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Where to Whitewater Kayak near Toronto
Region Details
Looking for the best places to Whitewater Kayak in and around Toronto? Below are some great
routes, trips and resources to help you Whitewater Kayak in and around Toronto.
West Humber River
- If you play a lot, this could be a three hour run. This particular section used to be dependent on the dam above being open. Currently (2020), the dam is in disrepair and the city leaves it open to prevent any pressure on it. If there is a heavy rain above the dam, it will flow right through and that is your time to shine. The first part is class 2, but the water keeps moving. Close to where the Hospital is there is "Lost Cause" wave. It is a significant hole hidden from prying eyes. Don't miss it (and don't get stuck in it). From Kipling to the forks of the main Branch of the humber there are multiple drops, and narrow creeky sections that are very uncharacteristic of this urban secret. If you get it on a particularly good day, do not miss the opportunity to take a picture (or even walk up and run Toronto's only real waterfall (10 ft plus that is a trickle otherwise and no other realistic access). Many surf opportunities on route.
Humber River
- Thanks to those who originally posted this on the Whitewater Wiki. The Humber River is a tributary to Lake Ontario on the west side of Toronto. During spring melt and after storm events there is a stretch of the river between Lawrence Avenue and Dundas Street that can be a fun paddle. Different features come it at different water levels. Dependent on levels, you can either do a short run of the river or chose a spot to park and play at.
Don
- Pottery Road has a hidden playwave, but it is only in during heavy rains or during the paddle the Don canoe even when the City of Toronto releases water from the dam upriver enough to make the river navigable. This is really the only part worth doing. This drop has some surfable waves that are decent for the Don.
Humber River
- Any time localized rain totals 30 mm or more this creeky run to the main flow is pretty cool, yet pretty much without problems after the narrow forest that may have branches blocking the way. This section was previously hindered by a small culvert that has recently been replaced by a massive one going under Scarlett road. This ensures that the fun is with less danger in flood conditions. Once on the Humber river, take either the river right or river left trail to walk up river to decide if you want to run the dam and the rapids below. They are pretty decent and have several surf spots in good levels. From here on it is pretty straight forward until nearing the weir dams. Start being alert for Dundas street after the railway and pedestrian bridge together. Get out with significant time to spare as these have very strong recirculation several metres beyond the drop. There are generally inescapable so keep clear.
Getting out at Dundas St is a good idea because of this. many of the drops beyond this are super dangerous. Beyond some of the drops have interesting rapids if at the right level. If you want to continue to Old Mill, some are worth it. Don't swim any of these.