Photos by Paul Langdon

This trip was developed to accommodate people with a strong desire to experience a kayak expedition but are unsure of their skill and endurance level. Kayaking from 15 to 20 km a day can be very tiring for those who are not continuously paddling and this can have a great effect on whether or not you enjoy the trip. That's why we shorten the paddling distances and focus more on providing an educational experience  then the distance paddled.

Sample Itinerary
June 26, 2010 arrival  to our Lawrence's Harbor departure site located approx 15 minutes from the community of Fortune Harbor. Here we will get acquainted and ensure that there's lots of attention given to proper gear selection and boat fit. We want you to be comfortable on your 6 day trip. You will be treated to a fine evening meal and during the evening relaxation hours we will be giving you some pointers on trip safety. The trip itinerary will be discussed in detail. Accommodations  for Saturday night are provided at a nearby B&B.

June 27, 2010 (Sunday) After a great breakfast we will go down to the launch site where you will get a quick review of the safety rules and be treated to a rescue demonstration in the very unlikely event of a capsize while on your trip. You won't be participating so just watch the guides and how they do it. It's actually quite simple! We will be then packing the boats and after the noon snack we will be departing for a ten km paddle to Northern Harbor. Here we will set up camp (tents) and prepare for the evening meal. There will be a campfire and a mussel boil.

June 28, 2010(Monday) Breakfast and break camp. Depart Northern Harbor and paddle across the "Ships Run" to our base camp on  historic Exploits Island.  After setting up your tents again we will spend the day getting to see this magnificent place by walking the old community paths and paddling around the village harbour.    Evening campfires will be the norm.

June 29- 30,  2010 (Tuesday and Wednesday) Circumnavigate Exploits Island by Kayak or if the weather doesn't cooperate there's lots to see on guided walks throughout the Island. Visit old cemeteries reclaimed by the forest or the old breakwater wall and if you are lucky you will experience  some storytelling from the only resident that never resettled. If the seas are calm we will do some kayaking along the exposed coastline and play in the  rock gardens along the way. Evening Campfire with entertainment.

July 1, 2010 (Thursday) As always, we begin the day with a great breakfast before heading out. We will depart Exploits Island and paddle to nearby Black Island. Here we will find the remnants of yet another remote community first settled by the early pioneers of the Bay of Exploits many years ago. An alternate route would be to paddle to nearby Swan Island to visit a cave once used by the Beothuk as a place of burial.  We will return to Exploits Island in the afternoon.  Evening Campfire.

Aug 14th, 2009 (Friday) unfortunately all good things must come to an end (sometimes) and we will be departing for the return trip to Lawrence's Harbor.

Note: The order of events and activities may change at any  time due to weather conditions.

Cost of trip: $1495.00 Canadian and includes one night , June 27 in a B&B. The remaining 5 nights will be in tents.

Prices are subject to 14% HST.

 

Suggested Reading:

• River Thieves by Michael Crummey

 

• River Lords by Amy Louise Peyton