I completed this loop in June 2009 with a mixed strength group. The portages at Dalles Rapid are a bit tough, otherwise the paddling was not too long or technical. We had everyone try to run the bottom of Dalles Rapid and one canoe capsized. Turning the corner out onto Georgian Bay was an immediate and dramatic contrast, with great tail winds and amazing island scenery.
I would not suggest doing this loop in reverse, ie. heading south through Bass Lake, west across the bay, then up the main French and east over Dalles Rapids, as there are two small rapids (easily run)west of the Dalles with extremely rough portages through thick and scratchy undergrowth. OUCH! Go counter-clockwise, as K. Callan suggests in his book. (Navigational goofs forced us into going the wrong way).
Comments
I completed this loop in June 2009 with a mixed strength group. The portages at Dalles Rapid are a bit tough, otherwise the paddling was not too long or technical. We had everyone try to run the bottom of Dalles Rapid and one canoe capsized. Turning the corner out onto Georgian Bay was an immediate and dramatic contrast, with great tail winds and amazing island scenery.
I would not suggest doing this loop in reverse, ie. heading south through Bass Lake, west across the bay, then up the main French and east over Dalles Rapids, as there are two small rapids (easily run)west of the Dalles with extremely rough portages through thick and scratchy undergrowth. OUCH! Go counter-clockwise, as K. Callan suggests in his book. (Navigational goofs forced us into going the wrong way).