Overview

Woodland Caribou Guided Wilderness Canoeing: Northwest Ontario, Canada (near Red Lake, ON). 7-nights/8-days fully outfitted programs

This northern wilderness “where nature still rules” is so remote that canoe trippers and sport fishing enthusiasts can penetrate its interior and reach its backcountry campsites and outpost lodges only by water or by air. Home to one of the largest herds of woodland caribou south of Hudson Bay, this weathered Arctic watershed, once traveled by fur traders, promises ancient pictographs, howling wolves under starry skies, soaring eagles, solitude and adventure.  There are no roads within the boundaries of Woodland Caribou and unlike many other popular wilderness parks WCPP has never been logged.

With over 1,600 km of connecting lakes and rivers to choose from, canoeists can trek unique circuits through the park. Located in the Arctic watershed, the park's two principal river systems, the Bloodvein in the north and the Gammon in the south, flow westerly into Lake Winnipeg and eventually into Hudson Bay. In the south, Bird River drains the lower lake system into Eagle Lake, outside the park boundary.  With around 1000 people in the park each year, the solitude and serenity you seek is guaranteed. Many have described the Woodland Caribou experience to what Quetico was like 30-40 years ago.

Animals in this park are typical of the boreal forest and more western habitats. They include caribou, moose, black bear, beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, martin, fisher, wolverine, weasel, lynx, fox and timber wolf. Other inhabitants include green frogs, snapping and painted turtles and 100 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, terns, pelicans and great blue herons. The park's elusive woodland caribou herd and a colony of prairie Franklin's ground squirrels are found only in this region of Ontario.

·    You can still paddle unnamed lakes; quietly explore untraveled waterways and portage trails accustomed only to wildlife.
·    You can still find sites without sign of modern man where firewood abounds and your tent can rest comfortably on thick moss.
·    Imagine glimpsing the elusive woodland caribou, catching never fished for pike or discovering an unrecorded pictograph site! 

This is still possible in the wilderness of Woodland Caribou, a present day reality of over two million acres of uncrowded, unexplored wilderness awaiting you at this moment.

 
Red Lake is where the highway ends and the wilderness begins.

Itinerary

CANADA CANOE TRIP DETAILS: 7-NIGHT/8-DAY DEPARTURES IN JULY/AUGUST

All trips begin in Red Lake on a Saturday (please arrive in Red Lake , ON   Canada anytime on this day by flight, shuttle, or car- I can help arrange transport to and from Red :Lake from your home city)

Here in Red Lake, everyone will meet up and check into a local bunkhouse or B&B to unwind and relax and get a briefing on the trip  We will settle in and have a dinner together.

In the morning we will head via a shuttle, with our gear and boats- to an remote entry point for the park off an old logging road.

This is where we will begin 7 days of paddling and camping through beautiful, untouched Canadian Shield Wilderness. We will see waterfalls, paddle and swim pristine “drinking water pure” lakes, cook our own meals, go fishing for pike, walleye, and trout; eating some of the freshly caught fish. 

Perhaps we will see wildlife such as caribou, bear, moose, wolves, eagles, loons, and beavers.  We will relax and watch beautiful sunsets, and also see millions of stars in the clear, dark night skies.
We will see ancient pictographs, rocky cliffs, and hopefully catch the Northern Lights in the evening. Only maybe will we even see other persons our whole time out in the wilderness.

We will trace routes First Nations people and fur traders used long ago.  In addition we will learn the geography and history of this unique ecosystem, and practice environmentally friendly wilderness etiquette during our visit to this unspoiled land. 

After traveling from lake to lake over portages and unmarked trails, making a nice loop where we will see some of the park’s finest features we will return to our original put in point.

This will be on the following Saturday around midday. From here 2 hours via shuttle to Red Lake Town.  There we will unwind, take hot showers, have lunch, and head for home. (Please note- Plan your departure from Red Lake to leave in the afternoon today- If you are staying in Red Lake until Sunday (to catch early morning flights, to relax in town, etc), your last night's accommodations are at your own expense)

What's included

Canada Woodland Caribou Guided Canoe Trip-  $1489 per person

Included in guided canoe trip:
B&B or Bunkhouse accommodations the first night in Red Lake
Dinner at local restaurant first night
All canoes, camping equipment, and supplies for the duration of the canoe trip
All food will be provided for the duration o the canoeing/camping days/nights
4WD Shuttle to and from Red lake to the Park lands, and our starting point
All required camping permits and daily Canadian park fees
7 days/ 6 nights canoeing and camping
Services of an experienced wilderness trip leader or entire trip(also qualified in first aid)
Portable satellite phone service (in case of emergency only)

Not included in guided canoe trip:
Transport from home to and from Red Lake,ON (I can help arrange that if you would like)
Ontario Fishing license (about 25$ for a 7 day conservation permit)
Fishing rod and tackle
Any items of a personal nature not mentioned above (i.e. film, bug repellent, toiletries etc.)

Please note:
MINIMUM 4 persons  MAXIMUM 9 persons for this guided canoe trip
I will personally contact you personally before departure - to go over what to bring with you, final preparations, and questions that you may have

Photos