River Healing Journey II – The Adventure Continues!
Paddle the Historic Ottawa River in a Voyageur Canoe!
Join Céo Gaudet and Max Finkelstein
July 6-11, 2008 ~ From Point Alexander to Westmeath, Ontario
Last year’s inaugural River Healing Journey was a great success – participants raised over $2000 for Ottawa Riverkeeper and shared an experience of a lifetime – paddling from Ottawa to Montreal in two Voyageur canoes! Click here to read the participants’comments on arrival in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Montréal Island and see photos of RHJ 2007.
This year (2008), the River Healing Journey is heading to Renfrew County to continue to spread the message of the importance of clean water in our lives. This section of the Ottawa is part of the vital watershed that provides drinking water for over 1.5 million people, in towns and cities including Ottawa and Gatineau.
River Healing Journey II will take participants on a five day guided excursion through Renfrew County and the Upper Ottawa Valley, starting at Ryan’s campsite near Point Alexander, Ontario and ending at Westmeath, Ontario. The pace will be moderate, to accommodate individuals of varying physical strength and fitness – we will all be paddling together to the best of our ability and within our comfort limits. We will see spectacular scenery and stop at interesting natural and historical sites. And we will sing French Voyageur songs as we paddle! Max Finkelstein, canoeist, author, river conservationist will pilot one of the canoe.
What is the River Healing Journey?
The River Healing Journey is a citizen-based, non-profit, volunteer paddling and camping project to:
- Help raise awareness of River and water issues;
- help promote exploring and enjoying our historic and majestic rivers in human-powered craft;
- raise money for Ottawa Riverkeeper. For information on Ottawa Riverkeeper, check www.ottawariverkeeper.ca ; and
- provide citizens with an opportunity to paddle the historic Ottawa River, in the way of the original Voyageurs, along sections of the traditional fur trade route of Canada’s first “Trans Canada Highway”!
The pace will be leisurely and will include hikes into the wilderness of Mount Martin and the Schyan River and visits to Point aux Baptemes (the “make or break it” point for novices amongst the original Voyageurs), Oiseau Rock (site of ancient Algonquin pictographs), a stop at the Fort William Hotel near an old Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post, the old locks at Culbute Rapids, a stop in historic Pembroke, a visit to Algonquin Chief Tessouat’s historic toll- administered in a friendly and businesslike manner to the Voyageurs and early travelers on the Ottawa River- and the ancient First Nations copper works on Morrison Island. The trip will wrap up at the village of Westmeath on Lower Allumette Lake.
All meals will be provided by the outfitter, Canadian Voyageur Adventures. Participants will need to bring their own camping gear.
Along the way, we will be learning about the river and its ecological, historic and economic values. We will have campfire activities, including storytelling, sharing and singing.
Itinerary
- The trip will commence with an evening rendez-vous at Ryan’s Campsite near Point Alexander, Ontario on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Participants will arrive, set up camp, chat, and get a good night’s sleep for the adventure to come! Carpooling from Ottawa is strongly recommended for environmental and logistical reasons. Cars can be safely left at the campsite for the entire Journey.
- July 7 morning—the Journey begins! Paddle to Mount Martin, set up camp, hike and swim and relax around the campfire.
- July 7 – 10 stops at various points of historical and environmental interest, including Point aux Baptemes, Oiseau Rock, historic Fort William Hotel, the old locks at Culbute Rapids, Morrison Island and a warm greeting by Pembroke townfolk on July 10.
- July 11 Pembroke- Westmeath – We will run the rapids at Morrison Island, just like the Voyageurs and this promises to be very exciting experience on the final day of the Journey.
- Take out at Westmeath, midday, July 11. This is the end of the Journey. After take-out, the outfitter will take drivers only back to their cars at Ryan’s campsite – the drivers will then pick up their fellow carpoolers at Westmeath and make their way home.
How Much will it Cost?
There are two options: regular and low-income.
- The regular price is $495. Of this, 20% of the gross proceeds will go to Ottawa Riverkeeper. A charitable donations tax receipt will be available from the Ottawa Riverkeeper for this portion.
- There is also a low-income option for students, those just starting out in environmentally-related careers and/or who have chosen a low-environmental impact lifestyle. Under this option, the price is $395, and there is a requirement to raise at least $100 for the Ottawa Riverkeeper in your community or from friends and family. Donors of over $20 will receive a charitable donations receipt directly from Ottawa Riverkeeper.
How can I sign up?
If you would like to participate in River Healing Journey II, please send a brief note to healtheriver@hotmail.com telling us a little about yourself and indicating the key reasons you would like to participate. If your application is accepted, you will receive further sign-up details from the project manager.
What else?
Paddle sports are inherently risky. Organizers assume no responsibility for accidents or damage to personal property (including vehicles). Participants will be required to sign a standard disclaimer prior to embarking on the Journey. As with all activities involving strenuous physical activity, participants are strongly advised to consult their physician regarding the advisability of participating in this activity.
No previous paddling or whitewater experience is required. The River Healing Journey in these large, guided canoes provides a great ‘learn to paddle’ experience.
A detailed itinerary, directions to the first night camping area and to take-out at Westmeath, as well as a list of suggested gear, will be provided closer to the trip date.
Participants are expected to act responsibly toward the environment and respectfully of their fellow Voyageurs, and to participate in communal chores, such as helping to prepare food and set up camp.
Explore the mighty Ottawa with the River Healing Journey!
Check out the pictures of 2007 trip
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