Sea Kayak Montreal River to Sault Ste Marie

FAST FACTS
Description:	Guided and partially outfitted sea kayak trip–seven days kayaking, seven nights camping, half-day group skills workshop
Skill:	Intermediate to advanced paddling skills and backcountry camping experience
Pace:	Moderate with occasionally demanding portions
Min. Age:	18
Distance:	120 km (average paddling speed of 4.5 to 6 km/hr)
Dates:	Sun Aug 15-22, 2010
Cost:	$1,695 CDN for this section. For pricing details for "The Big One' click here.
Includes:	Full guiding and outfitting, meals, shuttles. (Sea kayaks and tents additional)

Sea kayak the rugged Lake Superior coast from Montreal River to Sault Ste. Marie. On the final leg of the guided and outfitted Lake Superior Sea Kayak Pageant we will paddle a varied coastline of volcanic (basalt) and metamorphic (granite) rock, cobblestone and sand beaches and steep promontories. A highlight is wrapping up the trip by paddling through the historic Sault Ste. Marie Locks, where Lake Superior drains into Lake Huron via the St. Mary’s River.

From Montreal River the coastline consists of cobble beaches and granite and volcanic headlands. The area’s geology is unique: a billion years’ difference exists between the granite and volcanic rock that makes up its backbone. This transitional formation is recognized by several protected wilderness areas. As we approach Pancake Bay, the nature of the coastline changes, and we will swing offshore and across several large bays en route to the forested cliffs of Gros Cap. Here Lake Superior makes a final cliffbound hurrah and empties into the St. Mary’s River.

Upon reaching Sault Ste. Marie we will bypass the famous Sault Rapids by locking through the Canadian Canal, a National Historic Site. From here its an easy downstream ride to our pick-up point near downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

Your trip begins on Sunday at noon when we will meet at Rock Island Lodge, near Wawa. Alternatively, we are able to meet you on Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie, where you can leave your vehicle for pick-up at trip’s end. We will then shuttle north in our vehicle to Wawa (additional charges apply). At Rock Island we will prepare for our weeklong trip, enjoy a great meal watch the sunset and spend the night. On Monday morning, we set off by sea kayak on the largest lake in the world. Seven days later, we’ll be picked up in Sault Ste. Marie.

Daily paddling distances range from 10 to 26 kilometres with a full no paddling day included to accommodate rough weather or a more relaxed or exploratory group pace. Although time is built in for rough conditions, it is a trip for paddlers in good condition with previous paddling and wilderness camping experience.

The lake is mostly calm in summer, but when it gets rough we enjoy the view from shore. Although each group will travel according to its own pace, we tend to spend most of the day on the water leaving lots of time for “covering the distance” and exploring the coast.

You will be responsible for carrying a portion of the group gear in your kayak, as well as your tent, sleeping bag and personal gear. Don't worry about cooking or clean-up – all food preparation is taken care of by our wilderness chefs!

We Provide: Professional instruction and guiding; all meals from Sunday evening to the following Sunday afternoon; transportation; park permits; all group safety, camping, cooking, eating and sanitation gear.

You Provide: Fully outfitted expedition sea kayak (minimum 16.5 feet in length with two sealed bulkheads – rudder or skeg are recommended), tent, sleeping bag and pad and all personal equipment and clothing. A detailed recommended list is provided on registration.