Tour S7: Pukaskwa National Park, 10 days, 200 km (120 mi)

Trip Itinerary

• Day 1: 5:00 p.m. (Pukaskwa National Park, Heron Bay). We meet at the Vistitor Center, where we distribute equipment (to those who rent from us), go over equipment lists and discuss trip planning, itinerary and safety procedures. After dinner, we will go for a short paddle.
• Day 2 (Fish Harbour or Oiseau Bay): We rise early, in order to depart by 8:00 a.m. Vehicles can be left at the vistor center parking lot. We launch from Hattie Cove by noon. Sea kayak 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 20íth 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 Pukaskwa National Park Headquarters to their vehicles.

Equipment