Heading for the Q next week for the first time and I seem to remember reading or hearing that Canada requires canoes to carry a throw bag and bailer. I will be going with another canoeist in solo canoes. Should I run out quick and buy a throw bag?

Been going to Q for 30 years and have never taken one. Frankly, I don't think I've ever seen one. That either makes me a 30-year law breaker or they're not required in canoes. I'm pretty sure it's the latter.

Ontario has some excessive laws for boaters and canoeists IMHO, but luckily they realize it would be unrealistic for non-residents to follow them and only require non-residents have appropriate PFD basically follow the laws you have followed in the BWCAW and you are fine.


Butthead posted a link to the rules about a week ago, not sure what thread it was in but it confirmed what I said above. I have been stopped and checked several times in the Q and never needed the throw line or sponge. They just checked for PFD and moved on.

T

Thanks so much guys for your quick help. I wouldn't know how to throw or reload the thing anyway, just fearful of being rejected at the dock. Always carry a sponge, since the lakes are big I will probably cut down a milk jug and take a bailer anyway.
Sunnybear

quote sunnybear09: "Thanks so much guys for your quick help. I wouldn't know how to throw or reload the thing anyway, just fearful of being rejected at the dock. Always carry a sponge, since the lakes are big I will probably cut down a milk jug and take a bailer anyway.
Sunnybear"

Always a good idea to have a bailer and sponge. I have used both quite a bit. The bailer I have used more for putting out campfires that people have left smoldering than I have for actual bailing.

Canada Boating Saftey

Page 57, Visitors to Canada.

Safety Equipment Requirements
Boats licensed or registered in a country other than Canada
Foreign boats (those that are licensed or registered in a country other than
Canada) need to comply with the equipment requirements of the country in
which the boat is usually kept.
Boats licensed or registered in Canada
If you are a non-resident of Canada operating a boat that is licensed
or registered in Canada, the boat must meet Canadian safety equipment
requirements. However, in either case, you may bring your own lifejacket
or PFD to use as long as it fits and meets the requirements of your
home country.

butthead