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| Date Posted: 14-Aug-06 |
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Author: Kate Pocock
Published By: The Toronto Sun
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More Trips Like This |
It was a strange request from nine-year-old Will. We were touring Wasaga Beach's Nancy Island Historic Site, dedicated to the ship that was attacked and destroyed during the War of 1812, and he wanted a pen.
The reason? He wanted to copy down the daily diet of a Voyageur listed on one of the exhibit boards. Why? He figured that if he ate those exact and copious amounts of pea soup, corn, oatmeal and pork lard each day, he too could paddle a 290 km river run in one day.
Certainly, it's easier than ever for families to travel the water routes of these strong Voyageurs. Especially in Ontario, where 22 of the province's canoe and kayak experts have joined together to form the new Paddling Ontario Alliance, and where some 60,000 km of canoe routes link the world's largest freshwater lake (Superior) to the world's largest freshwater island (Manitoulin) to the world's largest freshwater bay (Georgian) along the world's largest protected coastline.
You don't even need your own canoe or kayak. All of the Paddling Ontario outfitters will supply equipment, including life jackets, paddles and helmets (many have kid-sized models), and offer guided instruction. Some kick in meals, accomodation and interesting experiences such as a visit to a beaver dam or a native settlement. And at least one (Grand Experiences) will pick you up from the local train station.
Even if it's only for one summer morning or afternoon, it's worth taking some vacation money and spending it to put a kid into a canoe or a kayak. There's something quietly exhilarating for a youngster who's paddling along nature's pathway. Even a hyper kid will usually become calm and quiet.
Canadian Wilderness Trips: For more than 28 years, CWT's wilderness guides have been paddling one of the world's most famous canoeing destinations - Algonquin Park, with 1,600 km of canoe routes across lakes linked by portages. Their four-day family canoe trips include two guides to help with the chores and entertain the kids with searches for wolf tracks or an historic logging camp. Six and up only; $440 for adults, $285 for kids including all meals.
Grand Experiences: Geared for families is the popular Canoe the Highway of the Iroquois trip, a guided journey in a big canoe along the Grand River (a Canadian Heritage River) to the Iroquoian village of Kanata. The trip ($49.95 for adults, half price for kids under 12) includes tours of the longhouse, native stories and lunch.
Smoothwater Outfitters & Ecolodge: Just five hours north of Toronto is Temagami. home to oldgrowth pine forests and the largest network of canoe routes in North America. Smoothwater specializes in themed wilderness trips including a July mother-and-daughter canoe trip. Kids who were fans of Pierce Brosnan's movie Grey Owl might want to sign up for "The Beaver: Recreating Grey Owl," Oct. 12-14, to spend a weekend with a beaver expert; $250. The Ecolodge is open year round and serves dishes such as Grey Owl Veggie Pie or Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes.
Thorncrest Outfitters: Based in the resort town of Southhampton on Lake Huron, this sea kayaking and canoe outfitter has made it easy for families with rentals, luggage shuttles and transportation to the calm Saugeen River. There are also pick-up points along the way incase your beginner canoeist begins to flag. New this summer were the Kids Only Chantry Island Kayak Tours to the rebuilt Keeper's Cottage; $39.95. Their Saugeen River Day Trips, Aug. 19 and Sept. 15, with a guide and lunch, welcome kids age eight and up. No experience required.
For more information visit www.paddlingontario.com
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