Saguenay Fjord Expedition

Backpacking, Sea Kayaking, Quebec City

Our Saguenay Fjord expedition is a journey through space and time. Ten thousand years ago immense glaciers raked the surface of North America, gouging out lakes, and river valleys, and creating the Saguenay Fjord. Marks left by the glacier are still visible on the rock walls of the fjord. It is a place where the tides, current and the wind will shape your experience and whales travel on the tides to feed on rich supplies of marine life.

Backpacking
Our journey begins in the quaint town of Tadoussac at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers. Originally a fur trading post, Tadoussac is accessible by a car ferry. We backpack for three days and 30 miles from Tadoussac to Baie Sainte-Marguerite, a marine sanctuary for Beluga Whales. Our trail is 300 meters above the river as it passes through pine forests, crosses streams and leads to viewpoints high above the fjord. At night we stay in snug cabins with wood stoves and awesome views.

Sea Kayaking
Early on the morning of day four, we rendezvous with zodiacs for a trip up the fjord to Baie Eternite where we pick up our kayaks. This is a four-day passage back to Tadoussac where our journey began. Traveling by kayak, we adapt to the reality of wind, currents and 18 foot tides. We will camp on tent platforms next to the fjord where it is not uncommon to be joined by mink and beluga whales!

Quebec City
Following our Saguenay Fjord expedition, we travel to Quebec City and check into a youth hostel in the midst of the old city. After a shower and a nap, we will tour one of the oldest cities in North America perched 300 feet above the St. Lawrence River and surrounded by stonewalls. The streets are lively with performers and musicians and the best way to get around is on foot. We will practice our French and go out to dinner where we will celebrate our accomplishments.

The Desert Southwest, Moab, Utah

Backpacking, Canyoneering and Rappelling, Hiking in Arches National Park, Colorado River Rafting, Mountain Biking

The Desert Southwest is a dramatic land of extreme contrasts. It is a land where the Colorado River carves deep into the landscape and there are towering sandstone formations, red rock arches rising from the desert floor and snowcapped peaks of the La Sal Mountains promising a cool alpine reprieve. In the desert, temperatures may range between 110 degrees during the day to near freezing at night, afternoon thunderstorms might bring hail and where rare plants and delicate crypto biotic soil is abound.

Backpacking
We will spend two days backpacking in the La Sal Mountains. The first day we ascend to a high alpine meadow surrounded by snowcapped peaks and set camp. Below a vast expanse of desert canyon lands with the Henry Mountains in the distance. Next day, if weather permits, we might ascend one of the many surrounding peaks or follow a meandering mountain stream before returning to our base camp in the desert.

Canyoneering and Rappelling
Using rappelling equipment we will descend into red rock canyons. Our explorations might reveal ancient Native American rock art, rare plants or exotic wildlife.

Hiking in Arches National Park
Our journey takes us through the Fiery Furnace and Devil's Garden. We will hike beneath towering sandstone 'fins,' through intricate canyons and classic desert architecture. We might rest in the shade of Private Arch before completing our 6-mile hike.

Colorado River Rafting
Our river journey begins at Dewey Bridge. The first day we will travel eight miles to our campsite at the mouth of Onion Creek across the river from Castle valley. The next morning we run the rapids for another ten miles and take out about mid afternoon.

Mountain Biking
Dirt Camp Mountain Bike instructors will meet us at our base camp in Sand Flats with bikes and necessary equipment. We will learn introductory mountain biking skills, then enjoy a spectacular day cycling on the world famous Slick Rock Bike trail.

These are only two examples of what we offer in expeditions. Please check our School Planning Guide for further locations.