Years / 2015

Kayaking, Key River to Georgian Bay

Fri, Jun 5, 2015 · 5:00 PM – Sun, Jun 7 · Key River & Britt

One of the best kept secrets in kayaking Ontario is the Key River. To look at it on a map its a long straight haul to Georgian Bay.

Why bother when there are quicker ways to get there?

But who was it that surmised, its not the end point that matters, its the journey.

Forget everything the sage said.

The end point is rather awesome.

Itinerary:

Friday, June 5, head north after work. Camp at Icecreamontherocks.com, Britt, Ontario, Canada.

Saturday, 8:00 am, continue on to Key River Marina. Launch kayaks, paddled 18 km (3 1/2 hours) to Georgian Bay. Select a crown land island for the night, likely one of the Churchills.

Sunday, June 7, return via the same route. Anticipate returning to the Key River Marina around 4:00 pm. Calculate the return time for rental kayaks accordingly.

Fixed Cost:

$ 35 shared gas for driving
$ 10 per person Friday night camping
$10 per day for car parking Sat. and Sun.
$10 per boat for launching Sat.

sample cost for one person sharing a ride.

$35 gas + $10 Friday + $10 parking + $10 launch = $65

Variable cost :

for kayak renters:

add rental fee, 2 x $40 / day = $80

Difficulty:

A bit of a long paddle, 18 km to the bay, 5 - 10 km thereafter depending. Same distance on the return.

Nothing for waves on the river, anybody's guess on the bay.

Kayak Rental:

Swift in Waubaushene, White Squall in Nobel, MEC in Toronto, Hikers Haven in Oakville, Adventure Guide in Waterloo to name a few. The closest outfitters (Swift and White Squall have late return options Sunday, check). More distant outfitters often have pickup Friday return Monday policies for weekend rentals.

Select a 'sea kayak' when renting. A 'poly' (plastic) boat will do.

Owners of fiberglass boats be reassured there are no infamous Georgian Bay obstacles on this route.

Inspiration:

Photos from identical trip last fall (notice the dry suits) http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/24526802/

Photos from a scouting mission last summer https://www.flickr.com/photos/65337815@N02/sets/721576456202 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/65337815@N02/sets/72157645620228070/)

Process:

There is no upfront cost. Pay your driver for shared gas, the campground for the night, the marina for parking and launch fees.

Arrange ride sharing in the comment section below.

Kayak rentals are your responsibility.

All the 'event host' supplies is the concept and cheerleading. Go Team!