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How to prepare for your canoe trip:
With each 2-person canoe we supply one 80 liter (blue) container for your food. Two 20 liter pails with lids to hold your lunch, snacks, camera and other things that need to be kept dry. These buckets can also serve as seats by the camp fires. Two 30 liter (8 gal) Sealite drybags to store your sleeping bag and personal equipment. One 10 liter water container and a filter pump for your fresh water, one axe, a tarp to improvise a rain shelter and lots of rope.
Everything should always be tied to the boat so it does not float away in case you capsize.
With long hours of daylight and warm temperatures, you might enjoy a swim, basking in the sun and the campfire long into the night. In central Alberta it is usually getting warm in early June. It is also the best time to see wildlife by the river. July, August and early September can sometimes get hot. Middle September the temperatures could dip to freezing at night. The benefits of the later season are clear and crisp days and the fall colors of the forest and the flocks of migrating birds. Even perfect weather can change suddenly making it windy and cold, with rain, and even hail. If this happens you may want to pause on your journey to rest, go fishing, or exploring.
Clothing:
With the possible changes in the weather a variety of clothing is required. Bring extra running shoes or "Aqua-socks" to wear in the water when you load and unload your canoe. For the evenings at shore light hiking boots are recommended, but rubber boots or rubber bottom boots also work well. Bring underwear, shirts, sweaters and a good waterproof rain suit with separate jacket and pants, not a poncho. Layers of clothes are most effective to stay warm. Take extra clothes in case you capsize. For this reason you should have materials which dry quickly. Wool or nylon gloves are good for paddling and don't forget a wide brimmed hat for sun and rain.
Other important things:
You should have a tent with ground sheet, a sleeping bag rated for minus 10 degrees, a hard-foam or air mattress, a knife, biodegradable soap, a towel, a bathing suit, personal medication, first aid kit, extra film, spare matches or lighters, several ziplock bags and garbage bags. Within easy reach you keep your camera, your water bottle, bug repellent, sun screen and sun glasses.
Personal Fitness:
A person in good physical condition will enjoy the trip more. Paddling itself is not very hard if you know the basic strokes. If it is very windy you need stamina and strength. In rough weather, you may want to go ashore and wait for better conditions. Safety should always be put first.
Food Preparation:
Bring lightweight equipment and food. Don't rely on firewood for cooking. Bring or rent from us a good cooking set. This is the most efficient way to quickly get a hot drink or meal in any weather condition.
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© Edmonton Canoe 2004