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Tour S5: Lake Superior, Lodge to Lodge, 6 days, 80 km (48 mi)
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"We still have many fond memories of our previous trip, and hope to be able to join you again. "
B. Hebert, Bay City, MI
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We begin our sea kayak adventure by traveling north by train from Sault Ste. Marie through Agawa Canyon. From Wawa, we paddle south along the spectacular coast of Lake Superior Provincial Park and end each day by dining and resting in the comfort of a lodge. By the time we reach our destination at Batchawana Bay, we will have passed quiet coves, rugged promontories and perhaps witnessed the shimmering Northern Lights above Lake Superior.
This relaxing sea kayak tour is ideal for those of all sea kayaking skill levels who want the majesty of Lake Superior but the comfort of lodge accommodation.
Families with children too young to sea kayak can be accommodated as parents can alternate days of paddling (in which case only one person would be charged for the tour, plus additional occupancy cost).
We take care of everything, so relax, it's easy, just arrive in Sault Ste. Marie, hop on the train, and begin your adventure!
Note, we do not paddle from lodge to lodge as distances are too great, rather, we are transported by van between lodges.
For more pictures and information see article 'Ontario Kayaking' in Travel Savings Alerts Newsletter, January 2007 Issue, by travel writer Kay Douglas (note: you have to 'page down' 25 pages when you get to the site).
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Dates:
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TBA
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Departure:
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Train Station, Sault Ste. Marie
9:20 a.m.
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Price:
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TBA (taxes included)
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Level:
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Beginner/Novice
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Note:
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Includes train fare, lodge accommodation (5), lunch (5); dinner and breakfast can be purchased from the lodge restaurant. Add $200 CDN for single room occupancy.
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Trip Itinerary
The evening before the trip, you should arrive in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Quality Inn is directly across from the Algoma Central Railway station at 129 Bay St. (Please notify us if you want us to book the room for you - rates vary seasonally). Remember to bring a lunch for the train ride.
Note: you need to bring personal gear/clothing; we provide lunch (breakfast and dinner can be purchased at the lodge), accommodation, kayaks, etc. (see attached equipment list).
Directions to the train station from Michigan are as follows: turn right after you pass through customs, continue through the lights and follow the road until you come to the train station in the mall parking lot at 129 Bay Street. You can leave your vehicle in the station or hotel parking lot; although these places are "secure", it is advisable not to leave valuables in a vehicle - bring them along on the train or leave with your hotel for safe storage.
Day 1: Algoma Central Railway (train No. 1) departs at 9:20 a.m. from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Pick up your pre-paid (by us) tickets at the station (tickets are in your name). You are allowed up to 100 lbs. of gear per person. Please remember to pack a lunch for the train ride or have the hotel prepare one for you. We will meet you at Hawk Junction (near Wawa) at 3:00 p.m. You will be transferred by van to the Kinniwabi Pines Motel and Cabins.
Day 2 (10 km): After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast, we take a short drive to Michipicoten river for a three-hour sea kayak training session. The Michipicoten River mouth is the historic site of the Northwest Company Trading Post. We will spend the balance of the day sea kayaking from the mouth of the Michipicoten River south to Lake Superior Provincial Park. We explore this beautiful coastline of steep volcanic rock while the surge echoes off the cliffs.
Day 3 (14 km): Breakfast is at 7:30 a.m. We leave at 9:00 a.m. by van, south (25 km) through Lake Superior Provincial Park to Old Woman Bay. This is perhaps one of the most scenic spots along the north shore. We paddle by the steep sided cliffs to an isolated beach. From there we will take a hike along the trail to Till Creek Falls, and paddle back to the landing by 4:00 p.m. We continue down the highway by van to Twilight Lodge (45 minutes) at Montreal River.
Day 4 (17 km): After breakfast, we paddle from the river mouth along the coast to Speckled Trout Creek in Lake Superior Provincial Park, or to the pictographs in Sinclair Cove. We return to Twilight Lodge by 4:30 p.m.
Day 5 (18 km): We paddle south from the Montreal River to Alona Bay, bordered by spectacular granite headlands. We travel by van to Voyageurs' Lodge on Batchwana Bay.
Day 6 (10 km): Sawpit Bay to Mamainse. This section has numerous inlets, odd rock formations, and agates along the conglomerate beaches. We return by van to the train station by 4:30 p.m., to end our guided sea kayak adventure vacation in Northen Ontario.
Equipment
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EQUIPMENT YOU SUPPLY
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, hiking boots, 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, toothpaste, soap, etc. water bottle
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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.
Please indicate your lifejacket size and wet suit size when you send deposit or trip balance.
Accommodation and Meals: Lodging is supplied on the tour so there is no need to haul excess clothing or food in the kayaks (add $200 CDN for single person occupancy). Lunches are provided except on the first day; dinner and breakfast can be purchased in the lodge(s). Please remember to bring a lunch and a full water bottle for the train tour on the first day. The housekeeping cabins at Twilight Lodge have cooking facilities; therefore, we can stop at the grocery store before we leave Wawa for those who prefer to cook breakfast and dinner for themselves for those two days.
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: Train fare from Sault Ste. Marie, and transportation back to trip departure point. Back-country permits are included.
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Local Weather
Discounts!
- 10% - Book Prior to Feb. 1
- 10% - Former Client
- 15% - Groups >5
- (discounts not additive)
- $20/day - Your Canoe/Kayak
Meet us at:
Quiet Waters Symposium
East Lansing, MI
March 1, 2008!
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