4 Southern Ontario Winter Paddling Strategies

It sure is hard to think of paddling placid lakes, playing in rapids, or watching the sun set behind your wilderness campsite when we haven’t seen a letup in the snow and cold since mid-November here in Southern Ontario.

1. Plan - What better time to pull out the maps and start planning you spring and summer getaways. Gather your companions, grab a bottle of good wine, a warm fire and enjoy a winters evening in dreamland.

2. Read – Even if that’s not in the cards, there are ways to keep your canoeing and kayaking lifestyle in balance throughout the winter. A good book will help you take a mini vacation without leaving your living room. A few that come to mind right off hand are:


* Path of the Paddle by Bill Mason
* Song of the Paddle by Bill Mason
* Cottage Country Canoe Routes by Kevin Callan
* How to Shit in the Woods by Kathleen Meyer

These books will not only refresh some paddling and wilderness skills but will, if only for a time, take you to that place that you long for under the winter ice and snow.

3. Listen & Learn - Many wilderness supply stores in Southern Ontario offer courses in the winter that range from paddling basics to advanced survival skills. One local outfitter offers what they call their Armchair Series. Adventure Guide in Waterloo ON, offers a free series of seminars starting in mid January and running until mid April. You will meet notable outdoors experts like Setphanie Park, John Pratt, Mike Allen, and Kevin Callan.

You can download a schedule of seminars at http://www.advguide.com/ or call 519-886-3121 for more information.

4. Browse - Don’t forget, what I like to call the first sign of spring, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. This is definitely not strictly a “hook and bullet” show. There are events, displays, and vendors to satisfy the tastes of all outdoor enthusiasts.

The show runs from March 18 – 22, a great place to take the kids, big or small, during March break. You can find show times, details, and purchase tickets online at http://www.sportsmensshows.com/Toronto.

Take heart wilderness lovers, our Southern Ontario winter will end, lakes will thaw, and streams will run. Our time is at hand.

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