Ontario
From KayakWiki
There are many paddling destinations in Ontario. Four of the Great Lakes in the south, Hudsons Bay in the north, the Ottawa River in the east and Quetico and the Boundary Waters region in the west form its watery borders. Thousands of lakes and rivers dot the land. Whether it's sea kayaking or whitewater, there are world-class paddling locations available.
Almost all paddling areas in Ontario are bear country. Black bears are common in most areas and polar bears are present along the Hudsons Bay coast.
[edit] Paddling Destinations
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Sea Kayaking |
Whitewater Kayaking |
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[edit] Ontario Laws
Laws governing paddling and kayak use are set by the Canadian Coast Guard and are enforced in Ontario (See Canada for the Coast Guard web site). These are enforced by both the Ontario Provincial Police and by municipal police forces.
- One traffic law to note for paddlers
- In Ontario, if a kayak is carried on your vehicle roof and the kayak extends past the roof line, it must be tied down at bow and stern! In addition, you are required to hang a red flag (at night, a red light) from the rear of the kayak if it overhangs the back of the vehicle by more than 1.5m (5 feet).
- Drinking and boating
- Legislation in Ontario regarding drinking while operating a boat is quite tough. If you are stopped and are considered to be under the influence, you can be required to take a breathalizer test. If you are found to have a high alcohol level (but not legally drunk (0.08% blood alcohol level), the police can immediately suspend your driver's licence for a period of 12 hours. If you are legally drunk, you can be arrested, with fines and/or imprisonment resulting. All offences are applied to your automobile driving record! While focussed on power boat operators, these laws may be applied to kayakers.
- Paddling while drinking is a bad idea regardless, so paddle safe and paddle sober.
