This sea kayak tour of Pukaskwa National Park is the third leg of the Pan-Superior, 500 km guided expedition (minimal outfitting), and is designed for the experienced sea kayaker with a taste for adventure.

Cascading rivers, uninhabited coastline, magnificent granite headlands, and deep clear water -- the Pukaskwa coast of Lake Superior is the experienced kayakers' dream adventure. Your trip leader, Bruce Lash, will guide you from the park headquarters, all they way to Michipicoten Harbour, 160 km to the southeast.

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Itinerary

The trip meeting place is Voyageurs' Lodge (60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie). Optional airport pickup and return ($50.00 each way)

• Day 1: 9:00 A.M. (Voyageurs Lodge to Pukaskwa National Park, Heron Bay). We meet at Voyageurs' Lodge where we will transport you to Pukaskwa National Park (five hour drive). The scenic drive on the trans-Canada Highway passes through Lake Superior Provincial Park and Pukaskwa National Park. We will stop at several scenic lookouts along the way.
• Day 2 (Fish Harbour or Oiseau Bay):After we review safety procedures and paddling instruction paddle south past the White and Willow Rivers, through the long sheltered channels of Morrison Harbour, while taking advantage of the small islands that dot the coast south of the Willow. Our campsite at Oiseau Bay is on a large sand beach.
• Day 3 (Hidden Lake Harbor): Paddle through many narrow channels and stop for a break in the deep sheltered waters of Fisherman's cove -- one of the prettiest coves in the park. As we leave Fishermans cove, the coast is dotted with numerous small islands and passageways -- some small enough to "squeeze" through -- as well small rivers with white crystlline sand beaches. Simons Harbour area is particularly beautiful- we set up camp there near Hidden Lake Harbor.
• Day 4 (Otter Island): We pass the white and pink granite headlands of English Fishery Harbour and Triangle Harbour, and view the Cascade river as it plunges over Cascade Falls into Lake Superior. Cross to Otter Island to set up camp for two nights. Then hike to the light-house for a spectacular view of Lake Superior.
• Day 5 (circumnavigate Otter Island): Paddle west side of Otter Island in search of the Pukaskwa Pits -- mysterious native American structures whose meaning lies buried in time and in the speculations of anthropologists. We cross to the mainland to Otter Cove, the former home of the legendary Gus Weidman, a reclusive and feared woodsman who lived in this isolated spot during the early part of the 20’th century, then cross back over to Otter Island and our campsite.
• Day 6 (southeast of Pukaskwa River): We continue to the southeast in the shelter of Richardsons's Harbour, then pass Point La Canadienne into the mouth of the Pukaskwa River. Remmnant moss covered buildings of the old logging days are still standing here. Our desitination is the 'Wheat Bin', a large beach campsite. If we have time, we will continue to a site near Crane Island or the Pipe River.
• Day 7: (Near Ghost River): With, hopefully, west and southwest winds at our backs we continue on to Floating Heart Bay or the Ghost River to make camp (west of Point Isacor).
• Day 8 and 9 (Dog River ): The Dog River is a great spot to relax. We hike to the spectacular Dennison Falls a few kilometers upstream, and spend a day recuperating those tired paddling muscles.
• Day 10 (Dorry River): There are many pocket beaches along this section such as McCoy's Harbour and Minnakonna Pt. where we take leisurely breaks. The Dorry River provides a great campsite just a few hours paddle from the Michipicoten River.
• Day 11 (Michipicoten River): We land inside the mouth of the Michipicote River at 12:00 p.m., to end your guided sea kayaking adventure trip on Lake Superior. We then transport the drivers in our 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