One of my favourite local paddles is known as "The Shipwreck Paddle". If you launch in Abino Bay and handrail the point, you will see some of the nicest scenery on the Niagara Peninsula. From the spectacular lighthouse, to the amazing boardwalk, and of course the shipwreck, this has to be my favorite local place to paddle.
Launch Site: The best launch site is the boat launch on Point Abino Road South. My advice is to arrive early, in the summer it fills up very quickly. The next closest launch is in Crystal Beach and will add 10 km to the trip. The approximate address is 471-949 Point Abino Rd S Ridgeway, ON L0S 1N0
There are no washrooms at the launch.The town is only about 5 mins away by car.
Difficulty: I get asked about this trip so often, I decided to do this post. Like any of the posts here, I am not saying you should do a trip, only that I have done it in the past. That being said, this route ranges anywhere from calm flat waters to 14 foot breaking waves. The trip takes you across Point Abino and Pleasant Beach, they are famous freshwater surf breaks and extremely popular with kiteboarders and surfers.
This is sea kayaking trip that requires safety gear, re-entry skills and a competent group. Lake Erie is a monster, you have to be prepared to paddle in open water, like this.
Trip Length: Leaving from the boat launch in Point Abino, the trip is about 16 km round trip. Depending on the conditions, this can be a fairly tough paddle, so plan accordingly and watch for boat traffic.
Credits:
CDNTHOROUGHBRED, KAYAKONTARIO