If you have never joined us for one of our adventures you may likely have several questions. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions, to help answer any curiosities or concerns. Please contact us if you have any questions that aren’t answered in the list below.

What kind of trips do you offer?
Each year we try to offer a variety of trips and retreats which will appeal to different adventurers with varying interests and skill levels. We offer everything from easy weekend adventures to 3 week long river expeditions. The longer expeditions usually incorporate whitewater paddling while exploring unique and often quite remote areas of the Canadian north. We offer a wide range of retreats: women’s, executive, student, leadership, skill building, and restorative. They are diverse to suit every interest, explore the breathtaking landscape of Temagami, and usually run for 4 days – 1 week long. You can find descriptions of each trip and retreat on this website, as well as definitions of the different skill levels (from Novice – Advanced). If you have any questions we would be happy to speak with you and help you choose the adventure which is right for you.

Who comes on a Sunrise Adventure trip or retreat?
Our participants come from all walks of life, interesting women and men with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Most people who join Sunrise Adventures are from Canada and the United States, but we have also had people from all over Europe and Australia, and have ranged from ages 8-80. Some adventurers have been joining us for over 15 years. Despite the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, most people share a common interest in adventure, exploring the Canadian wilderness and enjoy making new friends.

Do I have to bring a friend?
Not at all. Sharing an adventure trip or retreat often brings a group of strangers together. Many people come alone, some in couples and others as a family or in groups. If you don’t have a paddling partner, we will pair you up with someone in the same position.

What types of canoes will we use?
For our Sunrise Eco-Lodge Temagami retreats we use a variety of canoes: Kevlar, ABS, and cedar canvas. For our river expeditions we use 16’ and 17’ ABS canoes only. ABS canoes (Royalex) are made of foam-core plastic, are sturdy and durable, and much less fragile than Kevlar or cedar canvas. Most ABS canoes weigh between 70 and 85 pounds.

What should I bring?
Once you register for an adventure we will send you an equipment check list, which is easy to follow, and a thorough guide which will help you decide what and how to pack. We provide top quality tents, canoes, paddles, PFD’s, kitchen and camping equipment and excellent food. You just need to bring your personal gear, toiletries and clothing.

What will we be eating?
We are always prepared to carry a little extra on the portages in order to provide the group with plenty of delicious fresh food. When arranging a trip menu we try to offer a variety of dishes and don’t use freeze-dried or pre-packaged meals. When food is packed properly it is quite possible to still be eating fresh salads 3 weeks into a trip. We use organic food whenever possible. With advanced notice (see the Pre-trip Questionnaire that we will send you) we can accommodate most special dietary requirements. We provide snacks and treats as well and welcome people to also bring along some of their own favourites.

Is the water safe to drink?
Although we are blessed with fresh spring water at Sunrise Eco-Lodge we still filter it for your safety. Unfortunately, no matter how remote the adventure may be we can never take chances with drinking water. Water is either boiled or filtered and we encourage you to bring your own filter if you have one for the larger group expeditions. Iodine tablets work as well, but aren’t recommended for long periods of time (and most people dislike the taste).

A Note About Drinking Water:
We can’t stress enough the importance of staying properly hydrated. How do you know you’re getting enough liquids? When your pee is clear and copious! Some people avoid drinking enough fluids to avoid the "hassle" of peeing in the bush, pulling their canoe to shore, or worry about "holding the group up". These are small concerns compared to the severe problems dehydration can cause! Staying properly hydrated will help to keep your energy up, your mind clear, and your body functioning the way it should be.

Where do we go to the bathroom?
On group expeditions we establish a bathroom location at each campsite which is private and well away from the camp and any water. Before each trip we discuss the protocol of how to go in the woods. Women are provided with Ziploc bags to dispose used tampons, which are then sealed in a small barrel and packed out. We highly recommend the book "How To Shit In The Woods" by Kathleen Meyer "An environmentally sound approach to a lost art" (and a very funny read!). Of course cleanliness is also extremely important.

How do I stay clean?
While on expeditions we set up a hand washing station at each campsite and there is a wash basin in the outhouse at Sunrise Eco-Lodge. We will direct you to environmentally friendly ways to wash and look after your sanitary concerns.

What about bears?
All of our adventures are in "bear country" which is why it is so important to remember that we are the intruders and therefore need to be respectful of the bears and the land by remaining alert, keeping a safe distance from any bears, staying together with the group, and practicing proper camp management regarding human waste and garbage. Being aware of our surroundings, knowing the topography as well as bear biology, keeping an eye out for bear "sign" (i.e. tracks, scat, trails, scratch marks on bark) and avoiding high bear-use and heavily trafficked areas, is key to preventing a situation with a bear before it happens…then when we do see a bear it is from a safe distance and the sighting becomes a privilege rather than a problem. In the past, some women have wondered if they are at a greater risk in bear country while menstruating than at other times of the month. According to Bill Schneider in "Bear Aware" (A Falcon Guide, 2001) "there is no evidence that bears are attracted to menstrual odor more than any other odor. In addition, no bear attack has been traced to menstruation as a cause. ...If you choose to go into bear country, take all special precautions…and enjoy the trip." (Special precautions: Keep as clean and odor-free as possible, use tampons instead of pads and never bury them. See above: Where do we go to the bathroom).

What are the bugs like?
In the Temagami area, blackflies are at their best during the first two weeks in June, although it can vary a little bit from year to year depending on the weather conditions. Mosquitoes are strongest from early June to mid July, especially after sun-down. All of the cabins have screened windows.

For any area, including the far north, populations of mosquitoes and blackflies vary with temperature, wind, and rainfall. In the remote far north the winter thaw is later than an area like Temagami and mosquitoes are around all summer and usually visit after the sun goes down, and blackflies are pretty persistent throughout the season. Generally while paddling on the water and in open, windy areas the bugs are not around.

Bug shirts are very effective and we highly recommend them! For our adventure trips we also bring a large screened bug shelter which we set up at each campsite (unless already bug-free!) so that the group can enjoy meals and social time together without worrying about getting bitten. We prefer not to use any bug repellents containing DEET, but some people do choose to use minimal amounts on exposed areas during prime bug season.

© Sunrise Adventures, 2006.