GEO: Guest Expedition Ontario
This year's GEO trip was a 7-day sea kayaking adventure in Georgian Bay. Students kayaked between Killarney and the French River, travelling through the Harvey First Nations Territory (site of the massive Parry Sound 33 fire in the summer of 2018). They visited the picturesque pink rocks of the French River and paddled through the crystal blue waters of Georgian Bay. This biennial Ontario-focussed expedition will be available for 8 to 10 students from Grade 9 and 10, with a willingness to take on an adventurous outdoor experience.
Hear from our GEO participants below:
Hear from our GEO participants below:
Day 1
After the long bus ride, we finally arrived at the beautiful creek where we started our journey. Once we got on the water and rounded our first turn we saw a great blue heron. What a beautiful sight. We saw beautiful sunsets paddling through the rocks at the campsite where we spent the night.
Day 2
This trip is an amazing way to start off the summer! We have had perfect weather and have had a lot of fun times on and off the water. Today, I had the chance to lead our group in navigating a 15km route. This was a great learning experience that allowed me to experience a lot of growth and have a great time that I have enjoyed very much so far.
“What a beautiful day today. We kayaked 15km of beautiful Georgian Bay shoreline. So far, the trip has been action-packed with stunning scenery, cool campsites and really interesting rocks for us to take breaks on. Thank you so much for contributing to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
Day 3
We have a great campsite and spent the day on it because of the wind. In a sheltered bay, we practised water exits and had a great adventure learning new skills and getting to know each other. The warm weather made swimming very enjoyable and we are so thankful we had the opportunity to experience Georgian Bay on a day like today.
“Woke up this morning thinking today was going to rain and all our gear would get wet but thankfully not a drop of rain fell. This was a great day at a beautiful campsite. Having a blast!”
“Today, we had a rest day full of fun activities such as swimming, going on walks and practising our kayaking skills. The campsite that we are at is amazing, giving us a great view of this part of Georgian Bay.”
“The water is cold and so refreshing. It is a true adventure getting to know each other on Georgian Bay.”
“Today was a rest day. We spent the day training what to do when you flip the kayak, swimming, reading and exploring. Although everyone said that the water was very cold, I disagree. I loved the water. A heartfelt thank you for contributing to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
“The sun has been out all day and we had the chance to just relax on the rocks, catch a sunburn and enjoy everyone’s company. We appreciate you deeply for providing us with the opportunity of being out on Georgian Bay.”
Day 4
Today. we covered 11.5km of mostly open bay paddling. The wind was coming down from yesterday and provided us with a fun wave rolling tailwind. Everywhere we look, there are beautiful rocks. Our rock island lunches and campsites have been a great highlight of our adventure.
“Today. we find ourselves on a small but beautiful island in Horseshoe Bay. We paddled 12km from Minks Island with the wind mostly at our stern. Our group is feeling increasingly confident in our kayaks, and we are working well through our daily tasks together. Our food has been amazing! A heartfelt thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“The islands that line the shore are stunning and often provide us with some protection from the wind. Today has been amazing!”
“Today we had a late start but we made it to our destination with plenty of time to settle in. We did about 6km of paddling in open water, which definitely challenged us to work as hard as possible. Nonetheless, it was an amazing day. We stopped at a small rocky island for lunch and we had a great time! The island we're camping on today is beautiful. It's sunny but windy so it's the perfect temperature. I've had the time of my life on the trip - like all my classmates. Thank you for making this trip possible!”
“I was the trip leader today and it was fun! It was our hardest paddle because it was through open water and there were a lot of waves. It was so fun. Now I am sitting at the campsite relaxing and watching the view. Thank you.”
“Today, we travelled to our third campsite. We made it a total of 11km with a stop for lunch in the middle. We have had so much fun seeing the wildlife and the great scenery.”
“Today, we had a late start because a boat had to pick up our guide and drop a new one off. We went through open water mainly and sometimes in between smaller islands. We originally thought that today was going to be an easier day at 6km but instead we went 11.5km. We finally got to the campsite and are cooking dinner and might go for a swim soon. Today was a lot of fun. Thank you for your contribution and for making this trip possible.”
Day 5
Today was a beautiful day. We had a big adventure and paddled 21km! We have had many chances to make memories, try lots of new things and appreciate this amazing trip that we are so thankful for. The weather was very good and although we had to take some shelter on an island because of some clouds, we ended our day with sunshine and a refreshing swim.
“Today, we paddled 22km of beautiful Georgian Bay. We travelled through hundreds of little islands and wound our way through rock at the start of the French River area. Our travels have been action-packed with funny stories, riddles and 20 questions. We are LOVING life!”
“Today was a beautiful day. We have had many chances to make memories, try lots of new things and appreciate this amazing trip that we are so thankful for. The weather was very good and although we had to take some shelter on an island because of some clouds, we ended our day with sunshine and a refreshing swim.”
“Today was an adventure! Thanks to you, we are all glowing red despite the layers of sunscreen we applied. Thanks for your contribution to the trip.”
“Horseshoe Bay to Sand Bay at the mouth of the main channel of the French River. We paddled for 22km today with one stop in stormy conditions. The weather has been beautiful and our group has enjoyed the stunning granite campsites at every stop along the way. Georgian Bay is magnifico!”
Day 6
Today we travelled down the French River and had a beautiful campsite. Along the way, we took two small portages and practised kayak portages and developed teamwork skills with our group. Our second portage was a lift over a beaver dam and we were also fortunate enough to see two bald eagles and a water snake. We had a nice and refreshing swim at the campsite and today we are doing a gift exchange in a ‘Christmas theme.’
“Today, we left the main part of Georgian Bay and went towards the French River. We did around 8km today and are feeling pumped! Saw a bald eagle too which was very cool since I have never seen one before. Thank you for this opportunity.”
“Greetings. Today was the sixth day of our trip through the bay. We decided to head towards the French River and on our way, had our first portage of 45m. Along the streams, we saw plenty of wildlife such as two bald eagles, a water snake, some almost-frogs and more. This trip has been incredible so far. Thanks for your contribution!”
“Today we had the option to paddle 16km but thankfully, we went with option two. We paddled 8km in the beaming sun and even portaged twice. We got to enjoy the scenery and we saw many different wildlife creatures along the way. Once we got to the campsite, we set up our tents and jumped right into the lake to cool off. Today was an awesome day. Thank you for your contribution to make this trip possible.”
Day 7
It’s hard to believe that today is our last full day on this adventure. As a collective, we have bonded as a group and we work well as a whole. We toured the French River to end our adventure and really enjoyed the tall rock that lines the shore.
“We had a 7 a.m. rise today with a 9km paddle. We got to our last campsite at noon and had lunch once we unwound. We played competitive camp games in pairs winning points through five different games. We went swimming just before dinner and it was really fun. Overall, the day was pretty chill. I had so much fun making the best of my last day. Thank you so much for helping make this experience possible.”
“Today, we had a more relaxed day travelling around 9km, making it to camp before lunch. We got to go swimming and enjoy the great water of Georgian Bay. The views and wildlife we have seen are amazing.”
“We got to go swimming and enjoy the great water of Georgian Bay. The views and wildlife we have seen are amazing.”
“We saw a group of turtles and played some competitive team-building games resulting in a rope burn and laughter. Overall, a great last day of our expedition which would not have been possible without you, our contributors.”
“Today was the final full day of our trip and although we are sad our adventure is coming to an end, we are really thinking of all the memories we made and new things we tried along the way as well as how thankful we are to have this trip. Today, we played some games in our leadership groups and had a lot of fun. We hope to enjoy our last night with as much joy and thankfulness as possible. Thank you for this adventure.”
This would never have been possible without your generosity, your admiration and respect for Terry and Sue, and your commitment to ensuring that our teenagers have an opportunity to appreciate and experience the wonders of Ontario.
Thank you.
Thank you.
School Information
4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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