It is highly recommended that you do this series in sequential order. Therefore you will be going with the flow of the river
Welcome to the "Park or Paddle Series"
There are 4 different series in this set of 30 caches. These caches are accessible by either paddling to them or driving to them. You chose your mode of transportation.
1. Park or Paddle – The Beaver River:
Kimberley to Heathcote
Total Distance: 25km (4-5 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Novice
2. Park or Paddle – The Rankin River:
Isaac Lake to Sauble Falls
Total Distance:18km (5-7 hrs)
Level of Difficulty: Novice
3. Park or Paddle – The Saugeen River:
Hanover to Southampton
Total Distance:102km (3-4 days)
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
4. Park or Paddle – The Sauble:
Total Distance:
Level of Difficulty:
3. Park or Paddle – The Saugeen River
River & Paddling Information
The Saugeen River rises in one of the highest points in Southwestern Ontario and flows west through rolling scenic landscapes to Lake Huron. Although the route crosses agricultural land, it is seen from the river only periodically, through heavy mixed forest. The official route begins at the Hanover Town Park (Access Point 3) and ends 102km (63 miles) downstream at Denny’s Dam (Access Point 15), near Southampton. Access Points 1 & 2 (not shown on map) are recommended for experienced paddlers only.
River conditions vary, from broad placid sections to stretches with rapids and eddies, making the Saugeen ideal for family canoeing and learning the basics of rapid water navigation. The rapids present little difficulty, except in early spring when water is high and fast flowing.
Portages are short, by-passing four dams along the entire route. The first 3 portages are located upstream between Hanover and Walkerton. The last portage, Denny’s Dam, is optional. Although some paddlers may extend their trip to Lake Huron (Access Point 16), most will end their trip prior to Denny’s Dam(Access Point 15).
Historical Reflections
Surveyed in 1848-49, the Durham Road West provided an east-west colonization route through the valley of the Saugeen River. Settlements, such as Hanover and Walkerton, were established where the colonization router met the river.
Beginning circa 1850, settlers found they could save time by traveling the Durham Road West to Buck’s Crossing (Hanover), where they would build rafts or scows to continue their journey by water. Thus the Saugeen – derived from an Ojibway First Nation word Saugink meaning the entrance or mouth of the river – became an important access route into Bruce County.
Fishing the Saugeen
Bait, lure or fly? Upstream from Lake Huron you will find one of Ontario’s best rainbow trout and Chinook salmon runs. Comprised of naturally sheltered feeder streams and spring fed lakes, the Saugeen River system is also an angler’s mecca for brown and brook trout, large and small mouth bass, northern pike and muskie
WARNING
Canoeing conditions along the Saugeen are affected by natural processes and are undergoing continual change. This web page contains general information only and should not be regarded as a detailed guide of actual conditions you may encounter. Please remember canoeing can be a dangerous activity. Be sure to take all necessary precautions when planning your trip and wear life preservers for any boating activity.
INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM THE GREY BRUCE PADDLING BROCHURE MAP
The cache is a camoflauged pill bottle