Grady's Paddle: The Route

Thursday, July 1

Grady's Paddle: The Route

I spent a fabulous afternoon on the water today! And whether you're paddling for SickKids, supporting us with pledges, or simply want to know about a great flat-water day trip, you'll want to follow along.

The outing was a chance for the Grady's Paddle committee to travel the route our paddlers will take on July 10th. The leader of the event—my friend, Judy—kayaked the full 32km last summer in order to test it out, but for our purposes today, we took it easy in a motor boat.

The route starts at the Burk's Falls Town Docks. A launch master will be counting heads and boats as they put in between 7am and 10am.

From there it's a leisurely paddle with the current down the Magnetawan River. You'll pass some homes, cottages and other boats. In other sections, you'll think you're in a wilderness park with nothing to interrupt the view of trees, sky and water. We saw two herons and countless turtles as we chugged along.

The river opens up into Lake Cecebe, a large, open lake with a few islands and bays. Echo Rock is a handsome cliff on your left—see if it talks back to you as you pass!

Continue on to Lion's Park in the village of Magnetawan. You'll have a map of the route to indicate which shoreline to follow. There are homes and cottages on Lake Cecebe, plus there will be volunteers in motor boats on the water.

Along the route there are at least three pee stops, plus a take-out at 21 km for those who prefer a shorter paddle, as well as emergency pull-outs should anyone need to exit the water mid-point. Motor boats will be supporting the paddlers as needed, ferrying them to take-out points straight to the park.

The park is a lovely spot for the after party... barbecue, music, prizes, 50-50 draw, and silent auction will be set up under and around the pavilion. Trailers will return canoes and kayaks back to Burk's Falls and buses will transport paddlers.