This sea kayak tour spanning the far north shore of Lake Superior is the first leg of the Pan-Superior, 500 km expedition (minimal outfitting), and is designed for the experienced sea kayaker with a taste for adventure.
You will be guided through this remote wilderness archipelago of northern Lake Superior. Home to wolf, deer and moose, this road-less area is accessible only by water craft. Canada's newest National Marine Park Reserve, the Black Bay Peninsula and offshore islands is a sea kayaking paradise.
Pan Superior trips are minimally outfitted.
We provide return transportation from Voyageurs' Lodge (60 km north of Sault St. Marie, Ontario), park fees, safety equipment and training, group outfitting, and the best and the most experienced guides on the lake. A Sault Ste. Marie airport pick-up and return is $150 extra/group. For those arriving in Thunder Bay, Ontario, we can arrange an airport pick-up.
You provide: your own fully equipped sea kayak, camping equipment, and meals. Of course we will rent at a reduced daily rate (e.g., $20/ fully equipped kayak, $5 for tent and sleeping pad). Food packages are also available.
We meet at Voyageurs' Lodge at 9:00 am (60 km north of Sault Ste. Marie) or optionally at town of Rossport (3:00 pm ) where we shuttle you to trip starting point ( 7 hr drive from Sault Ste. Marie, 2 hrs from Rossport). An airport pick-up at Sault Ste. Marie or Thunder Bay can be arranged ($50.00/person)
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.
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