• ·       Trip Level L3
• ·       Availability: 5 (8 capacity)
• ·       Sponsor and Trip Lead: David Nord
• ·       Assistant Leads: Jim Heichelbech, Linda Decker

Join us for a week of sea kayaking in the Canadian North Channel of Lake Huron, one of the most beautiful paddling locations on the Great Lakes! This is a "no-facilities" leave no trace kayak camping trip. Participants will need to pack everything they need for 5 nights of camping on granite slabs. 

Trip Info: This HCKC sponsored trip will likely include 3-4 day trips. Paddles will average 9-12 miles per day (weather permitting).  Air & Water temperatures in this area in early September will likely be in the mid-60s, overnight lows could be in the mid 40s.

DUE TO THE MORE ADVANCED NATURE OF THIS TRIP THERE WILL NOT BE ONLINE REGISTRATION: 

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN AT 9AM ON THURSDAY MARCH 26th 

PLEASE NOTE:

1. ANY MESSAGES RECEIVED BEFORE 9AM THURSDAY MORNING WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS REGISTRATION SUBMISSIONS.
2. I WILL CONTACT THE FIRST SEVEN PEOPLE TO RESPOND BY FRIDAY EVENING MARCH 27th.
3. AFTER CONFIRMATION THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR EACH REGISTRANTS EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY, I'LL PULL 5 NAMES FROM A HAT AND PUT THE REMAINING 2 ON A WAITING LIST.

Feel free to call me at 248-866-0441 with any questions or concerns before registration.

LOGISTICS:

A.  PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED A VALID PASSPORT!

B.   PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO RESERVE THEIR OWN CAMPSITE AT CHUTES PROVINCIAL PARK. Reservations open on March 30, 2026 at 07:00am EDT.  We will camp the first night, Sunday night, August 30th at Chutes:   https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/chutes/camping 

C.   PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO NEED TO OBTAIN CROWN LAND CAMPING PERMITS FOR 4 NIGHTS (Aug 31-Sept 3) You can obtain a permit online here: https://nrip.mnr.gov.on.ca/s/?language=en_US

Monday morning August 31st, we will leave Chutes PP and drive 30 minutes to our launch and parking location at the Spanish Municipal Marina. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RQZVnts13vE4EVAb7

• There is secure parking in the marina for $3.25CDN per night (x4 nights)
• There is a kayak launch fee of $5CDN (x2 uses)
• The marina has showers & laundry. (nice for post trip cleanup when we return Friday morning, Sept. 4, to our vehicles at trips end.)

Candidate day trips (Tuesday Sept. 1 thru Thursday Sept. 3)

1.   Croker Island Circumnavigation. (10mi)

2.   North & South Benjamin Island figure 8 paddle. (10mi)

3.   Eagle-Hook-West Benjamins fossil exploration loop. (10mi)

4.   Fox Island Circumnavigation (8-9mi)

Required Equipment:

 I.    Sea kayaks 15’ or longer with full perimeter deck lines, sealed fore and aft bulkheads and/or floatation.

II.    Personal Flotation Device (PFD) & whistle, spray skirt, pump, and paddle float.

III.   Appropriate paddling clothing for the conditions.

IV.   VHF radio, EPIRB or InReach (recommended if you own one) Cellular coverage is iffy at best.

V.  Free Standing tent due to lack of topsoil. All equipment needed to camp unsupported for 5 nights.

Participants must be able to:

o   Safely exit their kayak and participate in an assisted rescue in the above conditions

o   Maintain a pace near 2.5-3.0 mph in L3 conditions in any wind or wave direction

o   Perform a solo rescue in L3 conditions

o   Paddle for up to 3 hours without landing

o   Paddle for 10-14 miles per day

Registration for every trip is conditional upon final approval by the Trip Leader. The Trip Leader may communicate with you to assess whether your skills & equipment are appropriate for the conditions.

If you have not done so for this year, PLEASE FILL OUT THE NEW E-WAIVER.   HCKC is moving to a new electronic waiver system instead of our old paper waiver.  This only needs to be completed once each year.  If you have already submitted your e-waiver, you do not need to do it again until next year.  If you are bringing a non-member guest, they should use this e-waiver.

HCKC E-Waiver: https://hoosiercanoeclub.org/E-Waiver/

WAITING LIST: