Where are your participants from?
Most participants come from within North America. Often people hear about our canoe camps through our large circle of friends and alumni. In the spring and fall, we do several school programs, mostly with 8th grade Waldorf students, so many times participants hear about it at school. As word spreads and friends travel, our diversity grows. The past few summers we've had participants join us from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Nicaragua, UAE, Israel, China, Singapore and Mexico.
Which program is right for me? What trip will I go on?
If this is your first time away, our Northern Lights program is designed to be a girl's first wilderness adventure. Teenage girls often choose our Program for Young Woman, which serves as a bridge to our full 20 day Northwaters program for co-ed and all-girls. We plan specific routes and break into sections of 6-10 after a day or two of orientation in base camp. Choosing trips after getting to know participants allows us to help make the experience meet the needs of the individual. Check our wilderness canoe camp dates and rates for 2012 here.
What do I need to bring? Do I have to buy expensive gear?
You probably already have most of what you need; a sleeping bag, raingear, sturdy foot wear and enough clothes to stay warm down to 5 degrees Celsius (40' F). Northwaters supplies all of the group camping gear including: canoes, packs, paddles, PFD's, tents, cook kits, etc. Once you have registered for a program, we will include an equipment list with your confirmation package.
Do many participants return?
Yes! We have an exceptionally high return rate. Participants return because they are valued members of a supportive community which requires only that they show up, be themselves and do their best. Each year participants are invited back on progressively more challenging trips- through the Temagami region, on scenic northern rivers to run white water, and ultimately on to the Hudson Bay. We even offer a Leadership Expedition for 17-19 year olds with hopes of apprenticing to be a Northwaters and Langskib guide.
How do I get there?
We meet participants in Temagami, Toronto, and Ottawa, Ontario and bring them to our base camps on Lake Temagami. Total travel time from Toronto or Ottawa to base camp is about six hours. Once you have registered for a program we will include detailed travel information with your confirmation package, or visit our Travel Page for more information.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Safety is always our primary concern. In our 40 years of leading wilderness canoe trips, we have never had a serious injury. All of our guides are certified in Wilderness Medicine and Waterfront Lifesaving, but more importantly, they have extensive training and years of experience in running safe programs.
What kind of experience do I need?
You don't need any previous experience. Most first time participants have very little experience in wilderness travel, and many are new to canoeing. Over the course of the program you will learn everything they need to know (and then some).
Who are your staff?
Our wilderness canoe guides are extensively trained in group process and community building, Wilderness Medicine, Waterfront Lifesaving and expedition planning. All of our trip leaders begin as Northwaters and Langskib participants and work their way through our organization into a staff position. Once they have completed our Leadership Expedition, medical and staff training, our guides undergo a two to four year apprenticeship before earning their leader paddle. Visit our staff profile page to meet our directors and get a better idea of the fine young people leading trips with us.
When do programs usually fill?
Enrollment in each of our wilderness canoe expeditions is limited to ensure a quality experience. By spring we have filled many of our sections. Please contact us for current program availability.
