Caribou and Sea Kayaks! A guided adventure trip for all skill levels. Ten kilometers offshore in the remote north end of Lake Superior, we explore the Slate Islands archipelago. These islands, formed by the impact of a meteor are the refuge of several hundred woodland caribou.

As we are shuttled to the Islands by boat, and the waters within the archipelago are protected, the trip is designed for all skill levels. The first day is dedicated to kayak instruction and safety in an inland lake before the crossing.

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Itinerary

We meet at Voyageurs' Lodge at 9:00 am (60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie) or optionally at the Coachhouse Motel near Terrace Bay (3:00 pm) where we shuttle you to trip starting point (5 hr. drive from Sault Ste. Marie). A return airport pick-up at Sault Ste. Marie can be arranged ($50.00/person)

• Day 1 (500 km): At 9:00 a.m. we assemble at Voyageurs' Lodge (60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie) for van transport to the Coachhouse Motel near Terrace Bay. The five 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 stop at various lookouts, go for a swim, and enjoy the scenery. We arrive by 3:00 p.m. for basic paddling insruction and safety on Jackfish Lake. We return to the Coach House Motel for dinner and an over-night stay.
• Day 2 (10 km): 7:00 a.m. After breakfast, we load the van for Terrace Bay (ten minute drive) the boat shuttle to the Islands (departing at 7:30 a.m), is a one-two hour crossing. We set up a base-camp and explore the many coves within the archipelago in the vicinity of McColl Is. The flora, fauna and geology of these islands are exceptional. With several hundred Caribou on these islands, trails can be found throughout the islands and caribou are not difficult to spot. Lake Trout are also abundant here and can be caught in fairly shallow water.
• Day 3 (18 km): We circumnavigate the steep sided Mortimer Island and return to McColl Island. Arctic plant relics can be observed along this section, including live-long saxifrage and birds eye primrose.
• Day 4 (15 km): We paddle southwest on the outside edge of Patterson Island to Sunday Point where we will have lunch near the lighthouse. Along this section of ancient volcanic rock, we will observe the best examples of shatter cones (evidence of meteoric impact) found in North America. We sea kayak back to our campsite at McColl Island.
• Day 5(15 km): We paddle northeast to the Leadman Islands, and return to the northeset shore of Patterson. This section of Patterson Island has many pocket beaches along a steep coastline. We return to our campsite at McColl Island.
• Day 6: At 7:30 a.m. we will be shuttled by boat back to Terrace Bay, and return to the Coach House Motel by noon. We will then leave by van for Voyageurs Lodge, Your guided sea kayaking adventure trip on Lake Superior officially ends at 6:00 pm

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

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 (Day 1) accommodation at the coach house Motel, 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.

Vehicle Shuttle, Permits:  Back-country permits, boat shuttle to island are included.

Meals are provided. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions.