Northern Georgian Bay Trip: Killarney

Skill Level: Beginner through advanced

Learn the joys of paddling a sea kayak along the spectacular coast of Ontario's Georgian Bay. Like its Irish namesake, Killarney's bluegreen waters are dotted with hundreds of rocky islands decorated with wind blown pine, glacial carved granite and acres of wild blueberries. This sets the stage for rock scrambling, swimming, fishing and an opportunity to explore this maze of islands and shoals. At the end of the day, you can stretch out on a big ol' hunk of sun warmed pink granite and feel the tension flood from your muscles.

Sixty miles southeast of Sudbury, Ontario brings us to the put-in at Chicanishing Creek and the gateway to the Bay. Once out paddling among the islands, there is no schedule, no back country permits, no ferries, no designated campsites, just miles and miles of confusing rocky navigation, sometimes shrouded in fog, that seems to scare most boaters away--to the delight of those who travel by paddle. Though there are a few private cabins, most of this is public land for wilderness camping only--probably one of the best possible wilderness experiences left east of the Mississippi River. Services in the area are very limited, navigation difficult and weather rather unforgiving, therefore we recommend this as a guided experience.

Day 1) Rendez-vous in the Killarney Park Visitor Center at 11 am (2 hours from Sudbury, ONT.) Travel to put-in, pack for backcountry and set out for a 5 mile paddle to first campsite.

Day 2) After breakfast, we'll go through a skills workshop before we repack and head further afield to another fine island campsite in the bay.

Day 3-7) These days will be spent exploring islands, swimming, fishing, sunning, foraging for blueberries and paddling some of the prettiest waters I've ever seen. Binoculars, fishing gear, field guides and tall tales are all items that will enhance your experience. Stargazers will find these skies to be amazingly free of light pollution. Paddle back to the mainland on the afternoon of day 7 for a visit to Killarney village and get a jump on your homeward journeys.

Dates for 2010: By Arrangement

Costs: $1295

Trip fee includes: expert instructor guides, all group gear (tents, kitchen gear, safety and camp gear), camping fees, maps, dry bags and gourmet backcountry fare. You do need a touring kayak at least 15 feet long, with front and rear bulkheads. High performance expedition-equipped rentals are available from us for $100 for 4 day trips and $150 for one week trips with prior reservation. They include PFD, carbon hybrid paddle, sprayskirt and pump. We will transport your rental boat for you. We offer a variety of sizes and models from Valley, Wilderness Systems, Hurricane and P&H...all with drop skegs.

Registration information: A $150 registration is required to hold your reservation and is refundable until 30 days of departure. Your balance is also due at this time. When we receive your deposit, you will receive a personal equipment list, a participant profile (so that we may tailor your trip to your interests and tastes in food), and any other pertinent info we can find.

Uncommon Adventures PO Box 254 Beulah, Michigan 49617 Map It Toll Free: 1-866-882-5525       Local: (231) 882-5525 e-mail: info@uncommonadv.com