Tour H1: Lake Huron, Whalesback Channel
6 Days, 94 km, 57 miles

The 'Whalesback' in the North Channel of Lake Huron is a renowned sea kayaking destination. Sheltered passages and gentle beaches on smoothly carved granite islands provide a superlative kayaking summer vacation in northern Ontario, Canada.

As the area is relatively sheltered by numerous islands, this trip is suitable to most sea kayaking skill levels, including novice paddlers. We will, however, "island hop" so exposure to wind and waves is likely at times.

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Itinerary

This guided sea kayaking trip starts at the hamlet of Algoma Mills on Hwy 17, 144 km (90 miles) east of Sault Ste. Marie, and the same distance west of Sudbury. There are several motels and cabins in the Blind River area (see Blind River Chamber of Commerce, Tel: 705 356-2555 or Eldo Inn, Blind River, Tel: 705 356-2255). If you wish to camp the evening before the tour try the KOA Spragge campground (Tel: 1-800-562-3416).

Note: you need to bring personal gear/clothing, sleeping bag. We provide meals, tents, cook stoves, sea kayaks, etc. (see attached equipment list).

If you require return transportation from Sault Ste. Marie, depending on availability of our van, there is no additional charge, but please call ahead to confirm!.

• Day 1: (10 km) Meet at 1:00 p.m. at Clarence’s Fish Market in Algoma Mills, 1360 Hwy. 17, south side, where you can leave your vehicles; this is a safe spot but the owners can not guarantee security. Before we depart from the marina, there will be a basic sea kayak and safety course, after which we pack the kayaks for the Turnbull Islands to set up camp.
• Day 2: (18 km) Turnbull Is. to Gowan Is. and vicinity. On this beautiful section, a chain of nine remote islands enables us to island-hop. Bald eagles and beaver are common on this section. The largest crossing is two kilometres.
• Day 3: (19 km) Gowan Is to Conmee Is. We sea kayak the south side of a large pine covered island (John Island) and continue to Conmee Is.
• Day 4: (19 km) From Conmee Is., we paddle east past the south side of Aird Island, to set up camp on Fox Island. This pink granite site with towering white pines is one of the prettiest spots among the islans. We will spend two nights here.
• Day 5: (10 km) From Fox Island, we continue on to the Benjanmin Islands (the white quartzite Lacloche Mountains can be seen several kilometres to the east); we land on Hooks Island to explore a large fossil formation. After lunch we return to Fox Island to relax.
• Day 6: (18 km) Fox Island Is. to Spanish River Marine. We paddle past Airde Island, and an abandoned logging community. We continue to the Spanish River marina, arriving by 2:00 p.m. From there we transport you back to Algoma Mills (40 km), to end our guided sea kayaking adventure trip

EQUIPMENT YOU SUPPLY FOR WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIPS

Clothing: It may appear from the following list that you will be preparing for an arctic adventure! However, these clothes should keep you comfortable under poor weather conditions. Minimum of: warm jacket (i.e., for fall conditions) or windbreaker with pile/fleece (e.g. Polartec) liner or wool sweater, two long-sleeved shirts, two t-shirts (one of each for day-trips), two pairs of warm wool or synthetic socks, one pair of pants, shorts, swim suit, undergarments, rain suit, small towel.

Paddling gear: Cap, sun glasses, paddling jacket (synthetic windbreaker or rain-suit preferably with elasticized cuffs), short pants of synthetic material, neoprene booties or water sandals (e.g. Tevas) or running shoes, synthetic long underwear (top and bottom), plastic water bottle, head strap for glasses. A "Farmer John/Jane" wet suit will be supplied by Caribou Expeditions; however, to guarantee a good fit, a wet-suit can be purchased at many outdoor stores. Optional: Hand-held sighting compass

Note: Paddling clothes should be synthetic, or with minimal cotton.

Personal Gear: Sleeping bag, sunscreen, chap stick, bug dope, toilet paper, matches or lighter, small flashlight or headlamp, toothpaste, soap, etc. water bottle

Camping Gear:  On overnight camping trips you must supply a sleeping bag (the sleeping bag should be made of compressible material).

Other:  Clothing and food will be stowed in sealed bulkhead compartments, but you must also store clothes in waterproof bags. Many small bags are better than a few large bags. A package of freezer grade, large ziplok bags (10.5 in x 11 in) are excellent for most clothing (bring an extra package in case some rip. We provide two large dry bags for your sleeping bag and bulky clothing, and smaller dry bags as required.

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY CARIBOU EXPEDITIONS

Kayak and Accessories: Single person kayaks (Necky), and doubles (Current Designs Libra XT). Paddlers will be expected to trade-off singles for doubles throughout the trip. Each kayak comes with: sponge, paddle and spare, boat pump, whistle, spray skirt, poggies or neoprene gloves, personal flotation device (lifejacket). Wet suits are provided where water temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Accommodation and Meals:  Camping equipment includes one tent for each couple or individual, thermarest, camp grill, coffee pot, water purifier, 19 ft. shelter tarp, camp saw, cook stoves, fuel, camp cookery, dishes, two large dry bags for your sleeping bag and bulky clothing, and smaller dry bags as required. Meals are provided

Safety Equipment: First aid kit, marine radio, compass, tow line.

Basic Training: includes: packing the kayak, paddle strokes, wet exit and T-rescue.

Experienced Guide:
One guide per six clients. Your guides are experienced sea kayakers with training from the B.C.U. (British Canoe Union), C.P.R. and Wilderness First Aid. As well, your guides are experienced outdoors people who will help identify and interpret the flora, fauna and geology around you.

Tansportation, Permits:  Back-country permits, and transportation from Voyageurs' Lodge are included.

Meals Meals are provided with the exception of breakfast and lunch on the first day of the tour. Please notify us of dietary restrictions.