Annual RACCC Fest: Sept 26-28 - Open to Non-Members

Since 2007 the RA Canoe Camping Club has been getting together in September to celebrate the end of another paddling season. This event is always open to member friends, families, and other curious paddlers who would like a chance to introduce themselves to the club.

The purpose of this event is to bring together the flatwater and whitewater paddlers in the club for camaraderie, camping, and sharing of the excellent food club members are known for in an evening potluck!

This year's event will be in Gracefield, about one and a half hours north of Ottawa.

The cost for camping is $10 per night per person and children under 18 are free. You can choose to come up Friday or Saturday to camp and paddle but be sure to be there for the Potluck Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

FLATWATER & FAMILY-ORIENTED
The RACCC's Family Program Coordinator has planned activities for families and interested Flatwater adults, including archery, mini olympics and a paddle on Lac Castor stopping to see “the Point”, Turtle Rock, Bruno’s, and the TransCanada Gazebo. Sunday activities could include a shelter building contest and fire building contest followed with a hike, in the afternoon, to Turtle Rock and the Lookout, or other discovery hikes. Email family@raccc.ca if you have further questions.

The Flatwater trip around Lac Castor will take about 3 hours and there are other possible Flatwater paddles including Lac Mer Bleu or Lac Paquin. Flatwater canoes are available for rent at the camp for non-RACCC members or if transporting a canoe from the RACCC boathouse is not possible for you.

WHITEWATER ON THE GATINEAU RIVER
The Whitewater paddlers will shuttle to the Gatineau River, which is considered an intermediate level river. For an idea of the characteristics of the rivers watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbNugNF6IYI

For club members who have qualified on the whitewater list, but are not sure if they are ready for the challenge, there is an option to pair experienced paddlers with you in tandem boats so that you can see (and experience) this beautiful and majestic river. All the large rapids can be portaged, and there are some fun spots for newer paddlers. Please contact the RA's Whitewater coordinator (whitewater@raccc.ca) ahead of time if you are looking for an experienced tandem partner. Non-RACCC members will be completely responsible for ensuring they have the adequate skills and equipment to paddle this river safely. Please ensure you are prepared with adequate cold weather gear (e.g. wetsuits or drysuits). IMPORTANT: It is late in September and the nights will be cold so bring the appropriate clothing and a belly-warming contribution for the potluck. RSVP to Cathy Olsen clolsen@rogers.com before September 24th to confirm that you will attend so we can let the campground know.