Summary
Duration: 4 days (3 evenings)
Paddling a packraft through the Avalon Wilderness Reserve offers an opportunity to experience the pristine natural beauty in a safe and unique way. If you’ve never been in a packraft you will see that these incredibly strong and stable boats are lightweight and fun to paddle, even for novice boaters. It is one of the best ways to experience the waters of the Reserve. Guests may catch a glimpse of some of the Reserve’s inhabitants, such as beaver, otter, lynx or muskrat.
The 40-km Avalon Wilderness Reserve packraft route is a four-day guided adventure, where participants have an opportunity to explore the rugged Newfoundland backcountry. The route begins at Cape Pond and ends at Peak Pond, to the northwest, which allows you to travel with the flow of the water. The route is mostly on ponds and has several portages over barrens and through forests. As indicated, the route provides excellent opportunities to view wildlife in its native habitats, as it passes almost entirely through the designated protected area. Proficient anglers may have the opportunity to dine on their catch, perhaps in the presence of woodland caribou.
Location
The Avalon Wilderness Reserve (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. There is a common saying in Newfoundland regarding the weather – if you don’t like it, wait a few minutes!
Trip Details
Restrictions:
Clients require a permit to access the Reserve, 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
- 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, sleeping pad or other gear for a fee.
Gratuity (recommended)
Fee:
Check out our registration page for current pricing