How to Plan a Canoe Trip

Canoeing is a wonderful way to broaden one's outdoor adventure repertoire. It's a wonderful outdoor summer activity and is a great way to spend the vacation. However, before embarking on a canoe trip, one needs to plan ahead for it. You just cannot afford to get up one morning and go off canoeing. Planning forms an important part, because it ensures that the trip planned matches the ability levels of the people going for canoeing. Lack of proper planning can conduce to accidental disasters.

How to Plan an Overnight Canoe Trip?

Who all are going...
The first step in planning is jotting down, who are coming along on the trip. It's advisable to get a companion, preferably a group while preparing for a canoe trip. Choose your expedition partners wisely, because it's a trip demanding teamwork, positive attitude and loads of enthusiasm. You also have to determine whether your canoe trip will be self-guided; will be supported by an independent guide or by an outfitting company.

When and Where to go...
July and August are known to be the best months, in terms of weather for campers. With temperatures in the 40s, the nights can get nippy, but, it's still a great time. You also need to get information about camping availability and the river or lake's information. You can ask experts, park rangers or outfitters for information regarding camping availability in the area. Once you have a place where you can camp and paddle, the next step is to zero in on the river or lake. Depending on individual preferences, this choice has to be made. Choose rivers that are safe to navigate for all individuals of the group. Check for basic reserving camping permits and park regulations. Get maps of the area you are going.

What to take along...
Maintaining a checklist will help ensure you haven't missed out anything essential for the trip. Let's look at the things you need to pack while going off on a canoe trip.

Canoes and paddles
Life Jackets
Tents
Sleeping bag
Maps and compass
Tarp and rope
Flash lights
Spare batteries
Insect repellents
Large lightweight backpack
First aid kit
Sunscreen
Whistle
Toiletries
Repair Kit
Utility knife
Matches
Handsaw for firewood

With regards to food, bring several healthy high-energy bars that can be easily carried along. You can also check out freeze dried meals and desserts from outfitters. Moreover, remember, you have to maintain portaging weight to a minimum, thus, take only necessities. If you choose to be supported by outfitters, then you don't need to carry canoes and paddles. Even stoves, utensils, food, etc. will be supplied by the outfitters.

Planning the Route
It's good to be all enthusiastic and eager to canoe, however, it's important to note that when it comes to canoeing, one should bite only how much one can chew. For the first canoe trip ensure that all the portages are under a mile. When you are carrying all the equipment on your back, things can get really tiring. Moreover, make sure your three-day canoe trip houses only 4-5 portages to prevent overburdening. Try and return to the campsite before dark, because setting up the tent in pitch darkness can be quite a pain.

It's always advisable to be well-prepared for a trip. Make a complete trip plan and give each member a copy of the plan, so that everybody is on the same page before the beginning of the trip. Make sure as a group, you all stick to the plan and enjoy your trip. Proper planning will help you enjoy this awesome outdoor adventure in the safest manner possible.