Saugeen Sojourn, an Anishinaabe Cultural Experience

$1,395.00 CAD

This is a fundraising event. Proceeds are donated to the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association — supporting conservation and stewardship on the Saugeen Peninsula. We're proud to run this alongside our partners at Cape Croker Park, Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences, and EcoAdventures.

A four-day instructional sea kayaking journey along Georgian Bay's Saugeen Peninsula, based out of Cape Croker Park. Kayak Ontario leads paddling instruction, and our Anishinaabe and local partners offer cultural and ecological programming.

This is a small-group experience for paddlers seeking a mix of coastal paddling, learning, and Anishinaabe-led experiences, offered in collaboration with our neighbours on the Peninsula.

4Days

8Max Participants

1:4Instructor Ratio

BPBAFundraiser

About the Trip

Neyaashiinigmiing, situated on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula along Georgian Bay, features a remarkable combination of sheltered coastlines, exposed bluffs, rich ecology, and deep cultural significance. This instructional tour is designed to allow ample time for a variety of on-water and land-based experiences, all guided by those with intimate knowledge of the area.

We are excited to be invited into this collaboration.

Trip Highlights

Small Groups
A maximum of 8 participants ensures a calm, supportive learning environment.

Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences
Land-based experiences are led by Anishinaabe and local guides and include a welcoming drum-in and opening ceremony, time on the water in a traditional Big Canoe, a guided hike exploring ecology and geology, an evening dark-sky astronomy session, and a campfire gathering with an Elder. A closing moment or departure gathering may also be offered.

Coastal Sea Kayaking
Explore the Cape Croker shoreline through full and half-day paddles, focusing on navigation, reading conditions, efficient movement, and group travel.

Comfortable Basecamp
Stay three nights on tent platforms with cots and canvas tents provided.

Itinerary Overview

May change slightly based on weather and timing.

Day 1 — Arrival & Welcome

Arrive around midday and settle into camp. The afternoon includes an orientation to the site, shoreline, and accommodations, along with time to get organized. In the late afternoon or early evening, an Anishinaabe-led welcome ceremony and opening gathering may be offered at the invitation of our hosts. Dinner will be provided by a local caterer from Cape Croker.

Day 2 — Instructional Paddle & Campfire

A full-day Kayak Ontario-led coastal paddle focused on on-water coaching, skills refinement, navigation, and group travel. This is the primary instructional paddling day, with time for coaching, exploration and skills. In the evening, a campfire gathering with an Elder may be offered, if available.

Day 3 — Land-Based Learning & Night Sky

The morning offers an optional on-water skills session, allowing participants to refine specific techniques or revisit learning from Day 2. In the afternoon and early evening, a guided hike led by EcoAdventures explores local ecology, geology, and a dark-sky astronomy session, conditions permitting.

Day 4 — Big Canoe & Departure

The morning begins with time on the water in a traditional Big Canoe, led by Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences, offered as a closing on-water gathering. Our hosts will offer a departure or closing gathering prior to afternoon departures.

What's Included

Kayak Ontario-led sea kayaking instruction and guiding
Three nights' accommodation in canvas tents on tent platforms (double occupancy)
Catered dinners and select lunches as outlined
Anishinaabe-led welcome and cultural programming
Guided hike and dark skies experience from local guides
Use of communal camp areas and fire pit
Trip planning support and pre-trip communication

What to Bring

Transportation to and from Cape Croker
Personal paddling clothing and footwear
Snacks and personal items
Kayak and drysuit (rentals available)

Our Partners

This instructional tour is offered in partnership with Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences at Cape Croker Park, EcoAdventures and the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA). Cultural and land-based programming is delivered by our partners at their invitation. We're looking forward to sharing this with the Kayak Ontario community.

Cape Croker Park Host & basecamp
capecrokerpark.ca

EcoAdventures Guided hike & dark skies
myecoadventures.ca

BPBA Beneficiary
bpba.ca

Questions

Where do proceeds go?

Profits from this event are donated to the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association, supporting conservation and stewardship on the Saugeen Peninsula. This is a fundraising event — your participation directly supports that work.

Do I need my own kayak?

Yes — kayak and dry suit are not included in the base price. Rentals are available; contact us to arrange before the event.

What's the accommodation situation?

Cape Croker Park is hosting the event and providing canvas tents on platforms as part of the partnership — three nights, double occupancy. This is their generosity as our hosts; we are guests on their land.

Are all the cultural experiences guaranteed?

Cultural programming — the welcome ceremony, Elder campfire, and Big Canoe — is offered at the invitation of our Anishinaabe partners and depends on availability. We expect all elements to run as outlined, but some may shift based on partner scheduling. The itinerary notes where this applies.

Is this a certification course?

No — this is a fundraising event with instructional paddling woven in. It is not a Paddle Canada or ORCKA certification course and does not count toward any tripping certification.

How do I get to Cape Croker Park?

Cape Croker Park is located in Neyaashiinigmiing on the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, approximately 2.5 hours from Toronto. Participants arrange their own transportation. Carpooling is encouraged — we'll help coordinate among the group.

This event takes place on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, including Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker). We are grateful to have been welcomed onto this land by our hosts at Cape Croker Park and Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences.

This event is offered in partnership with Cape Croker Park, EcoAdventures, and the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association. Cultural and land-based programming is delivered by our partners at their invitation.

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