Naturally Superior Adventures

To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in the summer of 2017, Naturally Superior Adventures is recreating the Canadian fur trade experience with the Lake Superior Voyageur Canoe Brigade. The program consists of 6 guided, all-inclusive wilderness adventures in replica 36-foot voyageur canoes. Starting July 2nd from Sinclair Cove in Lake Superior Provincial Park, each “brigade” will travel 6- to 10-day legs, finishing August 19th at Old Fort William in Thunder Bay. The route traces the same coastline that was paddled by the fur-trading voyageurs in Canada’s early days, two centuries ago. In 2017, as part of Canada’s sesquicentennial, this shoreline will officially be designated as the Lake Superior Water Trail, a part of the 24,000-kilometre-long Trans Canada Trail. Our plan is for each of the 6 sections, or “brigades,” of our journey to focus on a quintessential Canadian theme, including First Nations, voyageurs, French-Canadian culture, Canadian art, music and explorers. Each segment may also feature a “paddling minstrel” to serenade participants around evening campfires. Voyageur canoes are 36 feet (12 metres) long, 5 feet (1.5 metres) wide and carry 12 to 14 paddlers (and their camping and cooking gear and food) on multi-day trips. They’re very stable, seaworthy, easy to paddle and well suited to Lake Superior. Strength comes from numbers, so voyageur canoes are perfect for beginner and novice paddlers, individuals and diverse groups. Our canoes are fully outfitted according to Canadian Coast Guard regulations including paddles, lifejackets and other safety equipment. Just like in the days of the fur trade, each brigade will be guided by experienced trip leaders who have an intimate knowledge of the coastline, including the best campsites and great stories to share. Your Guides are experienced paddlers with leadership training and wilderness advanced first aid. They are also talented wilderness chefs. Trips include all meals and are fully outfitted including tents, canoe packs, all group camping, cooking, eating, sanitation, first aid, safety and communication gear, as well as transportation to and from the starting point and finish. Return transport from nearby airports (Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay) will be available at a reasonable additional cost. You’ll be responsible for personal clothing, sleeping bag and sleeping pad (these are also available for rent). A joy of travelling on Lake Superior is the lack of portages. This combined with a high-volume canoe means that our trip menu is hearty and healthy, including plenty of fresh foods. Meals are planned, packed and prepared by guides; with sufficient notice most dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can be managed. Participants are welcome to help with camp chores or relax and enjoy Lake Superior’s beauty