Just 60 km from the city of Sault Ste. Marie, paddle the sheltered waters of Batchawana Bay, Lake Superior. Bald eagle, osprey, beaver and mink are seen along this shore. We kayak to Harmony Bay where a van will transport us back to the starting point

Tour begins with basic sea kayak instruction, and offers an introduction to sea kayaking.

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Itinerary

This day trip to Batchawana Island begins at Batchawana Bay Provincial Park bordering Lake Superior, approximately 65 km. (38 miles) north of Sault Ste. Marie Ontario. Accommodations are available at the Voyageurs' Lodge (705-882-2504), 60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie; camping is available nearby at Pancake Bay Provincial Park (705-882-2209).

• 9:00 a.m. Tour begins at the Voyageurs' Lodge on Batchawana, with one hour of basic training (paddle strokes, turning, and safety procedures).
• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 Paddle to Batchawana Island. Short (100 metre) portage across the narrow isthmus
• 12:00 -1:00 p.m. Lunch on the island
• 1:00 -3:00 p.m. Paddle to the Flower Pot Islands to view heron colony
• 3:00 p.m. Rest break on the Island
• 3:30-5:00 p.m. Take out at Harmony Bay, and return by van to the Park

EQUIPMENT YOU SUPPLY

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.

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

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.

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

Accessories: Waterproof dry bags for clothing.

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

Basic Training: A one hour training session, demonstrating basic paddle strokes, wet exit, and re-entry.

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.

Meals: Lunch is provided. Please notify us of dietary restrictions.