Paddle in a New Direction

This issue’s theme is something we take literally, encouraging everyone to discover new ways to explore the unknown and to realize fresh ways to take another look at what may seem familiar.

We turn our attention to the canoe – the perfect way to slow things down and take a closer look. The canoe remains a monumental symbol to the settlement of our country – in fact, many have said that Canada would not have existed were it not for the canoe, which proved essential to defining national boundaries. Developed by the First Peoples of the New World, the canoe proved the perfect transportation solution in a land criss-crossed with lakes and rivers. The canoe we know best – a wooden frame covered with birch bark and sealed with spruce resin – was light enough to be carried yet sturdy enough to support a large load. As the increased demand for fur drove Europeans farther into the country, larger canoes were built to carry more people and heavier cargoes. The spirited voyageurs who became the backbone of commerce-driven exploration, added colour to Canadian culture. And now this same spirit is becoming a part of yours.

“The bold adventurer succeeds the best.” - Ovid

Paddle Lore:
Choosing the paddle that suits your style

Choosing a paddle is a very personal decision – and an important one: it has to feel right; it has to work right. Wooden paddles are traditional with the flexibility to cushion the force of the strokes on your joints yet lightweight and strong, lessening your fatigue after hours of repetitive strokes. Rick Chuchra of Mountain Equipment Co-op goes one step further – he makes his own custom paddles but he has some advice for others.

According to Rick, stores/outfitters used to fit paddles by having the paddler stand up, place the blade on the ground and have the grip end at the paddler’s nose. This is the wrong way to fit and results in a paddle that is too long, putting a lot of stress on the shoulder when paddling. The correct way to fit is to sit in a chair and place the grip of the paddle (paddle is upside down) on the chair seat. The throat of the paddle should come between your nose and eyebrows. Measuring this way takes into account the length of your torso and the length of the paddle shaft, consequently your shoulders will be lower as you paddle resulting in less stress.

With regard to maintenance, Rick notes that wooden paddles require a bit more care. Treat your paddle kindly, it should be refinished every couple of years depending on how often you use it and take care of it.

For more information on selecting a paddle, click here

You now have a properly fitted paddle just waiting to be used. We can think of no better places to develop the J-stroke than Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, The Shoals, Wabakimi or Woodland Caribou provincial parks. In fact, you should put all of these on your paddling life list.

“The traveller was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him, He goes “sight-seeing.” - Daniel J. Boorstin

Rapid Decision-Making, Simplified

Ontario Parks has some of the best whitewater paddling in the world. But moving water is a deceptively powerful force. Mark Smith and Christine Kennedy, avid paddlers, wilderness mapmakers and authors of The Adventure Map® paddling guides that cover many Ontario Parks, offer these tips:

1. Stay alert! Obstacles come up quickly, and moving water shortens reaction time.
2. Always have a good map of your route and a compass, and know how to use them.
3. Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD), and ensure your boat has a throw bag, lining ropes and bailer.
4. Always scout rapids before deciding whether to "run" them or not. Don't overestimate your skill.
5. Take time to discuss the ideal route through a rapid with your canoe partner.
6. Before planning a whitewater trip, take time to learn the skills you’ll need.
7. If you run a challenging rapid, always have a "spotter" who can toss a throw-bag to anyone who "dumps" and needs assistance.
8. Enjoy the experience, but always be respectful of the power of moving water.

You should remember these tips when paddling waterway parks such as the Mattawa River and the Spanish River, or those flat water parks with rapids like Rushing River. Of course, for a complete list of canoeing destinations, visit OntarioParks.com

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” - Amelia Earhart

Personal Bests

Most back country enthusiasts enjoy the solitude of the wilderness and the challenge of going it alone or with a partner. Whether your inspiration comes from the voyageurs or from our first explorers, you can choose from trips in Mississagi, Lake Superior, Quetico, and Wabakimi provincial parks for your very own “personal best”. Or just imagine travelling the full length of the Missinaibi River – from the freshwater of Missinaibi Lake to the salt water of James Bay.

For back country travelling tips, visit

“Solitude is independence.” - Hermann Hesse

A Museum Guaranteed to Float Your Boat

Given the importance of the canoe to Canadian history, it’s only right that we know something about it. Kirk Wipper began to collect historic canoes and artifacts and, before long, realized that his sizeable collection needed a proper home. After a move to Peterborough (once the centre of Canadian canoe manufacturing), the Canadian Canoe Museum was born in July of 1997. The Museum is North America’s only canoe museum and holds over 600 canoes, kayaks and related artifacts which are part of our heritage.

Photo credit: Don Rankin

In the Footsteps of Canada’s Greatest Explorer

When David Thompson arrived at Hudson Bay in 1784 – a 14-year old – nobody could have predicted his importance to Canada. A naturalist, fur trader, writer, scientific explorer and innovator, his greatest contribution came as a cartographer – logging some 90,000 kilometres by canoe, horseback, dogsled and on foot to arrive at a map of Canada that, given his lack of modern technology, still amazes.

This May, in celebration of the bicentennial of Thompson’s return trip to report his findings to the North West Company, a brigade of over 160 canoeists is undertaking an epic, 3,600-km, 63-day journey to commemorate Thompson’s contribution to the country. Follow their progress here and cheer on this hardy group celebrating a bygone era and a remarkable Canadian adventurer. Look for the Brigade at Quetico Provincial Park from July 4-6 at the Dawson Trail Campground on Highway 11.

The Bush Gourmet

Here’s a trailside recipe from Kevin Callan – one of Canada’s most respected canoe experts and outdoor adventure authors.
Find out more about him here: kevincallan.com

Hearty Stew with Herbed Dumplings
Ingredients:
1 large-size package of minestrone soup mix
5 cups water
 
Dumplings:
1 cup Tea-Bisk mix
1 tsp dried cilantro
½ cup water
 
Directions:
Mix soup with water and set pot on medium heat. Form Tea-Bisk into dough (adding cilantro) and form them into small balls. Place “dollops” of Tea-Bisk on top of soup and cover. Cook without peaking for 20-25 minutes.
 
Variations:
Many kinds of hearty soups (I actually prefer corn chowder) are delicious with dumplings and can make an excellent meal on a cold, miserable day.

Share Your Memories

Ontario Parks’ Insiders savour their outdoor adventures more than most. Reminisce with all of us – we’ll proudly publish your special experience in a future issue of the Insider. E-mail your best story or photo today – a favourite destination, a special moment with nature or the funniest photo ever. You’ll be entered – instantly – into a monthly draw for your chance to win some great parks-related prizes!

Mike and Marilyn Hamel write about Mississagi Provincial Park ...
"Morning coffee" - The peace & tranquility of this park cannot be surpassed. The mornings start with a light fog over the lake, early canoers and a cup of piping hot coffee at the lake. Life cannot get any better than this!

• Paddle Lore
• Rapid Decision-Making
• Personal Bests
• Canadian Canoe Museum
• David Thompson
• The Bush Gourmet
• Share Your Memories