Sea Kayak Denison Falls

Trip Description

Want to combine sea kayaking along one of Superior’s most remote sections with a day hike to one of Superior’s most remote and awe-inspiring waterfalls? Our Denison Falls weekly escape by sea kayak is for you.

This trip traces the Lake Superior coast of the Superior Highlands Conservation Reserve, a large swath of Canadian Shield encompassing unique geological features such as diabase dikes, pillows, rocky headlands and wide sandy beaches. It’s a boreal-mixed forest with wildlife such as moose, beavers and bald eagles. Cultural features include a small collection of First Nation pictographs.

After an afternoon group paddling orientation, lodge dinner and overnight at our base, we’ll depart westwards through the Superior Highlands Conservation Reserve arriving mid trip at Dog River. There, we enjoy the day taking a steep hike inland to the spectacular Denison Falls. Whether you stay at the Lower Falls or climb to the Upper Falls you will understand why this 40m (100ft) drop of swirling cataracts was a favourite of Bill Mason, well-known Canadian filmmaker, artist and paddler.

Geologist Joanna Hodge will be joining the trip to share her knowledge on Lake Superior’s unique rock formations. With her extensive experience, she’ll take us on a fascinating journey through the geological wonders that shape this incredible landscape.

What to Expect On Your Adventure

• Your guide(s) are Paddle Canada and Wilderness First Aid certified, know the route, its best campsites and the stories, history and ecology.
• You’ll have the option to be certified with the Paddle Canada level 1 sea kayak skills while on trip. Also your skills at weather interpretation and risk assessment. Also build confidence paddling in some wind and wave (when it gets rough we enjoy the view from shore).
• Experience back-country camping and learn to pack and carry your own gear (e.g. tent, sleeping bag, and personal items)
• There are no designated campsites. We’ve installed “Thunder boxes” box outhouses at many of our campsites.

Is this Trip for You?

This trip is designed for novice through to intermediate paddlers. While no previous sea kayaking experience is required, your enjoyment will be enhanced if you are in good physical condition and comfortable with backcountry camping.

Although each group will travel according to its own pace, we tend to spend most of the day on the water (@6 hours) leaving lots of time for covering the distance and exploring. Lake Superior is mostly calm in summer, but when it gets rough we enjoy the view from shore.

You’ll be paddling crystal clear sweet waters with highly qualified guides, delicious meals and in the company of like minded paddlers.