Saugeen Sojourn, an Anishinaabe Cultural Experience - Instructional Tour
Saugeen Sojourn: An Instructional Journey at Neyaashiinigmiing
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.
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 – Optional Kayak Skills, 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, Short Paddle & 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’s Not Included
- Transportation to and from Cape Croker
- Personal paddling clothing and footwear
- Snacks and personal items
- Kayak and drysuit (rentals available)
Partnership & Acknowledgement
This instructional tour is offered in partnership with Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences at Cape Croker Park, Eco Adventures 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.