Slate Islands, Terrace Bay

The 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.

This 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.

Getting to the Islands

The Slate Islands sit 12 kilometres offshore. We have a water taxi booked — if Superior won't let us launch, we pivot to Rossport.

Itinerary

Routing within the archipelago adapts daily to conditions, weather, and group progress.

What's Included

• Five-day expedition with ORCKA/Paddle Canada Instructor Trainers at 1:3 ratio
• Expedition sea kayak and dry suit provided
• Group meals — planned, prepared, and cooked together as an expedition pod (dinner Day 0 through lunch Day 5)
• Common group gear — tarps, kitchen equipment, camp infrastructure
• Safety equipment — expedition first aid kit, repair kit, VHF radio, satellite communicator
• Water taxi transport to and from the Slate Islands when conditions require it (refunded if we paddle the crossing)
• Backcountry park permits arranged for the group

What to Bring

• Transportation to and from the Marathon/Rainbow Falls area
• Accommodation at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park the night before launch — book your own campsite directly with Ontario Parks
• Personal paddling base layers and insulation for under your dry suit
• Camp clothing — Superior is cold even in summer
• Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
• Any post-trip accommodation

Good to Know

• This is an active expedition — everyone participates in paddling, cooking, camp setup, navigation, and decision-making. No passengers.
• Lake Superior's conditions at 12km offshore are categorically different from nearshore paddling. Cold water, fast-moving weather, and no easy exit. Come prepared.
• The 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.
• The Slate Islands are an ungated wilderness park. Woodland caribou sightings are possible and common — they are not guaranteed.

Questions

Certification Pathway

This expedition can count toward an ORCKA Kayak Tripping and Guiding certification if paired with an online theory module. Optional — the expedition stands on its own without it.