A Family Canoe-Camping River Trip

Quality Family Time takes on a new and lasting meeting when the river journey becomes the vehicle for reconnecting with one's family, taking a break from all life's distractions and accepting the simplicity of nature. It is the ultimate family outdoor adventure. A trip, by canoe, through the Northwoods of Canada.

Your child will watch as a family of otter play in the weeds, or a beaver works on its dam, or the loons gathering for an evening song. With the Canadian wilds as a classroom, we will experience, firsthand, the wonders of the natural world. Far from civilization, video games and television, the crackle of a campfire will become magic; a tent pitched under the stars will be home. Join our Missinaibi Headwaters family on this educational and fun-filled voyage. An adventure you and your child will always remember!

Note: Final decision on the route will be made after determining the skill level and interest of the participating families.

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1-2
Participants will meet at our designated rendezvous, either Racine Lake Basecamp, Halfway Lake Park or Mattice, for orientation and a social meeting. The children will have a chance to swim at the sand beach and play at the playground, as well as receive some basic packing tips and safety instruction. After a night of car camping, we gather in the morning for the shuttle to the river. Our first day is kept short, and we set up camp after a few hours paddling.
DAY 3-5
Now accustom to the pace of river life and living outdoors, we descend the river. Typically, breakfast is served around 8:00 AM, and the adults oversee the packing of each family’s tent and equipment. We usually are on the water by 10 AM, and paddle for an hour or two, before stopping for lunch. If the weather allows, the children can enjoy a refreshing swim. Again, the afternoon we explore the river, perhaps stopping to portage a waterfall. We arrive at our camping spot around 3 PM, and relax a while before making camp. After a tasty and nutritous campfire dinner, the families can go for an evening paddle, try fishing or enjoy a campfire treat.
DAY 6-7
The trip eventually must end, and on our family trip, the end is an adventure as well. We may paddle to the railway tracks, where we flag down a passing train to return us to our waiting van for the trip home. Depending on the trip, the return journey may include an exciting bush plane flight.

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