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Tour S8: Slate Islands, Lake Superior, 6 days, 60 km (36 miles)
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" Thanks for a super tour of the Slates."
John Markley, Ann Arbor, MI
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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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" Thanks again for the incredible experience that you provided at the Slate Islands. I keep those memories very close, so I think of them often. "
Marcia Seaman, Grand Ledge, MI
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Dates:
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July 20-25
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Departure:
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Terrace Bay, Ontario, Coach House Motel, at 1.00 p.m.
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Price:
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$1129 (all inclusive, 1 night lodge accommodation, 4 nights camping)
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Level:
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Novice
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Note:
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Ten kilometer openwater crossing by boat
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Trip Itinerary
The trip starting point is the Coach House Motel on Jackfish Lake, where we meet at 1:00 p.m. the first day. To book motel reservations the previous evening, call 1-807- 825-9113. There are also campgrounds nearby at Neys Provincial Park, and Rainbow Falls Provincial Park. The Coach House Motel is situated on the Trans Canada Hwy (Hwy. 17) on Jackfish Lake approximately 15 km (9 miles) southeast of the town of Terrace Bay, and 450 km (270 miles) northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Note: you must supply sleeping bag and clothing (see equipment list)
Day 1(5 km): At 1:00 p.m. we assemble at the Coach House Motel to transport you to the beach at Jackfish Lake, less than a kilometer from the lodge. There, we provide basic sea kayaking instruction and review of safety procedures. We paddle out of Jackfish Lake into spectacular Tunnel Bay on Lake Superior to explore the area. We return to the Coach House Motel for dinner and an over-night stay.
Day 2 (10 km): 6:00 a.m. We load the van for Terrace Bay (ten minute drive) for an early breakfast, and preparation for the boat shuttle to the Islands (departing at 7:30 a.m), for the one-two hour crossing. Once we arrive, 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 (20 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. Your guided sea kayaking adventure trip on Lake Superior officially ends at noon
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: Sleeping bag, sunscreen, chap stick, bug dope, toilet paper, matches or lighter, small flashlight or headlamp, toothpaste, soap, etc. water bottle
Camping Gear: On overnight camping trips you must supply a sleeping bag (the sleeping bag should be made of compressible material).
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.
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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 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.
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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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