Tour R2: Batchawana River, Algoma
4 Days, 50 km, 30 mi.))

Swift current and deep remote valleys, take a guided canoe trip through the wilderness of the Batchawana River, in northern Ontario.

Originating in the Algoma Highlands of northern Ontario, over one hundred kilometers from Lake Superior, the Batchawana River flows through a majestic wilderness valley of hardwoods and pines. Rapids, water falls, gorges - this river has it all (as well as great fishing!).

The guided canoe trip starts in Sault Ste. Marie for a three hour wilderness train ride to the put-in. The trip ends at Lake Superior where we transport you back to the train station. Due to water levels, the early May trips will be the most challenging, by the end of May most whitewater is Class II or less. We provide meals, canoes, train fare, and all camping equipment. So relax! Hop on the train and begin your guided canoeing adventure.

Check here for current water levels

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Itinerary

The evening before the trip, you should arrive in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Quality Inn is directly across from the Algoma Central Railway station at 129 Bay St. (Please notify us if you want us to book the room for you - rates vary seasonally). Note: you need to bring personal gear/clothing ; we provide accommodation, canoes, food, etc. (see equipment an food list below).

Directions to the train station from Michigan are as follows: turn right after you pass through Canadian customs, continue through the lights for one kilometer until you come to the train station in the mall parking lot at 129 Bay Street. You can leave your vehicle in the station or hotel parking lot; however, valueables should not be left in the vehicle - ask your hotel to store them until your return.

• Day 1: At 8:30 a.m. we assemble at the ACR train station in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where we will load canoes and gear. The train departs at 9:20 a.m. for the three-hour ride to Batchawana Station where we disembark, get fitted into gear, discuss safety procedures, and begin our trip down the Batchawana River. We will paddle for three kilometers for our first portage around a cascading falls. After the falls we continue for another seven kilometers, running some long Class II rapids, to set up our first camp to enjoy the evening and perhaps do a bit of fishing.
• Day 2: The river valley, home to black bear, marten and timber wolf, is bordered by large white pines as it enters a narrow section. Beneath the falls, the river winds through the steep valley. Some long stretches of rapids follow (mostly Class II, but some Class III in early spring). We camp before the next portage, passing a vertical waterfall as it tumbles into the river on the left. The portage is a great spot to have lunch, relax, and perhaps enjoy a bit of fishing at the base of the small cascade. We continue: the river is split by numerous islands; we keep a sharp watch for sweepers as we select a channel. After we portage the next river-wide falls, we set up camp.
• Day 3: We paddle to Batchawana Falls; the river quickens 500 meters before the falls - the most difficult white-water section of the trip; we check it closely for "runnability"; there is an easy by-pass on the right on the old logging road. After we portage the canoes around the falls, we run the gorge, then on to the next falls where we portage on the left. A few more rapids follow, and the river broadens; there are numerous good campsites nearby.
• Day 4: The last section is a relaxing paddle as the river approaches the delta. Lake Superior welcomes us. We return by van to the train station, approximately a one hour drive away. We arrive by 4:30 p.m. to end our wilderness guided canoe trip adventure.

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: warm jacket (i.e., for fall conditions) or windbreaker with pile/fleece (e.g. Polartec) liner or wool sweater, long-sleeved shirt, t-shirt, warm wool or synthetic socks, one pair of pants, shorts, swim suit, undergarments, 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: Sunscreen, chap stick, bug dope, toilet paper, matches or lighter, soap, etc. On day trips, we will have enough "river" bags to accommodate most clothing, but bring ziplok bags for snacks and small articles.

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY CARIBOU EXPEDITIONS

Canoe/Kayak and Accessories: Novacraft Prospector Royalex canoes (16 ft or 17 ft), or Prijon Tandem polyethylene kayaks (17 feet). Each canoe/kayak comes with: sponge, rope, paddles and spare, boat pump, whistle, spray skirt (kayaks), poggies or neoprene gloves, personal flotation device (PFD/lifejacket).

Wet suits are provided. Please indicate your lifejacket size and wet suit size when you send deposit or trip balance.

Please indicate your lifejacket size and wet suit size when you send deposit or trip balance.

Camping Equipment: 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.

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.

Vehicle Shuttle, Permits: Train fare from Sault Ste. Marie and return van transportation to station, and back-country permits are included.

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