Tour S3: Gargantua - Lake Superior Provincial Park
4.5 days, 50 km (30 mi)

Join us for a guided wilderness sea kayaking adventure trip in Lake Superior Provincial Park in northern Ontario. Our destination, 'Gargantua', is a mythical place of the Ojibway; the landscape is replete with mystery and native heritage sites, such as Devil's Chair and Devil's Warehouse Island.

We paddle above the eerie glow of massive boulders in the deep clear water, while passing ancient lava and crystal clear streams. Moose and caribou occasionally wander by the solitary beaches.

As this area is relatively sheltered, this guided sea kayak tour is ideal for the novice Great Lakes sea kayaker.

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

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Itinerary

For the evening prior to the trip, accommodation is available at the Voyageurs' Lodge (705-882-2504) on Batchwana Bay (60 km or 36 miles) north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; for those who prefer to camp Pancake Bay Provincial Park is 5 km north of the lodge.

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

• Day 1: At 1:00 p.m., we meet at the The Voyageurs' Lodge on Batchwana Bay to spend the afternoon with a course on sea kayaking, including paddling strokes, equipment, safety, and rescues. We finish at 4:30 p.m. Dinner and accommodation provided at the lodge (included in price).
• Day 2: Meet for breakfast at the lodge (8:00 a.m.). At 9:00 a.m., we load the van and depart for Gargantua Harbour (2 hour drive) where we will have lunch and pack the kayaks. We kayak from Gargantua Harbour to our Warp Bay campsite on a long beach in a deep bay at the mouth of the Gargantua River (5 km, 3 miles).
• Day 3: Warp Bay to Devil's Chair and Indian Harbour (12 km/7 miles). This is one of the most spectacular sections of Lake Superior Provincial Park, with many channels and Islands composed of black lava. The area is home of many wildlife species, including woodland caribou and moose. We set up camp at Indian Harbour, and explore the area by kayak as time permits
• Day 4: To Ryan Point and beyound, return to Indian Harbour (16 km/10 miles). We paddle through the sheltered waters of Chalifant Cove, and past the clear water and beautiful white granite of Ryan Point, returning to Indian Harbour
• Day 5: Indian Harbour to Gargantua Harbour (11 km/7 miles). We will paddle by the steep cliff face of Devil's Warehouse Island, by deep faulted rock, and unique red lava. We takeout at Gargantua Harbour at 2:00 p.m. where you will be transported back to Voyageurs' Lodge by 4:30 p.m., to end our adventure vacation in northern Ontario.

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 Camping: One night's accommodation (add $35 CDN for single room occupancy); 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.

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.