{"product_id":"slate-islands-instructional-tour","title":"Slate Islands, Terrace Bay","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .ko-clinic { font-family: inherit; color: #1E2D34; line-height: 1.65; text-align: left !important; container-type: inline-size; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-wrap: break-word; }\n  .ko-clinic * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left !important; max-width: 100%; }\n  .ko-clinic p { font-size: 15px; color: #5A7A86; line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: 12px; text-align: left !important; }\n  .ko-clinic p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n  .ko-clinic strong { color: #1E2D34; }\n  .ko-clinic em { color: #1E2D34; font-style: normal; font-weight: 600; }\n  .ko-clinic a { color: #2D8C9E; }\n\n  .ko-stats {\n    display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 10px;\n    margin: 24px 0; padding: 16px 0;\n    border-top: 1px solid #E5E9EB; border-bottom: 1px solid #E5E9EB;\n  }\n  .ko-stat { text-align: center !important; 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margin-top: 10px;\n    font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600; color: #2D8C9E;\n    text-decoration: none;\n  }\n\n  .ko-prereq {\n    margin-top: 24px; padding: 12px 14px;\n    background: #F5F0E8; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 3px solid #2D8C9E;\n  }\n  .ko-prereq p { font-size: 13px; color: #1E2D34; margin: 0 0 8px; }\n  .ko-prereq p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n  .ko-faq { margin-top: 16px; }\n  .ko-faq details { border-bottom: 1px solid #EEF1F2; }\n  .ko-faq details:first-child { border-top: 1px solid #EEF1F2; }\n  .ko-faq summary {\n    font-weight: 700; font-size: 13px; color: #0B1D26;\n    padding: 14px 0; cursor: pointer;\n    display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center;\n    user-select: none; list-style: none;\n    min-width: 0; gap: 8px;\n  }\n  .ko-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }\n  .ko-faq summary::marker { display: none; content: ''; }\n  .ko-faq summary::after {\n    content: '+'; font-size: 16px; color: #2D8C9E;\n    transition: transform 0.2s; 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}\n    .ko-schedule-day { border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #EEF1F2; padding: 10px 14px; }\n    .ko-schedule-focus { padding: 10px 14px; }\n    .ko-access-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n    .ko-access-label { border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid #EEF1F2; }\n  }\n  @supports not (container-type: inline-size) {\n    .ko-stats { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\n  }\n  @media (max-width: 360px) {\n    .ko-stats { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }\n    .ko-stat-val { font-size: 15px; }\n  }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ko-clinic\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== HEADER ===== --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-media-center\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Kayak Ontario\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0042\/9608\/1443\/files\/kol2a_480x480.png?v=1696281142\" width=\"275\" height=\"74\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== INTRO ===== --\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe Slate Islands rise from Lake Superior 12 kilometres offshore — an isolated archipelago formed by a meteorite impact 450 million years ago, home to woodland caribou, the highest lighthouse on Lake Superior, and some of the most technically demanding and rewarding sea kayaking in the province. The nearest road is 12 kilometres of open water away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThis is a demanding expedition in a remote, cold-water environment. Lake Superior is unforgiving — conditions shift quickly and the consequences of poor judgment compound at distance from shore. Participants should be honest with themselves about their fitness, comfort in challenging conditions, and ability to manage multi-day fatigue. If you're unsure whether you're ready, reach out — we're happy to discuss your experience and help you prepare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== STATS BAR ===== --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-stats\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-stat\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-val\"\u003e5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-label\"\u003eDays\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-stat\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-val\"\u003eSlate Islands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-label\"\u003eLake Superior\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-stat\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-val\"\u003e1:3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-label\"\u003eInstructor Ratio\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-stat\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-val\"\u003eL2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ko-stat-label\"\u003eRequired\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== GETTING THERE ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eGetting to the Islands\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe Slate Islands sit 12 kilometres offshore. We have a water taxi booked — if Superior won't let us launch, we pivot to Rossport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access-label\"\u003ePlan A\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access-desc\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Taxi:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shuttle by boat from Terrace Bay to the Slate Islands to maximize time in the archipelago.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access-label\"\u003ePlan B\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-access-desc\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRossport Archipelago:\u003c\/strong\u003e If Superior decides the Slates aren't happening, we pivot to an equally stunning expedition through the Rossport Islands — a bucket-list destination in its own right.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== ITINERARY ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eItinerary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eRouting within the archipelago adapts daily to conditions, weather, and group progress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-day\"\u003eDay 0 — Rainbow Falls\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-focus\"\u003eMeet the group at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park. Pre-expedition briefing, gear check, and introductions. Participants arrange their own campsite at Rainbow Falls for the night before launch.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-day\"\u003eDay 1 — To the Islands\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-focus\"\u003eWater taxi to the Slate Islands. Begin exploring the archipelago. Establish camp.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-day\"\u003eDays 2–4 — The Archipelago\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-focus\"\u003ePaddle the sheltered channels and exposed coastlines. Visit Patterson Island Lighthouse. Search for woodland caribou. Navigation, weather assessment, and group travel throughout.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-day\"\u003eDay 5 — Return\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-schedule-focus\"\u003eFinal morning paddle and pack-up. Water taxi or paddle crossing back to mainland. Trip concludes mid-afternoon in Marathon.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== WHAT'S INCLUDED ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"ko-list ko-check\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFive-day expedition with ORCKA\/Paddle Canada Instructor Trainers at 1:3 ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExpedition sea kayak and dry suit provided\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGroup meals — planned, prepared, and cooked together as an expedition pod (dinner Day 0 through lunch Day 5)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCommon group gear — tarps, kitchen equipment, camp infrastructure\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSafety equipment — expedition first aid kit, repair kit, VHF radio, satellite communicator\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWater taxi transport to and from the Slate Islands when conditions require it (refunded if we paddle the crossing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBackcountry park permits arranged for the group\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== WHAT TO BRING ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eWhat to Bring\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"ko-list ko-dash\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTransportation to and from the Marathon\/Rainbow Falls area\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAccommodation at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park the night before launch — book your own campsite directly with Ontario Parks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePersonal paddling base layers and insulation for under your dry suit\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCamp clothing — Superior is cold even in summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAny post-trip accommodation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== GOOD TO KNOW ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eGood to Know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"ko-list ko-dash\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThis is an active expedition — everyone participates in paddling, cooking, camp setup, navigation, and decision-making. No passengers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLake Superior's conditions at 12km offshore are categorically different from nearshore paddling. Cold water, fast-moving weather, and no easy exit. Come prepared.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe Plan C pivot to Rossport is not a consolation prize — it's a world-class expedition in its own right. Either way you leave with a bucket-list trip.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe Slate Islands are an ungated wilderness park. Woodland caribou sightings are possible and common — they are not guaranteed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== PREREQUISITE ===== --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-prereq\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRequired:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 2 certification or equivalent verified experience. This is not a course for consolidating L2 skills — you need them before you arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comfort with multi-day wilderness camping, ability to paddle 15–20 km in variable conditions, and reliable self-rescue skills — wet exit, paddle float re-entry, scramble re-entry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNot sure if you're ready? \u003ca href=\"\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#f49d9a929bb49f958d959fd99b9a8095869d9bda979b99\" style=\"color:#2D8C9E;\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/a\u003e — we're happy to assess your experience and recommend preparation if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== FAQ ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eQuestions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails open\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eDo I need my own kayak or gear?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eNo. Expedition sea kayak, dry suit, and common group camping gear are provided. You need your own tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and personal paddling layers.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eHow does food work?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eMeals from dinner Day 0 through lunch Day 5 are planned and prepared together as a group — expedition cooking is part of the experience. Bring snacks for between meals.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eWhat do I need to arrange for Day 0?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eBook your own campsite at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park directly through Ontario Parks before the expedition. The group meets there for orientation, but the campsite the night before is yours to arrange.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eWhat if we end up at Rossport instead?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eThe Rossport Archipelago is a genuinely exceptional destination — dramatic coastline, sheltered channels, and far less traffic than the Slates. It's not a fallback, it's an alternate bucket-list trip. The certification field component is equally valid there.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eWhat if the weather is bad?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eSuperior sets the agenda. The three-plan access structure exists precisely because the lake doesn't negotiate. Daily routing within the archipelago also adapts to conditions — learning to make those decisions is part of the experience.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eIs Level 2 really the minimum?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eYes, and we mean it. This is a remote, cold-water environment 12km offshore with no easy exit. Weak fundamentals become serious problems out there. If you're working toward L2, do the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.kayak-ontario.com\/collections\/sea-kayak-level-2-courses\"\u003eLake Superior Level 2 course\u003c\/a\u003e first — it's the ideal preparation for this expedition specifically.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary\u003eCan I earn a certification on this expedition?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"ko-faq-a\"\u003eYes — this expedition can count as the field component for the \u003cstrong\u003eORCKA Kayak Tripping Level 2\u003c\/strong\u003e certification (Expedition Leadership \u0026amp; Guiding). Pair it with the KT2 online theory module to earn your certification. The expedition stands on its own without it — no module required. See the certification pathway below.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== CERTIFICATION PATHWAY ===== --\u003e\n  \u003ch3\u003eCertification Pathway\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThis expedition can count toward an \u003cem\u003eORCKA Kayak Tripping and Guiding\u003c\/em\u003e certification if paired with an online theory module. Optional — the expedition stands on its own without it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-program-card\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"ko-program-card-label\"\u003eOnline Module + This Expedition\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"ko-program-card-title\"\u003eKayak Tripping Level 2\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"ko-program-card-desc\"\u003eExpedition leadership \u0026amp; guiding certification — advanced decision-making, group management, and leadership on multi-day remote expeditions.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003ca class=\"ko-program-card-link\" href=\"\/products\/kayak-tripping-level-2-expedition-leadership-guiding-certification\"\u003eView KT2 module →\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-media-center\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg alt=\"Slate Islands expedition\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0042\/9608\/1443\/files\/2121121_480x480.png?v=1741123458\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ===== LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ===== --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"ko-land\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWe acknowledge that the Slate Islands and surrounding waters are part of the traditional territories of the \u003cstrong\u003eAnishinaabe peoples\u003c\/strong\u003e. We launch from the unceded territory of \u003cstrong\u003eBiigtigong Nishnaabeg\u003c\/strong\u003e, who have lived on the shores of Chi-gamig (Lake Superior) since time immemorial. We are grateful for their enduring stewardship of these waters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kayak Ontario","offers":[{"title":"July 1 - 5","offer_id":46139902722247,"sku":null,"price":2235.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0042\/9608\/1443\/files\/SIIT.png?v=1769797432","url":"https:\/\/www.kayak-ontario.com\/products\/slate-islands-instructional-tour","provider":"Kayak Ontario","version":"1.0","type":"link"}