Wabakimi Canoe Expedition - A True Canadian Wilderness Adventure

Gear up for this exclusive unforgettable journey deep into the wild heart of Wabakimi Provincial Park, where the untamed wilderness awaits. We're headed there in May for a bush plane drop-off, 12-day paddle adventure. This all-inclusive trip plunges you deep into one of North America’s most secluded, rugged, and pristine paddling destinations. Experience breathtaking landscapes, tackle challenging portages, and encounter incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Space is limited (4 spots) and reserved for experienced backcountry travelers. If you’re ready to elevate your level of adventure, this is your call to the wild.

Trip Highlights

• Floatplane drop-off into the heart of Wabakimi’s remote wilderness
• Paddling and portaging through wild, untouched landscapes
• Towering waterfalls, rushing rapids, and ancient pictographs
• World class fishing destination
• Opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife including moose, wolves, caribou, bears, otters, eagles, beaver, and more
• Potential views of the northern lights
• Camping under the stars with no crowds, no roads, and no cell service
• Historical sites, old cabins, and remote fish camps
• Final night at a comfortable lodge with a hot meal and showers

Trip Itinerary

• May 14: Arrive at Wabakimi Outfitters. Enjoy dinner and stories from legendary outdoorsman Bruce Hyer, review gear, finalize routes, and settle in for the night.
• May 15: Early breakfast, gear check, then board a floatplane to our remote drop off location. From here, our adventure begins as we paddle into the heart of Wabakimi.
• May 15-24: A full 10-days of paddling and portaging through vast lakes, rushing rivers, and dense boreal forests. We’ll navigate challenging and often overgrown portages, explore historic sites, and experience the wild beauty of Wabakimi. Expect to encounter remote campsites, rugged landings, and complete solitude. If you're an angler, Wabakimi has some of the best fishing anywhere in the world for delicious walleyes, lake trout, huge northern pike, and even speckled trout, this is an angler’s paradise!
• May 24: Our journey ends at a remote trailhead or railway access point on the southern edge of the park, where we’ll be picked up and transported back to our lodge for a well-earned meal and hot shower.
• May 25: Departure - Optional post-trip visits to Fort William Historical Park, Kakabeka Falls in Thunder Bay, and High Falls at Grand Portage for those with extra time.

Difficulty: Challenging
This is an advanced wilderness canoe expedition with difficult and overgrown portages, unpredictable weather, and no maintained campsites or latrines. This trip is for experienced adventurers in good physical condition, willing to share chores and contribute to the team's success. You should be able to provide sufficient clothing and personal gear items as per a provided gear list. Everyone will be expected to help around camp and on the water, including portaging gear and canoes between waterways for various distances on rough and rugged portage trails. The pace will be challenging at times. Maps are less detailed, landings are rugged, and the lakes can be wind-swept. Expect long days of paddling. We plan to have a couple zero travel days but this will depend on our route and weather conditions. Previous paddling and backcountry camping experience is required. If you’re looking for a remote, challenging, and deeply rewarding adventure, Wabakimi delivers.

How Secluded Is Wabakimi?
• Killarney Provincial Park: 26,000 acres and 1.7 million visitors
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area: 1.3 million acres and 250,000 visitors
• Algonquin Provincial Park: 1.9 million acres and 800,000 visitors
• Yellowstone National Park: 2.2 million acres and 1.6 million visitors
• Wind River Range: 2.2 million acres and 900,000 visitors
• Wabakimi Provincial Park: 5 million acres and only 500 visitors!

Weather in May

• Average daytime temp is 58F and can get at high as 75F
• Average nighttime temp is 37F and could dip into the teens
• Average rain - 3 inches
• Average sunny days - 3
• Average snowy days - 5

What’s Included?

• High-quality canoes, paddles, and all necessary group equipment
• Top-tier camping gear, tents, and safety equipment
• Delicious backcountry meals throughout the trip
• Transportation within the trip, including floatplane drop-off
• Park fees, permits, licenses, maps, and insurance
• Satellite phone for emergency communication
• Pre-trip orientation and paddling instruction
• Experienced, knowledgeable trip leaders

What’s Not Included?

• Personal gear (a recommended packing list will be provided)
• Transportation to Wabakimi Outfitters
• Passport and Canada fishing license (if applicable)
• Trip/rescue insurance
• Guide gratuities
• Aboriginal cultural experience add-on (optional)

AS ALWAYS >>> A gear list and trip details will be available upon registration via access to the event "Group" page on the website. This group page will serve as a discussion/planning forum for everyone on the trip.

Price: $5,685 - This exclusive rough-cut expedition has only 4 spots available.
>> To secure your spot, please fill out the free register/application on the event webpage. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. If selected, you will receive an invoice that can be paid in portions or in full. An RSVP on Meetup will not hold your spot.

Secure Your Spot Today! Experience the raw beauty of Wabakimi and challenge yourself on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition. Sign up now to reserve your place on this epic journey into the wild!

If you have any questions, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org