http://www.milfordhouse.ca
Drenched in history and lore and balanced with masterful backcountry cuisine, this trip is designed to allow “the wilderness to welcome you, and teach you, and take you to its heart”. From beginners to seasoned paddlers, this trip is perfect for you!
Your adventure will begin with a rendezvous on the historic Milford House property where you’ll meet your guide and fellow trippers. Our guide will facilitate putting the final touches on packing, and after a delicious lunch we’ll take to the water to knock the rust off our paddling strokes. Soon we’ll load the canoes and slip away to the adventure that awaits.
Clear, dark waters and rocky shores melt away as we explore and paddle to our first night’s campsite. Along the way we’ll pick our course through the narrow stone-choked channel known as Pike’s Run. Over-hanging maples on the cusp of scarlet line the granite studded shores, creating a terrific opportunity for the photographic eye.
Once camp is set, our guide will begin to work their magic preparing a hearty backcountry-gourmet dinner, complete with something sweet to finish! Curl up around the soft glow of the evening fire and enjoy the fine art of Nova Scotian story telling, or perhaps a chapter from Albert Bigelow Paine’s book, ‘The Tent Dwellers’. Later, retire to your tent and let the lapping waves carry you away to a well deserved rest.
Rise with the heavy autumn mist rolling off the lake and the golden rays of the sun just cresting the treetops. You’ll be greeted with the tempting smell of a hot beverage while our guide prepares an amazing breakfast highlighting Nova Scotian culture and tradition. We’ll break camp, load the canoes and begin the day by navigating our way through the small narrows at the eastern end of Fisher Lake, known as Eleven Mile Runs.
We’ll explore Eleven Mile Lake’s deep coves and experience the Milford House’s iconic landscape. If the westerlies are in our favour, creating a canoe-sailboat is always a great option. Fleeting glimpses of the skilled kingfisher diving for prey will entertain as we start an early search for an island campsite. Once found, we’ll set up tents, then enjoy a colourful tapas-style lunch.
Afternoon adventures could include honing paddling strokes with your guide, a certified Paddle Canada instructor, searching for chutes and pools for swimming in the headwaters of the Mersey River, or tracking down a long forgotten ranger cabin full of antiquity (and perhaps a little moss, too!).
We’ll return to camp in time for our guide to craft another hearty meal. Relax and enjoy the smell of wood smoke and tempting aromas rising from the grill, or pitch in and help with the evening chores by fetching water or collecting firewood.
After dinner, kick back with a hot chocolate while roasting marshmallows over a perfect bed of embers. As the fire wanes and the campsite darkens, loose yourself in a night sky of endless stars as our guide describes Greek and Mi’kmaq constellations. Soon your tent beckons and you give in to a well deserved sleep.
An early start with a quick and delicious hot breakfast will allow us to take advantage of the morning’s calm and serenity. Take turns using the map to lead the way back through the many islands and glacial erratics. We’ll find the perfect white sand beach to set-up for our last lunch. After a tasty bite to eat, and perhaps a quick swim, we’ll continue our last leg back to the Milford House, arriving mid-afternoon.
Our three-day canoe adventure takes full advantage of the legendary Milford House property, backcountry and the stunning landscape of southwest Nova Scotia. Join us and you’ll soon understand why many return decade after decade.
$355 + tax per person for a 3-day canoe adventure with the legendary Milford House. This includes a fully guided two night stay in our iconic backcountry, with all meals prepared and served. Also provided is group equipment, plus canoes, paddles, and PFD’s.
“Where the trail leads back from the water's edge—
Tangled and overgrown—
Shoulder your load and strike the road
Into the deep unknown.”
Albert Bigelow Paine
The Tent Dwellers
1908
Coupon code: P7795
Affiliations: Destination Southwest Nova Scotia, Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia
Valid: September 5, 2012–October 31, 2012
This trip operates weekly, beginning at 12pm on Fridays through to 3pm on Sundays. To ensure booking, a 50% non-refundable deposit must be made. Please call or email to make a reservation. We look forward to paddling with you soon!