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Caribou Expeditions
1021 Mission Rd.Goulais River
Ontario, Canada
POS 1E0
Call
1-800-970-6662Email:
info@caribou-expeditions.com
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Discounts!
- 10% - Prior to March 1
- 10% - Former Client
- 15% - Groups >5
- (discounts not additive)
- $20/day - Your Canoe/Kayak
Meet us at:
Quiet Water SymposiumEast Lansing, MI
March, 2011!
Tour
S6: Rail, River, Sea
3 Days, 35 km (21 mi)
"I really want to express how wonderful the kayaking outing was to experience. The timing was supperb with the autumns season; you both made it very memorable for us. Thankyou "
This unique sea kayak and canoe weekend adventure includes a tour on the Algoma Central Railway through the immense forest of the great Canadian shield. Take a gentle paddle down the Montreal River; kayak along the magnificent coast of eastern Lake Superior; and, end your journey leisurely paddling down the Goulais or Batchawna River.
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).
So just hop on the train, start your wilderness adventure, we take care of the rest!
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). 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 prior to boarding. Tickets are held in your name. Have the hotel pack a lunch for you if you have not already done so yourself. The train will pass through the beautiful wilderness of Algoma and stop at Montreal Falls (12:25 p.m.) where we meet you with your luggage You will be given an introductory course in sea kayaking followed by a guided sea kayak tour on the Montreal River (4 km or 2.4 miles). Dry bags will be supplied for items and clothing that you bring along in the kayak. At 5:00 p.m. we return by van along the spectacular coast of Lake Superior for dinner (7:00 p.m.) at the Voyageurs' Lodge on Batchawana Bay.
- Day 2: After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast, we depart at 9:00 a.m. for the most favorable bay for sea kayaking, based on wind direction; e.g., Alona Bay, Pancake Bay or Batchawana Bay. We return to the lodge by 4:30 p.m.
- Day 3: Based on conditions, we have several possible destinations. First choice is to paddle (15 km) the Goulais River near Searchmont. This wilderness valley is spectacular in the fall, with the current taking us downstream through the occasional mild rapid. Alternative destinations are Batchawana River, the Goulais River delta, Robertson Lake. We complete our trip by 4:30 p.m. and return to the train station in Sault Ste. Marie by 5:30 pm. to end our guided sea kayak adventure trip in northern Ontario.
Equipment
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: unscreen, chap stick, bug dope, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, etc. water bottle
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 Meals: Lodging is supplied on the tour so there is no need to haul excess clothing or food in the kayaks. 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.
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.
Transportation, Permits: Train fare from Sault Ste. Marie, and transportation back to trip departure point; back-country permits are included.