This year's Rossport Islands Kayak Symposium features guided sea kayak tours in the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.

Full-Day Tours (Except where noted, meet at Rossport Beach at 8:30 am. Tours return between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm)

• Battle Island (Intermediate): On this full-day sea kayak tour of the Rossport Islands we take a charter boat to Battle Island and stop in for a visit with Bert Saasto, the resident lighthouse keeper. Bert's captivating tales of tending the Battle Island Light include stories of wild storms and 10-metre waves. From here, we'll paddle back to Rossport, via Harry, Minnie and the west side of Wilson Island. En route we'll see Pukaskwa Pits and stop to stretch our legs on a sweeping sand beach. Total distance: 12 kilometres. Maximum group size: 10 participants.(*Meet at Rossport Docks to meet tug shuttle).  **This trip has an additional fee of $30 to cover tug boat costs.
  

• Jackfish Bay (Intermediate): Paddle through history via the Jackfish Ghost town, with resident Darrell Makin. Come along to learn about some of the history of this amazing piece of Superior shoreline. Paddling begins at Jackfish Lake, 20km east of Terrace Bay. Paddle through the tunnel out to Lake Superior, with the ultimate destination of the Jackfish Ghost Town, once the primary coal depot in Northwestern Ontario for the CPR mainline. Along the way the tour provides the opportunity for significant discoveries including: CPR history, and the last spike monument, Japanese Internment Camps during WWII, Aboriginal History, Jackfish Ghost town - including homes, school, church and coal facilities.And if we are really lucky, we might get invited in for tea and cookies. (* Meet by Superior Outfitter's base and carpool to put-in at Jackfish Lake Beach).

• Wilson Island Loop (Advanced): If you're an advanced paddler looking for a rapid-fire sea kayak tour of the best of the Rossport group of islands, this is the tour for you. We will launch from the Rossport docks and island hop to Wilson Island, the largest of the Rossport archipelago. This diverse island features sand and cobblestone beaches, Pukaskwa Pits and a unique granite arch on its south side. We will return to Rossport via Swede's Gap and Channel Island. Pack lots of snacks and a hearty lunch. Total distance: 24 kilometres. Maximum group size: 10 participants (proof of experience/capability is required)

• Worthington Bay (Advanced): This unique tour explores the infrequently paddled coastline from Terrace Bay to Worthington Bay and includes areas of cultural interest like Les Petits Ecrits and aboriginal pictographs at Worthington Bay. Along the way we may also catch a glimpse of the fossilized remains strombolites, the earth's first oxygen-breathing life form. If time permits some may choose to hike to the summit of Mount Gwynn for a breathtaking view of Lake Superior, or just relax on the black sand beach of Worthington Bay. This tour includes open coastline and few landing spots so proof of experience/capability is required. Total distance: 20 kilometres. Maximum group size: 10 participants. (* Meet by Superior Outfitter's base and carpool to put-in just west of Terrace Bay.)

Full-Day Tours (Meet at the Rossport Docks at 9:00 am. Tours return between 3:30 and 4:30 pm)

• Quarry Island Loop (Novice/Intermediate): This Rossport Islands sea kayak tour visits the breadbox-shaped Quarry Island and gives you a taste of all that the new Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area has to offer. If time permits, we will stop for a quick hike on Quarry to an impressive lookout over the open waters of Lake Superior. Total distance: 8 kilometres. Maximum group size: 18 participants.

• Channel Island Loop (Intermediate/advanced): Paddle the scenic channels of the Rossport Islands and explore the archipelago's nearest far-away places on this fast-paced guided sea kayak tour. We will circumnavigate Channel Island and have to the time to watch the seiche (freshwater tide) of Little Lake Harbour on Wilson Island's north side. We will return to Rossport via Healey Island just in time for lunch. Total distance: 12 kilometres. Maximum group size: 12 participants.

• Women's Only (Novice): A fun and easy guided sea kayak tour of the inner Rossport group of islands. You'll have ample opportunity on this tour to practice your new sea kayaking skills and get feedback and tips from your experienced instructor-guides. We will explore the shorelines of Boone, Healey and Quarry islands on this tour. Total distance: 8 kilometres. Maximum group size: 18 participants.

Half-Day Tours (Meet at Rossport Beach at 9:00 am. Tours return between 12:30-1:00pm)

• Healey Island Loop (Novice): Get a taste for the Rossport Islands' wilderness flavour on this guided sea kayak tour. We will get the chance to practice newly learned skills and stop on the sloping bedrock shores of Healey Island, one of the most scenic of the inner Rossport group. Your instructor-guide(s) will be happy to provide you with feedback and pointers on your sea kayaking technique. Total distance: 5 kilometres. Maximum group size: 18 participants.


• Family Paddling Program: Finish up your weekend with a half day tour with the family.  Route to-be-determined depending on conditions and abilities.