Canoeing FAQ

Questions & Anawers

If your question is not answered here, contact our office.

Q: How do you the difficulty of each trip?
Physical requirements for river trips are generally modest. Rivers are ranked according to the difficulty of their most severe rapids.The scale is not linear, nor is it fixed. For instance, there can be hard grade twos, easy grade threes, and so on. The grade of a river may change with the level of flow.

Beginner/Class I: Easy flat water/lake and mild waves-current/river. Few or no obstructions, all easy to avoid. Some maneuvering may be required to navigate around log jams or sweepers. Risk to swimmers is slight. Self-rescue is easy.

Intermediate/Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-size waves are easily avoided with some training. Swimmers are seldom injured. Group rescue is seldom necessary.

Q: How do you determine the number of days for a canoeing trip?
Basically from the lessons we learned over more than 30 years. We found that people who opt for our trips are less interested in seeing how much they can be pushed and more interested in reasonable a challenge and pace.

Q: What if I’m an experienced paddler?
The fact that you have had previous canoeing experience should in no way detract from your enjoying the trip. You may have to show some patience with others with less experience and with the guides who may be called upon for teaching moments. You may offer your background to the guides and voice your willingness to assist in any way they deem.

Q: Can children come along?
Equipment and physical constraints may limit your child’s participation. We can usually place youngsters in the middle of the canoe. Call our office to discuss whether the expedition is suitable for your child.

Q: What kind of canoes do you use?
We use, Clipper , 17′ canoes, for expeditions. They have proven themselves to be a stable and a comfortable craft.

Q: Do I have to be in good physical shape?
There is a correlation between your physical readiness and your enjoyment of paddling. We will send home some conditioning ideas for you. Normal upper body strength and flexibility are key. Paddling is more technique than strength.

Q: How much paddling will I do?
Generally speaking we like to get going around 9 and get into camp around 4. This would be interrupted with lunch, shore breaks, drifting, wildlife viewing, photographic opportunities. Some days may find us setting camp early due to poor weather and other days extending our days to make up for lost time.

Q: Seasonally, when is the best time to do a trip?
We schedule all of our trips to coincide with the best weather and the best time to see wildlife.

Q: What are your guides’ qualifications?
Our guides have a keen interest in the outdoors, love their work, and enjoy sharing their knowledge. They are certified in canoeing instruction, wilderness first aid, and emergency rescue procedures. They possess backgrounds in areas such as natural and cultural history, photography and low impact wilderness travel.

Q: What is the size of your groups?
Maximum of ten participants and 2 guides. A small group minimizes impact on the areas we visit, allows more individualized attention, develops group bonding, and better ensures safety.

Q: Can I join your expedition if I’m alone?
Yes, as many persons come to us on their own. Most groups consist of couples, singles and friends traveling together.

Q: Do you charge for single supplements?
Only where hotel accommodation is included in the itinerary and there is a request for a private room.