Sea Kayaking Adventures with Horizons Adventures in Michipicoten - Sault Ste. Marie

Sea Kayaking Adventures with Horizons Adventures in Michipicoten

Sault Ste. Mariemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Half-day to multiple days

Fitness Level

Participants should have a moderate level of fitness; endurance for paddling up to 10 km per day is typical.

Overview

Experience the rugged beauty of Ontario’s Lake Superior coast with Horizons Adventures. From beginner-friendly day trips to advanced instructor courses, this Michipicoten-based operator offers immersive sea kayaking and backcountry trips that highlight the wild North Channel.

Details

Michipicoten, Ontario, sits along the rugged northeastern edge of Lake Superior, where dense forests give way to the crisp waters of one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. Horizons Adventures, based here, offers a variety of sea kayaking and backcountry trips that expose paddlers to some of the Great Lakes’ most striking and remote waterways. From multi-day journeys through the Benjamin Islands and the North Channel to skill-building excursions like the Paddle Canada instructor courses, this outfit caters to newcomers seeking instruction as well as seasoned adventurers hunting technical challenges.

The region’s complex network of islands, channels, and rugged coastline creates a playground of glacial rock formations, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Trips such as the Bustard Islands-Killarney to Britt route or Cape Gargantua on Lake Superior highlight geological features carved by ancient ice sheets, while the coastal forests contribute a rich biodiversity that includes loons, bald eagles, and the occasional black bear. The unique geography also creates consistent currents and surf conditions—perfect terrain for improving rolling skills or mastering surf and current work.

Beyond paddling, Horizons Adventures delivers comprehensive training with courses like Intro to Sea Kayaking Pre-trip Training and Wilderness First Aid, reflecting a strong safety culture that’s well appreciated in remote water travel. Guides are known for their attentiveness, blending practical expertise with personalized coaching, which participants repeatedly praise for enhancing comfort and confidence on the water. Meals prepared on multi-day journeys, especially through the North Channel and Benjamin Islands, focus on fresh, nourishing fare, ensuring energy for demanding days.

For anyone aiming to immerse themselves in Ontario’s remote aquatic wilderness, Horizons Adventures stands out as a reliable partner, combining deep local knowledge with a commitment to skill development and unforgettable natural settings. Whether paddling the iconic Georgian Bay or advancing through technical Paddle Canada courses, the experience here is grounded in authentic engagement with one of Canada’s most captivating outdoor locales.

Adventure Tips

Bring a float leash for your kayak

Strong currents and waves can easily separate you from your kayak or gear—keeping a float leash attached improves safety and prevents loss.

Layer clothing for variable weather

Lake Superior’s weather can change fast; moisture-wicking layers and a waterproof jacket will help you stay comfortable both on and off the water.

Use polarized sunglasses

Glare off Lake Superior can tire your eyes quickly. Polarized sunglasses improve visibility and protect during long paddling days.

Practice kayak rolling skills before trips

Horizons Adventures offers rolling skills sessions, but practicing beforehand can boost your confidence in surf and current conditions.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Whales Back Channel - a quieter route with sheltered waters and unique geological formations
  • Denison Falls - a nearby waterfall offering a refreshing hiking break from paddling

Wildlife

  • Bald eagle
  • Common loon

History

The North Channel region has been a traditional travel and trade corridor for Indigenous peoples, with deep cultural connections to the land and water that continue today.

Conservation

Horizons Adventures emphasizes low-impact travel practices to protect the fragile ecosystems surrounding the Great Lakes, promoting leave-no-trace ethics on all trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour at dawn and dusk
Mid-morning for steady light
Overcast days for even color saturation

Best Viewpoints

  • Cape Gargantua coastline
  • Benjamin Islands shorelines
  • Whales Back Channel

What to Photograph

Glacial rock formations
Paddlers against dramatic water vistas
Local wildlife including birds and mammals

Recommended Gear

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Essential

Safety must-have for all paddlers, providing buoyancy and visibility on the water.

Waterproof dry bags

Essential

Keeps your gear and clothing dry during on-water travel and unexpected splashes.

Layered synthetic clothing

Essential

Allows easy adjustment to changing weather while staying dry and warm.

spring|fall|summer specific

Neoprene gloves and booties

Provides necessary warmth for your hands and feet during cool water paddling.

spring|fall specific

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