WECCC

Windsor Essex County Canoe Club

About WECCC

The Windsor Essex County Canoe Club (WECCC) is a local not for profit organization, affiliated with ORCKA, Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayaking Association. We are located on the international border of Windsor Ontario and Detroit Michigan, surrounded by Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Lake Erie.

We promote fun and safety on the water including providing information and activities for canoeists, kayakers and paddle boarders of all kinds…from novices to experienced paddlers……

History of the Club

Canoe and Kayak Racing was the original focus of the early Windsor Canoe Club. Two canoe racers and one kayak racer began to meet at the many sanctioned race events hosted across Ontario by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association. These three local paddlers began to notice many of the top competitors were from the Windsor region. By 1976 the idea of forming a local club became a reality when the original three invited all the area racers to the first meeting of the Windsor Canoe Club. 

Local racers had always competed independently, sometimes against long established clubs from other cities and had done very well. At one of the larger race events of the 1976 Ontario race circuit Windsor area paddlers won almost every class category and many other clubs started to notice. In fact, many other clubs ask why Windsor did not have a club.

The enthusiasm for canoe and kayak racing was still very strong in much of Canada at the time thanks to the success and publicity of the 1967 Voyageur Canoe Race across Canada from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Montreal as a celebration of Canada’s 100th birthday and our historic link to the canoe and paddling. The canoe used was a reproduction of a six person North Canoe that had been used to open the vast Northwest Territories of Canada beyond Lake Superior……….

The WECCC Blog

Keep updated on what’s going on with the Club!

Season Kick-off potluck and paddle 2022!

Season Kick-off potluck and paddle 2022!

We're looking foward to our annual Season Opener event!  The Kick-off and potluck paddle! WHERE? (Paddle) Belle River WEST Beach WHEN? Sunday May 15 1:00 pm - meet at the WEST side of the Belle River at the beach 1:30 pm - launch into the lake and head directly into...

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WECCC Annual Meeting and Election Results

WECCC Annual Meeting and Election Results

On January 30, 2022 the WECCC group held their annual general meeting hosted by outgoing President Kevin Grant (Kevin thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication to the club over they years!). Executive Changes Please join me in welcoming our new club...

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A message from our Club President

This club is more than canoeing and kayaking, it’s about forming friendships and staying fit all year long, at any age. My first time in a kayak was in 2020 when my neighbour asked me to come out with her, she asked me 3 times, I finally said yes and rented a kayak. Within 15 minutes on the water, I was in love with it. I bought a Pelican and was out as much as possible. Cedar creek became my favourite spot where I enjoyed the fragrant smell of lily pads along with gentle sounds of birds. My paddles in the water, sun on my skin, wind in my hair along with all the sights you don’t see from shore, soothed and refreshed my soul……

 

Past Trips & Events

There are lots of great opportunities to get out and enjoy nature and socialize with friends at WECCC.  Since COVID19 has changed our world it has become more difficult to plan events in advance.  Check out just some of the popular club events and trips our members enjoy!

Season Opener Paddle
May 30, 2021

Family Camp
August 8-15, 2021

End of Season Paddle & Party
October 2, 2021

Trip Report

This past August 2023 my son Michael embarked on an amazing backcountry adventure into the Quetico Wilderness .  This trip would be a fly-in, paddle-out trip over the falls chain route.

We hope you enjoy our journal entries, video and photos!

Quetico Trip Journal:  Day 1 & 2

This trip was originally planned as my 50th birthday celebration a couple of years ago.  Covid decided that it was not going to happen so we waited and decided this was the year – especially since we were celebrating Michael’s high school graduation and the start of his studies at St. Clair College.  It was time we crossed off another item on the bucket list!

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5 Reasons to join us

1. Make New Friends

WECCC is more than just about paddling.  The Club is a great place to meet new people who share common interests!

2. Enjoy Nature

There’s nothing quite like quietly gliding through beautiful, natural landscapes enjoying the flora and fauna of the regions we paddle. 

3. Learn New Skills

The Club has many seasoned paddlers who are always ready to help those looking to improve their paddling and outdoors skills.

4. Organized Activities

WECCC hosts a number of organized events throughout the year including many “off the water” activities.  There’s always something going on!

5. Affordable

At only $35/year for a family membership, WECCC is an incredibly affordable club with so much to offer.  

Photo Gallery

Great times with great friends!  Browse through our club photos from past events and outings.

Questions? Contact us!

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