So my 70 yr old mother calls me yesterday and says she wants to take me and my two sibs on an canoe/camping/fishing adventure in Alaska. She doesn’t want it to be a “sissy” trip. In other words, no bus, boat or train rides full of old people out to see the landscape. She wants to fly or train into the remote interior and canoe for 5-7 days out.
While, I’m up for it and have dreamed of it for years…I think she’s nuts. I think she is unaware of how truly difficult and dangerous such a trip could be. I’ve been out in the wilds of Canada and the like a few times alone, and have some idea of the dangers involved…but …let’s face it Grizzlies are a hell of a lot more intimidating then black bears. All I can think of is that she wants to truck down a grizzly bear food highway.
I can handle Class II-III water in an open boat but I’m sure Mom, sis and even bro might have some trouble. Yet she wants me to do a little research on the matter.
So does anyone know of an Alaskan canoe trip that is basically flat water or class I that can take 5-7 days? AND HELP! any suggestions on what I can do to suggest to her for planning and organizing such a trip?
Maybe there really is such a place that would work, if you know of something, let me know.
I’ve already mentioned, going to Woodland Caribou in Ontario because I’m pretty comfortable with that area, but she has her heart set on “something more remote”…(like I said, she’s nuts)
What is your Mom’s experience level? Few people will seriously jump into such a trip with little experience.
I would suggest a trial trip down here in the states first. Maybe a 3 day trip in Montana as a shake-down. Suggest it under the guise of an equipment test.
Do not go into the Alaskan backcountry without a means of defending against bears. Grizzly attacks are rare, but not rare enough that they can simply be ignored. If you feel queasy about guns, as I do, another option is bear spray. It’s a stronger version of pepper spray, and weighs less than a gun as well.
You have to decide whether to hire a professional outfitter or not. The point to remember is that the bush is remote, far more so than any place in the lower 48. Some of the best places for river trips are literally hundreds of miles from the nearest authorities, and wilderness rescues are not as easy up there as down here.
A good outfitter is expensive. There are a lot of companies offering Alaskan backcountry experiences. Google for “Alaska” and “vacation” and you’ll find dozens of them. Some are better than others; be sure to check references before you buy.
If you decide to go without an outfitter, be prepared. The state government provides some information services for tourists, the National Park Service provides others. Depending on where you go, you may be required to carry certain equipment, view safety films, etc… before you can get a permit.
If your mother has her heart set on Alaska but you’re still concerned about safety, you might consider the Kenai Peninsula. It has no river stretches long enough for a 5 day vaction, but you might instead take several shorter river trips. It puts you closer to civilization, and the fishing is probably the best in the world.
I’d guess this is IMHO material, but about 10 years ago I did a 4-day raft trip on the Susitna River that was very worthwhile. There was no “serious” water, but enough rapids to make things interesting. Wildlife was very good: moose, wolves and grizzly bear were highlights, but we had some excellent birds as well.
This trip was booked through an outfit in Talkeetna, which is a good place to plan on visiting anyway. A wide variety of trips was offered.