Wilderness Tripping
Since 2001
Local Water Ways
Kingston has a couple of urban creeks that one can paddle in spring run-off, but as the season goes on, one needs to go further and further north in search of larger waterways. These are the notible navigatible water ways, but by no means an exhaustive list. Paddle whatever floats your boat!
Many of the local waterways are under the authority of the Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority.
For a watershed map of the Kingston area.... CLICK
Environment Canada's WaterOffice has "Real Time" levels for a number of rivers in Canada.
Little Cataraqui Creek is a navigatible waterway from Perth Road to the Ambassador Hotel.... it is pretty shallow downstream of Princess St. It is best to just take out there. One can do a bike shuttle on this run.
Beginner run
Westbrook Creek is a great run from the former golf course downsteam of the 401 all the way to Collins Bay. There are a couple of drops due to the limestone, but these are easily portaged if one is concerned about boat damage.
Intermediate run
The run from Camden East to Newburgh drops a 100m and is a technical run with all the seasonal obstacles.
Intermediate run
Wilton Creek flows under the 401 at the Camden East turn off.... and that can be a fun paddle to Violet, but really for a spring run, put in downstream of the bridge in Violet and ride the creek to highway 2 and do your take out. One can do a bike shuttle on this run too.
Beginner run
One puts in at Odessa for this run. The paddler paddles through the village of Odessa... and then there is the old mill. One can portage that or run it..... personal, rented, or borrowed boat? :) It is a clear run to Millhaven, but there is some rapids worth a VERY serious look before Millhaven.
Intermediate run
The Skootamatta River is northwest of Kaladar highway 7 and 41. It is scenic spring run. There are a couple of short portages.
Intermediate run
Updated December 28. 2023.