paddling. Safety will be the first priority. Participants should be experienced paddlers with appropriate cold water gear, a helmet, and a kayak that is suitable for rough water paddling. e.g. approximately 16 feet or less, with some rocker. If the weather ...
• Hanko Sea Kayak Gathering 2014
  Hanko is a small town on the Southern coast of Finland, 130 kilometers east of Helsinki in the Finnish Archipelago. Since 2008, 70 volunteers of the Nordic Sea Kayak Instructors Association have organized an annual get together for 250 kayakers. Over the course of two and a half days, more than a hundred training sessions ...
• 21-27 September 2014 Trent-Severn Waterway
  Plan to meet at the Trent Talbot Marina in Gamebridge on the east side of Lake Simcoe. We will push off by 10:00am Sun. Sept 21st. The Trent-Severn Waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in central Ontario. This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each ...
• Rendezvous 2014 photo gallery
  Rendezvous 2014 photo gallery
• Squallowing – From a Very Cheap Kayak Seat
  “You’re doing it all wrong!” A few ill-chosen words, coming from a self-important kayak instructor – burned into a participant at a kayak symposium this past year. The new paddler was trying to get it right – trying to understand a new way of paddling. She was just finishing a skill development clinic – yet the ...
• Exploring Your Own Backyard
  by Jennifer Kilbourne I didn’t realize that I was a kayak-destination snob until this spring. I live within a kilometre of Lake Erie, so on calmer days, I enjoy exploring the local shoreline, looking at the cottages and homes that face the water. On windier days, I can be paddling in the relative shelter of the ...
• The Benefits of Learning
  The benefits of continued learning are many. For some of us this means learning new things for the first time. For others it may be getting a refresher on things that we knew but have either forgotten or not practised for some time. I recently had the opportunity to take a wilderness first aid course sponsored ...
• The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race
  The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race takes place on Saturday, August 9th 2014. This is the fourth year for the Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race. Last year’s race saw 180 racers from the area and as far away as New York state. The race was a total success, seeing adults and kids being active and enjoying the great ...
• Gear Swap on the GLSKA discussion forums
   
• Gear Swap on the GLSKA discussion forums
   
• Rudi Rauch
  It is with sadness that GLSKA marks the passing of another long-time GLSKA member, Rudi Rauch, on April 29, 2014, at the age of 89. Rudi’s association with the sea goes back to the late stages of World War II when he served as submariner on a German U-boat. His crew surrendered when they were depth-charged ...
• May 15 – Club Night at MEC – Toronto
  GLSKA will be at the MEC store in Toronto for a Club Night on Thursday May 15, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. MEC will be offering GLSKA members a 10% discount on in-store purchases during those two hours only. If you’ve had your eye on some new gear for this paddling season, this is ...
• 14 June – Fishing Islands
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and remains, interesting geology and nesting areas for gulls, cormorants, herons and bald eagles. We will put in at the beach in Howdenvale and explore the ...
• 14 June – Fishing Islands
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and remains, interesting geology and nesting areas for gulls, cormorants, herons and bald eagles. We will put in at the beach in Howdenvale and explore the ...
• 21 – 25 July KILLARNEY – Georgian Bay
  *** FULL *** We will launch from Chikanishing river at the western entrance to Collins inlet (Killarney). The first day paddle will be approx. 20 km to Hen Island in the cluster of islands south east of Philip Edward Island in Georgian Bay. Hopefully, we can camp on Hen Island which has a beautiful beach and ...
• 21 – 25 July KILLARNEY – Georgian Bay
  *** FULL *** We will launch from Chikanishing river at the western entrance to Collins inlet (Killarney). The first day paddle will be approx. 20 km to Hen Island in the cluster of islands south east of Philip Edward Island in Georgian Bay. Hopefully, we can camp on Hen Island which has a beautiful beach and ...
• Marine Radio
  FQCN30 CWTO 280658 MAFOR 2807/ WESTERN LAKE ONTARIO. 12110 14220 11220 12230 12233 12243 12233 Group 1 2807 YYG1G1/ YY Day of the Month G1 Time of Commencement Read as: Marine Forecast valid from 07 Coordinated Universal Time of the 28th day of the current month Group 2 not listed (doesn’t start with 0) Group 3 12110 1GDFmWm 1 2 G Valid for 6 hours 7 AM -1PM Monday 1 D ...
• 7-9 August 2014 Exploring Georgian Bay geology II – Bayfield Inlet
  We will paddle from Bayfield inlet to another Geological walk with Dr. Nick Eyles. That night we will camp somewhere around Naiscoot river. The rest of the trip will be exploratory.
• 31 July – 3 August Exploring Georgian Bay geology I – Snake Island/McCoys
  We will join members of the Georgian Bay Land Trust on the Geological walk led by Dr. Nick Eyles, professor of geology at UofT. This event is organized for and by GBLT. Dr. Eyles has kindly agreed that we could participate in the event. We will meet at Snug Harbour on Thursday morning and paddle to ...
• 21 – 26 July 2014 DUCK ISLANDS – LAKE HURON
  *** CANCELLED*** Launch from Purvis Fisheries on Burnt Island and head along shore either east or west for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 1-2 nights at a time and explore the Duck Islands and associated shoreline. Depending on weather we may camp on some ...
• 10 May 2014 Club Day at The Complete Paddler
  GLSKA and The Halton Outdoor club are putting on presentation booths at The Complete Paddler on May 10th from 10:00am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers would be appreciated to help out manning the booth and answering questions about the club.
• 13 – 15 June 2014 Key & Lower French River Tour
  Launch from Key River. On Day 1 we will head west out the Key River (~26 kms) to our Base Camp for 2 nights on the Vixen Island which is located in the French River Provincial Park so a camping permit is recommended. From our Base Camp on Saturday we will visit different areas in ...
• Remembering Rob Muylwyk
  Rob, a longtime GLSKA member, died on April 14 at his home on the Bruce peninsula. He was a keen kayaker and involved himself enthusiastically in the activities of our club. Rob organized trips and particularly enjoyed leading groups on the search for orchids growing on the limestone islands of the Bruce. Rob was a ...
• 17 April 2014 – New Website
  The first phase of the re-working of the club’s website has now been completed and tested. The new version will go live on Thursday 17 April. Our address remains the same – https://glska.com. If you have an older address bookmarked in your browser involving the http://glska.freehostia.com domain name it will no longer work. Most of ...
• STEPHEN THRELKELD 1924-2014
  by Sandy Richardson ” Cheers to a long life, well lived.” Founding member and former GLSKA President, Stephen Trelkeld, died in Hamilton on January 10, 2014. Stephen was born in the U.K., December 27, 1924. During WWII, he was in the Home Guard and the RAF. After the War, he worked as a shepherd on Ex-moor (Devon, U.K.) ...
• 4 – 7 July 2014 – Big McCoy – Georgian Bay
  ***Full*** We will launch from Dillon at Friday, July 4th, 9:30 AM and paddle to Big McCoy. On days 2 and 3 we will explore the islands to the N or S depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Rendezvous 2014 White Squall Workshops – Oak Point
  The Rendezvous Committee is excited to bring you two days of workshops run by White Squall as well as our regularly run member programs on the Saturday. The availability of time, money, and the resources to run the White Squall programs is limited. Due to the limited number of participants that can be accommodated in ...
• 8 – 9 June 2014 – Tucker Lake Campground – Parry Sound
  New to kayaking? Interested in learning different paddling techniques, assisted rescues, self rescues, tips and tricks? Join me for a weekend on a quiet lake south of Parry Sound on a basic skills weekend. Camping is provided next to the lake.
• Recreational Kayaking The Ultimate Guide
  Ken Whiting  
• Sea Kayaking
  Sea Kayaking : A Manual for Long-Distance Touring John Dowd  
• the Kayak Companion
  Joe Glickman
• The Complete Sea Kayaker’s Handbook – Second Edition
  Shelley Johnson  
• Kayaking for Fitness
  Kayaking for Fitness: An 8-week program to get fit and have fun Written by Jody Bigelow 2008, The Heliconia Press ISBN 978-1-896980-37-9    
• Photo Gallery – Scott Innes – Flowerpot 2011
  Photo Gallery - Scott Innes - Flowerpot 2011
• Photo Gallery – Scott Innes – Orchid Trip 2010
  Photo Gallery - Scott Innes - Orchid Trip 2010
• Spring Project: Build a Thunder Box!
  A thunder box is a great thing to find. Tucked back into the woods, down a narrow little trail, and often with a great view, thunder boxes are placed near campsites for the toiletry convenience of the campers. The boxes are placed far enough away from water to eliminate human waste contamination of our waterways. Have ...
• 11 – 13 July 2014 – Massassauga Park – Georgian Bay
  Join me on a beginner/ intermediate weekend trip in the Massassauga park. This is a great trip should you be new to the club or new to kayaking and would like to try outback camping. One of the highlights will be a day paddle to the famous Henry’s fish restaurant on Fryingpan Island. We will ...
• 30 June – 3 July 2014 – Minks & McCoys – Georgian Bay
  ***FULL*** We will launch from Dillon at 10:30 a.m. on the 30th and make our way to Big McCoy. On days 2 and 3 we will once again explore islands to the N or S dependent on sea and weather. This has been a traditional trip for some and the emphasis will ...
• Minks & McCoys – Georgian Bay
  Minks & McCoys - Georgian Bay
• Style Guide private
  Links Links to glska.com should not open a new window, except when they are to pdf documents or forms. Links to external pages should open a new window. Use the option Open link in a new window/tab if using the editor, or when using the text editor use target="_blank" for example:  <a title="example" href="http://example.com" target="_blank"> Example</a> Tags Tag locations, ...
• FRAKTA bags
  One of my favourite gear items is the  blue FRAKTA bag from IKEA. It’s a lightweight, high-volume, rugged bag that is perfect for carrying stuff from your kayak to camp. If you are wearing a drysuit, it offers  a large enough footprint to stand on to keep the sand off your precious goretex socks. It’s ...
• Leucothea
  Did you know that, in Greek mythology, Leucothea is considered the goddess of spindrift?
• Maps and Charts private
  This article is intended for Editors  and Contributors who want to add maps to Trip Reports and Destinations. Topographic Maps 1:50000 maps in pdf or tiff format are available from GeoGratis The maps are available in different formats: CanMatrix Georeferenced CanMatrix PrintReady CanMatrix – Print Ready files were produced from topographic maps published by the Government of Canada, and correspond to ...
• Kayakers on Eastern Georgian Bay
  by Tim Dyer There have been instances where kayakers launching for trips on eastern Georgian Bay are not paying, showing up late at night – leaving garbage. In the summer I wrote, in a brief item that appeared on the News page at the GLSKA website, that if this continues, there will be fewer opportunities to ...
• 07 June 2014 Toronto Island – Cherry Beach
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Sking. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• 27 – 30 June 2014 – Killarney – Georgian Bay
  Launch from Town of Killarney and head south east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 1-2 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling between islands and as it is still ...
• Rendezvous 2014 – Oak Point, Parry Island – June 20–22
  Rendezvous is the premier annual event of the year. Members, guests, and friends gather for three days of car camping, workshops, skills development and day paddles. Of course socializing, the famous pot luck dinner and entertainment will also be highlights of the event. Renewing friendships, making new ones, and exchanging tails of favourite trips are ...
• Rendezvous 2014 – Oak Point, Parry Island – June 20–22
  Rendezvous is the premier annual event of the year. Members, guests, and friends gather for three days of car camping, workshops, skills development and day paddles. Of course socializing, the famous pot luck dinner and entertainment will also be highlights of the event. Renewing friendships, making new ones, and exchanging tails of favourite trips are ...
• 16 – 19 May 2014 – Franklin Island / Minks – Georgian Bay
  ***FULL*** We will meet up at Snug Harbor on the morning of Friday May the 16th and paddle over to a campsite. Over the course of the weekend and weather permitting we’ll have the option of paddling around Franklin Island, over to Snake Island or exploring the Islands off of Red rock lighthouse. If you ...
• Beta testing private
  If you’ve been asked to participate in the beta test, please help us make sure that the site works. We’re looking for errors, mistakes and other problems that make it difficult or impossible to use the website. At this moment, we’re not considering alternative designs for the site.  You can help by pointing out problems ...
• North Channel – Benjamin Islands
  Our group of eleven paddlers, led by Victoria Best, departed the Massey Motel at 10 a.m. on Monday morning, crossed the Spanish River, and entered the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation community. We were welcomed by Andy Southwind, who has lived at McBean Harbour, and managed it for many years. This experienced group of paddlers loaded ...
• Giants Tomb Island
  Circumnavigation of Giants Tomb Island Start: Awenda Provincial Park Distance: 23 km
• Image
• Did you know
  Did you know that the longest Greenland paddle found by Harvey Golden, who has researched approximately 80 Greenland paddles spanning more than four hundred years, measured 242 centimetres?
• Messing about in boats
  “Nice? It’s the only thing,” said the Water Rat solemnly as he leant forward for his stroke. “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolute nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,” he went on dreamily: “messing—about—in—boats; messing—” Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows.
• Video post – The High Brace
  High Brace The High Brace is an essential technique for coping with a broach into the side of a high wave. It’s also useful to help prevent an unanticipated capsize. This small, quiet lake provided neither of these situations for the demonstration so I cheated a little by grasping the end of my greenland paddle. In ...
• Winter paddling on Lake Ontario
  Winter paddling on Lake Ontario
• Stephen Threlkeld 1924-2014
  It is with sadness that GLSKA notes the death of Stephen Threlkeld on January 10, 2014. Stephen was a founding member of GLSKA and a member of the first Board of Directors; he was an active trip participant and leader, newsletter contributor, and served as Trip Coordinator and club President.
• The Massasauga Provincial Park
  When: August 16-17 2014 Description: beginner trip, no experience required. No more than 2-3 hours per day. Organizer Keith Rodgers Type: Wilderness – Exploratory Class: A-1 Group Size: Maximum 6 participants Description: Maps: Charts: Code: GEBA1408
• Rendezvous 2014
  GLSKA rendezvous is set for June ;vjas;vk a;dksfg ]aokgf [sdf ‘gl;s dv cb cvbcvb fgls vm;sdgdfg sfdgdfgsdfg d f;gl  s ‘dlfg d’f
• Trip Listing – Pukaskwa National Park – Lake Superior
  PUKASKWA NATIONAL PARK – LAKE SUPERIOR Organizer: Sam Wyss Trip Type: Wilderness camping Class: C-3 Group Size: 8 Participants maximum Trip description We will start at Hattie Cove and continue south along the eastern shore line of Lake Superior to the Pukaskwa River and return again to Hattie Cove. This trip will take us into a very remote area without emergency ...
• Byng Inlet
  When: March 7-9 2014 Trip Organizer: Michiel Duvekot Where: View Larger Map Class: C-3 due to season Maps: Charts: 2203 – Carling Rock to/à Byng Inlet Description: This is an exploratory kayak trip leaving from Byng Inlet and heading north along the Georgian Bay coastline to the Churchill Islands. Other islands in this cluster include One Tree island and Roger island. ...
• No Honeymoon for Snow White
  Jim Fitton Snow White had found her Prince Charming among the seven little men and wished to celebrate her honeymoon on the north tip of Beausoleil Island together, of course, with the other six dwarves. But, in one of those strange last-minute twists of fate, she saw her plans go up in smoke, like smoke up ...
• Thoughts on Photography and Kayaking
  by Erwin Buck For kayakers, photography presents a special challenge. There is only so much storage space to take equipment like extra lenses, tripods, etc. And then there is the issue of water- proofing your camera if you plan to have it handy while you’re paddling. Fortunately there are now relatively inexpensive waterproof cameras.As well, there ...
• Cold Water Paddling
  by Ralph Gardave You may be thinking that this article has little relevance to you as you are not one of those “crazy” people who paddle in winter weather conditions. If you missed my last article in Qayaq you may wish to read it, as it will bring relevance to this one. The Peel Marine Unit ...
• Misshepizheu
  Small skill is won by those who cling to ease, The hardy sailor hails from stormy seas. Years ago when I first toured the Agawa Bay pictographs, I encountered the legend of the Ojibway lake divinity, a horned panther that lives beneath the waters and is dangerous to humans. I seem to recall a story of a ...
• organize a trip
  Planning Decide the purpose of the trip. Think about the number of people you want to take on the trip. What size group will you be able to safely manage? Consider the environmental impact of the group. Do a scouting trip and record the distance. How long did it take? Keep in mind that a group is slower than ...
• Philip Edward Island
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: Chikanishing Creek, 45.995381,-81.413909 Trip Report: GLSKA TRIP REPORTS – 2005 GLSKA – Newsletter – Winter 2011
• Grand River
  Type: Day Class: B-1 Launch: Lion’s Park in Cayuga Length: 25 km Description: Paddling the Grand River
• Pickerel River
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: Lost Channel Inn and Marina just of Hwy 522
• One Tree Island
  Type: Weekend Class: C-3 Destination: https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=One+Tree+Island,+Killarney,+ON&aq=0&oq=One+tree++ON&sll=45.994949,-81.422982&sspn=0.015131,0.012424&vpsrc=0&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=One+Tree+Island&ll=45.981472,-81.420879&spn=0.015134,0.012424&z=16&iwloc=A Lat/Lon: 45.981472,-81.420879 Launch: Britt or Byng Inlet Maps: Killarney Provincial Park Map, nautical chart 2204/2205
• Churchill Islands
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: Byng Inlet
• Western Islands
  Type: Wilderness Class: C-3 Maps: Topographical maps 1:50,000 # 41 H/1, 31 D/13 Launch: Twelve Mile Bay    
• Benjamin Islands
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: McBean Harbour Destination: https://maps.google.ca/?ll=46.086567,-82.254639 Lat/Lon: 44.421889,-76.391029   
• Rideau Canal
  Type: Adventure Class: C-2 Launch: Kingston Mills lock 46 Destination: Black Rapids Length: 202 km Trip Report: https://glska.com/Winter12.html Maps: charts 1512 and 1513 Camping Lower Brewers Jones Falls Newboro Murphy’s Point Provincial Park Edmonds Burritts Rapids Long Island Locks Info: http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/locks/index.html  
• Niagara River
  Type: Day Class: B-1 Distance: 25km Shuttle: Yes  
• Bustards
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: Key Marina at Highway 69 Maps: French River Park map ,  Key Harbour H15 CHSS, chart 2244  
• Killarney
  Type: Wilderness Class: C-3 Launch: Killarney General Store Maps: 41 H14 and 41 H/15
• Hope Bay
  Type: Fitness Class: B-2 Launch:  
• Minks & Mc Coys
  Trip Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: Note: 8km crossing in open water  
• Pukaskwa National Park
  Trip Type: Wilderness camping Class: C-3 Launch: https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Pukaskwa+National+Park&aq=&sll=45.376207,-80.309801&sspn=0.061196,0.050983&vpsrc=6&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=Pukaskwa+National+Park&ll=48.245504,-85.888206&spn=0.007252,0.006373&z=17&iwloc=A&cid=10699473523373902180 Launch: Hattie Cove Distance: 195 km Maps: 42 D/9, 42 D/8, 42 D/1 and 42 C4 Trip Report: GLSKA – Trip Reports – 2013
• Cathcarts
  Type: Wilderness – Exploratory Class: B-2 Launch: Oak Point, Wasauksing marina
• Fox Islands
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-3 Lat/Lon: 45.951388,-81.36433 Launch: Chikanishing Creek boat launch    
• North Channel
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-3 Launch: Spider Bay Marina in Little Current Lat/Lon: 45.98551,-81.929872 Trip Report: GLSKA – Newsletter – Summer 2002
• Massasauga Provincial Park
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-1 Launch: Pete’s Point Maps: Massasauga Provincial Park Map
• Lyal Island
  Type: Day Class: A-2 Lat/Lon: 44.947609,-81.399765 Launch: Sandy Beach on Myles Bay Description: GLSKA – Bruce Peninsula – Lyal Island Maps: 1: 50,000 Cape Croker (41A/14) Charts:
• Flower Pot Island
  Type: Wilderness Class: C-2 Launch: Tobermory Parking: Directions: Trip Report: GLSKA – Trip Reports – 2011
• Franklin Island
  Type: Wilderness Class: B-2 Launch: Snug Harbour Parking: Trip Report: GLSKA – Trip Reports – 2012  
• Beausoleil Island
  Type: Wilderness Class: A-1 Parking Fees: 10$/day Launch: 44.867428,-79.82110 Trip Report: GLSKA – Trip Reports – 2011 Accommodations: cooking shelter, platform tent sites, outhouses   Notes: Chimney Bay campsite is closed after September 1st(15th?). Only Honeymoon Bay, Tonch Point and  Cedar Springs are open.
• Paddling destinations
  Lake Erie Lake Huron Georgian Bay Eastern Georgian Bay Western Georgian Bay Bruce Peninsula Lake Michigan Lake Ontario Lake Superior
• GLSKA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
  GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 249 Dufferin Street South in Alliston. (This facility is again being made available thanks to Sam Wyss.) The day will begin at 10:15 a.m. with an opportunity for members to register, meet and enjoy a beverage. Information sessions are being planned and will ...
• Paddling with Risk
  by Ralph Gardave We all paddle with risk every time we go out. I know I do it with little thought about it anymore. Recent events this summer have made it more top of mind. Do I give it the respect and consideration that it deserves? The answer is probably not enough and not often enough. In ...
• Kayaking Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
  by Nancy Morgan Patti Cupit, an enthusiastic kayaker and tripper, initiated the idea to kayak the Saguenay in the summer of 2013. Through her exploration of several websites, she identified the Aventure Ecotourism Quebec website, and an independent guide to lead an eight-day trip from La Baie to Tadoussac. Patti’s contact suggested the length of the ...
• Stay Cool the Superior Way
  by John Fitzsimons Although starting off cooler than normal in 2013, the weather in southern Ontario had fallen into that all too familiar pattern of high heat and humidity, made all the worse by a persistent Bermuda high. With climate change, paddling in southern Ontario during the peak season has at times meant enduring high heat ...
• Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Symposium
  by Gerry Felsky On July 17, 2013 Phil Vallance and I travelled to Grand Marais Michigan to attend the 29th Annual Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Symposium. This was Phil’s second Symposium, and my first. Grand Marais is a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the south shore of Lake Superior. The Symposium was attended by about ...
• The Memory of Water
  Allen Smutylo Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2013 Reviewed by Rob Muylwyk It must have been around 2004 that I was first exposed to the fine artwork of Allen Smutylo, in this case a colourful etching of an arctic kayak, nicely framed and appropriately hung over the mantel of the GLSKA president of the time. He and his partner happened to walk into ...
• Kayak Trailer
  by Jennifer Kilbourne First, I purchased my sea kayak and all the equipment needed to spend some time on the water. My next big purchase was a roof rack for my car, complete with cradles to hold my kayak as I zipped down the highway to my next paddling destination. And it worked well, as long ...
• Have Kayak … Will Travel?
  by Keith Rodgers Almost every one of us needs to haul our kayak around from time to time and the usual way we do this is by tying it on the top of a vehicle and hoping it stays on for the ride. Whether you do this a couple of times a year, over a short ...
• Kayaking Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto – Mexico
  by Ken Chorel The idea of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez had been rattling around in my head since long before I ever “set foot” in a kayak. I don’t recall any more how the idea first formed, but for some reason, Baja has always been a destination I associated with kayaking. Finally, after far ...
• Kayaking Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto – Mexico
  by Ken Chorel The idea of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez had been rattling around in my head since long before I ever “set foot” in a kayak. I don’t recall any more how the idea first formed, but for some reason, Baja has always been a destination I associated with kayaking. Finally, after far ...
• Fishing Islands Trip
  As usual, we had fine weather and an excellent turn out for the Fishing Islands trip – and this year we were able to find the wreck of the Gold Hunter (N44 49.032 W81 21.288).  Here are some images of the trip from Ed Cartwright, Sandy Richardson and John Walsh.
• 25 Years and Still Paddling – Looking Back at GLSKA’s Beginnings
  Sandy Richardson As you can see from the volume number on the masthead, 2013 is GLSKA’s silver jubilee, our 25th year. In the fall of 1988, a number of folks interested in starting a sea kayaking club in southern Ontario held two exploratory meetings in Toronto, one at Trailhead and one at Mountain Equipment Co-op. At the ...
• The Inner and Intuitive Kayaker
  David Wells “There is always an inner game being played in your mind no matter what outer game you are playing. How aware you are of this game can make the difference between success and failure.” Tim Gallwey Once a student’s basic needs (see Maslow’s hierarchy) have been addressed, their performance is a function of their potential minus ...
• GLSKA’s First Official Trip
  A DAY TRIP ON LAKE ONTARIO Michael Kundu The following is a report of the first-ever official GLSKA Trip. It took place on May 7, 1989, on Lake Ontario in the Ajax-Pickering area. It was organized by Michael Kundu, who was also a member of the Board of Directors. This report was originally published in the Summer ...
• Clean-up Weekend 2012
  by John Fitzsimons Once again several dedicated members of GLSKA held their noses for the annual clean-up weekend this past September and ventured out to Franklin Island to see what man (the motorized type) had wrought. You will notice I have given up totally on the euphemisms and refrained from calling this an end-of-season trip, ...
• The Sixpack in the Weeds
  by Jim Fitton The plan is to navigate our ship up the Rideau Canal Waterway from Kingston to Black Rapids, just south of Ottawa, where some will disembark, while others may continue to the Ottawa River. This performance will be accomplished by a sextet. The three soloists are Blue Caribou, Blue Delta and Teal Khatsalano. There ...
• Rescue Stirrup
  by Ralph Gardave The rescue stirrup is a versatile aid to both solo and assisted rescues that I don’t see in many paddlers’ boats. It may just be that people are unaware of this piece of equipment. On the other hand, many paddlers who have solid rescue and/or rolling skills may simply feel that we don’t ...
• Fishing Islands Post Script
  by Sandy Richardson Once again we had fine weather and an excellent turn out for the Fishing Islands trip. Despite the ideal conditions and eight pair of eyes searching, we were unable to locate the wreck of the Gold Hunter, a 114 foot long, 219 ton wooden schooner that was lost in a storm on October 14, ...
• In Search of Shangri-la on Northern Lake Huron
  Wendy Killoran What image does Shangri-La evoke? Is it a place, or a figment of one’s imagination? Can mortal beings truly find Shangri-La or Utopia? We spent our summer visiting both remote islands and better travelled shorelines in northern Lake Huron by sea kayak. We wondered if indeed we would discover our own Shangri-La in this land ...
• Rendezvous Recollections
  by Sandra Howe Rendezvous 2012 was my first venture into sea kayaking and I had a marvellous time. The setting, camaraderie, instruction, entertainment, and games were all great fun. I loved being part of a community of paddlers in such a beautiful location. If you have yet to experience Rendezvous, I would highly recommend attending next ...
• Rendezvous 2012
  by Lori Moffitt I had been eagerly anticipating the Paddling Rendezvous 2012 as every GLSKA member whom I had met had recommended the event. It lived up to the built up expectation as it was a well organized and fun weekend. The venue and surrounding paddling grounds were fantastic and the weather was excellent for most of ...
• GLSKA Virgins Trip
  by Debbie Darling What began inauspiciously with a drive through the pouring rain to Muskoka, quickly turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences one could hope for. There were five of us paddlers in all: Keith Rodgers our gracious leader, Mike and Sharon, Howard and me, Debbie. This was my first trip since joining the ...
• Kayaking Monterey Bay
  John Fitzsimons The next time you are in San Francisco and have some time on your hands, instead of heading north for Napa give a thought to travelling south to Monterey to do some ocean kayaking to get away from the frenzy of the city. Unlike a lot of places on the Pacific coast, because of ...
• Reciprocal Altruism and the Backwoods Ethic
  by John Fitzsimons Have you ever headed out on a trip into Georgian Bay half expecting the campsite to be strewn with the unmentionable mementos of past travellers, but been pleasantly surprised to find everything as it should be? Unfortunately, as more people discover Georgian Bay this is less likely to happen, save for the ongoing ...
• Flowerpot Island Orchid Search
  by Bob Farrington Photographs by Rob Muylwyk Friday, May 25, dawned overcast, gloomy and generally depressing. Carol and I had camped Thursday night at Cyprus Lake so we could start fresh Friday morning. We checked out of the Park with a bright young woman whose husband ran an outfitting/guiding operation from Tobermory. We happened to mention that ...
• Franklin Island Trip
  by Jennifer Kilbourne A beautiful island on a gorgeous weekend. What more could a paddler ask for? We were six eager paddlers who met at Snug Harbour the morning of Friday, May 18. Arend, Vivian, Ralph and I had camped just south of Parry Sound the previous night, testing the cold weather ratings of our sleeping bags ...
• Craig Lake State Park, Champion, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
  by Jennifer Kilbourne My husband has a fishing kayak. I have a sea kayak. Last August, we both wanted to “get away from it all” and spend a few days enjoying some time on the water as well as some backcountry camping. The classic sea kayak journey through the Apostle Islands wasn’t an option, and fishing ...
• On-water Group Management and Communication
  by Ralph Gardave (GLSKA Trip Committee Chair) As the Trip Committee Coordinator I get feedback from trip leaders regarding The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of their trip leading experiences. The most frequent concern I hear about is challenges in managing the group on the water. To me the art of group management on the water ...
• A More Powerful Forward Stroke
  Tim Dyer White Squall Paddling Centre I’ve been playing around with making the forward stroke more powerful, and here’s a thought. We try to get folks to track their top hand on a stroke horizontally in front of their face. This encourages the face of the paddle not to lift water and create drag. But – we ...
• Cold Water Blues
  by Paula Huber Kayaking on the Great Lakes, or during cold weather here in Ontario, requires thoughts about cold water immersion in the event of a capsize. Hopefully most of us know and understand the definition of hypothermia and how it occurs. “Hypo” refers to below normal and “thermia” refers to state of heat; therefore hypothermia occurs ...
• Haida Gwaii
  by Ralph Gardave The fun of this trip began before I arrived. A considerable amount of time had elapsed since I had booked the hotel accommodations. I called to confirm them a week in advance and asked if it was easy to arrange transportation from the airport. When I asked this question there was a very ...
• Haida Gwaii
  by Ralph Gardave The fun of this trip began before I arrived. A considerable amount of time had elapsed since I had booked the hotel accommodations. I called to confirm them a week in advance and asked if it was easy to arrange transportation from the airport. When I asked this question there was a very ...
• Phillip Edward Island
  by Nancy Morgan Photographs by Gerry Felsky Phillip Edward Island is a large island on the coast of Georgian Bay just east of Killarney. Arend de Boer and Tom Bruin organized a group of seven GLSKA members for a five day trip to Phillip Edward Island out of Chikanishing Creek, the access point for the islands ...
• GLSKA Spring Rendezvous 2011
  by Nancy Morgan Photographs by Gerry Felsky Undaunted by rain, lush poison ivy or the distance travelled, kayakers gathered at Cape Croker Park, on Sydney Bay, on the Bruce Peninsula near Wiarton, to socialize and reminisce about past trips, plan new ones, and for new members, to get acquainted with our club. We were welcomed by a ...
• Beausoleil Island Trip
  by Jennifer Kilbourne Photographs by Gerry Croney The spring of 2011 was a wet one. It was a rare stretch of two or three days in April and May that didn’t see a few showers, if not heavy rains. Gerry, the trip organizer, wisely changed the destination of this mid-May kayaking and camping adventure from Franklin ...
• The Pinery
  Wendy Killoran The Ausable River emerged at Lake Huron’s shoreline with a wide, beckoning gap enticing us to paddle the Great Lake for the first paddle of the season in late March. It had been quite unexpected as Doug and I had just snowshoed two weeks prior on the frozen lake and now, a vertical ...
• 7th Annual Flowerpot Island Expedition
  by Susan Sutherland Photographs by Rob Muylwyk and Scott Innes Our trip started out May 27 with 6 enthusiastic paddlers – Bert, Kaz, Rob M., Rob W., Scott, Susan and Trish. After meeting on a sunny Friday at Dunks Bay near Tobormory, quick hellos and packing our kayaks, we headed off. Our first obstacle was getting ...
• Staying Alive on the Water
  by Tim Dyer (White Squall Paddling Centre) I’ve been thinking a lot about rescues. Maybe it’s because every time I open a paddling magazine or view the list of topics for symposia, sea kayak rescue in all its guts and glory is dissected ad nauseum. To add to the nausea, I thought I would weigh in. Here ...
• The Forbidden Coast – Greenland
  Jan de Grijs It was Monday August 16 and Ursula, Patty and I were starting our long anticipated trip to Greenland. We were on a flight from Reykjavik to Kulusuk on the east coast of Greenland. As we approached Greenland all that was visible from the aircraft window were mountain tops above the cloud. The landing ...
• We’re not Here for the Money
  by John Fitzsimons On the weekend of September 17 to 19, nine hearty souls were treated to some of the best and some of the worst that Georgian Bay can dish out all in the quest to make the Bay a better place to paddle. Unlike the spring Rendezvous and thanks to the 5°C temperatures ...
• Minks and McCoys the Long Way
  by Rob Muylwyk I was looking to my right, scanning the shore for a suitable campsite, ideally one with Brian camping on it, when I suddenly saw a huge, hardly submerged rock in my peripheral vision. It was right in front of me, about a paddle stroke and a half away! The adrenaline kicked in, I ...
• Minks and McCoys the Long Way
  by Rob Muylwyk I was looking to my right, scanning the shore for a suitable campsite, ideally one with Brian camping on it, when I suddenly saw a huge, hardly submerged rock in my peripheral vision. It was right in front of me, about a paddle stroke and a half away! The adrenaline kicked in, I ...
• Paddling Back in Time
  Craig Grandy Newfoundland, as we all know, is a kayaker’s paradise. The Burin Peninsula is one of its best-kept secrets. Known to the locals as the “Boot,” this neck of land sticking out on the south coast of the province offers some of the best paddling on the Rock. This past September, I had the opportunity to ...
• GLSKA First-timers Trip
  by Anna Mallin Just before the Solstice (June 19-20, 2010) Keith Rodgers led a group of five “virgins” (no previous trip experience with GLSKA), plus Gerry Croney to the Massassauga Park. Despite forecasts earlier in the week of 25 knot winds and thunderstorms, the weather was perfect, the winds light and the temperature warm. All participants ...
• GLSKA First-timers Trip
  by Anna Mallin Just before the Solstice (June 19-20, 2010) Keith Rodgers led a group of five “virgins” (no previous trip experience with GLSKA), plus Gerry Croney to the Massassauga Park. Despite forecasts earlier in the week of 25 knot winds and thunderstorms, the weather was perfect, the winds light and the temperature warm. All participants ...
• To Kiss the Killarney Stones
  by Marti Uher What? You went to Ireland? Did you kiss the Blarney Stone? Well not exactly, but parking oneself with one’s derriere on the rocks of Killarney may well be considered an act of kissing its stones. Seems when family have asked me what I’ve been up to this summer and I mention, “Oh I ...
• The Orchid Trip 2010
  by Šárka Lhoták If you’ve paddled for a while, the trips just come and go; you paddle, swim, the sun is shining, scenery is great, and you’ve been there and seen it all.  But some trips stand up.  They become memorable for the camaraderie, difficult conditions overcome, unusual sightings of wildlife, and become part of the ...
• Paddling With Whales
  by Šárka Lhoták I arrived at the Paradis Marin campground, parked the car and walked to the office to register.  As I looked over the wide waters of the St.Lawrence estuary, I saw two white backs that slowly dove under water.  Belugas!  It couldn’t have been anything else, white like this!  So they are really here!This ...
• The Argonauts Make Good
  by Jim Fitton It is amazing what road distance can be quickly covered by one who relishes the prospect of a paddle on the Big Lake; 880 kilometres in 10.5 hours with just three short stops at Tims. It was the last day of June, cool and rainy as the season had already been, and would ...
• Return to the Land of the Gitchi Manitou
  Wendy Killoran The mystical power of Manitoulin Island had drawn me back. I had returned to kayak around this sacred island for a second time. In 2004, I’d paddled counter clockwise, starting and ending at South Baymouth with a partner. This time, during July, 2009, I was here alone to paddle clockwise and to paddle solo ...
• DSC VHF Radio
  IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE Are you thinking of a new VHF radio?  If not maybe you should be.   There have been substantial improvements made to the traditional analog VHF that could save your life! This article focuses on the life saving benefits of this technology and is not intended to cover all of the benefits ...
• Paddling The Outer Coast of Nootka Island
  by Tim Dyer The Voyages of the Starship White Squall – or Tim’s vain attempt to revisit his youth and take his son Jesse (and other young staffers) to his old stomping grounds on the west side of Vancouver Island, where he had been a kayak guide with Strathcona Outdoor Centre 30 years before, at the ...
• Sojourn on a Georgian Bay Island
  by Wendy Killoran It felt like my little piece of paradise. I was camped on a nameless island near the south western tip of Philip Edward Island, here on the north shore of the Georgian Bay, with expansive views of the La Cloche Mountains to the north and of the Killarney lighthouse to the west. It was ...
• Sojourn on a Georgian Bay Island
  by Wendy Killoran It felt like my little piece of paradise. I was camped on a nameless island near the south western tip of Philip Edward Island, here on the north shore of the Georgian Bay, with expansive views of the La Cloche Mountains to the north and of the Killarney lighthouse to the west. It was ...
• Kayaking and History
  by Bert Millar I like to paddle kayaks. I like to paddle on creeks, rivers and big water. I enjoy flat water and l love to kayak in monster seas. I like to kayak camp, hike, explore and watch nature. I like to maintain, repair and modify kayaks. I like to mess around in kayaks, go ...
• Tobermory to Killarney – a Kayak Adventure
  by Jocelyn Bertheau “There’s a small watercraft warning and a thunderstorm coming up later in the day … the local kayak outfitter is not renting!” we heard from the ranger at the new visitor centre of Fathom Five National Marine Park, just outside Tobermory. A couple of months earlier Frederik Beelaerts and I had started planning the ...
• McCoy Island Trip
  by Vivian Wade Eleven of us met at Big McCoy Island for a great extended weekend of paddling. The trip, which was led by Ron Coulson, included Nancy Coulson, Brian Rohde, Bill Jackson, Rod Govan, Arend de Boer, Sarka Lhotak, David Ivens, Johanna Wandel, Kaz Kusmierczak and Vivian Wade. We departed Dillon on Thursday afternoon with a ...
• GLSKA First-Timers Trip
  by Deborah Jackson Kayak clubs, I have been informed, are typically guilty of being populated by snobbish folks with less than warm welcomes for newcomers. I have run across such clubs, but GLSKA is definitely not one of them. When the club president makes an effort to break the mould and reach out to newcomers by ...
• A Chilling Paddle?
  Andrew Lawrence A few brave souls decided to bring in the 2009 paddling season by being on the water as January 1st rolled in. I was not among them. The thought of paddling in icy waters did not appeal to me at the time. However, I did join a trip on the weekend of April 24-26. ...
• Visual Distress Signals
  by Wayne Spivak In many coastal communities, lights in the sky after dusk are a rare sight. In other areas of the country, they are commonplace. But streaking lights always make people look twice. With the exception of the 1st of July or 24th of May, these streaking or arcing lights at night should make you ...
• Full Circle – Bringing sea kayaking back to the northern coast of Labrador
  Neil Burgess As the twin otter swooped in over the hills surrounding Nain and dropped towards the airstrip, I couldn’t help feel­ing a rush of anticipation. Our adventure was about to begin. This adventure was not a wilderness expedition, however. It was the meeting of two paddling cul­tures – one old and another new. We were about ...
• Full Circle – Bringing sea kayaking back to the northern coast of Labrador
  Neil Burgess As the twin otter swooped in over the hills surrounding Nain and dropped towards the airstrip, I couldn’t help feel­ing a rush of anticipation. Our adventure was about to begin. This adventure was not a wilderness expedition, however. It was the meeting of two paddling cul­tures – one old and another new. We were about ...
• A Journey North
  Flowerpot Island by Marti Uher I have always loved the Bruce Peninsula. Perhaps this is due in part to fond childhood memories of taking summer trips along the shores of Lake Huron with the destination being Tobermory or a ferry crossing to Manitoulin Island. My grandparents, from Holland, would make a biannual trip to Canada and invariably ...
• Five Days on the Sea of Cortez – Mexico
  by Mark Noppe In February 2009, I paddled beautiful green and blue waters for 5 days and camped on white sandy beaches for 4 nights, exploring a chain of uninhabited desert islands in the Sea of Cortez, off the south east coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. I stopped to swim and snorkel amongst sea lions, ...
• GLSKA New Trippers Trip
  Massassauga Park: June 20 – June 22 by Sally Dobson We drove through driving rain but the rain stopped as we readied for launch at 11:45 a.m. – amongst clouds of mosquitoes. Under Dave Beckett’s gentle and expert guidance, and the assistance of his friend, Ed Irwin, 6 of us (Gerry Croney, Jens Truebenbach, Paula Huber, Barry ...
• Lake Superior Kayak Trip – Michipicoten to Cascade Falls and Back
  by Brian Rohde Everything Ron and Nancy promised in their GLSKA trip listing happened over the nine-day trip. We had plenty of fog, big seas, lots of surf landings and launches and some long days on the water. To say the least, it was quite an adventure! The six of us met at Naturally Superior, an outfitter ...
• Umbrellas and Cathcarts
  by Rob Muylwyk This was the third year in a row that Šárka Lhoták had organized an overnight trip to the Umbrellas and Cathcarts, island groups south of Parry Sound; but it would be the first time that her group would actually make it to the Umbrellas. A mismatch between conditions and skill levels meant that ...
• How to get into a Kayak and Other Mysteries
  by Jennifer Heppner In the spring of 2007 I joined a dragon boat team for a fundraising competition. Little did I know that this would be the start of something great – learning to kayak! Reaching the second half of my life was an awakening to try new things before the body wasn’t as able as ...
• More than Nova Scotia on my Mind
  Wendy Killoran I’d planned to paddle around Nova Scotia, but after six weeks on the Northumberland Strait and Atlantic Ocean, mainly solo, I headed to a more agreeable situation. I’ll admit, for once I hadn’t put my heart and soul into this expedition. Mentally and emotionally, I was drained from the hardships endured over the last ...
• More than Nova Scotia on my Mind
  Wendy Killoran I’d planned to paddle around Nova Scotia, but after six weeks on the Northumberland Strait and Atlantic Ocean, mainly solo, I headed to a more agreeable situation. I’ll admit, for once I hadn’t put my heart and soul into this expedition. Mentally and emotionally, I was drained from the hardships endured over the last ...
• Big McCoy Getaway
  Betty Brown Our summer kayaking trips weren’t happening as planned. An extended trip in early July had to be cancelled because of an urgent family matter. Summer holidays were passing by quickly, and other than the GLSKA Rendezvous we hadn’t been on any trips yet and Georgian Bay was calling. The family situation had improved somewhat ...
• The Group of Seven (sea-fleas) on Lake Superior – Silver Islet to Rossport
  by Šárka Lhoták Sarka Lhotak As we drove through Sibley Park, a wolf crossed the narrow road right in front of our car. Wow! This must be a good omen; it would be a great trip! There were seven of us: Sam with his wife Sonja, John, Bill, Laura, May and me. In the village of Silver Islet ...
• Big Water Fiasco on Abino Bay
  by Bert Millar It was Sunday morning, May 4, 2008; skies were gloomy and tree tops were swaying. I had had a GLSKA day-trip planned for the Saturday of that weekend with 10 paddlers coming but cancelled because of bad weather, so today was our rain date. Myself, Scott and Gerry were still keen to go, so ...
• Boat Buying 101
  by John Winters Your first sea kayak is unlikely to be your last. Knowledge, skills, and ambitions grow with experience and a boat designed to suit novices rarely suits a paddler in the butterfly stage. That is why the first boat is so important. The boat you start with influences how and what (and even if) ...
• GLSKA – Georgian Bay Stewardship Report
  GEORGIAN BAY STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2008 GLSKA member Melissa Hachkowski and her brother Christopher have been hired by our Georgian Bay Committee to work as Georgian Bay Stewards for 10 weeks this summer. Following their training and planning, they will spend their time touring the islands of eastern Georgian Bay from the north end of Massasauga Park to the ...
• Wind Speed Conversions
  by Bert Millar Do you ever get confused by some of the marine jargon that you ear? Port, starboard, weathercock, leacock, heel, righting moment etc. Yes, so do I, and one term I dislike is knot or knots. You’re sitting on your campsite listening to the marine forecast on your VHF and the guy tells you to ...
• Lake Superior: Silver Islet to Rossport
  Mary Cavanaugh Our departure time was planned for 6 a.m., however one member thinking that they may not be able to shower for a week or so, decided they should take the extra time now to do this important thing, delaying our start time. Had they known we would be in continual rain for the next ...
• Just a Mite too Confident
  by David Ivens It all started innocently enough. I could see the weather was terrible driving up to Parry Sound. I arrived at White Squall and talked with a few friends and met a member of GLSKA and everyone concurred it was a day to stay on shore and read a book. Of course sitting in ...
• A Warm-Water Paddle Among the Snook and Wild Hogs
  by Keith Rodgers After the Christmas frenzy has died down, visions of sugar-plums no longer dance in my head – they are replaced by dreams of a kayak gliding over crystal-clear tropical waters and perhaps a lazy wet exit, done just for the pleasure of enjoying the warm sea. There are many tropical locations promising kayakers this ...
• Strait Ahead – A Sea Kayaker Challenges Himself Against the Gulf of St. Lawrence
  by Serge Savard The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi requires everyone at the end of his/her three-year outdoor leadership programme to undertake a major project. While looking at a map of the Maritimes, I had no hesitation in embarking upon a solo adventure that would take me across all of the straits on the Gulf of ...
• Ungava Bay and Labrador
  Nigel Foster Three small wooden spoons sit on my bookshelf, crudely carved from driftwood found on Lacy Island, one of the Button Islands off the northern tip of Labrador. I carved those spoons after losing my cutlery landing in the dark having crossed Hudson Strait from Resolution Island. I planned to kayak Labrador from its northern ...
• Paddling the Rankin River
  by Rob Muylwyk The excellent “Bruce Peninsula Paddling Destinations” produced by the Georgian Bay Committee, originally published in Qayaq and available on our web-site, ignores one of the Peninsula’s worthwhile interior paddling waters. These are the inland lakes generally referred to as the “Rankin River Route”, consisting of Isaac Lake, Boat Lake, and the river that ...
• Rendezvous with Whales
  Nick Donovan The sound of beating drums drifts over the water. Soldiers dressed in crimson-red tunics, one bearing a large flag, dash up the hillside amid shouts and war cries. Rising Tide’s The New Founde Lande – Trinity Pageant is in progress. This re-enactment of a very early and tumultuous time in Newfoundland’s history creates a ...
• Paddling in the Wake of Stephen King
  by Melissa Hachkowski I remembered learning about Lake Nipigon in elementary school when we read Holling C. Holling’s book Paddle to the Sea. “Paddle” was released into Lake Nipigon, travelled the river to Lake Superior and then out the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence River. Since I am addicted to Lake Superior, I thought Nipigon ...
• GLSKA New Members Trip Massasauga Provincial Park
  by Leanne Hanna My first experience with kayak tripping began after picking up my rental kayak and driving out to Pete’s Place in Massasauga Provincial Park. I’d been introduced to kayaking a year before at an introductory course in the pool at McMaster University. I’d enjoyed it, but had been unable to go on more than ...
• Newfoundland: A Place in My Heart
  by Wendy Killoran Wind whistles again through the treetops on this August day, a relentless reminder that I’m a sea kayaker practising patience and respect for the sea. A tempestuous sea rolls wave after strong, white-capping wave in a spray of unfurled power onto the gravel beach. It is a land day. Again the sea is ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands August 3-7
  by Dorothy Van Esbroeck Photos by: Terry Carleton After enjoying a few ice-cream treats, duly noted by the participants, this trip began to take shape. My boat was already loaded – all I had to do was repack my food bags from food in my car and then I added some fleece thinking that the warm weather ...
• Franklin Island August 1-3
  by Dorothy Van Esbroeck The hot, humid days of summer were here and I was happy to be going out paddling. The goal of this trip was to safely further develop kayaking skills in a group setting. With all the pre-trip e-mails over, I was eager to finally be meeting the participants. At Snug Harbour, I met ...
• The Cape Croker “Prairies”
  By Terry Carleton Although forests are the main focus of my attention, prairies have held a fascination for me since the age of ten. My family lived on the edge of a council house estate in southeast London, UK, as did my precocious and talented cousin five years my senior, 500 yards up the road. He ...
• Dealing With Boat Traffic
  by Bert Millar Probably most of us would prefer to do our paddling in quiet, pristine areas, listening to the sounds of the wind, water and wildlife, free from the stress and danger of our modern and over-mechanised world. Sometimes we do get a chance to escape to these peaceful and remote wilderness regions, a chance ...
• Wild Ending to a Trip Around Lake Ontario
  by Louise Adie I had only intended to start kayaking as a way to build upper body strength for Nordic skiing. Famous last words. My paddling had been limited to 8- and 12-mile outings on Cayuga Lake here in the Finger Lakes Region of central New York State. So after two years of four-season paddling (jumping in ...
• To Feather or Not To Feather, That is the Question
  by Bert Millar If you were to look around when paddling with groups you would notice that most people use feathered paddles. A feathered paddle is one where each blade is oriented at a different angle than the opposite blade usually between 60 and 90 degrees so that when the power side is in the water ...
• Georgian Bay: Killarney to Parry Sound
  by Johanna Wandel Eight of us had planned to paddle from Killarney to Parry Sound in August, but at the put-in it became obvious that not all the food bags were there, and our number was reduced by one from the start. So it was only Gord, Bill, Gary, John, Johanna and Nancy who were participating ...
• Isle Royale Solo
  Melissa Hachkowski Five years ago, when I first flew over Isle Royale in a Bear Skin Airline Special, the combination of aqua, green and pink rock reefs that surrounded the island caught my attention and engraved itself on my tripping slate as a trip to do, right behind the other four years of accumulated “must paddle ...
• Lake Superior: Hattie Cove to Michipicoten River
  by Nancy Coulson What can I say about the largest of our Great Lakes that hasn’t already been said? Not too much! Pristine water, unbelievably scenic rocky shorelines, sandy beaches (some rivaling tropic getaways), amazing sunsets, etc., etc. Nine of us – Amie Chong, Bill Lanning, Bill Jackson (B.J. for this trip, as we didn’t want both ...
• Lake Superior: Hattie Cove to Michipicoten River
  by Nancy Coulson What can I say about the largest of our Great Lakes that hasn’t already been said? Not too much! Pristine water, unbelievably scenic rocky shorelines, sandy beaches (some rivaling tropic getaways), amazing sunsets, etc., etc. Nine of us – Amie Chong, Bill Lanning, Bill Jackson (B.J. for this trip, as we didn’t want both ...
• Top 10 Reasons to Paddle Beausoleil Island
  GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK by Dorothy Van Esbroeck I ventured here in late August for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by what the park had to offer. There was some evidence of recent vandalism to the cooking shelter at Beausoleil Point. Maybe if more kayakers came here it might curb this trend. This is ...
• Top 10 Reasons to Paddle Beausoleil Island
  GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK by Dorothy Van Esbroeck I ventured here in late August for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by what the park had to offer. There was some evidence of recent vandalism to the cooking shelter at Beausoleil Point. Maybe if more kayakers came here it might curb this trend. This is ...
• Around P.E.I. by Kayak
  AROUND P.E.I. BY KAYAK by Wendy Killoran I was blessed with tail winds throughout most of my June kayak circumnavigation of Prince Edward Island. As far as I knew, no woman had ever paddled around it. Epekwitk is the name the original Mi’kmaq inhabitants gave P.E.I., meaning “cradled by the waves.” I’d read an article by Maine ...
• Phillip Edward Island
  by Dorothy Van Esbroeck It was February and I was hoping to pick a few rather calm and sunny July days for a trip. Checking the calendar, I picked the days leading up to the full moon on July 21st. What else besides the phases of the moon do you know in advance when selecting trip ...
• Finding Espresso Beach in Sardinia
  Wendy Killoran Frenetic waves jostled my kayak in a confounded frenzy. The mistral winds tore over the tepid Mediterranean Sea and waves rebounded in a chaotic mess off the granitic cliffs. But the box of waves I found myself in was created by the continuous wakes of yachts, sailboats and jet skis, which plied the enticing ...
• Promoting Stewardship: GLSKA’s Georgian Bay Committee
  By Doug Cunningham Founder and First Chairman of the Georgian Bay Committee I remember the day well. It was the occasion of the GLSKA Annual Meeting in November 1993 and the final agenda item, Other Business, was tabled. I spoke up, expressing my concern for the fragility of the Bay Islands and the need to preserve their ...
• Toonoonok Dreamin’
  PADDLING WITH THE GHOSTS OF NORTHERN EXPLORATION by Erik Antons When you enter Nunavut, be prepared for an adventure beyond compare, in one the most scenic, historic and remote parts of the world. The Arctic Circle, at roughly 66 degrees N latitude, marks the northernmost point at which the sun can be seen at the winter solstice ...
• Slate Islands Sojourn
  Donna Griffin-Smith Monday, August 2, 6 a.m.: Our group of eight kayakers stood on the beach staring into a dense pea soup fog. Contrary to its reputation, Lake Superior was flat calm. Not a whisper of wind and no waves. Somewhere before us, were the Slate Islands. We knew they were out there somewhere, but where? The ...
• In the Land of the Great Manitou
  by Wendy Killoran I’d arrived on Manitoulin Island’s shore with a great sense of mystery. The world’s largest freshwater island is situated at the northern tip of Lake Huron. As I paddled counterclockwise around its convoluted coastline with my paddling companion Michael, a natural paradise of spiritual presence, mystical wonders and magical moments revealed itself. The ferry ...
• Fjords of Ice – Greenland
  Wendy Killoran The exhilaration of sitting in a kayak at the foot of an actively calving glacier got my adrenaline flowing and my heart thumping! As a paddler, I’d dreamt of paddling in Greenland, a paradise of ice, for a long time. An icy kingdom wondrously revealed itself to me as I paddled its fjords of ...
• Fjords of Ice – Greenland
  Wendy Killoran The exhilaration of sitting in a kayak at the foot of an actively calving glacier got my adrenaline flowing and my heart thumping! As a paddler, I’d dreamt of paddling in Greenland, a paradise of ice, for a long time. An icy kingdom wondrously revealed itself to me as I paddled its fjords of ...
• The Slates and then some
  by Melissa Hachkowski Everyone who has kayaked, backpacked or tripped solo for any length of time has developed a list of top secret spots: places which bear personal significance, aura and importance. These are the places we return to many times and still have the ability to find something new that we didn’t recognize before. These ...
• Our first Rendezvous
  OUR FIRST RENDEZVOUS by Beth and Simon Mielniczuk Spring 2004. Two semi-experienced paddlers become members of a group called GLSKA and join them at Rendezvous, their kick-off to another paddling season celebrated on Georgian Bay. Neither of us really knew what to expect – other than we’d be camping with a lot of people, most of them ...
• Southeast Shore of Georgian Bay
  Howard Williams & Rudi Rauch The southeast corner of Georgian Bay is a place of water, rocks of the Canadian Shield and bush, which in many instances, clings to minute rock crevices, obtaining nurture from small amounts of soil. Yet part of Beausoleil Island, the largest island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park (GBINP), has a ...
• The McRae Lake Trip
  (With apologies to Songs of the Great Lakes – “On the Schooner Hercules”) Hart Haessler In the spring of O and four, The first of May it’s true, Seven kayaks set their blades. We were a GLSKA crew. No finer paddlers left these shores, Nor better seasoned few. From Honey Harbour up the bay, Our course was north and true. The waters were just free ...
• Sea Kayaking – The Who, What, Where, Why, When and How of the Sport
  by Wendy Killoran WHAT IS SEA KAYAKING? Sea kayaking is a water sport that opens up a lifetime of endless possibilities of exploration and recreation. A sea kayak, life jacket, double bladed paddle and spray skirt are the bare essentials needed to be able to paddle as well as feeling comfortable on the water. Sea kayaking is ...
• Kayaking into the stillness of Grafton Pond
  by Richard E. Winslow III As something of a stranger to western New Hampshire I discovered that Grafton Pond was no easy destination. Getting there became an ordeal of hit-and-mostly-missed dirt roads. A tucked-away 235-acre body of water in the Canaan-Enfield region, the Grafton Pond Reservation was donated to, and has been administered since 1984 by, ...
• The Ghost of Dunk’s Bay
  by Rob Muylwyk Early one Saturday morning, in the middle of August of 2002, I joined Dan, John C., Greg and Dave for a windy weekend trip, organized and led by John D, along the northeast coast of the Bruce Peninsula. I had just checked the weathernetwork.com, so I could share the dire predictions with the ...
• Innovation or Hyperbole?
  by John Winters What would you do to improve the design of kayaks? More importantly, what can you think of that would have a dramatic (or at least noticeable) effect on kayak performance – an effect you could legitimately call an innovation? Excluding technology that allows stronger and lighter boats and the paddling gadgets we seem to ...
• Hakai: Paddling the Rain Coast
  by Donna Griffin-Smith Saturday June 28, 2003; finally we are ready. Plans for our trip began more than a year ago, and moved into high gear in May as we packed all the equipment we thought we would need for an extended cross Canada road trip, plus all our gear and dried foods for kayaking on ...
• Tickling Gitchee Gumee – Paddling the Pukaskwa Coast
  Story: Joe Leering Photos: Johanna Wandel As I read this trip posting in Qayaq, it stirred up thoughts of a terrific trip through some of this province’s wildest areas. I had heard that this trip is something that one should aspire to and I believed that I was now ready for it. There were five of us, ...
• Tales of GOMEX and Gustav
  by Donna Griffin-Smith Sounds like an old legend doesn’t it? Two giants battle to the finish along a wild and windswept coast. Well, sort of … GOMEX is the nickname given to the Gulf of Maine Expedition, and Gustav was a hurricane. A tale of man versus the elements, with a modern twist. In September, 2002, Don ...
• Fathom Five National Marine Park
  A SEA KAYAKER’S PARADISE by Wendy Killoran Photos by Jim Gear A stack of towering dolomite soared above my kayak as I paddled the jade green water lapping at its base. Mellow light bathed the flowerpot as the sun sank lower in the western sky, almost obscured by the lofty cliff, which is part of the Niagara escarpment, ...
• Tales of the Rideau
  by Paula Huber June 1, 2002, the wind howled sending strong gusts slashing the waters of Mooney’s Bay, Rideau River. My heart thumped as my husband gave me a shove and I slid across the choppy water in my 12-ft. Sun Flight kayak. My Rideau Canal journey had begun, an 11-day paddle from Hog’s Back lock ...
• Kayaking the Edisto River in South Carolina
  by Keith Rodgers We have driven down the monotonous stretch of the I-95 south of Richmond, Virginia. Miles of straight blacktop, except when it’s silver grey concrete streaked with long black rubber skid marks that end with no explanation, not even a shard of glass. It was late in April when we came south, and by ...
• Lightning
  by Tim Dyer Hello from lightning central – Georgian Bay! Yup, I dunno how it happened, but in the last few years our tranquil old Bay has become a raging giant – tossing out some pretty violent summer storms. I suppose you could blame global warming, el nino or the jet stream. Personally I think some ...
• Paddling with Puffins and Vikings – Iceland
  AN ICELANDIC PADDLING ADVENTURE by Wendy Killoran I had anticipated this moment for several months, camped at Hornvik’s sweeping beach with an expansive view of craggy Hornbjarg rising majestically half a kilometre straight from the ocean. My paddling companions, six Icelandic men (Baldur Petursson, Gummi Breiddal, Petur Hilmursson, Sveinbjorn Kristjansson, Eythor Pall Hauksson and Halldor Sveinbjornsson), were ...
• Paddling with Puffins and Vikings – Iceland
  AN ICELANDIC PADDLING ADVENTURE by Wendy Killoran I had anticipated this moment for several months, camped at Hornvik’s sweeping beach with an expansive view of craggy Hornbjarg rising majestically half a kilometre straight from the ocean. My paddling companions, six Icelandic men (Baldur Petursson, Gummi Breiddal, Petur Hilmursson, Sveinbjorn Kristjansson, Eythor Pall Hauksson and Halldor Sveinbjornsson), were ...
• Franklin Island: Paddling Season “Warm-Up” Trip
  by Sarka Lhotak  Eager to get on Georgian Bay with my new kayak, I signed-up on this Victoria Day Weekend trip organized by Wolfgang Kuschke. As the date was approaching, however, I followed the weather forecast with concern. The maximum temperatures were not to exceed 4º C that weekend. “Wolfgang, are we going? I think it ...
• Franklin Island Instructional Weekend
  by Johanna Wandel I’ve never been one to read the instructions – usually, I need to screw up before I’ll look for the back of the package to try and figure out what I was supposed to do in the first place. My approach to kayaking has been similar: when I first started I took some ...
• Kayaking Heaven – Well, Newfoundland, Actually
  by Mike Daly Imagine kayaking in a place where you see no other kayakers, no powerboats, no jet skis, no snakes, no raccoons or skunks. A place where you do see whales, bald eagles, icebergs and bergy bits, soaring rock cliffs, sea stacks and sea caves. Notre Dame Bay in Newfoundland fits the bill. Amie and I ...
• Rocks and Pines
  GLSKA’S MICHIPICOTEN ISLAND TRIP by Johanna Wandell It isn’t likely that you’ll find Pukaskwa pits on Michipicoten Island, nor will you see pictographs. It wasn’t a place the Ojibwe frequented, not only because of its remoteness (the nearest point on the mainland is over 16 kilometres away) but because it was said to be the domain of ...
• A December Paddle on Lake Huron
  by Wendy Killoran A thin layer of frost delicately laced the ground. This was after all December and I was headed to the Pinery to meet my new friend and GLSKA member, Dorothy. I was hopeful that we’d be paddling on Lake Huron itself as a moderate easterly breeze whispered hints of winter. That meant the ...
• Padding the North Channel
  by Donna Griffin-Smith September 11, 2001 will remain in my memory as a day of startling contrasts. It started off on an emotional high. For us, it was calm, clear and sunny at 7 a.m., the beginning of a perfect paddling day and the final day of our trip in the North Channel. It ended with ...
• Victoria Jason’s Dream
  Teresa Davey & Phil Hossack Victoria Jason had a dream, one she saw come to life. The Winnipeg grandmother was the first woman to kayak the Northwest Passage starting in the summer of 1991, and completing her odyssey alone in 1994. Her award winning first book Kabloona in the Yellow Kayak [Reviewed in the Winter 1997 issue of ...
• Kayaking Lake Superior’s Mysterious Michipicoten Island
  David Whyte Michipicoten Island lies in the northeast corner of Lake Superior, approximately 67 kilometres west of Wawa and about 14 kilometres south of an uninhabited stretch of Lake Superior’s north coast. The island has a total circumference of about 65 kilometres, excluding bays and inlets. It contains approximately 30 remote lakes, and is both rugged ...
• South Baymouth to Key River
  by Bob Knapp I wasn’t used to carrying three sea kayaks on my car, but since we only had to drive from Owen Sound to Tobermory, we tied them on and headed north. The plan was to catch the ferry from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island on Monday morning and somehow, between fellow kayaker Ron and I, ...
• Sea Kayaking on Lake Erie
    by Wendy Killoran Awakening before the sun at 3:55 a.m., I bleary-eyed prepared myself in darkness to start a paddling adventure, an attempt to cross Lake Erie, via Point Pelee, Pelee Island, Middle Island, Kelleys Island (Ohio) and on to Cedar Point and Sandusky, Ohio. I drove quiet roads, normally brimming with traffic, to Komoka to ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Stokes Bay to Cape Hurd
  by Doug Cunningham The Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula slopes gently toward the west and cradles warm, almost bathtub-like waters, which are punctuated now and then by smooth sand beaches. Great for swimming or practising your Eskimo roll. Some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Great Lakes can be viewed from the western ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Barrow Bay to Cape Croker
  by Doug Cunningham This section of the Bruce Peninsula offers sheltered paddling within Hope Bay and Sydney Bay and many opportunities to explore Escarpment geology along the Bruce Trail above these Bays. The total distance from Barrow Bay to the Cape Croker Indian Park is about 25 kilometres, if you follow the indented coastline of Hope ...
• Cape Chin to Lion’s Head
  We launch our precious vessels Each a distinct lovely sculpture Like Oriental vases crafted as kayaks We are a motley crew of gender and origin United in the pursuit of joy and peace in paddling Belgian, Canadian, American and Brit A flotilla in search of the perfect day On the right the unfolding vista of pulsating greens and blues of shoreline water ...
• Killarney to Hartley Bay
  by Daniel K. Jenkins Well this is a first for me so don’t be too hard on me. I feel like I’m in grade school and doing a “What I did on my summer vacation” report. Having only been on a few day trips, the Rendezvous and one extended trip with one other member it ...
• The Lure of Labrador
  by Wendy Killoran Labrador is a land of superlatives. It is a land that truly can awaken your heart and soul as the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism slogan promotes. Its stark beauty betrays the hard realities that hardy individuals endure in this land of vast natural splendor. I’d come to Labrador to paddle with whales and ...
• Colpoy’s Bay Islands
  by Doug Cunningham Spectacular vistas await the paddler as he circumnavigates White Cloud Island in Colpoy’s Bay: majestic bluffs, blue water, forested islands and cobblestone beaches. To the north are Cape Croker’s Malcolm Bluff and King’s Point Bluff, to the south lie Skinner’s Bluff and Ester’s Bluff of the Colpoy’s Range of the Escarpment, and to ...
• Seven Days in Quebec
  by Hart Haessler PART 1: THE MATAGAMI EXPEDITION There are big lakes out there and I’ve never seen them. This was Sam’s characteristic explanation for choosing the Matagami area of Quebec for his August 2000 GLSKA trip. He had written to the development officer of Matagami for information. In essence this was the reply: “The area is ...
• Beausoleil Island: The “Bear” Facts
  by Glenn Davy In an attempt to duplicate last Autumn’s outstanding trip to Beausoleil (located near Honey Harbour, Ontario), I decided to run the same basic trip this Spring. I was actually hoping for cool weather since this would be only one weekend removed from the long weekend, and the hordes of power boaters that invade ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Cabot Head to Lion’s Head
  by Doug Cunningham The east coast of the Bruce Peninsula offers a number of paddling options, from short day trips to an extended 35 kilometre paddle covering the entire distance from Cabot Head to Lion’s Head. Spectacular dolomite cliffs, a mainland flowerpot formation, an escarpment waterfall, cobblestone beaches, and relatively wilderness paddling await the kayaker along ...
• Dancing High and Low
  Tim Dyer High and low brace turns are my most favourite things to do in a kayak. Powerful, quietly carving, they have the potential to impress almost anyone, including your favourite person. Sea kayakers often get these turns confused with their whitewater cousins and the results are awkward, straining strokes ending in a hail of froth ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Northeast Coast
  by Doug Cunningham The northeast coast is without a doubt the most spectacular part of the Bruce Peninsula. The rugged escarpment cliffs combine with the crystalline clear blue waters of Georgian Bay and the off-shore islands of the Fathom Five National Marine Park to create scenic vistas that are unrivaled anywhere. The trip from Dunks Bay ...
• Of Ghosts and Airborne Galleons
  by Glenn Davy Autumn is an irresistible time of the year for me, with all its unpredictability in terms of weather, the colours, and the chill of the mornings and warmth of the afternoons. As it turns out, Tom Newton dropped me a line regarding my October trip and we were on. We decided to base ...
• Fishing Islands
  by Doug Cunningham Eagle’s nest in the Fishing Islands. Imagine exploring an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands located no more than 3 kilometres from the western shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula. The Fishing Islands offer just such an experience. The trip through the islands from Oliphant to Red Bay or Howdenvale can vary in length from ...
• Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve
  by Doug Cunningham The trip along the Georgian Bay shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula from Lion’s Head to Barrow Bay is approximately 12 kilometres in length. One should allow the better part of a day to enjoy it as a day-trip, or could make it a leisurely two-day trip by camping at McKay’s Harbour where an ...
• St. Kitts With A Boat In My Bag
  by Warren Williams This article outlines some of the practical aspects of taking a folding kayak on the sort of vacation many of us make, or hope to make, rather than an extensive kayak trip over perhaps many weeks or months. For this type of trip see A Boat in our Baggage – Around the World ...
• Circumnavigation of Lyal Island
  by Doug Cunningham The somewhat protected waters of Stokes Bay and Myles Bay on the west side of the Bruce Peninsula provide an excellent area for a single-day loop-trip. The trip is approximately 12 kilometres in length and requires about 4 hours of leisurely paddling not including sightseeing stops or refreshment breaks. Ten islands dot these two ...
• Circumnavigation of Cove Island
  by Doug Cunningham This trip can be done either as a 20 kilometre round trip, (which would include the circumnavigation of Cove Island), or a shorter day-trip involving visits to the island’s picturesque west coast, or as one component of a multi-day excursion involving camping on Flowerpot Island. This special 20 kilometre tour of Cove Island, the ...
• Fathom Five National Park
  This park, located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, is the perfect location for a multi-day trip where the paddler can explore the many islands making up the park from a base camp on Flowerpot island, the only location in the park where camping is permitted. Shorter day-trips involving visits to any of the ...
• Kite Sailing
  by Sandy Richardson Parafoil kites are great toys and make wonderful sails for kayaks. Wind fills the open cells in the kite, creating a wing that gives remarkable pulling power. When not in use, the kite, made entirely of fabric, fits neatly into a small stuff sack that, along with the string and winder, fits neatly ...
• Kayaking from the Belchers to Great Whale River
  Told by Ali Apaqquq to Moses Naukaguaq who made this translation. In the summer of 1943, we went on a kayak trip – myself, Davidee Kavik and two other younger men named Mususiapik and Makusi.I was born in the spring of 1916. People (from the Belcher Islands) used to go to Great Whale River in the ...
• Adventures in Pukaskwa
  Dorothy McLaughlin PART I: LET THE HIKERS FEED THE BEARS The spring of ’97 was a very late spring and a very poor spring for bear food. A young black bear and two older bears were forced to wander the Pukaskwa hiking trails searching for people food. The young bear came near a beach where our group ...
• A Lesson in Humility
  (OR ROLLING WITH ROLLY) by Rick Wise Early spring is a time to beware. Warm weather, cold water and overconfidence can make for a dangerous combination. I learned that lesson the hard way and it was a humbling experience. A guy who makes his living taking care of, and training others in the out-of-doors is not supposed ...
• Solo on Lake Superior Part Two – Silver Islet to Michipicoten Harbour
  or Saunas, Safe Havens and other Beautiful Places of the Superior North Shore by Mary Jo Cullen Missing out on the glorious mild weather of last May, it wasn’t until the end of the first week in June that I finally was ready to launch my baidarka into the clear, cold waters of Lake Superior at the ...
• A Superior Adventure
  by Donna Griffin-Smith Usually a paddling trip involves much advance planning, but our “Superior Adventure” last summer, from the first “Would you like to…?” to the final “I think we’re ready!”, was two weeks of frantic planning and packing. Martha, Vicki, Catherine and myself were all experienced trippers, but we had not paddled together as a group ...
• Lake Ontario Tour – Fair Haven to Oswego
  by Harry Weidman The lake temperature was 59 degrees F, the air 55°, wind was 15-20 knots from the northwest with gusts, waves were running 4-6 feet with a few whitecaps near shore, small craft warnings were in effect. Four paddlers met at Fair Haven State Park to contemplate the lake conditions before continuing their quest of ...
• Land of the Long White Cloud Part Two – Kayaking on New Zealand’s South Island
    Doug Hamilton In the first article, I chronicled the kayaking adventures of Teresa, my wife, and myself while vacationing on New Zealand’s North Island. In part two, I will provide the highlights of our kayaking experiences on the South Island. On this leg of our New Zealand adventure, we continued splitting our time between cycling, hiking, ...
• The Richard Dunning Trips
  by Stephen Threlkeld (A frequent participant) Last year it was the Richard Dunning Trip, but some years it is the Richard and Elizabeth Dunning Trip. To me these are special trips in a number of ways. They are always in a beautiful location; last year it was the French River; this year it will be Temagami. They ...
• Instant Weather
  John Winters Quick, what are the eight signs that the weather is going to deteriorate? If you don’t know them you may be asking for trouble. The vast majority of sea kayaking accidents are the result of paddlers being caught in bad weather for which they were unprepared or lacked skills to handle. Fortunately most can be ...
• Land of the Long White Cloud Part One – Kayaking on New Zealand’s North Island
  Doug Hamilton It really is New Zealand’s fault that I’m now seemingly obsessed with sea kayaking. After all, it was the place where my wife, Teresa, and I had originally discovered the wonders of the sport. Three years ago, we punctuated our month-long bike trip across New Zealand with two short kayak trips; one in the ...
• Paddle Signals for Sea Kayakers
  An International Attempt To Find A Set Of Standard Arm And Sound Signals For Sea Kayakers by Urdo Beier When you go on a sea kayakinq tour all members of a group should stay within voice communication of each other. But is this possible? You can not always talk at normal conversation volume due to wind and wave ...
• The Last Inuit Kayak in Baker Lake
  by Mark Taylor The kayak is stored in the crawl space under a house in Baker Lake NWT . I found out about it from a chance conversation with Fred Ford, a young man who lives in Baker and who has taken a great interest in Inuit history. His father bought the kayak from ­the ...
• The Last Inuit Kayak in Baker Lake
  by Mark Taylor The kayak is stored in the crawl space under a house in Baker Lake NWT . I found out about it from a chance conversation with Fred Ford, a young man who lives in Baker and who has taken a great interest in Inuit history. His father bought the kayak from ­the ...
• Hunt for the red-necked grebe
  by Stephen Threlkeld In memory of Stephen Threlkeld some of his trip reports will be reprinted in 2014. This one originally appeared in the Summer 1991 issue of Qayaq. To arrive at Fred Binding’s cottage after weeks of winter in the city is literally to be transformed. The cottage is on the very edge of Georgian Bay, ...
• Long Point
  Article: Robert Aucoin Photographs: Sandy Richardson The following report of a GLSKA trip held in July 1990 originally appeared in the Autumn 1990 (Vol. 2, No. 3) issue of Qayaq. It is another in a series of articles from our first quarter century that we are reprinting as GLSKA marks its 25th anniversary. Robert Aucoin was ...
• Kayaking Ellesmere Island
  by Jim Coles The following article originally appeared in the Spring 1990 (Vol. 2, No. 1) issue of Qayaq. It is another in a series of articles from our first quarter century that we are reprinting as GLSKA marks its 25th anniversary. This was the first article that featured original pen and ink artwork; something that ...
• How long can you tread water?
  Richard Dunning This article appeared in QAJAQ Volume 1, Number 3, Autumn 1989  
• Kayaking the Bruce Peninsula’s North Shore
  This article originally appeared in QAJAQ Volume 1, Number 1, Spring 1989

Upcoming Events

• Rendezvous 2025 – June 6-8
  Join us from June 6-8 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2025
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Spring is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• 2024 Annual General Meeting
  WHEN: Saturday November 16th, 10:30 – 3:30 pm WHERE: Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room 40 Stavebank Road North. Port Credit, Mississauga Tel: 905-615-4830 The planned agenda is as follows: 10:30 – 11:30 am Social Time 11:30 – 12:00 pm Social Time continues with Pizza and soft drinks 12:00 – 1:00 pm Key Note Speaker **Al Pace of Canoe North Adventures** 1:15 – 3:15 pm Business portion of ...
• Rendezvous 2024 – Photo Gallery
• Rendezvous 2024 – June 7-9
  Join us from June 7-9 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2024
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Winter is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• 2023 Annual General Meeting and presentation
  The Annual General Meeting will be held in-person. WHEN: Sunday November 19th,  4:30 pm to 9:00pm WHERE: Clarkson Community Centre, Margaret Marland Room 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga The planned agenda is as follows: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Social Time and Pizza 6:00 – 7:00 pm Key Note Speaker – Barry Butcher 7:00 – 9:00 pm Business portion of meeting Volunteers are needed for the meeting for the following ...

• 2023 Annual General Meeting and presentation
  The Annual General Meeting will be held in-person. WHEN: Sunday November 19th,  4:30 pm to 9:00pm WHERE: Clarkson Community Centre, Margaret Marland Room 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga The planned agenda is as follows: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Social Time and Pizza 6:00 – 7:00 pm Key Note Speaker – Barry Butcher 7:00 – 9:00 pm Business portion of meeting Volunteers are needed for the meeting for the following ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2024
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Winter is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• Rendezvous 2024 – June 7-9
  Join us from June 7-9 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Rendezvous 2024 – Photo Gallery
• 2024 Annual General Meeting
  WHEN: Saturday November 16th, 10:30 – 3:30 pm WHERE: Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room 40 Stavebank Road North. Port Credit, Mississauga Tel: 905-615-4830 The planned agenda is as follows: 10:30 – 11:30 am Social Time 11:30 – 12:00 pm Social Time continues with Pizza and soft drinks 12:00 – 1:00 pm Key Note Speaker **Al Pace of Canoe North Adventures** 1:15 – 3:15 pm Business portion of ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2025
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Spring is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• Rendezvous 2025 – June 6-8
  Join us from June 6-8 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...

• PANDEMIC PADDLING – LET’S KEEP IT SAFE
  The health experts tell us that, even with the high level of vaccination achieved in Ontario and other parts of Canada, we will still need to take precautions against the spread of covid-19 well into 2021. Members planning trips and paddles should therefore consider having their trip applicants complete a Covid-19 Screening questionnaire – this ...
• Going on a GLSKA Trip?
  This information is intended primarily for club members who have promised themselves that they will go on their first GLSKA member-organized trip. I have assumed that you may be fairly new to kayaking, and so have little or no experience of camping out of a kayak. To help, I have included some general information and ...
• Lady Evelyn Lake – Temagami – August 10-16, 2025 (TRIP IS FULL)
  Lady Evelyn Lake / Maple Mountain / Diamond Lake
• Massasauga Provincial Park – Georgian Bay – June 20-24, 2025
  Massasauga Provincial Park
• Rendezvous 2025 – June 6-8
  Join us from June 6-8 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park, Lake Superior – June 20-29, 2025
  Lake Superior Provincial Park, Lake Superior
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2025
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Spring is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan – July 20-26, 2025
  Beaver Island Archipelago – Lake Michigan
• Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound / Georgian Bay – May 23-26, 2025 (TRIP IS FULL)
  Killbear Provincial Park
• Grand River – Fall Colours Kayaking – October 20, 2024
  Big Creek (Caledonia) – Grand River
• 2024 Annual General Meeting
  WHEN: Saturday November 16th, 10:30 – 3:30 pm WHERE: Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room 40 Stavebank Road North. Port Credit, Mississauga Tel: 905-615-4830 The planned agenda is as follows: 10:30 – 11:30 am Social Time 11:30 – 12:00 pm Social Time continues with Pizza and soft drinks 12:00 – 1:00 pm Key Note Speaker **Al Pace of Canoe North Adventures** 1:15 – 3:15 pm Business portion of ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay – September 2-3, 2024
  Skills and Rolling clinic: The water should still be warm, which makes it easier to practice skills where you are purposely getting wet. We will meet in the afternoon of Mon. Sept. 2nd and during the day of Tues. Sept. 3rd for peer support; spotting each other as we work on a variety of skills. Skills worked ...
• Dillon to McCoys – Georgian Bay – July 15-18, 2024
  Trip Description: We will launch from Dillon Cove Marina at 1pm on Mon 15th and paddle (12K) to big McCoy to set up base camp for exploration trips in the area, such as down to Mink Islands, Limstone Island or across to Hertzberg Island/French’s bay, depending on weather and conditions. We leave midday Thurs 18th to ...
• Killarney – Georgian Bay – August 19-23, 2024
  Trip Description: Launch on Mon 22nd August at 12 noon from Chikanishing Creek and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2 hours of paddling. Will set up a base camp for the 4 nights (and/or switch sites if there’s consensus on a better site discovered) and explore the islands between Killarney and ...
• Rendezvous 2024 – Photo Gallery
• Franklin Island to Cathcart Island – Georgian Bay – July 8-12, 2024
  Trip Description: Day 1.  Snug harbour  –  Franklin Isl.   setting tents and short trip around Franklin Day 2. Circumnavigate Franklin Day 3. Franklin – Snake – Cathcart to Camp Day 4. Cathcart – Batteau – Sandy – Cathcart Day 5. Cathcart – Pancake – Snug harbour Notes: Itenary may vary with weather and campsite availability. We will be paddling up to 20 km/day, ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay: August 12 – 16, 2024
  Trip Description: Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Monday, August 12 to purchase your vehicle parking pass at the Park office. We will launch from Chikanishing Creek and search for a base camp. The area’s increase in popularity may require us to paddle some distance to find an appropriate campsite. ...
• Killarney-Bustard Islands – Georgian Bay: August 6 – 12, 2024
  Trip Description: Launch on Tuesday 6 August from Chikanishing Creek parking lot at 1:00PM and set up camp for one night east of the Fox Islands. Parking fees for the duration need to be paid to staff at Killarney Provincial Park. The distance from Chikanishing Creek to the first nights campsite will be at most 10 ...
• Rendezvous 2024 – June 7-9
  Join us from June 7-9 for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park.  We are returning to Killbear for another year to build upon our kayaking knowledge and skills and expand our circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Rendezvous Program Our Rendezvous program will include a variety of workshops and skill sessions both on the water ...
• Lady Evelyn Lake / Maple Mountain / Lake Temagami – August 11 – 17, 2024
  Trip Description: Day 1: Launch at Mowat Landing on Montreal River on 11 August at 11am and paddle south on Lady Evelyn River then west into Lady Evelyn Lake, find a suitable camp spot (20-25K) Please note: There is a 270M portage approx. 1.2K after the launch. A boat shuttle is available for a fee ($15/boat in ...
• Snake-Big McCoy-Shawanaga – Georgian Bay: July 18-21, 2024
  Trip Description: Launch on Thursday 18 July from Snug Harbour and set up camp for one night on Snake Island. You can arrive anytime but should leave Snug Harbour by 7:00 PM to ensure you have sufficient daylight to make the crossing to Snake Island by 9:00PM. I will escort a group from Snug Harbour to ...
• Massasauga Provincial Park – Georgian Bay: May 3-5, 2024
  Trip Description: Easing into the season, two night base camp with option to extend to the 3rd night. Hoping to have two campsites close to each other, 10 km from car parking. Paddling 20 km/day. Exploring around Moon Island may be exposed to Georgian Bay winds and 1 metre waves, 2 KM crossings in sheltered areas ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound – Georgian Bay: May 24-27, 2024
  Trip Description: Meet outside the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 24. Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear PP combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with the rock ridges and pines of the ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2024
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Winter is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• Wawa to Neys Provincial Park (incl Pukaskwa NP) – Lake Superior: July 21 – August 4, 2024
  Trip Description: Starting out at Naturally Superior Adventures on the morning of July 21, we will travel north- west, exploring the coastline that has inspired many artists, voyageurs and explorers through the Superior Highlands, Pukaskwa National Park and onto Pic Island off Neys Provincial Park. Upon arrival to Prisoner’s Cove at Neys Provincial Park, we will ...
• 2023 Annual General Meeting and presentation
  The Annual General Meeting will be held in-person. WHEN: Sunday November 19th,  4:30 pm to 9:00pm WHERE: Clarkson Community Centre, Margaret Marland Room 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga The planned agenda is as follows: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Social Time and Pizza 6:00 – 7:00 pm Key Note Speaker – Barry Butcher 7:00 – 9:00 pm Business portion of meeting Volunteers are needed for the meeting for the following ...
• Georgian Bay – Philip Edward Island: September 4-7, 2023
  Trip Description: Departing from Chikanishing Creek, we will explore the islands of the area and plan to camp at a number of different sites. Please note: Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues. Best suited to people that can be on the water early, if weather determines this. Participants must be willing to paddle as a group ...
• Lady Evelyn Lake / Maple Mountain / Lake Temagami: August 14-20, 2023
  Trip Description: Day 1: Launch at Mowat Landing on Montreal River on 14 August at 11am and paddle south on Lady Evelyn River. There is a 270M portage about 1.2KM after the launch. Travel west into Lady Evelyn Lake to find a suitable camp spot (20-25K) Day 2: Continue on Lady Evelyn Lake to Lady Evelyn PP ...
• Georgian Bay – Killarney: August 14-17, 2023
  Trip Description: We will launch on Monday 14th August at 12 noon from the town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. We will set up a base camp for the 3 nights and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. Please note: This trip ...
• Georgian Bay – Dillon to McCoys: July 10-13, 2023
  Trip Description: We will launch from Dillon Cove Marina at 1 pm on Monday, July 10th and paddle (12K) to big McCoy to set up base camp for exploration trips in the area, such as down to Mink Islands, Limestone Island or across to Hertzberg Island/French’s bay, depending on weather and conditions. We leave midday on Thursday, July 13th ...
• Britt, Churchill Island, French River Delta – Georgian Bay: July 3-7, 2023
  Trip Description: Britt to French River delta, and back. Daily distance paddled under 20 km/day, but participants should be able to paddle longer distances as conditions require (weather, poor availability of campsites). Paddle in waves up to 1 M. If conditions do not permit long open crossings, we may base camp & explore the Churchill Island, ...
• Rendezvous 2023 – June 9-11
  REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED Event Location Join us for GLSKA’s Annual Rendezvous at Killbear Provincial Park June 9-11.  Build upon your kayaking knowledge and skills and expand your circle of kayaking friends for future adventures. Killbear Provincial Park is located north of Parry Island.  Pre-Covid, our Rendezvous were held at the Wasauksing Marina & Campground at Oak ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park area – Lake Superior: July 23-31, 2023
  Trip Description: We will meet at 4 pm on Sunday July 23 at the Rock Island Lodge, near Wawa, Ontario, and set up our tents in Naturally Superior Adventures camping area near the shore. We will dine together in the Lodge dining room and review our trip plans. Early the next morning, Monday, July 24, Naturally ...
• Massasauga Provincial Park – Georgian Bay: June 16-19, 2023
  Trip Description: Meet at 11am on June 16 for a noon launch from Pete’s Place in the Massasauga Provincial Park. After launching we will paddle about 10 km to Sharp Island where we will set up our base camp. Trip ends at Pete’s Place early in the afternoon on the 19th. Distance paddled each day will ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound – Georgian Bay: May 26-29, 2023
  Trip Description: Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 26. Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear PP combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with the rock ridges and pines of the ...
• Bayfield Inlet to Deep Bay, Carling – Georgian Bay: June 25-29, 2023
  Trip Description: Day 1: Launch at Bayfield Inlet Government Dock on Sunday, 25 June at 10am. After launching we will paddle about 25K towards Pointe au Baril and then south to find a camp spot on Hertzberg Island for the first night. Day 2: Short paddle to Big McCoy Island to camp there for two nights (7K) Day ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay: May 19-22, 2023
  Meeting Location / Time: Snug Habour, TBD Trip Organizer: John Fitzsimons (Fitzj13@gmail.com) Launch on 19 May from Snug Harbour and set up camp for three nights on Franklin Island at designated camp area. You can arrive anytime but should leave Snug Harbour by 7:00 PM to ensure you have sufficient daylight to make the crossing by 8:50 PM. The ...
• Pool Sessions in Barrie, Toronto & Burlington/Oakville in 2023
  Hello Paddlers; Do you miss spending time in your kayak? Winter is the ideal time to practice your rescues and develop your skills in a warm, safe environment. Join us in the comfort of an indoor pool to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls. You can work on your own or in ...
• 2022 Annual General Meeting and presentation by Adventure Canada
  The Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on November 22, 2022 via Zoom. There will be a presentation by Adventure Canada this year. Adventure Canada offers various guided small ship tours to points such as the Arctic, Europe, and Antarctica to name only a few. More information on their trips can be found at adventurecanada.com. Topic: ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound / Georgian Bay: September 5-6, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Killbear Provincial Park, Lighthouse campground Trip Organizer: Dorothy Van Esbroeck (kayak@cyg.net) The water should still be warm at this time of the year, which makes it easier to practice skills where you will be getting wet. I will be camping at Killbear Provincial Park in Lighthouse campground. We will meet in the afternoon Sept. 5th and ...
• Mink & McCoy Islands – Georgian Bay: September 9-13, 2022
  Trip Description: Meet on Friday, September 9th at 12:00 pm at the Dillon community dock. We will paddle to Big McCoy, find a suitable campsite and set up a base camp. Saturday, Sunday and Monday we will explore the chain of Mink Islands as well as Hertzberg and Shawanaga Islands. We will return to Dillon Tuesday ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay: June 27-29, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Snug Habour; TBD Trip Organizer: Dorothy Van Esbroeck (kayak@cyg.net) Departing from Snug Harbour we will explore the shoreline of Franklin Island. Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues. Participants must be willing to paddle as a group and have a map. There may be breaks for photography or practicing skills. Please note: Participants are responsible ...
• Killarney to Britt – Georgian Bay: July 4-10, 2022
  We will meet at Rocher Rouge Campground in Killarney on Monday, July 4th where we will stay the night. Early Tuesday Morning, we will drive to the public launch in Killarney, off-load kayaks and gear and be on our way. Tuesday evening, we will camp in the Phillip Edward Island area. For the remainder of ...
• Killbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound / Georgian Bay: May 27-30, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 27 Trip Organizers: Victoria Best (victoriaahb@yahoo.ca); Dave Morningstar (dave.amstar@hotmail.com) Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area.  Killbear PP combines sandy beaches typical of the Great Lakes with ...
• Bayfield Inlet to Key River – Georgian Bay: May 26-30, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Bayfield Inlet, May 26 – Details TBD Trip Organizer: Wolfram Esser (wolframesser@gmail.com) & Rob Wright We’ll meet on Thursday evening to camp out at Rob’s cottage at Bayfield Inlet. On Friday morning we’ll set out to paddle up the coast. Over the next three days we’ll make our way up to the mouth of the ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay: June 12-16, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: George Lake entrance, Killarney PP Noon, June 12 Trip Organizer: Jim DiLellio (jim.dilellio@hotmail.com) Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Sunday June 12. We will launch from Chikanishing Creek. Base camping is planned, but participants should also be prepared to move camp if required. Over the following days we will explore the ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay: July 7-11, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Chikanishing Creek; TBD Trip Organizer: Dorothy Van Esbroeck (kayak@cyg.net) Departing from Chikanishing Creek, we will explore the islands of the area and hope to camp in a number of different sites if available. Participants must be capable of self and assisted rescues. Best suited to people that can be on the water early, if weather determines ...
• GLSKA Pool Sessions: Oakville, April 9 & 23
  This is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques, and try the finer paddling tricks in a warm, safe environment.  You can work on your own or in small groups to improve your stroke, edging, bracing, wet exits and re-entries, or rolls.  Some instruction, assistance and coaching may be provided by GLSKA members. Dates & times for ...
• Killarney to Deep Bay, Carling – Georgian Bay: June 12-18, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Chikanishing Creek Launch at 11am on Sunday, 12 June Trip Organizer: Sam Wyss (sonsamw@gmail.com) Description Launch at Chikanishing Creek on Sunday, 12 June at 11am. After launching we will paddle east for approximately 20K to find a suitable camp spot for the first night. The following days we will follow the shore line towards the French River ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay: May 20-23, 2022
  Meeting Location / Time: Snug Harbour,  Franklin Island (See description for details) Trip Organizers: John Fitzsimons   (Fitzj13@gmail.com) Launch on 20 May from Snug Harbour and set up camp for three nights on Franklin Island at designated camp area. You can arrive anytime but should leave Snug Harbour by 7:00PM to ensure you have sufficient daylight to make the crossing ...
• McCoy Islands – Georgian Bay: June 3-5, 2022
  Meeting Location / Launch Time: Dillon Cove Marina; 4:00pm on 3-June-2022 At the boat launch, please unload promptly and remove your vehicle from the launch area as soon as possible. Trip Organizer: Melissa Hachkowski & her sidekick Mica  (somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com) I do paddle with my 16 lbs pooch. Parking at Dillon Cove Marina, we’ll make our way out to the McCoy Islands ...
• Rossport to Silver Islet – Lake Superior: 22-30 July, 2022
  Paddling through the many island chains of western Lake Superior’s National Marine Conservation area is a trip not to be missed.  Secluded and remote, you will be self-sufficient for gear, food and supplies, yet get the company of a few like minded paddlers to explore this rare bit of wilderness tranquility.  Having paddled this section ...
• GLSKA Pool Sessions April 2, 9 & 23, 2022: Toronto
  Paddling season will soon be upon us and GLSKA is again offering pool sessions for those who would like to refresh their muscle-memory.  Pool sessions will be held again this year in Toronto.  This is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques, and try the finer paddling tricks in a warm, safe environment.  You can work ...
• Nova Scotia Skills Trip, June 11-15, 2022
  As we move into a new year, I have felt it appropriate to offer up the opportunity that was cancelled last year due to COVID. Have you thought of taking your skills to the ocean but don’t know where to begin? I know that moving from the Great Lakes paddling environment to an ocean can ...
• Toronto Winter Pool Sessions (Every Sunday, February 6 – March 27, 2022)
  Dates:                    Every Sunday; From February 6 – March 27, 2022 on a ‘pick-your-date’ basis (see below) Time:                     4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Location:              Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre, 5100 Yonge Street, North York, ON, ...
• 2021 Annual General Meeting – Includes a presentation by Canoe North Adventures
  On Monday November 22, GLSKA will hold its AGM meeting via Zoom.  An agenda will follow prior to meeting.  The meeting is open to all members but it would be more productive if you email me directly (gardave@sympatico.ca) indicating your interest in participating.  In that way my email of access to the meeting can be ...
• 2021 Annual General Meeting On-Line
  The 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held online on November 22. The meeting is open to all club members. Please check your email for details sent to members on 25th October. You will receive the Agenda before the meeting. If you are planning to attend please send me an email. This will allow me ...
• South West Lake Nipissing and East French River, September 8 – 13, 2021
  Over the course of this six-day trip, we will explore sections of the southwest shore of Lake Nipissing and the East French River Provincial Park. The French River was part of the major fur-trading route between Montreal and the Great Lakes for nearly two hundred years and is part of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park Sept. 11 – 18, 2021
  This is considered a fall trip in the north, so it is likely that wind and weather will make it challenging. It is rated C4 due the possibility of dealing with 2m waves, long crossings in the fog and long paddling days (35km) when necessary. Participants should expect a required session before the trip to practise ...
• Georgian Bay – North Channel, August 16 – 21, 2021
  This is a traveling exploratory trip from Little Current to the Bay of Islands, the south shore of the La Cloche Ridge Conservation Reserve, the Benjamins, and various other islands in the North Channel.  Meet at Spider Bay Marina in Little Current on Manitoulin Island at 11 am Monday August 16 to purchase your vehicle parking pass and ...
• Franklin Island – Georgian Bay, July 14-16, 2021
  A chance to get back on the water, explore and time for practising skills such as bracing and rolling as well as navigation such as hand railing. Launch from Snug Harbour. Parking is available at Gilly’s. COVID protocols will be in effect and all participants will need to bring a current screening document. Preference given to those fully ...
• Naiscoot River area of Georgian Bay, 29 July to August 1, 2021
  Launching from a local marina at 10am, (daily parking fee of $8/day applies), we’ll make our way out to Georgian Bay and then travel north a bit to establish a base camp for three nights that will allow us to explore the area as far north as Byng Inlet. Day trips exploring will be up ...
• Lake Superior – Rossport to Black Bay Peninsula, 22 – 29 July 2021
  Launch on Thursday, 22 July – 10am at Rossport. This trip will take us through the islands south of Rossport, along the south shores of Simpson and St. Ignace Islands, towards Black Bay Peninsula and back to Rossport. We will camp in a different location most night’s including at the CPR Spit with the possibility ...
• Philip Edward Island – Georgian Bay, June 29 – July 3, 2021
  Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Tuesday, June 29 to purchase your vehicle parking pass. We will launch from Chikanishing Creek and search for a base camp. The area’s increase in popularity may require us to paddle some distance to find an appropriate campsite. Participants should be prepared ...
• Lake Superior, Slate Islands – July 11-15, 2021
  Launch on Sunday, 11 July – 6am at Terrace Bay and head for the 10KM open water crossing to Slate Islands. The early start time is selected as typically wind conditions are calmer in the morning. We will tour the Islands over the next 4 days and camp in two locations 2-3 nights at the ...
• No Trace Camping: Enhancing Your Paddling Experience in Nature
  By: Victoria Best, Club Secretary There is much we can do to help preserve the beauty of the natural environment we all enjoy when kayaking. Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace Kayaking Plan Ahead and Prepare repackage ...
• Killarney – Georgian Bay. 19–23 August 2021
  Launch on 13 August at 11am from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. The early departure increases but does not ensure an appropriate camp site can be found in a reasonable distance at this increasingly popular area. We will set up camp for 2 ...
• Prospects for Rendezvous 2021 not good
  Hello Members We are all hoping for a better paddling season this year versus last.  While I do expect this to be the case I believe that there will still be many challenges for the upcoming spring and summer season.  Hopefully we will not be fully locked down and have much of our paddling areas off ...
• Video Post – Wet entry and roll-up
  Shot in a swimming pool the video gives us a great underwater view of the paddler getting his feet and legs back into the cockpit of his upside-down kayak prior to rolling back up. This part of the self-rescue is usually the toughest for first-timers to grasp, so our thanks go to glska member Norm ...
• Proposed Sea Kayaking Trip to Great Slave Lake East Arm, August 2021
  Trip Organizer: Sam Wyss  sonsamw@gmail.com I’m considering organizing a trip to the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and wonder if there is any interest from club members in participating. The trip would take place within the first two weeks of August 2021 starting out of Yellowknife. The following is an approximate itinerary: Day 1: Meeting Point Yellowknife ...
• Documents & Forms
  Trip Guidelines Float Plan Guidelines and suggestions for trip organizers Incident Report Risk Management Waiver GLSKA By Laws
• 2020 Annual General Meeting Held On-Line
  As we all know 2020 was a very challenging year for us all both personally and as a club.  In mid November your Board Of Directors held a Zoom meeting in lieu of a traditional AGM which, for obvious reasons, was not possible this year. The season began with lockdowns and many challenges to kayaking activities.  ...
• Eastern Georgian Bay
  Eastern Georgian Bay Franklin Island Clean-up, Georgian Bay 20 – 22 September 2019. Free Rental Kayak Available! August 15, 2019 Greenland Rolling Clinic, Tucker Lake September 22-23, 2018 EVENT FULL September 8, 2018 Killbear Provincial Park, Georgian Bay – 26 May – 28/29 May 2017 March 22, 2017 SNAKE ISLANDS OVER THE ICE June 22, 2015 Massassauga July 11-13 trip October 1, 2014 French River Kayak ...
• 2021 Nova Scotia Skills Adventure, June 5-12 (tentative) 2021
  The Sea is calling.  Have you thought of taking your skills to the ocean but don’t know where to begin?  I know that moving from the Great Lakes paddling environment to an ocean can be daunting. I have partnered with Committed 2 the Core sea kayak coaching to offer a unique opportunity to build confidence ...
• 2020 Annual General Meeting
  This is the traditional time of year that the Board of Directors would be notifying you of the time and date of our Annual General Meeting. As we all know this past year has been unlike any other. Many activities have been curtailed due to health restrictions and some of those continue today. Pool sessions ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay August 31–September 3, 2020
  Launch on Monday, August 31 at 12 noon from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up a base camp for the 3 nights and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include open water and ...
• ONE TREE ISLAND, GEORGIAN BAY JULY 16–21, 2020
  We stopped on Hen Island this June for lunch and saw wind turbines in the distance around Henvey Inlet.  I have paddled the North Georgian Bay shoreline and islands area several times and think it is the best section of the Bay for camping, paddling and scenery. The plan for this trip is to make ...
• Mink-McCoy-Snake Islands, Georgian Bay 4 – 7 July, 2020
  Launch on Saturday, 4 July at 12 noon from Dillon and head to Big McCoy Island to set up camp for two nights. On Sunday, weather permitting, we will visit the Limestone Islands and return to Big McCoy for the night. On Monday we head south following the many islands to the Mink Islands, from ...
• Killarney–Georgian Bay, Thurs. 13 August – Mon. 17 August 2020
  TRIP FULL* Launch on 13th August after lunch at 2 PM from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area.  This trip will ...
• Record Water Levels in Lake Huron/Georgian Bay
  GLSKA member Peter Attfield writes … Last week (mid-June) I was kayak camping in Georgian Bay for a few days, and the water level was higher than I had ever seen. Some people I encountered claimed that the water was up a foot from last year, and one said ten feet from last year! I didn’t ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound/Georgian Bay May 22 – 25, 2020
  Organizer: Victoria Best victoriaahb@yahoo.caTrip Type: Day Trips/Base CampGLSKA CLassification:  B2 Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 22. Killbear PP will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear PP is located on Georgian Bay in ...
• Correction! Our Oakville Pool Session Still Has Places. Toronto Session is fully booked.
  This year the Toronto session has filled up quickly and Chantal now has a waiting list. The Oakville session however still has opportunities for you to get a good start on the paddling season. So if you want to polish your paddling technique, resolve your rolling or are a beginner looking for a start ...
• RENDEZVOUS 2020 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
  Ignore whatever the weather outside is up to and just think of the pleasure of of being on the Bay in June. Our annual Rendezvous will take place June 26 – 28, 2020 once again at the popular Wasauksing  Marina ( Oak Point) camping ground on Parry Island. The paddling, the food and the company will ...
• Checleset Bay trip cancelled
  Unfortunately not enough members have materialized for this trip and we have had to cancel it. The organizers are trying to make alternative arrangements: please contact us if interested. Victoria Best  victoriaahb@yahoo.ca Dave Morningstar  dave.amstar@hotmail.com    
• Qayaq – End of an Era
  The time has come for us to say farewell to the Qayaq newsletter in its traditional form.  For over 30 years, Qayaq has been the cornerstone of club communications.  In its beginning, there was no email or internet and Qayak, penned for 25 years by Sandy Richardson, was how we read articles of interest and ...
• Love Georgian Bay? Learn more about the issues facing it.
  The Georgian Bay Association (GLSKA is a member) is hosting a half-day series of speakers and workshops in Toronto this Saturday – 19th October, 2019. To learn more, visit:    https://georgianbay.ca/news/register-now-for-h20-2019
• Please join us at GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 23 November, 2019
  Our special guests at this year’s  Annual General Meeting will be a rescue team from the Peel Police Marine Unit.  Their presentation will deal with survival and rescue in cold water.  We will be meeting to review our club’s performance in the paddling year that is drawing to its close. If you are a paid-up GLSKA ...
• Skills Weekend – near Parry Sound, Sept. 21–22, 2019
  Looking to learn a roll or improve a roll? Interested in self and assisted rescues? Wanting to perfect a Greenland roll? Join me for a weekend of anything you wish to learn or improve on at a powerboat free lake. Camping provided on site for a minimal fee. Comfort station and showers provided. Potluck dinner on ...
• Franklin Island Clean-up, Georgian Bay 20 – 22 September 2019. Free Rental Kayak Available!
  This is the resurrection of GLSKA’s Fall Gathering/Clean-up weekend that used to be held every year. Evidently the need still exists and as usual will be focused on the Franklin Island area. According to White Squall this is the area in most need of cleanup and if this area can be kept reasonably clean it ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway – Lake Simcoe to Beausoleil Island, Sept. 23 – 28, 2019
  Plan to meet at McRae Provincial Park on the north-east side of Lake Simcoe. We will push off by 10:00 a.m. Monday Sept. 23. The Trent-Severn is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in Central Ontario. This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each night. Day distances will ...
• Qayaq – we need to know what you think.
  Qayaq, GLSKA’s quarterly magazine, is a valued read for many of our members, with its reports of paddles undertaken and club news. The type of content has not changed much since the first issue appeared thirty years ago in the spring of 1989, just after GLSKA got started. What has changed however is the way ...
• Britt to Bustards/French River, Georgian Bay August 18-23, 2019
  This trip will be a full exploration of the area between Britt and the Bustards / French River delta, returning to Britt. Meeting is planned for 11 am Aug 18 with launch at 12:30 pm from Ice Cream On the Rocks where launching and parking fees apply.  We will return to Ice Cream On the ...
• Britt to Bustards/French River, Georgian Bay August 18-23, 2019
  This trip will be a full exploration of the area between Britt and the Bustards / French River delta, returning to Britt. Meeting is planned for 11 am Aug 18 with launch at 12:30 pm from Ice Cream On the Rocks where launching and parking fees apply.  We will return to Ice Cream On the ...
• Big McCoy, Georgian Bay June 24 – 25, 2019
  We will meet at Rendezvous and stay at Oak Point for an extra night so that we get an early launch on Monday. Big McCoy is less than 30 km from Oak Point and includes an exposed 7 km crossing from Snake Island to the Minks. The group will need to travel at 6 km ...
• Pukaskwa National Park & Superior Highlands Area July 14 – 27, 2019
  One spot available! Pukaskwa and Superior Highlands comprise the most remote and undeveloped stretch of shoreline on the entire Great Lakes.  We will see stunning panoramic views of the coastline as we paddle past sweeping sand beaches, bold headlands and secluded coves. We will meet in Wawa on July 14 and take a van shuttle from Michipicoten ...
• Fishing Islands, Lake Huron – June 8, 2019
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula.  They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s (Unfortunately new owners do not like people visiting it.), interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, ...
• Fishing Islands, Lake Huron – June 8, 2019
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula.  They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s (Unfortunately new owners do not like people visiting it.), interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, ...
• Skills Practice Session, Lake Sunova, Lakeside May 26, 2019
  A get together to watch, practice and learn skills from each other in  relatively warm water. Sculling, rolling or rescues.  Water may still be cool, and a wet suit or drysuit may be recommended if you want to spend a lot of time in the water helping others. If you’d like to join, please send ...
• Skills Practice Session, Lake Sunova, Lakeside May 26, 2019
  A get together to watch, practice and learn skills from each other in  relatively warm water. Sculling, rolling or rescues.  Water may still be cool, and a wet suit or drysuit may be recommended if you want to spend a lot of time in the water helping others. If you’d like to join, please send ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay July 8–12, 2019 Sorry folks: trip now full!
  We will paddle to Big McCoy Island and set up camp on the afternoon of July 8.  We will explore the Mink Islands and the Islands west of big McCoy.  One of the full days on McCoy is set aside for a leisure day where individuals can relax, swim, paint, sketch, photograph, some individual/smaller group paddling ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park, July 20 to 27, 2019: Trip Full
  We will meet at Naturally Superior near Michipicoten on July 20 where we can enjoy a catered dinner and camping on the beach. Their shuttle will take us to a starting point at Sinclair Cove at the south end of the park on July 21 (at a cost of approximately $50 per person depending on ...
• Port Ryerse – Turkey Point, Lake Erie Saturday 1 June, 2019
  For a little early season tune-up, we’ll paddle from Port Ryerse up to Turkey Point for lunch on the beach, and then return to Ryerse (just under 20km).  Trip is exposed and along shore. Water will still be cold, and a wet suit or dry suit is required. If you’d like to join please send ...
• Silver Islet to Rossport, Lake Superior July 20 to 31, 2019 – Trip Now Full
  Paddling through the many island chains of western Lake Superior’s National Marine Conservation area is a trip not to be missed.  Secluded and remote, you will be self -sufficient for gear, food and supplies, yet get the company of a few like minded paddlers- to explore this rare bit of wilderness tranquility.  Having paddled this ...
• Toronto Islands, Saturday September 14, 2019
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA.  The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year.  These include cycling, hiking, kayaking, and XC-skiing.  Throughout the day we can share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and upcoming adventures.  Both clubs offer ...
• Toronto Islands, Saturday June 8, 2019
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA.  The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year.  These include cycling, hiking, kayaking, and XC-skiing.  Throughout the day we can share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and upcoming adventures.  Both clubs offer ...
• Holland River (south end of Lake Simcoe) Saturday June 15, 2019
  Sheltered, with next to no current, we’ll paddle downstream towards the mouth of the river and then return to the cars via the same route.  Landing options are very minimal as this is largely a marsh/wetland area. Trip Organizer:  Melissa Hachowski  somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com Trip Type:  Day Trip GLSKA Trip Class.   B2 (about 20 km)  guidelines Group Size:  max. 8 participants Meeting location/time:  Contact ...
• Holland River (south end of Lake Simcoe) Saturday June 15, 2019
  Sheltered, with next to no current, we’ll paddle downstream towards the mouth of the river and then return to the cars via the same route.  Landing options are very minimal as this is largely a marsh/wetland area. Trip Organizer:  Melissa Hachowski  somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com Trip Type:  Day Trip GLSKA Trip Class.   B2 (about 20 km)  guidelines Group Size:  max. 8 participants Meeting location/time:  Contact ...
• Nottawasaga River, Klondike Park, Sunday May 5, 2019
  Sheltered, the Nottawasaga River winds through old Willow trees with a very slight current.  We’ll paddle upstream about 10km and then return via the same route to the cars.  A minor launching fee applies at the parking location and is considered as a donation to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. Trip Organizer:  Melissa Hachkowski   somewhere_out_here@hotmail.com Trip Type:  ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay August 22–26, 2019
  Launch on Thursday 22 August after lunch at 2 PM from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area.  This trip will ...
• Skills Weekend – Greenland Rolling, near Parry Sound, August 17 – 18, 2019 Event Full
  Interested in Greenland rolling? Having difficulty completing a certain Greenland roll? Join me for a weekend of layback rolls, forward finishing rolls, hand rolls and throwing stick rolls at a private campground on a power boat free lake. Tent camping is optional with a minimum fee to the camp owner . Comfort station on site. Detailed information ...
• Wahwashkesh Lake, Ontario Sat. 4 May – Tues. 7 May, 2019
  This trip will be an exploratory paddle of Wahwashkesh lake, the lake is part of the Magnetawan River system.  We will travel to Bennetts marina at Bennetts Bay, Wahwashkesh Lake, put in and paddle to my brother in laws (Larry) cottage property in Holts Bay on Saturday.  There we can set up camp for three ...
• Port Dalhousie to Jordan Harbour Shipwreck 27 April, 2019 TRIP FULL
  We will launch at Lakeside Beach Park in Port Dalhousie. There is a large parking lot just behind the beach. From there we will paddle approximately 10km E down the shore line to the mouth of Jordan Harbour and check out the shipwreck. Once completed, we will retrace our path back to the cars. After ...
• Killarney – Georgian Bay 24-27 June 2019: Two Spots Now Open
  This trip was full, but due to cancellations two spots have become open.. We will launch from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French ...
• Rendezvous 2019
  Rendezvous 2019 Now Open For Registration! Come and enjoy some of the best freshwater sea kayaking in the world – right on our doorstep in Georgian Bay, June 21 – 23. IT’S BETTER IN THE BAY! Come play, paddle or just relax with GLSKA members on, in or under the waters of the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, widely considered ...
• Bay of Fundy & Nova Scotia’s South 14-29 August, 2019
  We will meet near Bangor Maine and proceed the following day to Blacks Harbour where we will take a car ferry to the remote and peaceful island of Grand Manan and Anchorage PP campground.  The Grand Manan Archipelago is geologically rugged and promises dramatic coastal kayaking, or hiking in case of persistent fog.  Finback, humpback, ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Parry Sound 24 May–27 May, 2019 Trip Now Full
  Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 25.  Killbear Provincial Park will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District near the town of Nobel.  ...
• Our Spring Pool Sessions Now Open For Enrolment
  Both sessions now fully subscribed.  Applications beyond capacity are being put on a waiting list.  Paddling season will soon be upon us and GLSKA is again offering pool sessions for those who would like to refresh their muscle-memory. Pool sessions will be held at two different locations again this year, Oakville and Toronto. This is your opportunity to ...
• On-Water Clinics with Wayne Horodowich, Port Credit June 15, 16, 2019
  GLSKA has been presented with the first option to participate in the clinics listed below. These clinics are being proposed for the weekend of Saturday and Sunday June 15 & 16th, 2019. These programs will be held in south Mississauga near Port Credit. One course will be offered per day and the cost will be ...
• New Year’s Day Paddle, Oakville Lake Ontario
  Join me for a New Year’s Day paddle to take in the Courage polar bear swim! We will put in at Bronte harbour and paddle up to the event.  Afterwards we will warm up at a local coffee shop. Please note this is a weather permitting paddle and is subject to last minute cancelation due to the ...
• Please join us at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 17th November, 2018
  Please join us at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 17 November, 2018 Our featured speaker is Steve Ruskay, an experienced trip guide and paddling instructor. Steve has some cool views on warm socks and other paddling hints. At the meeting GLSKA members can vote on resolutions, join a committee to get things done, stand for election to ...
• Greenland Rolling Clinic, Tucker Lake September 22-23, 2018 EVENT FULL
  Interested in Greenland rolling? Looking to improve or fine tune some Greenland rolls? Join me for a weekend dedicated to Greenland rolling on Tucker Lake south of Parry Sound. Participants must have all equipment or need to rent e.g. at White Squall. Proper water immersion gear is necessary as we will be spending most time in the ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay Sept. 9 – 12, 2018
  Meet on Sunday, September 9th at 11:00 at Dillon.  We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp.  Monday and Tuesday we will explore the chain of Mink Islands as well as Hertzberg and Shawanaga Islands.  We will return to Dillon Wednesday morning. Participants should be capable of a wet exit/re-entry and comfortable with wave ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay Sept. 9 – 12, 2018
  Meet on Sunday, September 9th at 11:00 at Dillon.  We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp.  Monday and Tuesday we will explore the chain of Mink Islands as well as Hertzberg and Shawanaga Islands.  We will return to Dillon Wednesday morning. Participants should be capable of a wet exit/re-entry and comfortable with wave ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway, Sunday Sept. 23 – Sunday Sept. – 30, 2018
  Plan to meet at the Trent Talbot Marina in Gamebridge on the east side of Lake Simcoe.  We will push off by 10:00am Sun. Sept 23rd. The Trent-Severn waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in central Ontario. This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each night.  Day ...
• Twelve Mile Bay to Britt, Georgian Bay, Sun. July 29 to Sat. August 4, 2018 (TRIP NOW FULL)
  This is an exploratory trip.  After shuttling vehicles, we will paddle north from 12 Mile Bay, moving camp each day, exploring the many islands on the way up to Britt, where we return to our vehicles at Ice Cream on the Rocks.  Portions of the coast are exposed.  Participants should be comfortable paddling in 1 meter waves, and ...
• One Tree & Bustards, Georgian Bay July 13-16, 2018
    We’ll launch from Ice Cream On the Rocks (launching and parking fees apply) at 11 am sharp (please arrive by 10:30).  We’ll paddle to One Tree Island for the first night. Plan is to go on to Bustards, and then back towards Key River, though plans are flexible. Expect distances ofaround 20-25 km per day ...
• Port Ryerse – Turkey Point, Lake Erie July 8, 2018
  We’ll paddle from Port Ryerse up to Turkey Point for lunch on the beach, and then return to Ryerse.  Trip is exposed and along shore. If you’d like to join please send email to organizer so that any changes can be communicated. Meeting Place & Time:  Port Ryerse 9:30 am for 10:00 am launch Trip Organizer:  Scott Innes ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay August 7-10, 2018 (TRIP NOW FULL)
  We will meet at Dillon on Tuesday August 7 for a 11:00 am launch.  We will paddle to the McCoys and set up camp. The next two days we will explore the Minks  and islands surrounding the McCoys.  We will return Friday August 10. Parking is available at Dillon Cove Marina for a fee.  At the ...
• Britt to the Bustards, Georgian Bay August 24-27, 2018
  (TRIP NOW FULL) We’ll be launching from Ice Cream On the Rocks (launching and parking fees apply) at 11 am and will head north.  Over the course of the extended weekend we’ll make our way to the Bustards and back, returning to Britt on Monday afternoon.  We will set up camp at a new site every ...
• Skills Weekend, Tucker Lake, Muskoka August 18-19, 2018
  New to kayaking? Looking to improve on some paddling skills? Wish to learn self and assisted rescues? Join me for a weekend of basic skill lessons on a sheltered lake for two leisurely days. Tent camping is available for a minimal fee. Washroom amenities and showers. Detailed information will go out to those who sign up. Trip Organizer:  ...
• Rossport to Hattie Cove including Slate Islands, Lake Superior August 10–23, 2018
  Part 1: We will explore the shoreline east of the Rossport Islands. This area is remote and is considered one of the hidden gems of the north shore. We will see steep towering cliffs, beautiful cobble beaches, absolutely fantastic and beautiful vistas. Part 2: A boat shuttle will take us 12 km off shore from the ...
• Rossport to Hattie Cove including Slate Islands, Lake Superior August 10–23, 2018
  Part 1: We will explore the shoreline east of the Rossport Islands. This area is remote and is considered one of the hidden gems of the north shore. We will see steep towering cliffs, beautiful cobble beaches, absolutely fantastic and beautiful vistas. Part 2: A boat shuttle will take us 12 km off shore from the ...
• An annual tradition! Join Sandy on the 15th annual Fishing Islands trip, June 16, 2018
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s (Unfortunately new owners do not want people visiting.), interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, terns, ...
• Pukaskwa Coast, Lake Superior July 27 – Aug 5, 2018
  We will paddle from Hattie’s Cove to Michipicoten river, moving campsites daily unless forced to remain due to unfavorable conditions.  Participants should expect cold water, waves, and surf landing/launches and have experience and practice with self and assisted rescues. Dry suit or wet suit required. Leaving on July 27, we will carpool to Michipicoten River, shuttle ...
• Phillip Edward Island, Georgian Bay June 11–15, 2018
  Meet at the George Lake entrance to Killarney Provincial Park at noon on Monday June 11 and launch from Chikanishing Creek.  Base camping is planned, but participants should also be prepared to move camp if required. Over the following days we will explore the south shore of Phillip Edward Island and the surrounding islands.  Participants should be prepared ...
• Slate Islands, Lake Superior 9 -15 July 2018 (paddling days 11-14)
  The purpose of the trip is to enjoy circumnavigating and exploring by kayak the Slate Islands, approx. 12 km SE of Terrace Bay in Lake Superior.  Superior is awesome and unpredictable, so the skills are classified at level 3 even though the group will be very cautious considering the temperature of the water. Participants will take a ...
• Toronto Islands Saturday, September 22, 2018
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Toronto Islands Saturday June 9, 2018
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Snake Island, Georgian Bay May 18 – 21, 2018
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbour on the morning of Friday May 18th at 10:00am.  Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Island National Park May 4 – 6, 2018
  We’ll be kayaking out of Honey Harbour next Friday afternoon and base camping on Beausoleil Island for the weekend with daily paddles to explore the adjacent islands.  Friday’s paddle is approximately 7km, Saturday’s paddle is variable but likely 10-15km and Sunday’s is about 20km. Wood tent platforms, outhouses, sheltered picnicking area and fire boxes are at the ...
• KIllbear Provincial Park – Parry Sound 25 to 28 May 2018
  Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 25.  Killbear Provincial Park will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District near the town of Nobel.  ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay 24 – 27 June 2018
  THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL We will launch from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling ...
• Rendezvous 2018 – Big Success: 79 Registrants!
  Register now for Rendezvous 2018! June 22 – 24 Where we meet to paddle, learn new skills, swap memories and plan the paddles to come. Rendezvous 2018 is our 25th annual meet-up (we think). What we are sure of is that great paddling and socializing are pretty well guaranteed at this event. And this year it will not ...
• GLSKA POOL SESSIONS NOW ONGOING
  Paddling season will soon be upon us and GLSKA is again offering pool sessions for those who would like to refresh their muscle-memory. Pool sessions are being held at two locations this year, Burlington and Toronto. This is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques, and try the finer paddling tricks in a warm, safe environment. You can ...
• Our 2017 Annual General Meeting
  There had been concerns that this year’s Annual General Meeting, set for the afternoon of November 11th – Remembrance Day – might conflict with family arrangements, but that turned out not to be the case: twenty eight members (including the board) and two guests were present, a much bigger turn-out than those we have seen ...
• BEAUSOLEIL ISLAND (GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK) 29 Sept – 1 Oct, 2017
  We will launch at 10 am on September 29th from the public dock adjacent to the Honey Harbour Library.  Parking will be at a private residence across the street about 3 houses away for approx. $10 per day. We will camp at Honeymoon Bay, there are good campsites with picnic shelter, covered fireplace, outhouse and access ...
• MINK & McCOY ISLANDS with SNAKE ISLAND, GEORGIAN BAY 22-24 Sept. 2017
  We will depart from Snug Harbour Friday evening and make our way to the first campsite approximately 4 km off shore.  Travelling north on Saturday, we’ll explore the shoals and islands of the Mink & McCoy Island chains as we share in stories of the past summer’s adventures and come up with the ‘list’ for next summer.  ...
• Toronto Islands 9 September, 2017
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Proposed transfer of Philip Edward Island ignores interests of kayakers, campers and residents, says past president of Georgian Bay Association
  The proposed settlement of the claim by the Wiikwemkoong for compensation for the loss of Fitzwilliam Island, their traditional land, is badly flawed and will result in “very significant and adverse ecological and social impacts on the current users of this area”. This is the conclusion reached by John McMullen, past president of the Georgian ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway Sept. 23 to Sept. 30, 2017. Trip Now Full
  Plan to meet at Lock 20 in Peterborough in early afternoon of Sept 23 to arrange lock-age for the week, set up camp and shuttle vehicles to the end point in Brighton, ON. We will push off from lock 20 early on the 24th.  The Trent-Severn Waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers ...
• BRITT to The BUSTARDS, FRENCH RIVER, GEORGIAN BAY September 11-16, 2017
  This trip will be a full exploration of the area between Britt and the Bustards / French River delta, returning to Britt. Meeting is planned for 11 am Sept. 11 with launch at 12:30 pm from Ice Cream On the Rocks where launching and parking fees apply. We will return to Ice Cream On the Rocks ...
• PORT RYERSE – TURKEY POINT LAKE ERIE, DAY PADDLE, Tuesday Aug. 1, 2017
  Paddle from Port Ryerse to Turkey Point for lunch, and then return to Ryerse. Planning to spend a little time on the beach at Turkey Point looking for rolls lost during paddling hiatus. Trip is exposed and along shore, though current forecast has light wind. Meeting Location/Time:  Port Ryerse, launch at 10:00 am Trip Organizer:  Scott Innes ...
• Proposed Wiikwemkoong Boundary Islands Transfer
  The Ontario government has released its proposed settlement of the Wiikwemkoong claim for the loss of its ancestral land today known as Fitzwilliam Island. The proposal is that the Wiikwe be given financial compensation plus the whole of Prince Edward Island and pretty well all other Crown land islands from Killarney to the French River.  ...
• Day Trips in Dillon Area summer, 2017
  Joan Kline, a new GLSKA member, is visiting the Parry Sound area and is hoping to find paddlers interested in joining her on day trips out of Dillon harbour. You can contact Joan at:  joankline@charter.net
• Western Islands , Georgian Bay July 28 – 30, 2017
    Starting early on 28 July at 10am in Twelve Mile Bay, we will paddle to O’Donnell Point, through a few islands before crossing 14km of open and exposed water to the Western Islands and set up camp for two nights. On Saturday we will explore the Islands including the light house in the southern part ...
• Norgate Inlet and Naiscoot river area – Georgian Bay . July 23 – 26, 2017 TRIP NOW FULL!
  We will launch from Britt and paddle south to Foster Island area of Norgate Inlet and set up a base camp. On the next two days we will explore the islands and inlets around Norgate, north and south channels of the Naiscoot river as well as the mouth of Bayfield inlet. Participants should be prepared for ...
• Philip Edward Island July 20 – 23, 2017. TRIP NOW FULL
  Launching from Chikanishing Creek, we will explore the islands and shoreline of Philip Edward Island. The plan is not to base camp. Participants need to be comfortable in waves up to 1 metre and be able to be on the water by 8 am. We may practise skills in later afternoons. If weather is not ...
• Pinery Provincial Park July 5 or 6, 2017
  A chance to practice skills of interest such as bracing, rescues or rolling learning from each other. Not everyone needs a kayak as you will only be in your boat half the time. Meeting at Beach 9 on which ever day the wind and weather is best. Trip may be postponed and rescheduled if wind, ...
• Killarney, Georgian Bay August 7 – 10, 2017 (NOTE CHANGED DATES)
  We will launch from Town of Killarney and head east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 2 or 3 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling between islands. Parking is ...
• St. Ignace Island Archipelago, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, July 12 – 23, 2017 Trip Now Full – Note change of dates
  The Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (LSNMCA) was established in 2007 and spans all of the water, shoals, and shoreline extending from Bottle Point just east of Terrace Bay westward to Thunder Cape at the tip of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in the west. We will launch from and return to the community of Rossport. ...
• Beausoleil Island (Georgian Bay Islands National Park), June 2 – 4 2017
  Description: We will launch at 10 am on Friday June 2nd, paddle to Beausoleil Is to establish our primitive basecamp campsite, and paddle in the afternoon.  We will venture from our base on the following two days, circumnavigating the island if conditions permit, and explore the area.  Participants must be prepared for cold water (wet suit/dry ...
• Beausoleil Island (Georgian Bay Islands National Park), June 2 – 4 2017
  Description: We will launch at 10 am on Friday June 2nd, paddle to Beausoleil Is to establish our primitive basecamp campsite, and paddle in the afternoon.  We will venture from our base on the following two days, circumnavigating the island if conditions permit, and explore the area.  Participants must be prepared for cold water (wet suit/dry ...
• Lake Superior Provincial Park July 16 – 21, 2017 This trip has been cancelled
  Lake Superior Provincial Park July 16 – 21, 2017 This trip has been cancelled
• Mink & McCoy Islands, Georgian Bay June 7 – 10
  We will meet at Dillon on Wed. June 7 with a 1:00 PM launch.  We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp in time to enjoy supper and fellowship.  Thurs. and Fri. we will explore the chain of Mink islands and the Shawanaga Islands.  We will return Sat June 10 in the AM.  Georgian ...
• Fishing Islands – Lake Huron June 10, 2017
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s, interesting geology and nesting colonies of gulls, terns, cormorants, herons and at least one pair of ...
• MINK & MCCOY ISLANDS, GEORGIAN BAY JUNE 7 – 10
  We will meet at Dillon on Wed. June 7 for a 1:00 PM launch. We will paddle to Big McCoy and set up camp in time to enjoy supper and fellowship. Thurs. and Fri. we will explore the chain of Mink islands and the Shawanaga Islands.We will return Sat June 10 in the AM. ...
• Rendezvous 2017
  You are invited to GLSKA’S 29th Annual Rendezvous which will be held at Oak Point Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, 2017. The campground is located next to the Wasauksing Marina, at the west end of Parry Island (about 25 km from Parry Sound). The route will be well signed. We have enjoyed this location for many ...
• Snake Island – Georgian Bay 19 – 22 May 2017
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbour on the morning of Friday May 19th at 10:00am.  Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Toronto Island – 3 June, 2017
  This trip will be led by John Fleming. Please confirm your attendance with him. This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie ...
• Killbear Provincial Park, Georgian Bay – 26 May – 28/29 May 2017
  Meet at the main park office in Killbear Provincial Park at 11:00 on Friday, May 26. Killbear Provincial Park will be our base for day trips exploring some of the numerous bays and islands in the Parry Sound area. Killbear is located on Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound District near the town of Nobel. ...
• GLSKA Annual General Meeting 2016
  The good news first – the club remains solvent, about the same number of trips were enjoyed this year as last, and our 2016 Rendezvous was greatly enjoyed. On the disappointing side of the ledger, our membership numbers continue to experience a slow decline. On the 29th October 20 members turned up at the Port ...
• North Channel – September 12 – 18
  Launch by noon on 12 September from Spanish and head south east to the Benjamin Islands for the first night of camping. We will then head west and explore the area between the Benjamin’s and Sanford Island, camping on a different Island every night along the way. Be prepared for daily paddling of 20-35k . ...
• Rideau Canal – Kingston to Ottawa – September 25 to October 2
  The Rideau Canal is a chain of beautiful lakes, rivers and canal cuts winding 202 km from Kingston to Ottawa. One of Canada’s historic canals and a Canadian Heritage River, the Rideau, is maintained and operated by Parks Canada to preserve and present the canal’s natural and historic features, as ...
• Keweenaw Water Trail – Upper Peninsula of Michigan August 20 to September 3
  Michigan’s Keweenaw Water Trail is associated with the Keweenaw Peninsula, an area of unique geology that projects approximately 200 km north-easterly from the south shore of Lake Superior. The Water Trail is a 220 kilometer loop paddle that includes the protected waters of the Portage Shipping Canal across the ...
• North Channel – Whalesback channel August 10-16
  Come with us and explore the chain of islands that form the Whalesback Channel which is said to be the most scenic Great Lakes waterway in Ontario’s Algoma Country. Serpent River Campground (between Spragge and Spanish River, Ontario) is where we will meet for camping the first night, and will be launching from, parking at ...
• North of Killarney July 18-25
  This will be an exploratory trip into the islands north of the town of Killarney. The trip will leave from and return to the town of Killarney. It will involve breaking camp each day with the possible exception of a day for extended hiking and exploration. The plan is to ...
• Toronto Island – June 11
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Skiing. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Killarney – French River – August 4 – 7
  Launch from Town of Killarney and head south east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 1-2 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling between islands. Parking is available for approx. ...
• Bruce Peninsula Cliffs – June 26 – 27 (cancelled)
  This trip is designed to enjoy long paddles along the two most dramatic sections of Georgian Bay coastline on the Bruce Peninsula, including Bruce National Park, Lion’s Head, and Hope Bay Nature Reserves. Paddling this area is rated for advanced skills due to changeable weather, limited landing opportunities and very cold water. We will ...
• Britt to Killarney – July 28 to August 3
  At 3 PM Thursday, July 28, several of us will shuttle a vehicle and trailer to Killarney that can carry 6 kayaks and 5 people back to Britt at the end of the trip. An additional car will be shuttled to Killarney if the group is more than 5 people. A rack that can carry ...
• Tucker Lake July 16–17
  I will focus on assisted and self rescues, paddle strokes, bracing and tips and tricks. Lessons are held on a calm, boat free lake. On-site camping is available if desired.  
• Kayak Safety Tips
  by Paula Huber From my 40 years’ experience as a cold water scuba diving instructor, cold water scuba diver and zodiac hard hull dive boat operator I have learned many lessons about safety in and on the water. These lessons are transferable to kayaking. COMMON SENSE Be mentally and physically prepared for your paddle day. We all have ...
• Paddling Ontario’s Canals
  by Jim Fitton Having spent four weeks in the past four years paddling the Rideau and the Trent-Severn/Murray systems, I have developed some experience (I would not say expertise) in the business of canal crawling, and I would like to share some of this with my fellow kayak enthusiasts. Now, I know that some of you ...
• Test for Lake Nipigon
  Test for Lake Nipigon
• Fishing Islands-Lake Huron – June 11
  Join us for the 13th annual Fishing Islands Trip. The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and the remains of a fishing station from the mid-1800s, interesting geology, and nesting colonies of gulls, ...
• Snake and Cathcart Islands – Friday May 13 to Sunday May 15
  Launching Friday, May 13 at 6pm from Snug Harbour, we’ll cross over to Snake Island for the night. Saturday we’ll travel up into the Cathcart-Stapley-Lally Island area to break camp and then use the remainder of Saturday and Sunday to explore the islands and shoals around, and practice skills, rescues and such. Cooler water is ...
• Snake, Big McCoy, and Green Islands (full)
  Departing from Snug Harbour at 1:00 PM Thursday August 4, we will travel to Snake Island and spend the night there. Plan is to pick up fresh fish from Gillys before departing and cook Thursday night on fire at Snake Island. On the morning of Friday August 5, we will paddle by ...
• Franklin Island
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbor on the morning of Friday May 20th at 10:00am. Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Franklin Island
  We’ll meet up at Snug Harbor on the morning of Friday May 20th at 10:00am. Launch time is 11:00 am. Parking is on a paid basis at the Marina. Friday will be a short paddle over to a campsite with an afternoon paddle after camp has been established. Over the course of the weekend and ...
• Novice Trip to Massasauga Provincial Park (full)
  Meet at Pete’s Place Access Point at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 to load kayaks and shuttle cars to an off-site parking lot. We will paddle among the sheltered islands off the west side of Moon Island, stop for lunch and then proceed to our campsite on Sharpe ...
• Holland River
  We’ll paddle the Holland River from Holland Landing to it’s mouth on Cook’s Bay, Lake Simcoe. 10km each way through a diverse wetland. As this is a wetland, there isn’t really any opportunity to land, so expect to paddle 20km straight. There is no real current on the river to speak of and it is ...
• Pukaskwa NP & Neys PP, Lake Superior – July 9 – 17
  Trip description: Boarding our shuttle at 7 am on July 9th in Wawa, we will travel by road to Pukaskwa National Park, where we’ll launch near noon. We will paddle south-east along this 170 km coast of Lake Superior exploring the many coves, sand beaches, towering cliffs, wildlife, waterfalls, ghost towns, artifacts and pristine campsites ...
• Pool Sessions – East York
  GLSKA will have three Saturday sessions: April 9, 16 and 23, 3:15-5:00 p.m. in D.A. Morrison Pool in East York (271 Gledhill Avenue, M4C 4L2, southeast of O’Connor Drive and Coxwell Avenue). The cost is $54 for all three sessions. You are expected to bring your clean boat. Whatever level you are at, this is your ...
• Rendezvous 2016
  This is your invitation to join us at this year’s 28th Annual Rendezvous. Build your knowledge and skills, renew past acquaintances and expand your circle of kayaking friends. The Rendezvous will be held Oak Point Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19. The campground is located next to the Wasauksing Marina, at the west end of ...
• Burlington pool sessions 2016
  We will have three Saturday sessions: April 2, 9 and 16th, 6:30-8:30 pm in Centennial Pool in Burlington (on New Street between Appleby and Burloak). The cost is $76 for all three sessions. You are expected to bring your (clean!) boat. Whatever level you are at, this is your opportunity to practice rescue techniques and try ...
• Annual General Meeting
  GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting is on Saturday, October 24, 2015 HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US It’s the day that GLSKA members choose their Board of Directors, review the past year and set a direction for the future. If you are a paid-up member you are entitled to attend, make your voice heard, ...
• Annual General Meeting
  GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting is on Saturday, October 24, 2015 HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US It’s the day that GLSKA members choose their Board of Directors, review the past year and set a direction for the future. If you are a paid-up member you are entitled to attend, make your voice heard, ...
• Franklin Island October 5-8
  This is a final trip to enjoy camping on Franklin island and kayaking in this area. There will be one central camp and day trips out from this camp. This time of the year the water can be more difficult and so participants should expect 1 m waves and cooler water. All participants ...
• Cathcarts/Umbrellas/Snake island Aug 21-23
  We will meet at Wasauksing marina on Friday morning, paddle to the Umbrellas for lunch and then to Cathcarts (25 km, open crossings) to set up camp for 2 nights. On Saturday we will visit Snake island. Coming back to the marina on Sunday afternoon
• WESTERN ISLANDS Sat Aug 8 – Mon Aug 10
  Trip Description: Starting early on Saturday 8 August in Twelve Mile Bay, we will paddle to O’Donnell Point, through a few islands before crossing 14km of open and exposed water to the Western Islands and set up camp for two nights. On Sunday we will explore the islands including the light house in the southern ...
• Britt to French River – August 29 to September 3
  Britt to the Fingerboards area of the French River Provincial Park. Meet at Ice Cream on the Rocks in Britt at 10 am on Saturday, August 29 to load kayaks and paddle to One Tree Island. On Sunday, conditions permitting, we will head for Bottle Island, passing the Fingerboards to set up camp ...
• Britt
  We will meet in Britt at the Ice Cream on the Rocks at 10:00 on Wednesday July 1 for an 11:00 departure. We will paddle north towards Champlain Island, Bustards, French River delta, based on conditions. Expect open exposed crossings and paddling days of 25 km.
• Britt
  We will meet in Britt at the Ice Cream on the Rocks at 10:00 on Wednesday July 1 for an 11:00 departure. We will paddle north towards Champlain Island, Bustards, French River delta, based on conditions. Expect open exposed crossings and paddling days of 25 km.
• GEORGIAN BAY’S NORTHEAST BAY COAST
  There is a certain mystery to this wild corner of Georgian Bay, brought on by few roads, far too many islands for one short lifetime, and sparkling reefs just waiting for a southwest blow. It’s a land that needs respect. Never a hub of commerce, there was a time a few short decades ago, when steel magnates ...
• FISHING STATION ADDENDUM
  By Sandy Richardson This spring I found some interesting additional information about the fishing station on Main Station Island. I offer it here as an addendum to the article that appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Qayaq. In late May I participated in an event at the Huron Fringe Birding Festival called “The Bruce Re-Beckons”. It was ...
• SNAKE ISLANDS OVER THE ICE
  by Hart Haessler It was March 21st….. Four impatient kayakers and a dog were gathered at the Snug Harbour dock. Lee, Sam, John, John, Kyra and I gazed out to the Snake Islands in the west. The destination was only barely visible as a dark speck against the grey horizon. Environment Canada had assured us of ...
• Bayfield Inlet – Aug 14-16
  A great opportunity for new members to paddle and camp in this classic area of protected bays and small islands. There is a lot of variety within a short paddling distance. Preference will be given to less experienced paddlers. Participants can elect to qualify for a Paddle Canada Basic Skills certificate. Depending on skill levels, ...
• Trent-Severn Waterway Sep 19-26
  Plan to meet at the Beavermead Campground, 2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, On., located on Little Lake.  We will push off by 10:00 a.m. Sun. Sept 20th.  The Trent-Severn Waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in Central Ontario.  This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each ...
• Snake and Big McCoy Islands – June 12-14
  Launching from Snug Harbour, we’ll cross to Snake Island for Friday night and then make our way north to a campsite in the vicinity of Big McCoy Island for Saturday night. Lots of time for exploring, photography, sun bathing and swimming. A classic trip! We’ll also have time to practice any skills or rescues if ...
• Flowerpot Island 2015 – Photo Gallery
  Flowerpot Island 2015 - Photo Gallery
• Minks and McCoys Tue Jul 14 – Fri Jul 17, 2015
  Trip Description:  Plan to meet on Tuesday July 14th at 10:30 at Dillon Marina. After put in, we will paddle for about 2 hours to find a suitable campsite on Big McCoy Island. We will set up camp for three nights and spend two days exploring the area. Harvey Sadowick and Paul ...
• Wear Your PFD Day May 16, 2015
  To kick off National Safe Boating Week, the National Safe Boating Council is having a North American Wear Your PFD Day: http://www.readysetwearit.com/ They are going for a world record of the most peeps wearing a PFD on the same day. May 16, is the day. There are no registered events for Toronto (only one in Barrie). So ...
• SNAKE BIG MCCOY GREEN ISLANDS August 13-16
  Departing from Snug Harbour at 1:00 PM Thursday August 13, we will travel to Snake Island and spend the night there. Plan is to pick up fresh fish from Gillys before departing and cook Thursday night on fire at Snake Island. On the morning of Friday August 14, we will ...
• FISHING ISLANDS LAKE HURON June 13
  Join us for the 12th annual Fishing Islands Trip. The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and remains, interesting geology and nesting areas for gulls, cormorants, herons and bald eagles. We will put ...
• Minks and McCoys Tue Jul 7 – Fri Jul 10, 2015
  Plan to meet on Tuesday July 7th at 10:30 at Dillon Marina. After put in, we will paddle for about 2 hours to find a suitable campsite on Big McCoy Island. We will set up camp for three nights and spend the week exploring the area. This is early in the season so ...
• Flowerpot Island 29–31 May 2015
  We will paddle to Flowerpot Island and set a base camp there for 2 nights. As every year, we will be looking for the rare calypso orchid, and enjoy day paddles along the shore or to surrounding islands. This trip involves large open crossings and the water will still be ...
• Pickerel River – Lost Channel 8–10 May 2015
  Plan to meet on Friday at 12 noon at the Lost Channel Inn and Marina just of Hwy 522. After put in, we will paddle for about 2 hours to find a suitable campsite in the area of Cincinnati Island on Kawigamok Lake. We will set up camp for two nights and spend the weekend ...
• Holland River, May 9, 2015
  Departing from Soldier’s Bay in Holland Landing at 1:00pm, we’ll travel north down the Holland River to its mouth at Lake Simcoe for approximately 10 km and then return 10 km to the car. There is no relative current to speak of on this river and it is usually extremely calm, except for the carp ...
• Beausoleil Island 5-7 June 2015
  Enjoy paddling Beausoleil and area islands and bays. We will launch from Honey Harbour at 10 am on Friday, June 5th, set up our tents at Honeymoon Bay and then head out for an afternoon paddle. Daily destinations will depend on wind strength & wave height. Paddlers must have the necessary skills to allow comfort ...
• Nottawasaga River June 7, 2015
  Trip description: Departing from the boat launch at Klondike Park ($3 launch/boat) at 1:00 PM, we’ll paddle upstream for approximately 90 minutes and then return via the same route to our cars. The first portion of the trip will be a nice workout against the current although there are no rapids. This is a very ...
• Toronto Island, June 6, 2015
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Sking. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• Rendezvous 2015 June 19-21 Oak Point, Parry Island
  Rendezvous is the premier annual event of the year. Members, guests, and friends gather for three days of car camping, workshops, skills development and day paddles. Of course socializing, the famous pot luck dinner and entertainment will also be highlights of the event. Renewing friendships, making new ones, and exchanging tales of favourite trips are ...
• Maps
  Two views of maps that can be made from the Land Information Ontario website: https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/MakeATopographicMap/index.html?viewer=Make_A_Topographic_Map.MATM&locale=en-CA This link brings you to a disclaimer. “Agree” to gain access to the maps. Click Select Map Layers. Check Topographic Data and Ontario Imagery. Type in the location you want to see. Use the sliders in the box on the left to show ...
• Toronto Pool Sessions 2015
  If there is enough interest, we will have three Saturday sessions at the D A Morrison pool, east of Woodbine Avenue and between Danforth Avenue and O’Connor Drive on Saturday afternoons, April 25th and May 2nd and 9th from 3:15 to 5 PM. This is in addition to the pool sessions in Burlington on Sundays April 11th, 18th and 25th. The pools ...
• May long weekend – Frankin Island
  Trip description: Meet at Snug Harbour on Friday May 15 and paddle to a campsite. Over the weekend we can do a circumnavigation of the Island (+/- 25 km), visit the Red Rock Lighthouse (5km crossing), or weather permitting, paddle from Winkler to Green Island and the Northern Minks (+/- 7km). If the weather is ...
• THE ONCE AND FUTURE GREAT LAKES COUNTRY
  by Sandy Richardson The Once and Future Great Lakes Country: An Ecological History By John L. Riley McGill-Queens University Press, 2013 The Once and Future Great Lakes Country is a comprehensive history of the environmental changes that have taken place in the Great Lakes region in the 11,000 years since the last ice age. It makes a fascinating, if ...
• Squallowing
  Cleaning up the Bay White Squall, along with key community partners has been involved in campsite rehabilitation and installation of wilderness thunderboxes on the crown is-lands of Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound region for over 10 years. As in 2013, we had to partly shift focus to the southwest coasts of Franklin Island as that ...
• Membership renewal
  RENEWAL CAN NOW BE DONE ON LINE!  If you have not yet done so, now is the time to re-new your GLSKA membership for another year or two. The early bird special saves you $5 on a single or family membership (your renewal must be received on or before 31 December of this year). The ...
• The Importance of Physical Activity
  by Pauline Halstead One might think that such a title is inappropriate or perhaps unnecessary for this paddling association. However, according to Health Canada, about 11% of men and 16% of women will experience a major depression at some point in their lives. It is commonly thought that exercise has many benefits and enhances health. Apart from ...
• Cracks in the Ice
  by Viki Mather The ice conditions of early December were nearly perfect. Lots of ice, not very much snow. I could not wait for it to get thick enough to skate on! But I did wait. Fortunately, it did not take very long. Every day for a week we stepped out into the lake. Easy as ...
• Tips for Meal Organization
  In preparation of one of your meals, have you ever had to go back and forth to your kayak because you keep realizing you’re missing an ingredient or utensil to prepare your meal; having to check through both hatches, looking through bags, emptying your kayak until you’ve finally found it? Maybe it’s raining hard and ...
• Tips for Meal Organization
  In preparation of one of your meals, have you ever had to go back and forth to your kayak because you keep realizing you’re missing an ingredient or utensil to prepare your meal; having to check through both hatches, looking through bags, emptying your kayak until you’ve finally found it? Maybe it’s raining hard and ...
• GLSKA 2014 Annual General Meeting
  Our Annual General Meeting for 2014 took place on Saturday, October 25 in the comfortable boardroom of Oetiker Ltd. in Alliston – premises generously made available to us by Sam Wyss. After coffee and socializing Ralph Gardave welcomed members and guests. To get us started two short workshops were offered – Ralph gave a practical presentation ...
• GLSKA 2014 Annual General Meeting
  Our Annual General Meeting for 2014 took place on Saturday, October 25 in the comfortable boardroom of Oetiker Ltd. in Alliston – premises generously made available to us by Sam Wyss. After coffee and socializing Ralph Gardave welcomed members and guests. To get us started two short workshops were offered – Ralph gave a practical presentation ...
• Is your kayak in need of some repair?
  My kayak spends over 25 days on Georgian Bay every summer and as a result suffers many scrapes. To patch the keel has therefore become the end of summer routine for me. I am not talking a cosmetic fix of scratches to the gelcoat, what I mean is damage to the keel that exposes fiberglass. ...
• SHIPWRECKS OF THE FISHING ISLANDS
  by Sandy Richardson The Fishing Islands are a group of roughly 80-90, mostly small, rocky islands stretching about 15 kilometres from Oliphant north to Howdenvale off the west coast of the Bruce Peninsula. The shallow waters around these islands, with numerous shoals and sandbanks, have long formed a treacherous barrier for ships between the mainland and ...
• Qayaq Corner – Training and Practice
  by Ralph Gardave For those of you who know me you know that I’m a strong proponent of training and practice. It is this be-lief that was behind the offering of the White Squall workshops at Rendezvous. As I write this on Dec 05 it has been less than two weeks since I was in the ...
• A Day in the Fishing Islands
  How do you take the magic and put it into words? It is in the adventure, the fresh air, the weather, the scenery, great companions, interesting conversation, and in the conquering of the passage. Oh what a day out in the kayak can do for your soul! After a way too long winter, I was longing ...
• A Day in the Fishing Islands
  by Kim Gregor How do you take the magic and put it into words? It is in the adventure, the fresh air, the weather, the scenery, great companions, interesting conversation, and in the conquering of the passage. Oh what a day out in the kayak can do for your soul! After a way too long winter, I ...
• Twenty-four Years Behind the Shaft
  by John Fitzsimons Over the years, GLSKA members have logged thousands of hours and paddled thousands of kilometers to investigate almost all parts of the Great Lakes, a treasure that can only be dreamed about by paddlers in other parts of the world. Over the twenty-four year period from 1989 to 2012, the membership of GLSKA ...
• Burlington pool sessions 2015
  We will have three Saturday sessions: April 11, 8:00-10:00 pm in Centennial Pool in Burlington (on New Street between Appleby and Burloak), and on April 18, 7:30-9:30 pm and April 25, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, in Angela Coughlan pool (Upper Middle and Guelph line). The cost is $75 for all three sessions. You are expected ...
• Get Wise About Bears
  Most kayakers who enjoy multi-day or overnight trips will sooner or later come across some evidence of a bear, or even meet the animal in person. The more you know about bears and their behaviour, the safer you (and the bears) will be. Mike McIntosh is a committed to improving our bear knowledge and was an ...
• GLSKA Annual General Meeting
  You are invited to join us – the proceedings start at 11:00 a.m. with coffee and socializing. A light lunch will be served (we’ll supply the pizza: please bring your own cup or mug, plate and cutlery). We plan to have a speaker and a couple of workshops – details to be announced. These will be ...
• Free Maps
  As the boating season draws to an end, the next best thing to being there is to spend the hours looking at maps! This one of Franklin Island is from the Forest Management Planning for the Parry Sound area. Much of the province is subject to logging on Crown lands. Go to this website http://www.efmp.lrc.gov.on.ca/eFMP/home.do ...
• Squallowing – Summer of Change
  by Tim Dyer I have witnessed many changes in Bay weather these past few years, and this one goes down in the books as a particularly wild one. Our melting polar ice is causing more waves in the jet stream resulting in a vigorous mixing of air masses than we normally get. On the water, it ...
• Paddling Blues
  by Colette Brown Always from the shore, I watched my hubby, Jim Brown, paddle in his Red Sea Kayak, named Cardi-Yak Expedition, with Captain Daisy his hearing alert dog. It was inspiring and captivating for me! After reviewing videos of his paddling adventures, I was always left with a hunger trail and a silent pull to join ...
• Paddling with Sticks
  I never set out to paddle with a Greenland stick it just sort of happened. It was the spring of 2010 that circumstances conspired to spark my curiosity and the opportunity to try it out. Sure I had a few rogue friends out there that were using Greenland paddles but back then it was somewhat of a novelty ...
• Massassauga July 11-13 trip
  by Elise Hug Thanks to everyone for making the Massassauga July 11-13 trip really fun! And to the weather gods for making the weather a mix of great and manageable. ! Here’s a short list the trip highlights for me: Ralph’s amazing campsite selection: 328 had perfect hammock trees and a quintessential Canadian Shield aesthetic, 329 had the best ...
• French River Kayak Trip
  by Fred Somerville Recently some fellow kayakers and myself decided to do a trip on the French River. This was always a destination trip for us so we finally decided to make the plunge. We had already done various other Georgian Bay locations such as the Minks and McCoy’s, the Key River to the Bustards, Sandy/Bateau ...
• 3-5 October 2014 Georgian Bay Storm Huddle
  The aim of this event is to bring together paddlers who enjoy rough water paddling. Safety will be the first priority. Participants should be experienced paddlers with appropriate cold water gear, a helmet, and a kayak that is suitable for rough water paddling. e.g. approximately 16 feet or less, with some rocker. If the weather ...
• Hanko Sea Kayak Gathering 2014
  Hanko is a small town on the Southern coast of Finland, 130 kilometers east of Helsinki in the Finnish Archipelago. Since 2008, 70 volunteers of the Nordic Sea Kayak Instructors Association have organized an annual get together for 250 kayakers. Over the course of two and a half days, more than a hundred training sessions ...
• 21-27 September 2014 Trent-Severn Waterway
  Plan to meet at the Trent Talbot Marina in Gamebridge on the east side of Lake Simcoe. We will push off by 10:00am Sun. Sept 21st. The Trent-Severn Waterway is a beautiful waterway snaking through numerous lakes and rivers in central Ontario. This is a travelling trip where we will camp at different locks/sites each ...
• Rendezvous 2014 photo gallery
  Rendezvous 2014 photo gallery
• Squallowing – From a Very Cheap Kayak Seat
  “You’re doing it all wrong!” A few ill-chosen words, coming from a self-important kayak instructor – burned into a participant at a kayak symposium this past year. The new paddler was trying to get it right – trying to understand a new way of paddling. She was just finishing a skill development clinic – yet the ...
• Exploring Your Own Backyard
  by Jennifer Kilbourne I didn’t realize that I was a kayak-destination snob until this spring. I live within a kilometre of Lake Erie, so on calmer days, I enjoy exploring the local shoreline, looking at the cottages and homes that face the water. On windier days, I can be paddling in the relative shelter of the ...
• The Benefits of Learning
  The benefits of continued learning are many. For some of us this means learning new things for the first time. For others it may be getting a refresher on things that we knew but have either forgotten or not practised for some time. I recently had the opportunity to take a wilderness first aid course sponsored ...
• The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race
  The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race takes place on Saturday, August 9th 2014. This is the fourth year for the Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race. Last year’s race saw 180 racers from the area and as far away as New York state. The race was a total success, seeing adults and kids being active and enjoying the great ...
• Rudi Rauch
  It is with sadness that GLSKA marks the passing of another long-time GLSKA member, Rudi Rauch, on April 29, 2014, at the age of 89. Rudi’s association with the sea goes back to the late stages of World War II when he served as submariner on a German U-boat. His crew surrendered when they were depth-charged ...
• May 15 – Club Night at MEC – Toronto
  GLSKA will be at the MEC store in Toronto for a Club Night on Thursday May 15, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. MEC will be offering GLSKA members a 10% discount on in-store purchases during those two hours only. If you’ve had your eye on some new gear for this paddling season, this is ...
• 14 June – Fishing Islands
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and remains, interesting geology and nesting areas for gulls, cormorants, herons and bald eagles. We will put in at the beach in Howdenvale and explore the ...
• 14 June – Fishing Islands
  The Fishing Islands are an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands off the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula. They are rich in history, with a number of shipwrecks and remains, interesting geology and nesting areas for gulls, cormorants, herons and bald eagles. We will put in at the beach in Howdenvale and explore the ...
• 21 – 25 July KILLARNEY – Georgian Bay
  *** FULL *** We will launch from Chikanishing river at the western entrance to Collins inlet (Killarney). The first day paddle will be approx. 20 km to Hen Island in the cluster of islands south east of Philip Edward Island in Georgian Bay. Hopefully, we can camp on Hen Island which has a beautiful beach and ...
• 21 – 25 July KILLARNEY – Georgian Bay
  *** FULL *** We will launch from Chikanishing river at the western entrance to Collins inlet (Killarney). The first day paddle will be approx. 20 km to Hen Island in the cluster of islands south east of Philip Edward Island in Georgian Bay. Hopefully, we can camp on Hen Island which has a beautiful beach and ...
• 7-9 August 2014 Exploring Georgian Bay geology II – Bayfield Inlet
  We will paddle from Bayfield inlet to another Geological walk with Dr. Nick Eyles. That night we will camp somewhere around Naiscoot river. The rest of the trip will be exploratory.
• 31 July – 3 August Exploring Georgian Bay geology I – Snake Island/McCoys
  We will join members of the Georgian Bay Land Trust on the Geological walk led by Dr. Nick Eyles, professor of geology at UofT. This event is organized for and by GBLT. Dr. Eyles has kindly agreed that we could participate in the event. We will meet at Snug Harbour on Thursday morning and paddle to ...
• 21 – 26 July 2014 DUCK ISLANDS – LAKE HURON
  *** CANCELLED*** Launch from Purvis Fisheries on Burnt Island and head along shore either east or west for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 1-2 nights at a time and explore the Duck Islands and associated shoreline. Depending on weather we may camp on some ...
• 10 May 2014 Club Day at The Complete Paddler
  GLSKA and The Halton Outdoor club are putting on presentation booths at The Complete Paddler on May 10th from 10:00am to 4:00 pm. Volunteers would be appreciated to help out manning the booth and answering questions about the club.
• 13 – 15 June 2014 Key & Lower French River Tour
  Launch from Key River. On Day 1 we will head west out the Key River (~26 kms) to our Base Camp for 2 nights on the Vixen Island which is located in the French River Provincial Park so a camping permit is recommended. From our Base Camp on Saturday we will visit different areas in ...
• Remembering Rob Muylwyk
  Rob, a longtime GLSKA member, died on April 14 at his home on the Bruce peninsula. He was a keen kayaker and involved himself enthusiastically in the activities of our club. Rob organized trips and particularly enjoyed leading groups on the search for orchids growing on the limestone islands of the Bruce. Rob was a ...
• 17 April 2014 – New Website
  The first phase of the re-working of the club’s website has now been completed and tested. The new version will go live on Thursday 17 April. Our address remains the same – https://glska.com. If you have an older address bookmarked in your browser involving the http://glska.freehostia.com domain name it will no longer work. Most of ...
• STEPHEN THRELKELD 1924-2014
  by Sandy Richardson ” Cheers to a long life, well lived.” Founding member and former GLSKA President, Stephen Trelkeld, died in Hamilton on January 10, 2014. Stephen was born in the U.K., December 27, 1924. During WWII, he was in the Home Guard and the RAF. After the War, he worked as a shepherd on Ex-moor (Devon, U.K.) ...
• 4 – 7 July 2014 – Big McCoy – Georgian Bay
  ***Full*** We will launch from Dillon at Friday, July 4th, 9:30 AM and paddle to Big McCoy. On days 2 and 3 we will explore the islands to the N or S depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Rendezvous 2014 White Squall Workshops – Oak Point
  The Rendezvous Committee is excited to bring you two days of workshops run by White Squall as well as our regularly run member programs on the Saturday. The availability of time, money, and the resources to run the White Squall programs is limited. Due to the limited number of participants that can be accommodated in ...
• 8 – 9 June 2014 – Tucker Lake Campground – Parry Sound
  New to kayaking? Interested in learning different paddling techniques, assisted rescues, self rescues, tips and tricks? Join me for a weekend on a quiet lake south of Parry Sound on a basic skills weekend. Camping is provided next to the lake.
• Photo Gallery – Scott Innes – Flowerpot 2011
  Photo Gallery - Scott Innes - Flowerpot 2011
• Photo Gallery – Scott Innes – Orchid Trip 2010
  Photo Gallery - Scott Innes - Orchid Trip 2010
• Spring Project: Build a Thunder Box!
  A thunder box is a great thing to find. Tucked back into the woods, down a narrow little trail, and often with a great view, thunder boxes are placed near campsites for the toiletry convenience of the campers. The boxes are placed far enough away from water to eliminate human waste contamination of our waterways. Have ...
• 11 – 13 July 2014 – Massassauga Park – Georgian Bay
  Join me on a beginner/ intermediate weekend trip in the Massassauga park. This is a great trip should you be new to the club or new to kayaking and would like to try outback camping. One of the highlights will be a day paddle to the famous Henry’s fish restaurant on Fryingpan Island. We will ...
• 30 June – 3 July 2014 – Minks & McCoys – Georgian Bay
  ***FULL*** We will launch from Dillon at 10:30 a.m. on the 30th and make our way to Big McCoy. On days 2 and 3 we will once again explore islands to the N or S dependent on sea and weather. This has been a traditional trip for some and the emphasis will ...
• FRAKTA bags
  One of my favourite gear items is the  blue FRAKTA bag from IKEA. It’s a lightweight, high-volume, rugged bag that is perfect for carrying stuff from your kayak to camp. If you are wearing a drysuit, it offers  a large enough footprint to stand on to keep the sand off your precious goretex socks. It’s ...
• Leucothea
  Did you know that, in Greek mythology, Leucothea is considered the goddess of spindrift?
• Kayakers on Eastern Georgian Bay
  by Tim Dyer There have been instances where kayakers launching for trips on eastern Georgian Bay are not paying, showing up late at night – leaving garbage. In the summer I wrote, in a brief item that appeared on the News page at the GLSKA website, that if this continues, there will be fewer opportunities to ...
• 07 June 2014 Toronto Island – Cherry Beach
  This will be a joint venture trip between the Halton Outdoor Club and GLSKA. The Halton Outdoor Club is very active with many activities throughout the year. These include cycling, hiking, kayaking and XC-Sking. Throughout the day we will share the camaraderie of new friends and tales of past and future adventures. Both clubs offer ...
• 27 – 30 June 2014 – Killarney – Georgian Bay
  Launch from Town of Killarney and head south east for the first night of camping within approx. 2.5 hours of paddling. Will set up camp for 1-2 nights at the time and explore the islands between Killarney and the French River area. This trip will include exposed paddling between islands and as it is still ...
• Rendezvous 2014 – Oak Point, Parry Island – June 20–22
  Rendezvous is the premier annual event of the year. Members, guests, and friends gather for three days of car camping, workshops, skills development and day paddles. Of course socializing, the famous pot luck dinner and entertainment will also be highlights of the event. Renewing friendships, making new ones, and exchanging tails of favourite trips are ...
• Rendezvous 2014 – Oak Point, Parry Island – June 20–22
  Rendezvous is the premier annual event of the year. Members, guests, and friends gather for three days of car camping, workshops, skills development and day paddles. Of course socializing, the famous pot luck dinner and entertainment will also be highlights of the event. Renewing friendships, making new ones, and exchanging tails of favourite trips are ...
• 16 – 19 May 2014 – Franklin Island / Minks – Georgian Bay
  ***FULL*** We will meet up at Snug Harbor on the morning of Friday May the 16th and paddle over to a campsite. Over the course of the weekend and weather permitting we’ll have the option of paddling around Franklin Island, over to Snake Island or exploring the Islands off of Red rock lighthouse. If you ...
• North Channel – Benjamin Islands
  Our group of eleven paddlers, led by Victoria Best, departed the Massey Motel at 10 a.m. on Monday morning, crossed the Spanish River, and entered the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation community. We were welcomed by Andy Southwind, who has lived at McBean Harbour, and managed it for many years. This experienced group of paddlers loaded ...
• Did you know
  Did you know that the longest Greenland paddle found by Harvey Golden, who has researched approximately 80 Greenland paddles spanning more than four hundred years, measured 242 centimetres?
• Messing about in boats
  “Nice? It’s the only thing,” said the Water Rat solemnly as he leant forward for his stroke. “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolute nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing,” he went on dreamily: “messing—about—in—boats; messing—” Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows.
• Video post – The High Brace
  High Brace The High Brace is an essential technique for coping with a broach into the side of a high wave. It’s also useful to help prevent an unanticipated capsize. This small, quiet lake provided neither of these situations for the demonstration so I cheated a little by grasping the end of my greenland paddle. In ...
• Stephen Threlkeld 1924-2014
  It is with sadness that GLSKA notes the death of Stephen Threlkeld on January 10, 2014. Stephen was a founding member of GLSKA and a member of the first Board of Directors; he was an active trip participant and leader, newsletter contributor, and served as Trip Coordinator and club President.
• No Honeymoon for Snow White
  Jim Fitton Snow White had found her Prince Charming among the seven little men and wished to celebrate her honeymoon on the north tip of Beausoleil Island together, of course, with the other six dwarves. But, in one of those strange last-minute twists of fate, she saw her plans go up in smoke, like smoke up ...
• Thoughts on Photography and Kayaking
  by Erwin Buck For kayakers, photography presents a special challenge. There is only so much storage space to take equipment like extra lenses, tripods, etc. And then there is the issue of water- proofing your camera if you plan to have it handy while you’re paddling. Fortunately there are now relatively inexpensive waterproof cameras.As well, there ...
• Cold Water Paddling
  by Ralph Gardave You may be thinking that this article has little relevance to you as you are not one of those “crazy” people who paddle in winter weather conditions. If you missed my last article in Qayaq you may wish to read it, as it will bring relevance to this one. The Peel Marine Unit ...
• Misshepizheu
  Small skill is won by those who cling to ease, The hardy sailor hails from stormy seas. Years ago when I first toured the Agawa Bay pictographs, I encountered the legend of the Ojibway lake divinity, a horned panther that lives beneath the waters and is dangerous to humans. I seem to recall a story of a ...
• GLSKA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
  GLSKA’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 249 Dufferin Street South in Alliston. (This facility is again being made available thanks to Sam Wyss.) The day will begin at 10:15 a.m. with an opportunity for members to register, meet and enjoy a beverage. Information sessions are being planned and will ...
• Paddling with Risk
  by Ralph Gardave We all paddle with risk every time we go out. I know I do it with little thought about it anymore. Recent events this summer have made it more top of mind. Do I give it the respect and consideration that it deserves? The answer is probably not enough and not often enough. In ...
• Kayaking Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
  by Nancy Morgan Patti Cupit, an enthusiastic kayaker and tripper, initiated the idea to kayak the Saguenay in the summer of 2013. Through her exploration of several websites, she identified the Aventure Ecotourism Quebec website, and an independent guide to lead an eight-day trip from La Baie to Tadoussac. Patti’s contact suggested the length of the ...
• Stay Cool the Superior Way
  by John Fitzsimons Although starting off cooler than normal in 2013, the weather in southern Ontario had fallen into that all too familiar pattern of high heat and humidity, made all the worse by a persistent Bermuda high. With climate change, paddling in southern Ontario during the peak season has at times meant enduring high heat ...
• Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Symposium
  by Gerry Felsky On July 17, 2013 Phil Vallance and I travelled to Grand Marais Michigan to attend the 29th Annual Great Lakes Sea Kayaking Symposium. This was Phil’s second Symposium, and my first. Grand Marais is a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the south shore of Lake Superior. The Symposium was attended by about ...
• The Memory of Water
  Allen Smutylo Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2013 Reviewed by Rob Muylwyk It must have been around 2004 that I was first exposed to the fine artwork of Allen Smutylo, in this case a colourful etching of an arctic kayak, nicely framed and appropriately hung over the mantel of the GLSKA president of the time. He and his partner happened to walk into ...
• Kayak Trailer
  by Jennifer Kilbourne First, I purchased my sea kayak and all the equipment needed to spend some time on the water. My next big purchase was a roof rack for my car, complete with cradles to hold my kayak as I zipped down the highway to my next paddling destination. And it worked well, as long ...
• Have Kayak … Will Travel?
  by Keith Rodgers Almost every one of us needs to haul our kayak around from time to time and the usual way we do this is by tying it on the top of a vehicle and hoping it stays on for the ride. Whether you do this a couple of times a year, over a short ...
• Kayaking Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto – Mexico
  by Ken Chorel The idea of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez had been rattling around in my head since long before I ever “set foot” in a kayak. I don’t recall any more how the idea first formed, but for some reason, Baja has always been a destination I associated with kayaking. Finally, after far ...
• Kayaking Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto – Mexico
  by Ken Chorel The idea of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez had been rattling around in my head since long before I ever “set foot” in a kayak. I don’t recall any more how the idea first formed, but for some reason, Baja has always been a destination I associated with kayaking. Finally, after far ...
• Fishing Islands Trip
  As usual, we had fine weather and an excellent turn out for the Fishing Islands trip – and this year we were able to find the wreck of the Gold Hunter (N44 49.032 W81 21.288).  Here are some images of the trip from Ed Cartwright, Sandy Richardson and John Walsh.
• 25 Years and Still Paddling – Looking Back at GLSKA’s Beginnings
  Sandy Richardson As you can see from the volume number on the masthead, 2013 is GLSKA’s silver jubilee, our 25th year. In the fall of 1988, a number of folks interested in starting a sea kayaking club in southern Ontario held two exploratory meetings in Toronto, one at Trailhead and one at Mountain Equipment Co-op. At the ...
• The Inner and Intuitive Kayaker
  David Wells “There is always an inner game being played in your mind no matter what outer game you are playing. How aware you are of this game can make the difference between success and failure.” Tim Gallwey Once a student’s basic needs (see Maslow’s hierarchy) have been addressed, their performance is a function of their potential minus ...
• GLSKA’s First Official Trip
  A DAY TRIP ON LAKE ONTARIO Michael Kundu The following is a report of the first-ever official GLSKA Trip. It took place on May 7, 1989, on Lake Ontario in the Ajax-Pickering area. It was organized by Michael Kundu, who was also a member of the Board of Directors. This report was originally published in the Summer ...
• Clean-up Weekend 2012
  by John Fitzsimons Once again several dedicated members of GLSKA held their noses for the annual clean-up weekend this past September and ventured out to Franklin Island to see what man (the motorized type) had wrought. You will notice I have given up totally on the euphemisms and refrained from calling this an end-of-season trip, ...
• The Sixpack in the Weeds
  by Jim Fitton The plan is to navigate our ship up the Rideau Canal Waterway from Kingston to Black Rapids, just south of Ottawa, where some will disembark, while others may continue to the Ottawa River. This performance will be accomplished by a sextet. The three soloists are Blue Caribou, Blue Delta and Teal Khatsalano. There ...
• Rescue Stirrup
  by Ralph Gardave The rescue stirrup is a versatile aid to both solo and assisted rescues that I don’t see in many paddlers’ boats. It may just be that people are unaware of this piece of equipment. On the other hand, many paddlers who have solid rescue and/or rolling skills may simply feel that we don’t ...
• Fishing Islands Post Script
  by Sandy Richardson Once again we had fine weather and an excellent turn out for the Fishing Islands trip. Despite the ideal conditions and eight pair of eyes searching, we were unable to locate the wreck of the Gold Hunter, a 114 foot long, 219 ton wooden schooner that was lost in a storm on October 14, ...
• In Search of Shangri-la on Northern Lake Huron
  Wendy Killoran What image does Shangri-La evoke? Is it a place, or a figment of one’s imagination? Can mortal beings truly find Shangri-La or Utopia? We spent our summer visiting both remote islands and better travelled shorelines in northern Lake Huron by sea kayak. We wondered if indeed we would discover our own Shangri-La in this land ...
• Rendezvous Recollections
  by Sandra Howe Rendezvous 2012 was my first venture into sea kayaking and I had a marvellous time. The setting, camaraderie, instruction, entertainment, and games were all great fun. I loved being part of a community of paddlers in such a beautiful location. If you have yet to experience Rendezvous, I would highly recommend attending next ...
• Rendezvous 2012
  by Lori Moffitt I had been eagerly anticipating the Paddling Rendezvous 2012 as every GLSKA member whom I had met had recommended the event. It lived up to the built up expectation as it was a well organized and fun weekend. The venue and surrounding paddling grounds were fantastic and the weather was excellent for most of ...
• GLSKA Virgins Trip
  by Debbie Darling What began inauspiciously with a drive through the pouring rain to Muskoka, quickly turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences one could hope for. There were five of us paddlers in all: Keith Rodgers our gracious leader, Mike and Sharon, Howard and me, Debbie. This was my first trip since joining the ...
• Kayaking Monterey Bay
  John Fitzsimons The next time you are in San Francisco and have some time on your hands, instead of heading north for Napa give a thought to travelling south to Monterey to do some ocean kayaking to get away from the frenzy of the city. Unlike a lot of places on the Pacific coast, because of ...
• Reciprocal Altruism and the Backwoods Ethic
  by John Fitzsimons Have you ever headed out on a trip into Georgian Bay half expecting the campsite to be strewn with the unmentionable mementos of past travellers, but been pleasantly surprised to find everything as it should be? Unfortunately, as more people discover Georgian Bay this is less likely to happen, save for the ongoing ...
• Flowerpot Island Orchid Search
  by Bob Farrington Photographs by Rob Muylwyk Friday, May 25, dawned overcast, gloomy and generally depressing. Carol and I had camped Thursday night at Cyprus Lake so we could start fresh Friday morning. We checked out of the Park with a bright young woman whose husband ran an outfitting/guiding operation from Tobermory. We happened to mention that ...
• Franklin Island Trip
  by Jennifer Kilbourne A beautiful island on a gorgeous weekend. What more could a paddler ask for? We were six eager paddlers who met at Snug Harbour the morning of Friday, May 18. Arend, Vivian, Ralph and I had camped just south of Parry Sound the previous night, testing the cold weather ratings of our sleeping bags ...
• Craig Lake State Park, Champion, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
  by Jennifer Kilbourne My husband has a fishing kayak. I have a sea kayak. Last August, we both wanted to “get away from it all” and spend a few days enjoying some time on the water as well as some backcountry camping. The classic sea kayak journey through the Apostle Islands wasn’t an option, and fishing ...
• On-water Group Management and Communication
  by Ralph Gardave (GLSKA Trip Committee Chair) As the Trip Committee Coordinator I get feedback from trip leaders regarding The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of their trip leading experiences. The most frequent concern I hear about is challenges in managing the group on the water. To me the art of group management on the water ...
• A More Powerful Forward Stroke
  Tim Dyer White Squall Paddling Centre I’ve been playing around with making the forward stroke more powerful, and here’s a thought. We try to get folks to track their top hand on a stroke horizontally in front of their face. This encourages the face of the paddle not to lift water and create drag. But – we ...
• Cold Water Blues
  by Paula Huber Kayaking on the Great Lakes, or during cold weather here in Ontario, requires thoughts about cold water immersion in the event of a capsize. Hopefully most of us know and understand the definition of hypothermia and how it occurs. “Hypo” refers to below normal and “thermia” refers to state of heat; therefore hypothermia occurs ...
• Haida Gwaii
  by Ralph Gardave The fun of this trip began before I arrived. A considerable amount of time had elapsed since I had booked the hotel accommodations. I called to confirm them a week in advance and asked if it was easy to arrange transportation from the airport. When I asked this question there was a very ...
• Haida Gwaii
  by Ralph Gardave The fun of this trip began before I arrived. A considerable amount of time had elapsed since I had booked the hotel accommodations. I called to confirm them a week in advance and asked if it was easy to arrange transportation from the airport. When I asked this question there was a very ...
• Phillip Edward Island
  by Nancy Morgan Photographs by Gerry Felsky Phillip Edward Island is a large island on the coast of Georgian Bay just east of Killarney. Arend de Boer and Tom Bruin organized a group of seven GLSKA members for a five day trip to Phillip Edward Island out of Chikanishing Creek, the access point for the islands ...
• GLSKA Spring Rendezvous 2011
  by Nancy Morgan Photographs by Gerry Felsky Undaunted by rain, lush poison ivy or the distance travelled, kayakers gathered at Cape Croker Park, on Sydney Bay, on the Bruce Peninsula near Wiarton, to socialize and reminisce about past trips, plan new ones, and for new members, to get acquainted with our club. We were welcomed by a ...
• Beausoleil Island Trip
  by Jennifer Kilbourne Photographs by Gerry Croney The spring of 2011 was a wet one. It was a rare stretch of two or three days in April and May that didn’t see a few showers, if not heavy rains. Gerry, the trip organizer, wisely changed the destination of this mid-May kayaking and camping adventure from Franklin ...
• The Pinery
  Wendy Killoran The Ausable River emerged at Lake Huron’s shoreline with a wide, beckoning gap enticing us to paddle the Great Lake for the first paddle of the season in late March. It had been quite unexpected as Doug and I had just snowshoed two weeks prior on the frozen lake and now, a vertical ...
• 7th Annual Flowerpot Island Expedition
  by Susan Sutherland Photographs by Rob Muylwyk and Scott Innes Our trip started out May 27 with 6 enthusiastic paddlers – Bert, Kaz, Rob M., Rob W., Scott, Susan and Trish. After meeting on a sunny Friday at Dunks Bay near Tobormory, quick hellos and packing our kayaks, we headed off. Our first obstacle was getting ...
• Staying Alive on the Water
  by Tim Dyer (White Squall Paddling Centre) I’ve been thinking a lot about rescues. Maybe it’s because every time I open a paddling magazine or view the list of topics for symposia, sea kayak rescue in all its guts and glory is dissected ad nauseum. To add to the nausea, I thought I would weigh in. Here ...
• The Forbidden Coast – Greenland
  Jan de Grijs It was Monday August 16 and Ursula, Patty and I were starting our long anticipated trip to Greenland. We were on a flight from Reykjavik to Kulusuk on the east coast of Greenland. As we approached Greenland all that was visible from the aircraft window were mountain tops above the cloud. The landing ...
• We’re not Here for the Money
  by John Fitzsimons On the weekend of September 17 to 19, nine hearty souls were treated to some of the best and some of the worst that Georgian Bay can dish out all in the quest to make the Bay a better place to paddle. Unlike the spring Rendezvous and thanks to the 5°C temperatures ...
• Minks and McCoys the Long Way
  by Rob Muylwyk I was looking to my right, scanning the shore for a suitable campsite, ideally one with Brian camping on it, when I suddenly saw a huge, hardly submerged rock in my peripheral vision. It was right in front of me, about a paddle stroke and a half away! The adrenaline kicked in, I ...
• Minks and McCoys the Long Way
  by Rob Muylwyk I was looking to my right, scanning the shore for a suitable campsite, ideally one with Brian camping on it, when I suddenly saw a huge, hardly submerged rock in my peripheral vision. It was right in front of me, about a paddle stroke and a half away! The adrenaline kicked in, I ...
• Paddling Back in Time
  Craig Grandy Newfoundland, as we all know, is a kayaker’s paradise. The Burin Peninsula is one of its best-kept secrets. Known to the locals as the “Boot,” this neck of land sticking out on the south coast of the province offers some of the best paddling on the Rock. This past September, I had the opportunity to ...
• GLSKA First-timers Trip
  by Anna Mallin Just before the Solstice (June 19-20, 2010) Keith Rodgers led a group of five “virgins” (no previous trip experience with GLSKA), plus Gerry Croney to the Massassauga Park. Despite forecasts earlier in the week of 25 knot winds and thunderstorms, the weather was perfect, the winds light and the temperature warm. All participants ...
• GLSKA First-timers Trip
  by Anna Mallin Just before the Solstice (June 19-20, 2010) Keith Rodgers led a group of five “virgins” (no previous trip experience with GLSKA), plus Gerry Croney to the Massassauga Park. Despite forecasts earlier in the week of 25 knot winds and thunderstorms, the weather was perfect, the winds light and the temperature warm. All participants ...
• To Kiss the Killarney Stones
  by Marti Uher What? You went to Ireland? Did you kiss the Blarney Stone? Well not exactly, but parking oneself with one’s derriere on the rocks of Killarney may well be considered an act of kissing its stones. Seems when family have asked me what I’ve been up to this summer and I mention, “Oh I ...
• The Orchid Trip 2010
  by Šárka Lhoták If you’ve paddled for a while, the trips just come and go; you paddle, swim, the sun is shining, scenery is great, and you’ve been there and seen it all.  But some trips stand up.  They become memorable for the camaraderie, difficult conditions overcome, unusual sightings of wildlife, and become part of the ...
• Paddling With Whales
  by Šárka Lhoták I arrived at the Paradis Marin campground, parked the car and walked to the office to register.  As I looked over the wide waters of the St.Lawrence estuary, I saw two white backs that slowly dove under water.  Belugas!  It couldn’t have been anything else, white like this!  So they are really here!This ...
• The Argonauts Make Good
  by Jim Fitton It is amazing what road distance can be quickly covered by one who relishes the prospect of a paddle on the Big Lake; 880 kilometres in 10.5 hours with just three short stops at Tims. It was the last day of June, cool and rainy as the season had already been, and would ...
• Return to the Land of the Gitchi Manitou
  Wendy Killoran The mystical power of Manitoulin Island had drawn me back. I had returned to kayak around this sacred island for a second time. In 2004, I’d paddled counter clockwise, starting and ending at South Baymouth with a partner. This time, during July, 2009, I was here alone to paddle clockwise and to paddle solo ...
• DSC VHF Radio
  IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE Are you thinking of a new VHF radio?  If not maybe you should be.   There have been substantial improvements made to the traditional analog VHF that could save your life! This article focuses on the life saving benefits of this technology and is not intended to cover all of the benefits ...
• Paddling The Outer Coast of Nootka Island
  by Tim Dyer The Voyages of the Starship White Squall – or Tim’s vain attempt to revisit his youth and take his son Jesse (and other young staffers) to his old stomping grounds on the west side of Vancouver Island, where he had been a kayak guide with Strathcona Outdoor Centre 30 years before, at the ...
• Sojourn on a Georgian Bay Island
  by Wendy Killoran It felt like my little piece of paradise. I was camped on a nameless island near the south western tip of Philip Edward Island, here on the north shore of the Georgian Bay, with expansive views of the La Cloche Mountains to the north and of the Killarney lighthouse to the west. It was ...
• Sojourn on a Georgian Bay Island
  by Wendy Killoran It felt like my little piece of paradise. I was camped on a nameless island near the south western tip of Philip Edward Island, here on the north shore of the Georgian Bay, with expansive views of the La Cloche Mountains to the north and of the Killarney lighthouse to the west. It was ...
• Kayaking and History
  by Bert Millar I like to paddle kayaks. I like to paddle on creeks, rivers and big water. I enjoy flat water and l love to kayak in monster seas. I like to kayak camp, hike, explore and watch nature. I like to maintain, repair and modify kayaks. I like to mess around in kayaks, go ...
• Tobermory to Killarney – a Kayak Adventure
  by Jocelyn Bertheau “There’s a small watercraft warning and a thunderstorm coming up later in the day … the local kayak outfitter is not renting!” we heard from the ranger at the new visitor centre of Fathom Five National Marine Park, just outside Tobermory. A couple of months earlier Frederik Beelaerts and I had started planning the ...
• McCoy Island Trip
  by Vivian Wade Eleven of us met at Big McCoy Island for a great extended weekend of paddling. The trip, which was led by Ron Coulson, included Nancy Coulson, Brian Rohde, Bill Jackson, Rod Govan, Arend de Boer, Sarka Lhotak, David Ivens, Johanna Wandel, Kaz Kusmierczak and Vivian Wade. We departed Dillon on Thursday afternoon with a ...
• GLSKA First-Timers Trip
  by Deborah Jackson Kayak clubs, I have been informed, are typically guilty of being populated by snobbish folks with less than warm welcomes for newcomers. I have run across such clubs, but GLSKA is definitely not one of them. When the club president makes an effort to break the mould and reach out to newcomers by ...
• A Chilling Paddle?
  Andrew Lawrence A few brave souls decided to bring in the 2009 paddling season by being on the water as January 1st rolled in. I was not among them. The thought of paddling in icy waters did not appeal to me at the time. However, I did join a trip on the weekend of April 24-26. ...
• Visual Distress Signals
  by Wayne Spivak In many coastal communities, lights in the sky after dusk are a rare sight. In other areas of the country, they are commonplace. But streaking lights always make people look twice. With the exception of the 1st of July or 24th of May, these streaking or arcing lights at night should make you ...
• Full Circle – Bringing sea kayaking back to the northern coast of Labrador
  Neil Burgess As the twin otter swooped in over the hills surrounding Nain and dropped towards the airstrip, I couldn’t help feel­ing a rush of anticipation. Our adventure was about to begin. This adventure was not a wilderness expedition, however. It was the meeting of two paddling cul­tures – one old and another new. We were about ...
• Full Circle – Bringing sea kayaking back to the northern coast of Labrador
  Neil Burgess As the twin otter swooped in over the hills surrounding Nain and dropped towards the airstrip, I couldn’t help feel­ing a rush of anticipation. Our adventure was about to begin. This adventure was not a wilderness expedition, however. It was the meeting of two paddling cul­tures – one old and another new. We were about ...
• A Journey North
  Flowerpot Island by Marti Uher I have always loved the Bruce Peninsula. Perhaps this is due in part to fond childhood memories of taking summer trips along the shores of Lake Huron with the destination being Tobermory or a ferry crossing to Manitoulin Island. My grandparents, from Holland, would make a biannual trip to Canada and invariably ...
• Five Days on the Sea of Cortez – Mexico
  by Mark Noppe In February 2009, I paddled beautiful green and blue waters for 5 days and camped on white sandy beaches for 4 nights, exploring a chain of uninhabited desert islands in the Sea of Cortez, off the south east coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. I stopped to swim and snorkel amongst sea lions, ...
• GLSKA New Trippers Trip
  Massassauga Park: June 20 – June 22 by Sally Dobson We drove through driving rain but the rain stopped as we readied for launch at 11:45 a.m. – amongst clouds of mosquitoes. Under Dave Beckett’s gentle and expert guidance, and the assistance of his friend, Ed Irwin, 6 of us (Gerry Croney, Jens Truebenbach, Paula Huber, Barry ...
• Lake Superior Kayak Trip – Michipicoten to Cascade Falls and Back
  by Brian Rohde Everything Ron and Nancy promised in their GLSKA trip listing happened over the nine-day trip. We had plenty of fog, big seas, lots of surf landings and launches and some long days on the water. To say the least, it was quite an adventure! The six of us met at Naturally Superior, an outfitter ...
• Umbrellas and Cathcarts
  by Rob Muylwyk This was the third year in a row that Šárka Lhoták had organized an overnight trip to the Umbrellas and Cathcarts, island groups south of Parry Sound; but it would be the first time that her group would actually make it to the Umbrellas. A mismatch between conditions and skill levels meant that ...
• How to get into a Kayak and Other Mysteries
  by Jennifer Heppner In the spring of 2007 I joined a dragon boat team for a fundraising competition. Little did I know that this would be the start of something great – learning to kayak! Reaching the second half of my life was an awakening to try new things before the body wasn’t as able as ...
• More than Nova Scotia on my Mind
  Wendy Killoran I’d planned to paddle around Nova Scotia, but after six weeks on the Northumberland Strait and Atlantic Ocean, mainly solo, I headed to a more agreeable situation. I’ll admit, for once I hadn’t put my heart and soul into this expedition. Mentally and emotionally, I was drained from the hardships endured over the last ...
• More than Nova Scotia on my Mind
  Wendy Killoran I’d planned to paddle around Nova Scotia, but after six weeks on the Northumberland Strait and Atlantic Ocean, mainly solo, I headed to a more agreeable situation. I’ll admit, for once I hadn’t put my heart and soul into this expedition. Mentally and emotionally, I was drained from the hardships endured over the last ...
• Big McCoy Getaway
  Betty Brown Our summer kayaking trips weren’t happening as planned. An extended trip in early July had to be cancelled because of an urgent family matter. Summer holidays were passing by quickly, and other than the GLSKA Rendezvous we hadn’t been on any trips yet and Georgian Bay was calling. The family situation had improved somewhat ...
• The Group of Seven (sea-fleas) on Lake Superior – Silver Islet to Rossport
  by Šárka Lhoták Sarka Lhotak As we drove through Sibley Park, a wolf crossed the narrow road right in front of our car. Wow! This must be a good omen; it would be a great trip! There were seven of us: Sam with his wife Sonja, John, Bill, Laura, May and me. In the village of Silver Islet ...
• Big Water Fiasco on Abino Bay
  by Bert Millar It was Sunday morning, May 4, 2008; skies were gloomy and tree tops were swaying. I had had a GLSKA day-trip planned for the Saturday of that weekend with 10 paddlers coming but cancelled because of bad weather, so today was our rain date. Myself, Scott and Gerry were still keen to go, so ...
• Boat Buying 101
  by John Winters Your first sea kayak is unlikely to be your last. Knowledge, skills, and ambitions grow with experience and a boat designed to suit novices rarely suits a paddler in the butterfly stage. That is why the first boat is so important. The boat you start with influences how and what (and even if) ...
• GLSKA – Georgian Bay Stewardship Report
  GEORGIAN BAY STEWARDSHIP REPORT 2008 GLSKA member Melissa Hachkowski and her brother Christopher have been hired by our Georgian Bay Committee to work as Georgian Bay Stewards for 10 weeks this summer. Following their training and planning, they will spend their time touring the islands of eastern Georgian Bay from the north end of Massasauga Park to the ...
• Wind Speed Conversions
  by Bert Millar Do you ever get confused by some of the marine jargon that you ear? Port, starboard, weathercock, leacock, heel, righting moment etc. Yes, so do I, and one term I dislike is knot or knots. You’re sitting on your campsite listening to the marine forecast on your VHF and the guy tells you to ...
• Lake Superior: Silver Islet to Rossport
  Mary Cavanaugh Our departure time was planned for 6 a.m., however one member thinking that they may not be able to shower for a week or so, decided they should take the extra time now to do this important thing, delaying our start time. Had they known we would be in continual rain for the next ...
• Just a Mite too Confident
  by David Ivens It all started innocently enough. I could see the weather was terrible driving up to Parry Sound. I arrived at White Squall and talked with a few friends and met a member of GLSKA and everyone concurred it was a day to stay on shore and read a book. Of course sitting in ...
• A Warm-Water Paddle Among the Snook and Wild Hogs
  by Keith Rodgers After the Christmas frenzy has died down, visions of sugar-plums no longer dance in my head – they are replaced by dreams of a kayak gliding over crystal-clear tropical waters and perhaps a lazy wet exit, done just for the pleasure of enjoying the warm sea. There are many tropical locations promising kayakers this ...
• Strait Ahead – A Sea Kayaker Challenges Himself Against the Gulf of St. Lawrence
  by Serge Savard The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi requires everyone at the end of his/her three-year outdoor leadership programme to undertake a major project. While looking at a map of the Maritimes, I had no hesitation in embarking upon a solo adventure that would take me across all of the straits on the Gulf of ...
• Ungava Bay and Labrador
  Nigel Foster Three small wooden spoons sit on my bookshelf, crudely carved from driftwood found on Lacy Island, one of the Button Islands off the northern tip of Labrador. I carved those spoons after losing my cutlery landing in the dark having crossed Hudson Strait from Resolution Island. I planned to kayak Labrador from its northern ...
• Paddling the Rankin River
  by Rob Muylwyk The excellent “Bruce Peninsula Paddling Destinations” produced by the Georgian Bay Committee, originally published in Qayaq and available on our web-site, ignores one of the Peninsula’s worthwhile interior paddling waters. These are the inland lakes generally referred to as the “Rankin River Route”, consisting of Isaac Lake, Boat Lake, and the river that ...
• Rendezvous with Whales
  Nick Donovan The sound of beating drums drifts over the water. Soldiers dressed in crimson-red tunics, one bearing a large flag, dash up the hillside amid shouts and war cries. Rising Tide’s The New Founde Lande – Trinity Pageant is in progress. This re-enactment of a very early and tumultuous time in Newfoundland’s history creates a ...
• Paddling in the Wake of Stephen King
  by Melissa Hachkowski I remembered learning about Lake Nipigon in elementary school when we read Holling C. Holling’s book Paddle to the Sea. “Paddle” was released into Lake Nipigon, travelled the river to Lake Superior and then out the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence River. Since I am addicted to Lake Superior, I thought Nipigon ...
• GLSKA New Members Trip Massasauga Provincial Park
  by Leanne Hanna My first experience with kayak tripping began after picking up my rental kayak and driving out to Pete’s Place in Massasauga Provincial Park. I’d been introduced to kayaking a year before at an introductory course in the pool at McMaster University. I’d enjoyed it, but had been unable to go on more than ...
• Newfoundland: A Place in My Heart
  by Wendy Killoran Wind whistles again through the treetops on this August day, a relentless reminder that I’m a sea kayaker practising patience and respect for the sea. A tempestuous sea rolls wave after strong, white-capping wave in a spray of unfurled power onto the gravel beach. It is a land day. Again the sea is ...
• Mink and McCoy Islands August 3-7
  by Dorothy Van Esbroeck Photos by: Terry Carleton After enjoying a few ice-cream treats, duly noted by the participants, this trip began to take shape. My boat was already loaded – all I had to do was repack my food bags from food in my car and then I added some fleece thinking that the warm weather ...
• Franklin Island August 1-3
  by Dorothy Van Esbroeck The hot, humid days of summer were here and I was happy to be going out paddling. The goal of this trip was to safely further develop kayaking skills in a group setting. With all the pre-trip e-mails over, I was eager to finally be meeting the participants. At Snug Harbour, I met ...
• The Cape Croker “Prairies”
  By Terry Carleton Although forests are the main focus of my attention, prairies have held a fascination for me since the age of ten. My family lived on the edge of a council house estate in southeast London, UK, as did my precocious and talented cousin five years my senior, 500 yards up the road. He ...
• Dealing With Boat Traffic
  by Bert Millar Probably most of us would prefer to do our paddling in quiet, pristine areas, listening to the sounds of the wind, water and wildlife, free from the stress and danger of our modern and over-mechanised world. Sometimes we do get a chance to escape to these peaceful and remote wilderness regions, a chance ...
• Wild Ending to a Trip Around Lake Ontario
  by Louise Adie I had only intended to start kayaking as a way to build upper body strength for Nordic skiing. Famous last words. My paddling had been limited to 8- and 12-mile outings on Cayuga Lake here in the Finger Lakes Region of central New York State. So after two years of four-season paddling (jumping in ...
• To Feather or Not To Feather, That is the Question
  by Bert Millar If you were to look around when paddling with groups you would notice that most people use feathered paddles. A feathered paddle is one where each blade is oriented at a different angle than the opposite blade usually between 60 and 90 degrees so that when the power side is in the water ...
• Georgian Bay: Killarney to Parry Sound
  by Johanna Wandel Eight of us had planned to paddle from Killarney to Parry Sound in August, but at the put-in it became obvious that not all the food bags were there, and our number was reduced by one from the start. So it was only Gord, Bill, Gary, John, Johanna and Nancy who were participating ...
• Isle Royale Solo
  Melissa Hachkowski Five years ago, when I first flew over Isle Royale in a Bear Skin Airline Special, the combination of aqua, green and pink rock reefs that surrounded the island caught my attention and engraved itself on my tripping slate as a trip to do, right behind the other four years of accumulated “must paddle ...
• Lake Superior: Hattie Cove to Michipicoten River
  by Nancy Coulson What can I say about the largest of our Great Lakes that hasn’t already been said? Not too much! Pristine water, unbelievably scenic rocky shorelines, sandy beaches (some rivaling tropic getaways), amazing sunsets, etc., etc. Nine of us – Amie Chong, Bill Lanning, Bill Jackson (B.J. for this trip, as we didn’t want both ...
• Lake Superior: Hattie Cove to Michipicoten River
  by Nancy Coulson What can I say about the largest of our Great Lakes that hasn’t already been said? Not too much! Pristine water, unbelievably scenic rocky shorelines, sandy beaches (some rivaling tropic getaways), amazing sunsets, etc., etc. Nine of us – Amie Chong, Bill Lanning, Bill Jackson (B.J. for this trip, as we didn’t want both ...
• Top 10 Reasons to Paddle Beausoleil Island
  GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK by Dorothy Van Esbroeck I ventured here in late August for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by what the park had to offer. There was some evidence of recent vandalism to the cooking shelter at Beausoleil Point. Maybe if more kayakers came here it might curb this trend. This is ...
• Top 10 Reasons to Paddle Beausoleil Island
  GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK by Dorothy Van Esbroeck I ventured here in late August for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by what the park had to offer. There was some evidence of recent vandalism to the cooking shelter at Beausoleil Point. Maybe if more kayakers came here it might curb this trend. This is ...
• Around P.E.I. by Kayak
  AROUND P.E.I. BY KAYAK by Wendy Killoran I was blessed with tail winds throughout most of my June kayak circumnavigation of Prince Edward Island. As far as I knew, no woman had ever paddled around it. Epekwitk is the name the original Mi’kmaq inhabitants gave P.E.I., meaning “cradled by the waves.” I’d read an article by Maine ...
• Phillip Edward Island
  by Dorothy Van Esbroeck It was February and I was hoping to pick a few rather calm and sunny July days for a trip. Checking the calendar, I picked the days leading up to the full moon on July 21st. What else besides the phases of the moon do you know in advance when selecting trip ...
• Finding Espresso Beach in Sardinia
  Wendy Killoran Frenetic waves jostled my kayak in a confounded frenzy. The mistral winds tore over the tepid Mediterranean Sea and waves rebounded in a chaotic mess off the granitic cliffs. But the box of waves I found myself in was created by the continuous wakes of yachts, sailboats and jet skis, which plied the enticing ...
• Promoting Stewardship: GLSKA’s Georgian Bay Committee
  By Doug Cunningham Founder and First Chairman of the Georgian Bay Committee I remember the day well. It was the occasion of the GLSKA Annual Meeting in November 1993 and the final agenda item, Other Business, was tabled. I spoke up, expressing my concern for the fragility of the Bay Islands and the need to preserve their ...
• Toonoonok Dreamin’
  PADDLING WITH THE GHOSTS OF NORTHERN EXPLORATION by Erik Antons When you enter Nunavut, be prepared for an adventure beyond compare, in one the most scenic, historic and remote parts of the world. The Arctic Circle, at roughly 66 degrees N latitude, marks the northernmost point at which the sun can be seen at the winter solstice ...
• Slate Islands Sojourn
  Donna Griffin-Smith Monday, August 2, 6 a.m.: Our group of eight kayakers stood on the beach staring into a dense pea soup fog. Contrary to its reputation, Lake Superior was flat calm. Not a whisper of wind and no waves. Somewhere before us, were the Slate Islands. We knew they were out there somewhere, but where? The ...
• In the Land of the Great Manitou
  by Wendy Killoran I’d arrived on Manitoulin Island’s shore with a great sense of mystery. The world’s largest freshwater island is situated at the northern tip of Lake Huron. As I paddled counterclockwise around its convoluted coastline with my paddling companion Michael, a natural paradise of spiritual presence, mystical wonders and magical moments revealed itself. The ferry ...
• Fjords of Ice – Greenland
  Wendy Killoran The exhilaration of sitting in a kayak at the foot of an actively calving glacier got my adrenaline flowing and my heart thumping! As a paddler, I’d dreamt of paddling in Greenland, a paradise of ice, for a long time. An icy kingdom wondrously revealed itself to me as I paddled its fjords of ...
• Fjords of Ice – Greenland
  Wendy Killoran The exhilaration of sitting in a kayak at the foot of an actively calving glacier got my adrenaline flowing and my heart thumping! As a paddler, I’d dreamt of paddling in Greenland, a paradise of ice, for a long time. An icy kingdom wondrously revealed itself to me as I paddled its fjords of ...
• The Slates and then some
  by Melissa Hachkowski Everyone who has kayaked, backpacked or tripped solo for any length of time has developed a list of top secret spots: places which bear personal significance, aura and importance. These are the places we return to many times and still have the ability to find something new that we didn’t recognize before. These ...
• Our first Rendezvous
  OUR FIRST RENDEZVOUS by Beth and Simon Mielniczuk Spring 2004. Two semi-experienced paddlers become members of a group called GLSKA and join them at Rendezvous, their kick-off to another paddling season celebrated on Georgian Bay. Neither of us really knew what to expect – other than we’d be camping with a lot of people, most of them ...
• Southeast Shore of Georgian Bay
  Howard Williams & Rudi Rauch The southeast corner of Georgian Bay is a place of water, rocks of the Canadian Shield and bush, which in many instances, clings to minute rock crevices, obtaining nurture from small amounts of soil. Yet part of Beausoleil Island, the largest island in Georgian Bay Islands National Park (GBINP), has a ...
• The McRae Lake Trip
  (With apologies to Songs of the Great Lakes – “On the Schooner Hercules”) Hart Haessler In the spring of O and four, The first of May it’s true, Seven kayaks set their blades. We were a GLSKA crew. No finer paddlers left these shores, Nor better seasoned few. From Honey Harbour up the bay, Our course was north and true. The waters were just free ...
• Sea Kayaking – The Who, What, Where, Why, When and How of the Sport
  by Wendy Killoran WHAT IS SEA KAYAKING? Sea kayaking is a water sport that opens up a lifetime of endless possibilities of exploration and recreation. A sea kayak, life jacket, double bladed paddle and spray skirt are the bare essentials needed to be able to paddle as well as feeling comfortable on the water. Sea kayaking is ...
• Kayaking into the stillness of Grafton Pond
  by Richard E. Winslow III As something of a stranger to western New Hampshire I discovered that Grafton Pond was no easy destination. Getting there became an ordeal of hit-and-mostly-missed dirt roads. A tucked-away 235-acre body of water in the Canaan-Enfield region, the Grafton Pond Reservation was donated to, and has been administered since 1984 by, ...
• The Ghost of Dunk’s Bay
  by Rob Muylwyk Early one Saturday morning, in the middle of August of 2002, I joined Dan, John C., Greg and Dave for a windy weekend trip, organized and led by John D, along the northeast coast of the Bruce Peninsula. I had just checked the weathernetwork.com, so I could share the dire predictions with the ...
• Innovation or Hyperbole?
  by John Winters What would you do to improve the design of kayaks? More importantly, what can you think of that would have a dramatic (or at least noticeable) effect on kayak performance – an effect you could legitimately call an innovation? Excluding technology that allows stronger and lighter boats and the paddling gadgets we seem to ...
• Hakai: Paddling the Rain Coast
  by Donna Griffin-Smith Saturday June 28, 2003; finally we are ready. Plans for our trip began more than a year ago, and moved into high gear in May as we packed all the equipment we thought we would need for an extended cross Canada road trip, plus all our gear and dried foods for kayaking on ...
• Tickling Gitchee Gumee – Paddling the Pukaskwa Coast
  Story: Joe Leering Photos: Johanna Wandel As I read this trip posting in Qayaq, it stirred up thoughts of a terrific trip through some of this province’s wildest areas. I had heard that this trip is something that one should aspire to and I believed that I was now ready for it. There were five of us, ...
• Tales of GOMEX and Gustav
  by Donna Griffin-Smith Sounds like an old legend doesn’t it? Two giants battle to the finish along a wild and windswept coast. Well, sort of … GOMEX is the nickname given to the Gulf of Maine Expedition, and Gustav was a hurricane. A tale of man versus the elements, with a modern twist. In September, 2002, Don ...
• Fathom Five National Marine Park
  A SEA KAYAKER’S PARADISE by Wendy Killoran Photos by Jim Gear A stack of towering dolomite soared above my kayak as I paddled the jade green water lapping at its base. Mellow light bathed the flowerpot as the sun sank lower in the western sky, almost obscured by the lofty cliff, which is part of the Niagara escarpment, ...
• Tales of the Rideau
  by Paula Huber June 1, 2002, the wind howled sending strong gusts slashing the waters of Mooney’s Bay, Rideau River. My heart thumped as my husband gave me a shove and I slid across the choppy water in my 12-ft. Sun Flight kayak. My Rideau Canal journey had begun, an 11-day paddle from Hog’s Back lock ...
• Kayaking the Edisto River in South Carolina
  by Keith Rodgers We have driven down the monotonous stretch of the I-95 south of Richmond, Virginia. Miles of straight blacktop, except when it’s silver grey concrete streaked with long black rubber skid marks that end with no explanation, not even a shard of glass. It was late in April when we came south, and by ...
• Lightning
  by Tim Dyer Hello from lightning central – Georgian Bay! Yup, I dunno how it happened, but in the last few years our tranquil old Bay has become a raging giant – tossing out some pretty violent summer storms. I suppose you could blame global warming, el nino or the jet stream. Personally I think some ...
• Paddling with Puffins and Vikings – Iceland
  AN ICELANDIC PADDLING ADVENTURE by Wendy Killoran I had anticipated this moment for several months, camped at Hornvik’s sweeping beach with an expansive view of craggy Hornbjarg rising majestically half a kilometre straight from the ocean. My paddling companions, six Icelandic men (Baldur Petursson, Gummi Breiddal, Petur Hilmursson, Sveinbjorn Kristjansson, Eythor Pall Hauksson and Halldor Sveinbjornsson), were ...
• Paddling with Puffins and Vikings – Iceland
  AN ICELANDIC PADDLING ADVENTURE by Wendy Killoran I had anticipated this moment for several months, camped at Hornvik’s sweeping beach with an expansive view of craggy Hornbjarg rising majestically half a kilometre straight from the ocean. My paddling companions, six Icelandic men (Baldur Petursson, Gummi Breiddal, Petur Hilmursson, Sveinbjorn Kristjansson, Eythor Pall Hauksson and Halldor Sveinbjornsson), were ...
• Franklin Island: Paddling Season “Warm-Up” Trip
  by Sarka Lhotak  Eager to get on Georgian Bay with my new kayak, I signed-up on this Victoria Day Weekend trip organized by Wolfgang Kuschke. As the date was approaching, however, I followed the weather forecast with concern. The maximum temperatures were not to exceed 4º C that weekend. “Wolfgang, are we going? I think it ...
• Franklin Island Instructional Weekend
  by Johanna Wandel I’ve never been one to read the instructions – usually, I need to screw up before I’ll look for the back of the package to try and figure out what I was supposed to do in the first place. My approach to kayaking has been similar: when I first started I took some ...
• Kayaking Heaven – Well, Newfoundland, Actually
  by Mike Daly Imagine kayaking in a place where you see no other kayakers, no powerboats, no jet skis, no snakes, no raccoons or skunks. A place where you do see whales, bald eagles, icebergs and bergy bits, soaring rock cliffs, sea stacks and sea caves. Notre Dame Bay in Newfoundland fits the bill. Amie and I ...
• Rocks and Pines
  GLSKA’S MICHIPICOTEN ISLAND TRIP by Johanna Wandell It isn’t likely that you’ll find Pukaskwa pits on Michipicoten Island, nor will you see pictographs. It wasn’t a place the Ojibwe frequented, not only because of its remoteness (the nearest point on the mainland is over 16 kilometres away) but because it was said to be the domain of ...
• A December Paddle on Lake Huron
  by Wendy Killoran A thin layer of frost delicately laced the ground. This was after all December and I was headed to the Pinery to meet my new friend and GLSKA member, Dorothy. I was hopeful that we’d be paddling on Lake Huron itself as a moderate easterly breeze whispered hints of winter. That meant the ...
• Padding the North Channel
  by Donna Griffin-Smith September 11, 2001 will remain in my memory as a day of startling contrasts. It started off on an emotional high. For us, it was calm, clear and sunny at 7 a.m., the beginning of a perfect paddling day and the final day of our trip in the North Channel. It ended with ...
• Victoria Jason’s Dream
  Teresa Davey & Phil Hossack Victoria Jason had a dream, one she saw come to life. The Winnipeg grandmother was the first woman to kayak the Northwest Passage starting in the summer of 1991, and completing her odyssey alone in 1994. Her award winning first book Kabloona in the Yellow Kayak [Reviewed in the Winter 1997 issue of ...
• Kayaking Lake Superior’s Mysterious Michipicoten Island
  David Whyte Michipicoten Island lies in the northeast corner of Lake Superior, approximately 67 kilometres west of Wawa and about 14 kilometres south of an uninhabited stretch of Lake Superior’s north coast. The island has a total circumference of about 65 kilometres, excluding bays and inlets. It contains approximately 30 remote lakes, and is both rugged ...
• South Baymouth to Key River
  by Bob Knapp I wasn’t used to carrying three sea kayaks on my car, but since we only had to drive from Owen Sound to Tobermory, we tied them on and headed north. The plan was to catch the ferry from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island on Monday morning and somehow, between fellow kayaker Ron and I, ...
• Sea Kayaking on Lake Erie
    by Wendy Killoran Awakening before the sun at 3:55 a.m., I bleary-eyed prepared myself in darkness to start a paddling adventure, an attempt to cross Lake Erie, via Point Pelee, Pelee Island, Middle Island, Kelleys Island (Ohio) and on to Cedar Point and Sandusky, Ohio. I drove quiet roads, normally brimming with traffic, to Komoka to ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Stokes Bay to Cape Hurd
  by Doug Cunningham The Lake Huron side of the Bruce Peninsula slopes gently toward the west and cradles warm, almost bathtub-like waters, which are punctuated now and then by smooth sand beaches. Great for swimming or practising your Eskimo roll. Some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Great Lakes can be viewed from the western ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Barrow Bay to Cape Croker
  by Doug Cunningham This section of the Bruce Peninsula offers sheltered paddling within Hope Bay and Sydney Bay and many opportunities to explore Escarpment geology along the Bruce Trail above these Bays. The total distance from Barrow Bay to the Cape Croker Indian Park is about 25 kilometres, if you follow the indented coastline of Hope ...
• Cape Chin to Lion’s Head
  We launch our precious vessels Each a distinct lovely sculpture Like Oriental vases crafted as kayaks We are a motley crew of gender and origin United in the pursuit of joy and peace in paddling Belgian, Canadian, American and Brit A flotilla in search of the perfect day On the right the unfolding vista of pulsating greens and blues of shoreline water ...
• Killarney to Hartley Bay
  by Daniel K. Jenkins Well this is a first for me so don’t be too hard on me. I feel like I’m in grade school and doing a “What I did on my summer vacation” report. Having only been on a few day trips, the Rendezvous and one extended trip with one other member it ...
• The Lure of Labrador
  by Wendy Killoran Labrador is a land of superlatives. It is a land that truly can awaken your heart and soul as the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism slogan promotes. Its stark beauty betrays the hard realities that hardy individuals endure in this land of vast natural splendor. I’d come to Labrador to paddle with whales and ...
• Colpoy’s Bay Islands
  by Doug Cunningham Spectacular vistas await the paddler as he circumnavigates White Cloud Island in Colpoy’s Bay: majestic bluffs, blue water, forested islands and cobblestone beaches. To the north are Cape Croker’s Malcolm Bluff and King’s Point Bluff, to the south lie Skinner’s Bluff and Ester’s Bluff of the Colpoy’s Range of the Escarpment, and to ...
• Seven Days in Quebec
  by Hart Haessler PART 1: THE MATAGAMI EXPEDITION There are big lakes out there and I’ve never seen them. This was Sam’s characteristic explanation for choosing the Matagami area of Quebec for his August 2000 GLSKA trip. He had written to the development officer of Matagami for information. In essence this was the reply: “The area is ...
• Beausoleil Island: The “Bear” Facts
  by Glenn Davy In an attempt to duplicate last Autumn’s outstanding trip to Beausoleil (located near Honey Harbour, Ontario), I decided to run the same basic trip this Spring. I was actually hoping for cool weather since this would be only one weekend removed from the long weekend, and the hordes of power boaters that invade ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Cabot Head to Lion’s Head
  by Doug Cunningham The east coast of the Bruce Peninsula offers a number of paddling options, from short day trips to an extended 35 kilometre paddle covering the entire distance from Cabot Head to Lion’s Head. Spectacular dolomite cliffs, a mainland flowerpot formation, an escarpment waterfall, cobblestone beaches, and relatively wilderness paddling await the kayaker along ...
• Dancing High and Low
  Tim Dyer High and low brace turns are my most favourite things to do in a kayak. Powerful, quietly carving, they have the potential to impress almost anyone, including your favourite person. Sea kayakers often get these turns confused with their whitewater cousins and the results are awkward, straining strokes ending in a hail of froth ...
• Bruce Peninsula – Northeast Coast
  by Doug Cunningham The northeast coast is without a doubt the most spectacular part of the Bruce Peninsula. The rugged escarpment cliffs combine with the crystalline clear blue waters of Georgian Bay and the off-shore islands of the Fathom Five National Marine Park to create scenic vistas that are unrivaled anywhere. The trip from Dunks Bay ...
• Of Ghosts and Airborne Galleons
  by Glenn Davy Autumn is an irresistible time of the year for me, with all its unpredictability in terms of weather, the colours, and the chill of the mornings and warmth of the afternoons. As it turns out, Tom Newton dropped me a line regarding my October trip and we were on. We decided to base ...
• Fishing Islands
  by Doug Cunningham Eagle’s nest in the Fishing Islands. Imagine exploring an archipelago of over 70 dolomite islands located no more than 3 kilometres from the western shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula. The Fishing Islands offer just such an experience. The trip through the islands from Oliphant to Red Bay or Howdenvale can vary in length from ...
• Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve
  by Doug Cunningham The trip along the Georgian Bay shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula from Lion’s Head to Barrow Bay is approximately 12 kilometres in length. One should allow the better part of a day to enjoy it as a day-trip, or could make it a leisurely two-day trip by camping at McKay’s Harbour where an ...
• St. Kitts With A Boat In My Bag
  by Warren Williams This article outlines some of the practical aspects of taking a folding kayak on the sort of vacation many of us make, or hope to make, rather than an extensive kayak trip over perhaps many weeks or months. For this type of trip see A Boat in our Baggage – Around the World ...
• Circumnavigation of Lyal Island
  by Doug Cunningham The somewhat protected waters of Stokes Bay and Myles Bay on the west side of the Bruce Peninsula provide an excellent area for a single-day loop-trip. The trip is approximately 12 kilometres in length and requires about 4 hours of leisurely paddling not including sightseeing stops or refreshment breaks. Ten islands dot these two ...
• Circumnavigation of Cove Island
  by Doug Cunningham This trip can be done either as a 20 kilometre round trip, (which would include the circumnavigation of Cove Island), or a shorter day-trip involving visits to the island’s picturesque west coast, or as one component of a multi-day excursion involving camping on Flowerpot Island. This special 20 kilometre tour of Cove Island, the ...
• Fathom Five National Park
  This park, located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, is the perfect location for a multi-day trip where the paddler can explore the many islands making up the park from a base camp on Flowerpot island, the only location in the park where camping is permitted. Shorter day-trips involving visits to any of the ...
• Kite Sailing
  by Sandy Richardson Parafoil kites are great toys and make wonderful sails for kayaks. Wind fills the open cells in the kite, creating a wing that gives remarkable pulling power. When not in use, the kite, made entirely of fabric, fits neatly into a small stuff sack that, along with the string and winder, fits neatly ...
• Kayaking from the Belchers to Great Whale River
  Told by Ali Apaqquq to Moses Naukaguaq who made this translation. In the summer of 1943, we went on a kayak trip – myself, Davidee Kavik and two other younger men named Mususiapik and Makusi.I was born in the spring of 1916. People (from the Belcher Islands) used to go to Great Whale River in the ...
• Adventures in Pukaskwa
  Dorothy McLaughlin PART I: LET THE HIKERS FEED THE BEARS The spring of ’97 was a very late spring and a very poor spring for bear food. A young black bear and two older bears were forced to wander the Pukaskwa hiking trails searching for people food. The young bear came near a beach where our group ...
• A Lesson in Humility
  (OR ROLLING WITH ROLLY) by Rick Wise Early spring is a time to beware. Warm weather, cold water and overconfidence can make for a dangerous combination. I learned that lesson the hard way and it was a humbling experience. A guy who makes his living taking care of, and training others in the out-of-doors is not supposed ...
• Solo on Lake Superior Part Two – Silver Islet to Michipicoten Harbour
  or Saunas, Safe Havens and other Beautiful Places of the Superior North Shore by Mary Jo Cullen Missing out on the glorious mild weather of last May, it wasn’t until the end of the first week in June that I finally was ready to launch my baidarka into the clear, cold waters of Lake Superior at the ...
• A Superior Adventure
  by Donna Griffin-Smith Usually a paddling trip involves much advance planning, but our “Superior Adventure” last summer, from the first “Would you like to…?” to the final “I think we’re ready!”, was two weeks of frantic planning and packing. Martha, Vicki, Catherine and myself were all experienced trippers, but we had not paddled together as a group ...
• Lake Ontario Tour – Fair Haven to Oswego
  by Harry Weidman The lake temperature was 59 degrees F, the air 55°, wind was 15-20 knots from the northwest with gusts, waves were running 4-6 feet with a few whitecaps near shore, small craft warnings were in effect. Four paddlers met at Fair Haven State Park to contemplate the lake conditions before continuing their quest of ...
• Land of the Long White Cloud Part Two – Kayaking on New Zealand’s South Island
    Doug Hamilton In the first article, I chronicled the kayaking adventures of Teresa, my wife, and myself while vacationing on New Zealand’s North Island. In part two, I will provide the highlights of our kayaking experiences on the South Island. On this leg of our New Zealand adventure, we continued splitting our time between cycling, hiking, ...
• The Richard Dunning Trips
  by Stephen Threlkeld (A frequent participant) Last year it was the Richard Dunning Trip, but some years it is the Richard and Elizabeth Dunning Trip. To me these are special trips in a number of ways. They are always in a beautiful location; last year it was the French River; this year it will be Temagami. They ...
• Instant Weather
  John Winters Quick, what are the eight signs that the weather is going to deteriorate? If you don’t know them you may be asking for trouble. The vast majority of sea kayaking accidents are the result of paddlers being caught in bad weather for which they were unprepared or lacked skills to handle. Fortunately most can be ...
• Land of the Long White Cloud Part One – Kayaking on New Zealand’s North Island
  Doug Hamilton It really is New Zealand’s fault that I’m now seemingly obsessed with sea kayaking. After all, it was the place where my wife, Teresa, and I had originally discovered the wonders of the sport. Three years ago, we punctuated our month-long bike trip across New Zealand with two short kayak trips; one in the ...
• Paddle Signals for Sea Kayakers
  An International Attempt To Find A Set Of Standard Arm And Sound Signals For Sea Kayakers by Urdo Beier When you go on a sea kayakinq tour all members of a group should stay within voice communication of each other. But is this possible? You can not always talk at normal conversation volume due to wind and wave ...
• The Last Inuit Kayak in Baker Lake
  by Mark Taylor The kayak is stored in the crawl space under a house in Baker Lake NWT . I found out about it from a chance conversation with Fred Ford, a young man who lives in Baker and who has taken a great interest in Inuit history. His father bought the kayak from ­the ...
• The Last Inuit Kayak in Baker Lake
  by Mark Taylor The kayak is stored in the crawl space under a house in Baker Lake NWT . I found out about it from a chance conversation with Fred Ford, a young man who lives in Baker and who has taken a great interest in Inuit history. His father bought the kayak from ­the ...
• Hunt for the red-necked grebe
  by Stephen Threlkeld In memory of Stephen Threlkeld some of his trip reports will be reprinted in 2014. This one originally appeared in the Summer 1991 issue of Qayaq. To arrive at Fred Binding’s cottage after weeks of winter in the city is literally to be transformed. The cottage is on the very edge of Georgian Bay, ...
• Long Point
  Article: Robert Aucoin Photographs: Sandy Richardson The following report of a GLSKA trip held in July 1990 originally appeared in the Autumn 1990 (Vol. 2, No. 3) issue of Qayaq. It is another in a series of articles from our first quarter century that we are reprinting as GLSKA marks its 25th anniversary. Robert Aucoin was ...
• Kayaking Ellesmere Island
  by Jim Coles The following article originally appeared in the Spring 1990 (Vol. 2, No. 1) issue of Qayaq. It is another in a series of articles from our first quarter century that we are reprinting as GLSKA marks its 25th anniversary. This was the first article that featured original pen and ink artwork; something that ...

News

• 2024 Annual General Meeting
  WHEN: Saturday November 16th, 10:30 – 3:30 pm WHERE: Port Credit Memorial Arena – Credit Room 40 Stavebank Road North. Port Credit, Mississauga Tel: 905-615-4830 The planned agenda is as follows: 10:30 – 11:30 am Social Time 11:30 – 12:00 pm Social Time continues with Pizza and soft drinks 12:00 – 1:00 pm Key Note Speaker **Al Pace of Canoe North Adventures** 1:15 – 3:15 pm Business portion of ...
• 2023 Annual General Meeting and presentation
  The Annual General Meeting will be held in-person. WHEN: Sunday November 19th,  4:30 pm to 9:00pm WHERE: Clarkson Community Centre, Margaret Marland Room 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga The planned agenda is as follows: 4:30 – 6:00 pm Social Time and Pizza 6:00 – 7:00 pm Key Note Speaker – Barry Butcher 7:00 – 9:00 pm Business portion of meeting Volunteers are needed for the meeting for the following ...
• 2022 Annual General Meeting and presentation by Adventure Canada
  The Annual General Meeting will be held virtually on November 22, 2022 via Zoom. There will be a presentation by Adventure Canada this year. Adventure Canada offers various guided small ship tours to points such as the Arctic, Europe, and Antarctica to name only a few. More information on their trips can be found at adventurecanada.com. Topic: ...
• 2021 Annual General Meeting On-Line
  The 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held online on November 22. The meeting is open to all club members. Please check your email for details sent to members on 25th October. You will receive the Agenda before the meeting. If you are planning to attend please send me an email. This will allow me ...
• Record Water Levels in Lake Huron/Georgian Bay
  GLSKA member Peter Attfield writes … Last week (mid-June) I was kayak camping in Georgian Bay for a few days, and the water level was higher than I had ever seen. Some people I encountered claimed that the water was up a foot from last year, and one said ten feet from last year! I didn’t ...
• Proposed transfer of Philip Edward Island ignores interests of kayakers, campers and residents, says past president of Georgian Bay Association
  The proposed settlement of the claim by the Wiikwemkoong for compensation for the loss of Fitzwilliam Island, their traditional land, is badly flawed and will result in “very significant and adverse ecological and social impacts on the current users of this area”. This is the conclusion reached by John McMullen, past president of the Georgian ...
• Proposed Wiikwemkoong Boundary Islands Transfer
  The Ontario government has released its proposed settlement of the Wiikwemkoong claim for the loss of its ancestral land today known as Fitzwilliam Island. The proposal is that the Wiikwe be given financial compensation plus the whole of Prince Edward Island and pretty well all other Crown land islands from Killarney to the French River.  ...