Factors to Consider:
- Purpose of the trip
- Time available
- Participants:
- Number
- Physical and mental condition
- Experience
- Interests
- Affordability
- Transportation:
- Type of watercraft & number available – need to rent?
- Logistics of getting to access point
- Mode of tripping – canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard
- Need vehicles to pull boat trailer and for transport of people and gear
- Municipal permit to park trailer on residential street
- Location and Route:
- Proximity to location
- Desirability – research various route options (online, books, word of mouth, <myccr> website)
- Special features (e.g., wildlife, history - Indigenous, settlers, logging)
- Recent familiarity with area/route
- Max # people/campsite (e.g., 6, 9 or more in provincial parks)
- Preferred # hours paddling/day
- Emergency egress route and nearest hospital with emergency room
- Reserve campsites 5 months in advance on www.Ontarioparks.com
- Canoe paddling rate: approx. 4kph (depends on wind/waves, breaks, group, etc.)
- Navigation: map, compass, GPS skills
- Terrain:
- Portages – examine topo maps, guidebooks, talk to experienced paddlers
- Campsites – size, flatness, access to water/firewood, thunderboxes, shelter trees
- Leadership:
- Minimum 3 leaders, experienced, first aid certified
- Complete paperwork
- Ensure group gear
- Pre-trip practice: swim test, stove lighting, menu planning, navigation, paddling
- Ensure participant safety and enjoyment
- Weather:
- Monitor for 3 days prior to trip
- Check precipitation, wind, temperatures (use Environment Canada, Weather Network apps)
- Be flexible – revise plans if conditions are unsafe
- Portages:
- Walking rate: ~10 minutes/500m on good trails
- Account for obstacles, elevation, trail markings
- Factor in extra time for loading/unloading multiple canoes
- Recommended: 3 trips per portage (2 loaded, 1 return)
- Mark trails clearly
- Consolidate gear into few, large packs
- Safety:
- Emergency devices: SPOT, InReach, satellite/cell phones
- First aid kits and manuals for multiple casualties
- Water purification methods
- Hand hygiene: soap, sanitizer
- Wilderness first aid-trained leaders
- Risk and crisis management protocols
- Share emergency contact info with home contacts
- Assess participant medical and dietary issues
- Announce challenges in advance
- Create repair kit
- Awareness and treatment of bites from ticks and wild animals, and poisonous plants
- Carry accident reporting forms
- PFD policy – all participants wear one near/in water
- Trip Costs:
- Include mileage, food, gear rental, campsite fees, consumables (fuel, soap, TP, bug spray)
- On Land Activities:
- Plan for cards, art, music, campfire stories, journaling, bannock over fire
Good luck on your trip.
Lewis Williams 2025