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Squall Summer Sojourn @ Diamond Key Lodge |
Squall Summer Sojourn at Diamond Key Lodge - July 19 - 23, 2010 - $ 1095.
Trip Overview
 The intent of this programme is to provide you with a relaxing yet gently challenging holiday like no other. We’ve designed this trip to take in the best of the northeastern Georgian Bay – a near wilderness without compare. We’ll gather at Key River / Hwy 69 on the first morning to catch our 45 minute boat ride out to Diamond Key Lodge at the mouth of Key River. We’ll have both single and tandem kayaks along with paddling equipment waiting out there for us. Once settled in at the camp, we’ll have lunch. Yippee! Then we’ll do a complete orientation and jump in our boats, spending the afternoon exploring the beauty of the surrounding coast and islands.
The rest of the four days will be spent exploring the islands and scenery of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve by kayak on daytrips. Our lodge based location is perfect for learning new skills and swimming in some of the best freshwaters in the world. We might paddle 4–5 hours each day with breaks every 1–2 hours. For those wishing to take it really easy, you can stay at the cabins and read, swim, or have an afternoon nap. On the last day we’ll pack up and head for home, but not before a final hearty farewell lunch. As with all trips, we’re at the mercy of mother nature, so don’t be surprised if plans change a bit.
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Swim and relax on the rocks at Diamond Key Lodge photo - Ian Cowan
Diamond Key is nestled in the northeastern corner of Georgian Bay amongst some of the finest freshwater paddling waters in the world. Please know that it’s not a lodge in the sense of a southern Ontario full service facility. It is an extremely well-kept traditional Georgian Bay fishing camp with a complete septic, drilled well, showers and the best sunsets in the world.
Meeting Place & Site Description
Unless otherwise notified, we’ll gather at White Squall Paddling Centre at 8:45am on the first morning. From there we’ll sort out vehicles and travel up to Key River Marina (a 45 minute drive). We’ll then load up and take a boat westwards out Key River to the camp situated where it meets the open Bay (a 45 minute trip). Imagine a group of cabins tucked in the rock of the Canadian Shield looking out to the islands and channels of the northeastern Bay. The cabins have bedrooms, kitchen area, inside washrooms and shower –and a cozy woodstove for a rainy night. It’s a little piece of paradise. See the maps and directions.
Meals & Bedding and Your Own Room!
For this season there is a $50/night charge included in the trip price to be at Diamond Key-we’ve absorbed some cost and Diamond Key has done the same, in order to make it as economical as possible. Couples will get their own room, and others will share a room with another trip-mate of the same gender. If you would like your own room, there is an extra charge of $50/night. White Squall staff (along with your help we hope!) will prepare meals inside the cabin which has a full stove and fridge. The camp will provide a clean sheet/pillow. Please bring your own towel and sleeping bag along with your regular paddling clothing and gear. The swimming is awesome, so don’t forget your suit!
Snacks, Drinks, Fishing & Socializing!
We’ll serve wine with the evening meals. If you would like to bring along favourite beer or wine, please feel welcome. We simply ask you to do this is in moderation to ensure everyone’s safety. Favourite snacks, games or a small musical instrument are always fun to have along. If you fish, this is the place- and if you forget your licence, you can purchase one at the Lodge.
view from diamond key lodge at sunset
Due to the logistics of getting boats out there, in advance we’ve put 4 single & 2 tandem poly sea kayaks fully equipped out at the camp. If want to use your own boat, it may be possible, however there is no discount and you’ll be asked to pay for a separate boat shuttle, so please contact us if you want to pursue that option.
Please let us know right away if you want your own room or want to bring your own boat.
Staffing
Trip staff consist of a lead guide and an assistant guide, with an apprentice leader often coming along for training. The lead guide is trained in Advanced Wilderness First Aid and has advanced kayak and rescue skills along with formal White Squall guide training. Typically, they are certified national instructors with Paddle Canada and have many years of tripping and guiding experience. The assistant guide is likewise highly trained and is often in a co-leadership role with the lead. The apprentice has been chosen for her outdoor skills and is in a learning position. The most important thing apprentices need to learn is how to make the morning coffee!
Special Clothing or Equipment Needed
Please refer to the Pre-trip Information Package for a complete list of to bring. We’ll also send you that list upon registration. Follow it carefully and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
Suggested Reading, Maps, & Charts
Participants can mail-order these items through us by simply calling (705) 342-5324 or
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and we'll pay the shipping cost. (Yup FREE Shipping!)
Wind Weather and Waves – Environment Canada (great Bay weather text)
Ghosts of the Bay: A Guide to the History of Georgian Bay – Lynx Images
Natural History of Georgian Bay  (276k) by Gerard Courtin
A Brief History of Georgian Bay (172k) by Graham Ketcheson
Cool Facts About Georgian Bay (12k) by Graham Ketcheson
There are several excellent basic kayaking texts available – contact us for for suggestions.
Maps: 41H/15 Key Harbour
Charts: 2244
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