Paddling — Flatwater.
The Running Creek / Snye / Sydenham water trail loops out of Crother's Park at the west end of Wallaceburg — Chatham-Kent Trails describes it as an outstanding example of flatwater river paddling. The route runs Running Creek to the Snye and back up the Sydenham, returning to the same put-in.
The Thames River through Chatham carries similar flatwater character, and Rondeau Bay opens sheltered SUP and kayak water on the Lake Erie side.
The brief.
The Sydenham loop is the documented flagship — flat current, mixed-tree riverbank, no portages on the published route. The Thames through Chatham is similar in character but more urban; Rondeau Bay's sheltered side, behind the Erieau peninsula, opens on protected SUP and kayak water with the open Lake Erie shore a short portage away.
Best season is May through September; Lake Erie weather can shift quickly even on Rondeau Bay's sheltered side. Public access from Crother's Park, Erieau, and the Chatham riverfront covers most needs; on-water signage on the Sydenham water trail is maintained by Chatham-Kent Trails.
3. places.
- 01
Sydenham River — Running Creek / Snye / Sydenham water trail loop
Launch from Crother's Park at the west end of Wallaceburg; flatwater river paddling on a documented loop.
Map ↗ - 02
Thames River through Chatham
Flatwater paddling through the urban core.
Map ↗ - 03
Rondeau Bay
Sheltered Lake Erie–side bay behind the Erieau peninsula; canoe, kayak, and SUP water.
Map ↗
Today's read.
Temperature (7.2°C) below the typical range.
