OUR LOCAL WATERING 'HOLES'

The Menu

Although our region does not compare to places like Jasper or Banff, we still have a region with consistency, and diversity. We have plenty of beginner rivers, and some for the hearty, exploratory types. However, many of our rivers require up to 2+ hours of driving to get to, but that said, they are well worth the drive. We as a group often car pool and share expenses to get to our 'local watering holes'.

The Appetizers

The Red Willow River near Beaverlodge is one of our closest spots to play and run. With only a 45 minute drive from Grande Prairie, members often meet after work to play mid week on the Red Willow, and later in the season, members congregate at Wapiti Gardens just south of the Red Willow. These two runs are run regularly and are great spots to start to progress.

For those who wish to float and progress on strokes, the Wapiti near O'Brien Park to Magoos Landing is also a pleasant way to spend an evening out paddling.

The Meat & Potatoes

Grande Cache is one of our main venues to head to on the weekends, as there are many nice rivers all near the town area. The Muskeg, the Sulfur, Gun Range Rapids on the Smoky, and the infamous Sheep Creek are all runs we enjoy running time and time again. The flow is consistent, and the scenery next to none.

On occasion, in early summer when there is more daylight, and the flow is still pretty good, groups may head off for a quick play run down the Upper Muskeg.

The Dessert

Of course, we too have areas which are waiting descents. many of these runs require extensive experience superior team dynamics, emergency skills, and the ability to be self contained. The mountain regions along the BC / Alberta border are extremely rugged and are fairly inaccessible by conventional means, and may require the use of quad, 4X4, or even helicopter. These trips are not normally advertised out to club members these trips entail a very high degree of risk and consequence. Only through consistent paddling with the expert members of the group, should you be going on these trips.

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