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Saugeen River

If you're looking for a nice beautiful and easy paddle in southern Ontario with plenty of access options (and you're looking to find something other than the Grand River) take a look at the Saugeen River. Similar to the Grand, it's an excellent flatwater river tripping experience. There are even two public camping spots along the way so you can make it a two night trip if you'd like, or just do a day paddle between any two points of your choosing.

As a younger river that flows through farmland, the water is always mud coloured. You can see the evolution of river erosion happening in real time. I'm sure it won't hurt you, but it doesn't make for the best swimming water.

Tim's very first overnight canoe trip was on this river back in 2001. It was also his first trip with Jacob Shelley.

Resources

Portages: None, other than some seasonal low water areas you may need to drag your canoe through.

Your main resource: Saugeen Conservation This is the site for the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (but they like to call themselves "Saugeen Conservation"). On this site you'll find maps to the access points and information about camping

Camping: The Saugeen offers a two main camping areas.

The McBeath camping area is a set of free campsites with river-only access. It's basically a large lawn, but sure makes for easy canoe camping. You'll be close to other campers if it's busy, but in the four times we've been down this river, it's always been great.
Saugeen Conservation operates Saugeen Bluffs, a park with paid campsites, four of which are canoe-access only sites. Those are also a little squished in if they are all booked, but otherwise great sites and right on the river. You'll need to book those ahead of time.

River data: If you want to geek out on it, the Collaborative Water Data Viewer will tell you the real time water data for several places along the Saugeen (and a lot more so you need to know what you're looking for). All you likely need is to check out the "Lower water status" rating on the Saugeen Conservation site's main page.

Outfitter: Thorncrest Outfitters is the only business that services the Saugeen that we're aware of. They've been at it for decades and always deliver a decent service. (ok, I haven't used their services in over 20 years, but I'm sure they're still great).

Trip report/bog: Check out Canoe Daddy's very detailed account of his trip down the Saugeen.

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