SPANISH RIVER CANOE TRIP

Spanish River: Whitewater Training & Backcountry Expedition

Dates: June 11–15, 2026 (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Route: Forks to the Elbow – Spanish River, Ontario
Start & End: French River Cabin (launch day & optional final night)

Overview

Join us for a 5-day whitewater progression from our French River cabin to the Forks on the Spanish River, a unique blend of professional instruction and backcountry adventure.
We’ll enjoy a balanced trip with focused training sessions, and relaxing time on the river. This trip is designed for paddlers looking to develop confidence in moving water while exploring one of Ontario’s most scenic river routes.

An optional final night at our French River Cabin offers a relaxed end to the journey, complete with a meal and time to unwind.

Trip Highlights

• Professional whitewater coaching and real backcountry tripping combined

• Small group size for personalized instruction
  

• Skill-building days balanced with exploration

• Optional final night at the French River Cabin

• Comfortable pace 

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Training Foundations (French River Cabin)

• Meet mid afternoon at our cabin for introductions and gear checks

• Introduction to whitewater theory to preaper for the river

• Dinner

• Evening campfire and trip briefing

Day 2 – Travel & Whitewater Skills Progressio

• Drive north to the train station at Cartier 

• Train ride on the Budd Car

• Afternoon paddle and moving-water drills

• Travel 15–18 km downstream, mixing training and travel
  

• Camp riverside near the next section of current

Day 3 – Flow & Confidence

• Full day on the river, aiming for 18–19 km

• Apply whitewater strokes and boat control through class I–II features

• River reading and swift-water scenarios led by instructors

• Camp at a scenic mid-river site

Day 4 – Downriver Manoeuvres

• Longer mileage day to balance earlier training focus

• Develop efficiency managing loaded canoes in technical water

• Group debrief and fireside reflection

Day 5 – Elbow Take-Out & Optional Cabin Stay

• Paddle into the Elbow mid-day

• Shuttle back to the French River cabin

• Wrap-up dinner, and optional overnight stay

What’s Included

• Certified whitewater instruction (progressive curriculum)

• ORCKA Moving Water Level 1 Certification 

• Backcountry permits and trip logistics

• Shared group gear (kitchen, water treatment, safety kits)

• Meal plan on-trip (breakfasts & dinners)

• Shuttle transport between cabin and river

• T-Formex canoes, paddles, helmets, PFDs

What You’ll Learn

• River reading and route selection

• Eddy turns, ferries, and peel-outs (tandem focus; solo optional)

• Whitewater strokes under load

• Swift-water safety and group communication
  

What’s Not Included

• Personal camping gear (sleep system, clothing)
  

• Travel to/from the French River cabin

• Gratuities

Book Your Spot

Lock in your place for June 11–15, 2026.
Once registered, you’ll receive a detailed packing list, waiver forms, and Day-1 meet-up details at the French River Cabin.