10 Days of paddling down the Bazin River

Information about activities (canoe)

This river descent takes place in an isolated region and in complete autonomy. The group must therefore transport in the canoes all the food and camping equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the stay for the 10 days in the river. The guide has a means of communication used only in an emergency (sat Phone). No contact with family or friends is possible during days 2 to 12.

To reach our put-in on the Bazin river we board a VIA rail train from Montreal to Parent. We paddle down the Bazin river using 15’ 2 men canoes, we use a 15-passenger minibus with a trailer for the return from the river to Montréal. The luggage will be transported inside the minibus or inside an enclosed cargo trailer, depending on the number of group members.

Physical level #

This tour is meant to allow you to discover life in the wild. It is important to be in good physical shape to take part in this trip as we will have to paddle for up to 5 hours per day (average of 15km per day). Knowing how to swim is mandatory. On certain sections of the river, we will force to portage our canoes. The advantage of this river is that it has little portage section. The weight of a 2-person canoe is 35kg. Is not necessary to know the paddling techniques as our guides will show them to you during the trip.

Climat

During the summer, days are pleasant, sometimes hot, but the nights can be cool.  In early summer and fall, nightfall can bring rain, snow, and even freezing temperatures.  In the summer, the days are long, and the sun does not set until about 9:00 p.m.  During early summer mosquitoes can be present. Given that you will be traveling 500 km north of Montreal the temperatures can be cool even in the summer and especially at night. September : Days are a little cooler, nights can be cold. 

Accommodation

Wilderness Camping: camping on the river shore with only tent sites and fire pit. No running water or electricity so no showers. Your guides will have the necessary equipment to set up a dry toilet. D1 to D10 – Wilderness Camping on the shores of the Bazin and Gatineau rivers, in double occupancy. The guide has access to communication tools enabling him to communicate with the nearest help in case of emergency. No outside contact will be possible during those 10 days.

Airport transfers

You have many options from the airport to reach downtown. You can either take a taxi (50$) or the public transport bus 747 (10$/person). Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., terminus at Lionel-Groulx metro station. Stops located between Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM metro stations are not served. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, regular service, and route. We can also organize private transfers upon request.

Equipment list

The golden rules:

1- pack clothes that will dry quickly

2- NO COTTON:  Although cotton is an extraordinary fibre for its comfort and cooling properties, it traps a lot of moisture and forces your body to use up a lot of heat energy to evaporate it. Opt for wool, fleece or other synthetic fibres that will help you stay as warm and dry as possible!  

You must plan for two sets of clothing:  

One for the evenings that will stay dry and be packed away in your barrel   

One for the day that will most likely be wet for major part of the trip.   

Clothing: 

• Warm hat (Wool hat spring/fall only)  

• Sunhat or cap (compulsory) 
• Synthetic or wool base layer – t-shirt or underwear (tops and bottoms) 
• Synthetic or wool socks  
• Waterproof breathable jacket (e.g. Gore-Tex)  
• Wool sweater or synthetic pile jacket (spring & fall) 

• Pair of gloves  
• T-shirts (long & short sleeves) (ideally synthetic fibres) 
• Synthetic or wool long pants – zip off pants which convert to shorts can be useful in spring/fall 
• Shorts 
• Water shoes with good support for the ankles for walking in water 

• Light colored shirt (for sun protection).  
• Swimming suit 
• Closed toe shoes to walk in water. (with good sole) 
• A comfortable outfit for the evenings (pants, shirt, sweater, light shoes) 

Bags & luggage:
– Duffle bag (max 80 liters) with side zipper as your main luggage for an easier access to its content. No hard suitcases.  The luggage is transported in an enclosed trailer.  
– Be prepared: On your flight, bring a small «emergency kit» with you in your carry-on bag in case your main luggage is delayed by the airline (e.g. toothbrush, t-shirt, spare underwear).  

Equipment: 

• Storage bags to keep your personal things together in the barrel  
• SLEEPING BAG: A down or synthetic sleeping bag (0°) for the summer and warmer for the end of the season (-7°). Sleeping bag liner and survival blanket.  
• Wide brim hat or scarf to protect you from the sun  
• Sunglasses with good sun protection (with string to tie them)  

• Sunscreen  
• One large water bottle with carabineer or something to fasten it 
• Pocket knife  
• Necessary Toiletries and pack towel 
• Bathing suit 

• Head lamp or flashlight  
• Biodegradable soap  
• Knee pads (optional) 
• Dry bag for your camera (optional) 
• Mosquito repellent 

• Fleece blanket (for warm nights) 
• Toiletries 
• Sunscreen (high density)  
• Insect repellent 
• Large water bottle/hydration kit (2 litres capacity minimum) 

Personal pharmacy

Your guide will have a First Aid Kid. However, you should be carrying your prescription drugs and personal medication:

• Bandages: Assorted sizes for small cuts, blisters, etc. 
• Antiseptic wipes: For cleaning small wounds. 

• Topical antibiotic ointment 
• 4-inch closure strips or butterfly closures 
• Gauze & sterile dressing pads 
• Small roll of 1-inch adhesive tape 
• Rubber bandage 

• Safety pins: Can help remove splinters or fasten arm sling 
• Cotton-tip swabs 
• Oral rehydration salts 
• Pain relievers, including aspirin and Ibuprofen: Provides relief for minor aches and pains, reduces fever, helps reduce inflammation of sprains and other injuries. 
• Antihistamines 

• Stomach Relief or antacid tablets 
• Water purification tablets  
• Antidiarrheal tablets 
• Aloe Vera gel: for relief of minor burns or sunburns 
• Lip balm with high UV protection 

• Forceps or tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, and removing debris from wounds 
• Scissors 
• After Bite or hydrocortisone cream USP 1 percent: Relieves skin irritation from bites, poison oak, stings, or allergic reactions. 
• Moleskin: Prevents blisters.  
• Second Skin to cover blisters, burns or lacerations