Photo Credit: J. Clark

The following info is specific to our day programmes.

For multi-day trip info please download our new Trip Participant Information Package.

Before You Come
We take every precaution to ensure safety, however adventure activity involves risk. We recommend you obtain any personal, medical and cancellation insurance that you may deem appropriate. You'll be asked to sign a waiver prior to participating. You should be able to swim 50 m with a PFD and we'll require that you wear it while on the water. Paddling can be strenuous so it's important to prepare yourself with moderate aerobic exercise, as well as activity to improve muscle tone/flexibility for upper body, lower back and abdomen.

How To Get Here
We're located about 15 minutes north of Parry Sound by car (see a map). Take 400/69 north of Parry Sound, carry on through and beyond the village of Nobel, make a left on Hwy 559, about 3 km in take the first left onto East Carling Bay Rd. We're jusst another 1.5 km along on your right.

Where To Stay
There are many hotels, motels and B&B's in the area - these can be found on the Accommodation & Camping Links Page or call the Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-746-4261. Camping is available in the area at a few private campgrounds (see the Camping Link or contact the Chamber) or at a Provincial Park. There are two Provincial Parks close by; Killbear (20 min further in Hwy 559) or Oastler (20 minutes south of us on Hwy 69) call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275) for reservations.

When You Arrive
Please meet at our Paddling Centre (unless otherwise noted) - at 8:30 am for morning/day & multi-day programmes (we'll start at 8:45 am sharp), or at 12:45 pm for afternoon programmes (we'll start at 1 pm sharp) - for coffee & intros. Parking is available and there's a lounge and change room, and our award-winning outhouses for your use. It's important that you come a few minutes early to get oriented before we start. Kayaking is a wet sport, so check the clothing list and be prepared to have fun and get wet. For clinics, you need to bring your own lunch or you can get fast food 10 minutes away. Day trip folks will have lunch provided. For trips that require driving to another put-in, we'll ask you to drive your own car or pool with others. Once at the put-in, we'll help to park your vehicle in a safe spot, but it is at your own risk (we've never had any problem). We offer free parking at your risk at our Centre.

What Will It Be Like Paddling With Us?
We want you to relax, have fun and learn new things. Clinics are taught on the quiet, sheltered lake at our Paddling Centre. Our staff are professional outdoor leaders with years of experience. They'll encourage you to learn approved paddling, safety and tripping skills. If you'd like to work on specific skills, we'll gladly help provided the group agenda isn't compromised. Weather & group needs determine where we go and what we do.

Day Trip folks - plan to be on the water for 4 to 6 hours (with lots of breaks!). We provide a tasty lunch that is varied and ample, using fresh and whole foods. We're happy to accommodate most dietary restrictions, likes and dislikes, as long as you tell us well in advance (see registration form). We offer an $20/day discount for the use of your kayak if it is suitable (please contact us). If you're bringing your own boat, you should also be aware that we bring a tandem kayak for safety and personal comfort reasons. We'll ask that all participants share in the paddling of the tandem during the trip so it may become necessary for someone else to paddle your boat for a short period. If you aren't willing to allow this, then you should leave your boat at home and use ours. We bring a library that includes recreational reading, field guides and historic accounts. Safety and rescue gear (including a marine radio & cell phone for emergency communication) accompanies each trip, and our leaders are properly trained in its use.

A Little About 'Our' Beloved Bay The Georgian Bay Coast Line has recently become a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. The world has recognized our backyard as extremely important and we feel it is our responsibility to take care of it so future generations can enjoy it as we do. Georgian Bay weather can change rapidly, even in mid-summer. Summer days can be hot (30 degrees) yet in ealry summer and fall the nights can drop to 0 degrees. We can't over-emphasize the need for proper sun and rain protection. Summer weather is usually fair and moderate, but rainy, cold days do occur even in July. The water is comfortable for swimming from early June to early September. We also stock topo maps & marine charts. These tell wonderful stories and will hold great memories after your trip. Give us a call if you'd like to mail-order and so some armchair wandering.

Photo Credit: J. Clark

OK What Do I Bring?

Clinics & Daytrips lip balm, sunscreen (waterproof) broad-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses bandana, bathing suit, towel, raincoat, windbreaker or paddling jacket sweater, long pants t-shirt, shorts, light, long-sleeved cotton shirt, shoes that can get wet - (we insist on footwear at all times) water bottle	Other optional stuff: camera binoculars mask & snorkel compass
Day Trippers: Pack this stuff in drybags or sealed plastic bags and stuff sacks to keep it dry for the day.

Photo Credit: J. Clarke

A Word About Clothing...
For cold, the best matereials are those which retain heat even when wet, don't absorb water and wick moisture from the skin. Cotton denim jeans are not good - wool, nylon, fleece, polypropylene and silk are best. A light, windproof shell really helps to retain heat. For hot mid-day paddling, we find a light-coloured, long-sleeved, cotton shirt or fleece top is great. T-shirts are OK but they don't give much sun protection. Specialized paddling clothes/gear add to your comfort, but are not necesssary unless you intend to take up the sport for the long haul! If you do want well-designed camp gear or clothing, please give us a call or check out one of our shops. Our shops are full of stuff that we use ourselves

Our Namesake
The late Stan Rogers wrote a powerful song called "White Squall" some years ago. It is a beautiful, sweet water ballad with a lingering reminder: