Wabakimi 2017 - A Call For Volunteers

Paddlers are invited to participate in Wabakimi 2017--the 14th consecutive season of reconnaissance expeditions organized by The Wabakimi Project.

The Wabakimi Project is a unique grassroots volunteer initiative founded in 2004 to explore and document the historical and traditional canoe routes of Wabakimi Provincial Park. Since its inception, the scope of this ambitious conservancy effort has been expanded to include the canoe routes that lie on the Crown lands adjacent to the park. They provide vital access to Wabakimi as well as strategic links to nearby provincial parks and conservation reserves.

To date, 199 volunteer trip leaders and participants from North America and Europe have collectively spent a total of 1,099 days on 133 trips exploring and mapping the canoe routes of the Wabakimi Area. Together, they’ve travelled 4,826km (2,999 miles) through this vast, virtually-roadless wilderness area, located and inventoried 924 campsites and located and rehabilitated 938 portages whose measured lengths total 243,267m (266,040 yards or 48,371 rods).

Each year, The Wabakimi Project operates continuously from late May to early September. Applications are welcome from eligible paddlers interested in participating in this worthwhile canoe route conservancy effort. Early registration is strongly recommended as bookings are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit The Wabakimi Project website (www.wabakimi.org) or contact founder and lead organizer, ‘Uncle’ Phil at: pjcotton@tbaytel.net.

Thank you, Ken! Not too early for some news, there.

Folks can also feel free to email me, if you have questions about these trips in some fine boreal canoe country.

Bump! There are slots open from June 10 to July 1! Feel free to email me, if you have any questions. Ray T.

I and my tripping companions are counting the days until our Wabakimi Project reconnaissance canoe trip begins! There are still some openings, approximately 7, on this season's trips; so, now is the time to check into joining this worthwhile project! This year the project is gathering information to be included in Volume Five of Wabakimi Canoe Routes Maps.

This will be my tenth consecutive year of participation. This is truly an international project and a wonderful way to experience the Wabakimi area. I've enjoyed great canoeing, camping, fishing and friendships that will last a lifetime! Learn more at: The Wabakimi Project

quote rtallent: "Bump! There are slots open from June 10 to July 1! Feel free to email me, if you have any questions. Ray T."

Ray,
Isn't there an age requirement? I want to go with our son who is currently 17. He's strong and has a few skills, but if I remember right there is an age thing...
Can you confirm for me?
Thanks.

I know that Phil Cotton, who co-ordinates the trips for The Wabakimi Project makes allowances for father/son trips when it comes to underage participants. Contact him.
pjcotton@tbaytel.net

I think Phil Cotton had set it at 21 but that Ken (Goatroti) is right about exceptions. I know that two of the trips I am on have openings and that I would have no problem with this. Some of my favorite canoe trips (BW and Quetico, then) have been with nephews in that age range! Plus: the more younger folks we can get into that area, the better. Ray T.

Pilot, I just re-read The Rates, Dates, and Terms of The Wabakimi Project. It does, indeed, have a statement that applies to participants age 16-24 years accompanied by a parent or consenting adult. Ray is correct that we certainly need and want the next generation to continue canoeing and participating in outdoor adventures. You and your son would have a memorable trip!