Tour Locations
Lake Superior: The remote northern coastline of
this inland sea features sparkling clear water, quiet coves, precipitous
headlands and long sandy beaches. Caribou, moose and bear frequent the bays
and coves. The rugged and spectacular coastline offers superb sea kayaking in
the middle of the continent; steep flowing rivers delight and challenge the
canoeist.
Lake Huron:
The North Channel provides more sheltered paddling. This is a beautiful are of white pine and polished granite islands, perfect for spring and fall-colour paddling.
Quebec:
In the salt water of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence, beluga, minke,
finback and great blue whales congregate during their summer feeding migration. We offer a six day trip, based out of chalets, from where we do day trips to kayak among the whales. Although the fjord is in a remote area of Quebec, there are charming towns nearby with fine Quebecois cooking, hospitality and accommodation.
Skill Levels and Fitness: The pace is relaxed, with frequent shore-stops -- after all, this is your vacation! Most tours are suitable for
beginners/novices and intermediate paddlers in good health (can swim 50 metres with a PFD).
Lodge-based trips are the least physically challenging, whereas
multi-day overnight camping trips require a higher level of fitness. The
following skill levels are meant to provide guidance on your trip
selection.Ý (don’t hesitate to
contact us and we will help find the trip suited to you)
Beginner
- experience not required; we provide instruction on paddle strokes, wet exit
and rescue techniques; usually less than 12 km per day. Novice - previous kayaking or canoeing experience; possible exposure to strong
wind and waves; we teach paddle strokes, wet exit and rescue techniques;
typically from 12-20 km per day. Intermediate
- paddling experience (minimum forty hours); must be able to paddle, launch,
land and rescue yourself and others in waves up to one meter; average 20 km
per day; exposure to challenging wind and waves is likely.
All sea kayak tours include fully equipped kayaks, wetsuits, guides, tents, sleeping pads, cookware, and
backcountry camping fees. “All-inclusive” tours include meals;
you just bring sleeping bag, clothes and personal gear. For those who wish to
provide their own meals, designated tours are offered at a reduced rate. For
lodge-based tours, meal plans and accommodation are listed with the tour.
Unless, stated otherwise, tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. at the
stated departure point.
Deductions:
If you provide your own fully equipped kayak, we deduct
$20 CDN/day. Tour deductions (not additive) are as follows: 10% to
former clients, 15% for groups greater than five, and 10% for early booking
(before March 1). Maximum party size is ten clients on lodge-based tours and
eight on wilderness camping tours. We provide a 6:1 client to guide ratio. As
safety is the prime concern, the itinerary may be adjusted if we experience
inclement weather. NO SURPRISES: TAXES ARE INCLUDED IN PRICES.
Meals:
Forget the diet. We provide nutritious,
carefully prepared full meals, with plenty of fresh meat, fruits, vegetables
and snacks, while accommodating a vegetarian diet. If you have any dietary
needs please let us know ahead of time. On some designated tours you must provide your own meals and cook for yourself; we provide the cookware and stoves
 Transportation: Many tours begin in Sault Ste. Marie with a
wilderness train trip through Agawa
Canyon. You simply
arrive, and we take it from there. For Pukaskwa, Slate Islands,
Sibley, and L. Huron, we meet at nearby departure points. However, we can
arrange return transport from Sault Ste. Marie should you require it.
Excellent highways lead to Sault Ste. Marie from Michigan
and southern Ontario. Northwest Airlines, and Air Canada
have regular flights to the area. An airport shuttle, accommodation and meal
package with the Water Tower Inn is available the evening prior to departure.
The Saguenay region of Quebec
is accessible by highway and air via Quebec City – we provide return airport shuttle to the chalets (600 km round trip, $175 CDN/$150 US/person). There are regular flights to Quebec City
Guides are experienced kayakers and professionals who can identify and
interpret the flora, fauna and geology that surround you. As well, guides
have extensive experience as outdoor leaders and are trained in first aid and
CPR. Finally, but most important, our personable and friendly guides will
ensure you have a joyful vacation.
Rentals and Sales
Test, rent or purchase kayaks and accessories at our
Goulais Bay location on Lake Superior. We carry
top-of-the line new and used British and Canadian kayaks (VCP, Necky), as well as paddling clothing from Kokatat and
paddles by Werner. Taking a tour is a great way to test kayaks, and if you
decide to buy, we deduct the daily kayak rental fee (included in tour price)
from the purchase price!
|
