This sea kayak tour of northern Lake Superior is the second leg of the Pan-Superior, 500 km expedition (minimal outfitting), and is designed for the experienced sea kayaker with a taste for adventure.

This scenic section includes the oldest fossil formations on earth (stromatalites), island archipelagos, many beaches and sheltered harbours, and historical sites (former World War II Prisoner Camp and a ghost town) and Neys Provincial Park with a striking view of Pic Island. We paddle through to Pukaskwa National Park for the next leg of the Journey.

Printer Friendly

Itinerary

We meet at Voyageurs' Lodge at 9:00 am (60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie) or optionally at town of Heron Bay (3:00 pm) where we shuttle you to trip starting point (7 hr drive from Sault Ste. Marie, 2 hrs from Heron Bay).

• Day 1 (400 km): At 9:00 a.m. we assemble at Voyageurs' Lodge (60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie) for van transport to Rossport. The six hour drive on the Trans-Canada highway traverses the most scenic part of Ontario via Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park. On our relaxing drive, we will stop at various lookouts along the way, go for a swim, and enjoy the scenery. Once we arrive at Rossport, we will book into an inn at Rossport for a bed and breakfast for a an early start
• Day 2 (9 km): Safety procedures, practice rescues then depart from Rossport for an easy paddle amoung in the archipelago to Copper Island.
• Day 3 (26 km): Paddle five km crossing to the mainland to Worthington Bay, pass the beautiful Petits Ecrits islands to Victoria Bay where we set up camp.
• Day 4 (18 km):We cross Jackfish Bay to the ghost town of Jackfish, and on to the large beach at the mouth of the Steele River. We arrive at the small, but sheltered, Bottle Cove to set up camp.
• Day 5(18 km) We paddle to the Prairie River Provincial Park Nature Reserve for a break on the large sand beach, and continue past many sheltering small islands to McKellar Harbour to set up camp.
• Day 6 (18 km): We land at Neys Provincial Park for a tour of the museum and a well deserved hot shower before continuing on to our campsite at Foster Island, perhaps the prettiest campsite on the lake overlooking Pic Island. Time permitting, we paddle the south side of Pic Island.
• Day 7 (25 km): Weather permitting we cross to Ypres Point (5 km) and continue on to Craigs Pit Nature Reserve and beyound to our campsite near Randall Point
• Day 8 (12 km): We continue past Heron Bay to Pukaskwa National Park Headquarters to end this leg of the trip. We land by 1:00 p.m. to be transported by van back to Voyageurs' Lodge.

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. Wet or dry-suit where water temperature falls below 55 F. 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:  tent, sleeping pad, cookery, cookstove, sleeping bag.

Meals: cookstoves, cookery, all meals

Kayak and Accessories: fully equipped sea kayaks, including: sponge, paddle and spare, boat pump, whistle, spray skirt, poggies or neoprene gloves, personal flotation device (lifejacket)

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

Outfitting If you require outfitting, we can supply kayaks, wet suits, and camping equipment (at 40% off the full daily rate).

Meals: NOT PROVIDED. However, particularly for those who arrive by air, we can purchase and pre-package your meals for you. Just sent us your food list and we will purchase and have it ready for you.

Safety Equipment: First aid kit, marine radio, satellite or cell phone, compass, tow lines, 19 ft. shelter tarp., water filter

Instruction: Packing the kayak, advanced paddle strokes, rescues

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.

Transportation, Permits: return transport from Voyageuers Lodge to put-in, back-country permits, and all camping fees