Summary
Paddling a packraft through the Avalon Wilderness Reserve offers an opportunity to experience the pristine natural beauty of a unique part of Newfoundland. The rivers and ponds of the Reserve are perfect for packrafting. If you’ve never been in a packraft, you will see that these incredibly strong and stable boats are fun and easy to paddle, even for novice boaters. Guests on our day trip will enjoy exploring this remote place, its water systems, stunning landscapes and wildlife. Photographers are free to try and capture some of the Reserve’s inhabitants, such as beaver, otter, lynx, muskrat or caribou. To learn more about packrafting, check out this link.
Location
Avalon Wilderness Reserve. Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland
Trip Details
Itinerary:
The evening before embarking on our trip we will get together for a quick debrief to ensure a speedy departure the following morning. Bright and early, we will drive into the Avalon Wilderness reserve and begin a 16 km packraft route that starts at the south end of Stage Pond and heads Northeast through the Blackwood Ponds. There is one short portage between Stage Pond and Blackwood Ponds. The route provides excellent opportunities to view wildlife in its native habitats, as it passes almost entirely through the designated protected area. Lunch is provided. After paddling and hiking through the afternoon we will make camp and set up the kitchen to prepare dinner. Guests will begin with a selection of fresh vegetables, bread/cheeses, and cured meats followed by a hearty pasta-based dinner. After dinner feel free to read a book or catch an early night sleep in your tent. In the morning, a simple, but hearty breakfast will be served before setting off for the remaining paddle to Gibbon’s Pond and onward to the takeout point.
Please note: We reserve the right to alter the planned route indicated above based on water levels, weather conditions or other Reserve requirements.
About the Avalon Wilderness Reserve:
The AWR consists of 1,070 square kilometers of barrens and forests. It protects the Avalon woodland caribou herd, the most southerly caribou herd in Canada. The survival of this herd is a North American conservation success story. A rolling plateau, the area is dotted with boulders that were left behind by melting glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. The climate is “marine”-winters are mild, summers are cool. Strong winds, high humidity and rainfall are typical, and there is often heavy fog.
Restrictions:
- The AWR requires a permit which will be arranged by AWE
What AWE provides:
- Food and beverages (non-alcoholic). Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be possessed or consumed while on this expedition.
- Day one: Lunch, Dinner
- Day two: Breakfast, Lunch
- Packraft and wetsuit/paddling jacket, PFD, dry bags, group safety gear
- Group camping gear (tents, stoves, fuel)
What’s not included:
Individual sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, personal clothing and toiletries. Anything else personally required.
Clients may rent sleeping bags, Thermarests or other gear for a fee.
Gratuity (recommended)
Fee:
Check our registration page for current pricing.