Frequently Asked Questions

  • Chevron down What is camping at Paddler Co-op like?

  • Our Place

    • Our base operations are located along the Madawaska River in Palmer Rapids, downstream from the second set of Palmer Rapids, below the Palmer Dam.

    Our Boathouse

    • Large indoor teaching facility
    • Large whiteboard for lessons
    • Fridge for food storage
    • Paddler lounge for indoor rainy nights
    • Electrical outlets
    • Indoor storage while on site

    Tent Camping

    • Our site is beautiful, set between gorgeous pines and backs right to the river
    • Warm running potable water at our outdoor sink
    • Classy new outhouses with lighting
    • Communal campfire pit by the beach
    • Two propane BBQs

    Camping… Fine Print…

    • Camping is first-come, first-served, available to the public throughout the season
    • No formal booking required, however, we do book full during Palmer River Fest (May long weekend) so register in advance!
    • Entire site available for events upon request

    Don’t like camping? Nearby accommodation options…

  • Chevron down Where is Paddler Co-op?

  • Located at: 6535 Palmer Road, Palmer Rapids, Ontario K0J2E0

    Office Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    From Palmer Rapids: via Hwy 514: Left onto Hwy 515, drive through town of Palmer Rapids.

    • Approx. 2 km past town, cross over Madawaska River
    • Stay on this highway for another 1 km and as the highway bends to the left, slow down
    • Our site is on the left-hand side of the road. Civic address is 6535. You will notice the large green and blue buildings as well as the Paddler Co-op Boathouse sign.

    From Combermere: via Hwy 62: Right onto Hwy 515 towards Palmer Rapids.

    • Just after Dam Road, you will reach our site on the Right, before you come to the river.
    • If you cross the river, you have gone too far.
    • What you see from Palmer Road (Hwy 515):

    A large boathouse with a kayak on the roof, seriously, a kayak. We have a U shaped gravel Driveway and a “house” that is our office!

    Lost?! Call the office @ 613-758-2772

  • Chevron down Our People

  • Instructors are the backbone of our programs.

    They have:

    • Wilderness First Aid (min. 40 hours) and Whitewater Rescue Certification (30 hours)
    • Extensive experience guiding overnight trips
    • Strong facilitation skills for a variety of courses & disciplines
    • Practical experience with whitewater river safety & rescue
    • ORCKA and or Paddle Canada Instructor Certifications

    But above all… are both passionate teachers & paddlers!

  • Chevron down Membership Details

  • Members make this organization possible… Thank you for your continued support!

    Season Membership: $10

    • Access to high quality, cost effective whitewater instructional programs
    • Access to Community Night Paddle Sessions
    • Access to rental equipment: Canoes, Kayaks, Solo Boats, Life Jackets, Paddles, Helmets, Skirts and Wetsuits
    • Support insurance cost and maintenance of our equipment and facility
    • Fund environmental initiatives, such as river maintenance and education

    Non-Paddler Co-op Instructional Membership: $20 (Annually)

    For Non-Paddler Co-op Instructors facilitating courses at Paddler Co-op:

    • Provides river access, parking access, liberty to instruct courses at our location
    • Facilitate group instruction at Paddler Co-op
    • Utilize Paddler Co-op indoor teaching classroom
    • Support insurance cost and maintenance of our equipment and facility
    • Fund environmental initiatives, such as river maintenance and education

    Not receiving our member Newsletter? Send your current e-address to: [email protected]