I’ve already kayaked the Pukaskwa coastline, but I’m thinking of doing another trip next summer and using a canoe. If some of you out there have some experience in canoeing Pukaskwa I’d like your advice and wisdom concerning an adventure like this. JC
yep did it
with a big canoe with a big schnozz to prevent the bow shipping water. A Wenonah Odyssey.
The Pukaskwa coast…lots of big reflecting waves coming at you from at least two directions when the shore is rocky.
Be aware of the weather and plan ahead and all will be well. But since you have done that by kayak you know what the challenges can be.
The only difference is you might consider a spray skirt to shed any unwanted waves and since you have more hull to present to the wind the wind may have more influence.
Your center of gravity being higher; its nice to lower it when things get scary so the ability and the outfitting that permits you to kneel will add to your comfort and seaworthiness when things get hairy.
This isnt the trip for the nice fine ended canoe that is narrow. In a big sea, unless your hips are always loose (and they might be, thats where I think kayakers shine) you have less room for error and your head can get outside the gunwales…and your body follow. If you can get a blunt ended canoe that rides up and over your ride will be drier (if not put a skirt on or a drysuit on you), though it will be slower.
Bottom line…totally doable. Mileage may be a little less each day though we made the 120 miles from Hattie Cove to Michipicoten Harbor in six days including one wind day.
same here.
i’ve paddled what i refer to as “the classic” (Canadian big lake trip, with the Masonite undertones) twice, once by kayak, once in a canoe.
my thoughts would be exactly what the previous poster said, although i think a fine stemmed canoe is fine, as long as it’s deep enough, a big canoe. frankly you can do it in any canoe if you are good and careful, but clearly a large volume, efficient tripping canoe like many Wenonahs and Clippers like this http://www.clippercanoes.com/boat_specs.php?model_id=113
are ideal. personally i’m a prospector guy, so that’s what i’d prefer but i like to turn a lot… also i agree highly with the notion of being able to kneel. when the sea state and wind dictate maximum control and stability, nothing compares to a solid kneeling stance. i had some white knuckle moments paddling that route, and it was fun and exciting, but the margin of error evaporates given the water temp. i kayak more now with a solid roll, so that helps a lot in bigger water.
anyhow, very doable and a very fun way to travel that coast, it’s one of, if not the very best trip i’ve ever been on, it’s awesome! decent fishing too.