See attached map of the trip, for the reference numbers in the comment.
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Some of the bridges were very low, I was able to get under with some care. I only had to portage twice, once at #8 Adams Mill and again at the foot bridge / Golf course #15.
Bridges #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 were all very calm and easy to navigate. #3 was the lowest. There are rapids just before #6 at the trailer park. You can portage through the park or in my case stay to the left side and ride around them, it is still tricky but fun!
#8 Adams Mill was a great spot to stop for lunch, I sat up in the old Mill and took in the incredible beauty. You have to portage around the dam, it is an easy portage on the left side, there are some small rapids just after the dam.
There is a series of small rapids after the bridge #9, then again before #10. Bowes Mill #11 is a little tricky. I took it around the right side this too was a blast. (FoTW Note – a good idea to look this over before going through it).
There are rapids at Glen Tay #12, under the Bridge (FoTW Note - suggest the right side). After Glen Tay I didn't see any more rough water.
I had to portage around the foot bridge #15 (FoTW Note – this is the golf course). There are plenty of Beaver from #15 through to #19 Haggart Dam. I didn't go farther than Haggart Dam. I have put in at the Perth Basin before and gone to Beveridges Locks, this is a nice calm paddle.
I wouldn't suggest doing the Christie lake trip (at this time of year). It is very shallow and many times I had to walk behind my canoe (and) have some pretty good scrapes on the bottom. A good pair of hiking boots is a must, and they will get wet! (FoTW Note: There are parts of the Tay River and Canal that offer excellent trips and are a better choice in mid-late summer. Ask us for information).
I am planning to make a run again in spring!
The river is so clean & clear! and looks to be in great shape with plenty of wild life to see.
John Cole, Perth, Ontario