Canadian Shield Backcountry Primer; Location - Grass River, Manitoba; Time 8-10 days; approximate cost $650.00 per person; group size 2-8 people
This amazing trip offers great exposure to the Canadian Shield in Northern Manitoba. The Grass River system starts near Cranberry-Portage where the height of land determines that all water to the west flows into Saskatchewan, and all water to the East runs from this point for nearly 600 km until it joins the Nelson river on it's way into Hudson's Bay.
Used for centuries by the native inhabitants, and then later by European explorers and fur traders, this river system begins with a series of lakes connected by a slow moving river. This trip offers a couple of big lake crossings that deserve respect and should not be attempted in high winds. There are several waterfalls along the route and we would hope to camp near a couple of them, as well as visit and old ghost town, remnants of an old Hudson's Bay trading post, and a Cree cemetary. Bring your fishing rod as this clear water contains many fish including Master Angler sized Walleye and Pike, as well as the occasional lake with Rainbow, Brook or lake trout.
Some runnable rapids exist, as well as several spots that require portaging around hazards or waterfalls. Camp sites are primitive, with only fire pits provided. We will be using Leave No Trace principles to leave the wilderness as pristine as we found it.
This trip plan includes all food and snacks, and we plan a delicious backcountry menu focusing on healthy food to keep us paddling. Our guides have lots of experience cooking in camp and will provide you with ample food and varied meals as you sit around the fire, help with camp chores, put a line in the water, take a nap, or just relax and visit with other members of our group. We provide assistance with camp set up, answer any questions regarding gear or techniques, cook meals, handle route finding, and keep the group together as we travel. Each person is expected to help with regular camp chores such as dishes, tending fire, tent set up, and breaking camp each day.
On day 1 we review paddle and safety skills, distribute group equipment among the boats, and go over our trip philosophy. Remember we are all here to have some fun and get away from our everyday lives for a while. Working together, communicating well, and travelling as a group are important factors to a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone.
A sample intinerary would look somthing like this:
Day 0 - meet at campground and set up camp for the night. This allows us to relax and settle in as others arrive, review gear and double check that everything works well, and practice some of the camp skills we will need for this trip in the backcountry. We organize and shuttle vehicles to the take out point so we are prepared when we arrive in about a week.
Day 1-7 after breakfast we pack up and push off to start our journey. Each day we paddle for 3-6 hours, depending on weather and how quickly we are travelling. One rest day is planned to enjoy some fishing, photography, or just relaxing. If we are making good progress we can have a couple of easy days, or sneak in a second rest day. This area of Boreal forest provides incredible scenery and many opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife including many river creatures such as mink, beaver, and otter. Woodland Cariboo and moose also graze the area and it is not uncommon to get a glimpse of cow and calf enjoying the predator-free calving grounds found on one of the islands along the way.
Gear rentals can be provided at additional cost including boats, saftey gear, and all camping equipment. All food and group use equipment such as tarps, water filters, and cooking equipment are provided at no extra charge. Let us know what your needs are ahead of time so we can make arrangements for the gear and provide a more accurate cost per person.
Suggested dates: July 22-30, 2015; August 7-15, 2015
Package availability: June 15- September 27, 2015