Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level do I need?
We have trips that fit all skill levels. Some trips are particularly suited to the beginner or novice, others to the more experienced, most fit somewhere in the middle.

Can I come alone?
Yes you can come alone. About half of our clients join our trips on their own. We will pair you with another compatible paddler and on the trip, paddling partners can be changed. On our near north trips there is no supplemental charge for coming alone. Occasionally on some of our far northern trips we must charge a supplemental fee for single bookings.

What if I've never paddled whitewater?
We do offer some flat water trips that have no whitewater. You will notice that many of our trips are river trips that do involve some whitewater. A number of these (e.g. Dumoine, Coulonge, Soper) are designed so that they are appropriate even if you have no previous experience in rapids.

Is their instruction on the trips?
Yes, we do provide instruction on our trips for those who wish or need.

What is the group size?
Group size varies from trip to trip. Your trip may have 4 people or 12 people. Except for special circumstances maximum group size is normally 10 participants and 2 guides, minimum would normally be 3 participants and 1 guide.

Can you cater to dietary restrictions?
We make every effort to try and accommodate different dietary needs and/or restrictions. We are generally able to accommodate standard restrictions such as restricted meat, vegetarian, lactose intolerance, peanut allergies etc. When you book you need to specify your dietary needs, and this is imperative if you have an allergic reaction. If your diet is more restrictive, celiac, vegan, etc. you need to discuss your needs with us as we may require that you supplement our meals with some of your own food.

What is the age range of participants?
Participant's ages range from 20's to 70's and everything in between.

What type of people come on your trips?
The makeup of any particular trip will of course vary, but in general participants on our trips come from all walks of life and with all different experience levels. Age range goes from 20's to 70's and everything in between, with a roughly equal mix of men and women. The common thread simply seems to be an interest in the outdoors.

What if I have an allergy?
If you have anaphylactic allergic reactions to specific foods, or to environmental factors (e.g. bees) you must inform us in advance and you must inform the leader when you arrive on the trip. We also require that you bring several anna-kits or epi-pens for yourself in case of emergency.

Why should we come with Wanapitei CANOE?
There are many reasons to choose Wanapitei CANOE for your paddling trip. Read more about our company on our home page.

Who are your guides?
Owner Shawn Hodgins is head guide and continues to guide some of trips each season. In addition we have a group of dedicated men and women, many of whom have been guiding with us for 10 and even 20 years. Like our participants they come from diverse backgrounds. Some work full time in the outdoor industry, while others have different careers but continue to return to guide trips every season. They are experienced, qualified and dedicated to canoe tripping and to participant safety and enjoyment.

Can you run a trip for our group/family?
Every year we provide many custom or private trips for families and groups of friends. Prices vary depending on group size and trip location. We can provide trips for you on most of the locations we list plus many other areas as well.

Do you offer Self-Guided Trips?
From our outfitting centre in Temagami we are not offering self-guided trips in 2010. For the other locations in which we operate, our trips are normally all guided.

What equipment do I need to bring?
On most of our trips you provide your personal clothes, sleeping bag and tent , we provide everything else. A specific equipment list is available for regular trips and for far northern (arctic) trips. Even if you have not done much camping before you should not have to purchase a lot of equipment, much of what you have at home will normally do for a near north trip. The essentials are sleeping bag and pad and good rain gear

When it comes to gear, different trippers have very different tastes. The type of trip also affects your equipment choices. As a result, it is difficult to write a 'perfect' gear list. This list should help you bring the right things while not spending too much money. Keep in mind the nature of your trip and let common sense guide you. In general:

• flatwater trips are the least demanding for gear; be ready for rain or shine.
• whitewater trips require special attention to waterproofing of gear. You'll also want some extra clothes along in case you get wet. In the spring you'll need a wetsuit.
• Far north and James Bay trips have potential to be colder so bring a warmer sleeping bag, toque and mitts just in case.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.