Minden Wildwater Preserve

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The Minden Wildwater Preserve is a narrow stretch of whitewater on the Gull River, located northeast of the town of Minden, Ontario, Canada.

This stretch of river was modified for optimal slalom kayak and canoe racing. The Minden Wildwater Preserve hosted world cup slalom races in the 1990s, but is now primarily a recreational space. Advanced paddlers run the entire 800 meter stretch, from the drop over a dam at the top, to the washout into a lake. Beginners tend to stick to the washout, where a wave train forms at the bottom of the last drop, and relatively clean eddy lines make it easy to practice basic paddling techniques in deep, forgiving water.

Because of the modifications done to the river only a few decades ago, the river's down side is sharp rocks that can make an otherwise insignificant roll much more perilous. More cautious but still experienced paddlers have been known to wear helmets with face cages as well as elbow pads and their grubbiest gear, since scrapes and rips are not unheard of.

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According to the Whitewater Ontario site:

The river's whitewater section is 800 meters long and ranges from Class II to IV. The river is most difficult at the top ending in Class II at the washout. The class of the river is a result of the fast pushy water, especially at high levels and the nasty consequences of a swim on most of the river. The river is dam controlled and runs from a large eddy pool below the dam, through a small drop into a channel that runs to Earl's hole, a popular playspot. The river below the eddies of Earl's run's in a wide C-curve and ends at Whitehorse Falls. The top section of the Gull is for skilled paddlers only. The consequences of a swim are exceptionally nasty on the top half of the river.

Whitehorse falls runs into a large eddy pool, a popular starting point for open boats and intermediate paddlers. The middle of the river runs in through a number of bends, offering lots of opportunities to practice river running skill. Caution is required due to a number of rocks quite capable of pinning a boat in a broach pin. The river here is fast and relatively shallow. The middle section ends in a large eddy pool on river right, next to a footbridge and walking access to County Road #20. There is a large rock on river left that is boof-able into a smallish eddy at higher water.

While the middle section is relatively easier than the top section, the consequences of a swim are not pleasant. A solid roll is pretty much a requirement, especially given the upcoming Otter Slide.

The last third of the Gull runs past a large rock midline with a few micro eddies on river right and one large one of river left before coming to the Otter Slide. The Otter Slide is a fast shallow slide that ends in a few standing waves that can be surfable. Swimming or going over the Otter Slide is dangerous due to how shallow it is and the numerous small rock outcroppings at the base. If you find your self swimming above it, abandon your gear and swim like a maniac for the shore.

The lower lake and washout area is appropriate for beginners. The outwash from the Otter Slide can form a surfable wave and two strong eddy lines for practicing turns. At low lake levels a large rock shelf emerges on river left and a small hole forms. At lower lake levels, a ledge and hole appears on river right. Be cautious at these small features as the shallowness of the features can make an upstream flip disasterous.

River Flow Spring flows range from 25 m3/second - 50 m3/second (825 cfs - 1650 cfs). International races run with flows at 22-28 m3/second (725 cfs to 925 cfs). Usual summer flows range from 10 m3/second - 18 m3/second. Below 10 m3/second is too shallow and can be dangerous.

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Camping

The park (accessible by the dam at the top of the run) offers camping spots, running water and public restrooms.

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Directions

From Minden: At the north end of town, follow Highway 35 just past the Highway 121 junction. Take the next left (#20/Horseshoe Lake Road) and follow it for about 3.5 K. The river is on your right; a bit of parking exists at the top of the run near the dam, more across the road a few hundred yards back.

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Before and After

As the Wildwater Preserve is surrounded by forest and farms, you'll have to go back down to #35 to buy food or drinks.

Pretty well everything you need is on Hwy. 35. A Tim Horton's and a Subway are located on the west side. On the east is a small supermarket (ValueMart) and a Kawartha Dairy location (stop by for ice cream at the end of the day). Minden is poorly equipped with bars or restaurants that you'd actually want to spend time in.

If you're staying overnight in the area, take a trip one night to the Highlands Cinema movie theatre in Kinmount (from just south of Minden, follow 121 for about 20 minutes; 705-488-2107). The owner transformed his collection of old movie paraphernalia into a small museum and cinema. It's a hoot.

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Local Outfitters

There are a couple of boat rental places on Hwy. 35 right Minden, but most are for recreational flatwater boats, for local cottagers looking for a canoe for the kids. For whitewater gear hit Boatwerks, on the west side of #35 just north of the Tim Horton's (1-866-KAYAKS-0, 705-286-1492, info@boatwerks.net).