Itinerary

• Day 1: At 8:30 a.m. we assemble at the ACR train station in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where we will load canoes and gear. The train departs at 9:20 a.m. for the three-hour ride to Batchawana Station where we disembark, get fitted into gear, discuss safety procedures, and begin our trip down the Batchawana River. We will paddle for three kilometers for our first portage around a cascading falls. After the falls we continue for another seven kilometers, running some long Class II rapids, to set up our first camp to enjoy the evening and perhaps do a bit of fishing.


• Day 2: The river valley, home to black bear, marten and timber wolf, is bordered by large white pines as it enters a narrow section. Beneath the falls, the river winds through the steep valley. Some long stretches of rapids follow (mostly Class II, but some Class III in early spring). We camp before the next portage, passing a vertical waterfall as it tumbles into the river on the left. The portage is a great spot to have lunch, relax, and perhaps enjoy a bit of fishing at the base of the small cascade. We continue: the river is split by numerous islands; we keep a sharp watch for sweepers as we select a channel. After we portage the next river-wide falls, we set up camp.


• Day 3: We paddle to Batchawana Falls; the river quickens 500 meters before the falls - the most difficult white-water section of the trip; we check it closely for "runnability"; there is an easy by-pass on the right on the old logging road. After we portage the canoes around the falls, we run the gorge, then on to the next falls where we portage on the left. A few more rapids follow, and the river broadens; there are numerous good campsites nearby.


• Day 4: The last section is a relaxing paddle as the river approaches the delta. Lake Superior welcomes us. We return by van to the train station, approximately a one hour drive away. We arrive by 4:30 p.m. to end our wilderness guided canoe trip adventure.