The Singing Wilderness: Rossport to Red Rock

On this trip we travel from the quaint community of Rossport westwards past the Battle Island Lighthouse and the rugged Lake Superior shores, finishing 5 nights (5.5 days) and 95 km later at Red Rock and the Live from the Rock Folk music festival.

We’ll be paddling a 36-ft long, 5-ft wide Voyageur Canoe, a replica of the big canoes that traced the fur trade route from Montreal to their mid-season rendezvous at Thunder Bay. The canoe is very stable and can easily carry 13 paddlers and a all the gear. You don’t need to be an experienced paddler or wilderness camper to participate.

The island-strewn waters of western Lake Superior are unique, marked by agate beaches and rugged volcanic geology and protected by the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Reserve. We’ll enjoy secluded campsites and a special night at a wilderness sauna.

Musical gifts were cherished in the community of Voyageurs. The best singers were awarded extra pay and an esteemed place in the canoe; folk tunes and ballads were the soundtracks of Voyageur brigades, setting the pace for flashing paddles.

Our guest musician for this year’s trip is iconic Canadian folk singer, poet, adventurer and playwright, Ian Tamblyn. Born in northern Ontario, Juno Award winner, Ian has recorded more than 40 albums, describing Canada’s 3 coasts and, of course, Lake Superior. Two of our favourite Superior Songs from his CD – Superior: Spirit and Light are Wood Smoke and Oranges  and The Birch Canoe.

On trip, Ian will host evening campfire tunes and regale us with stories from little bears on the Arctic shore to Mennonite farmers in White River. He’ll also be performing at the Live from the Rock Folk Festival. You certainly don’t need to bring an instrument to join this trip; but if you have one and would like to play around the campfire, please do.

Two qualified guides will host the trip, ensuring safety and serving delicious, fresh and healthy meals and snacks. We can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences including vegan, vegetarian, low gluten and dairy free. Solo or shared tents as you prefer are provided, along with dry bags and foamies. Vehicle shuttles are included. Just bring your personal gear and a sense of adventure.

We finish the trip on Friday at Red Rock just in time for the famous Live from the Rock Festival

Why not stay for the musical weekend?  Head to the festival website and get your weekend festival pass before the end of May and enjoy a discounted early bird price of $75 ($90 after end of May and $120 at the gate). Camping for the weekend is $25.

About Ian Tamblyn

Musician, playwrite and poet, Ian Tamblyn returns to the voyageur canoe for another musical voyage. Born in northern Ontario; Juno award winner and nominee, Ian has recorded more than 40 albums.   Visit his website…