Introduction

For kayakers, bird watchers, and photographers the 9 km Big Creek in Norfolk Country is the ideal launch point to explore the Canadian outdoors.

Kayaking on Big Creek

Known as Canada’s Amazon, the meandering Big Creek in Norfolk County (Ontario, Canada) takes you through the marshes and thick vegetation of the Carolinian forest to the open waters close to Lake Erie.

For first time kayakers this approx. 9 km paddling experience is ideal before getting into choppy waters elsewhere.

Our (my wife and I and two friends) journey included two hours of paddling on Big Creek, followed by a short break, and then two hours paddling into the Big Creek National Wildlife Area.

An environmentalist at heart, a kayaker and teacher of nature by passion, Brian took us on a four hour journey that inspired this story.

Kayaking trip $100

Four hour guided round trip. Kayak, paddle, life-jacket, and guides included

Life-jacket $40

Life-jacket included in trip price. [Optional] Your own life-jacket may be more hygienic.
Water shoes $10

Getting in and out of the kayak in muddy waters.
Backpack / dry bag $30
Camera dry pouch $15
Hat $10+
Sunscreen / bug spray $25

* All prices are approximate figures and are in Canadian dollars.

Before you jump in

The guides take you through the do’s and dont’s. For first-timers, instructions on how to hold the paddle, how to use your legs to control the rowing and the kayak, and what to do if you capsize proved invaluable.

Standing in muddy waters and getting into the kayak was not as difficult as I thought. The $10* water shoes held my weight without any complaints.

Two hours went by without a hitch. We were back at the starting point for a 15 minute break. The break and light lunch in the kayak under the shady trees also helped ease the cramps in my back.

The second half of the expedition took us in the opposite direction to the open waters. My only regret was in not coating myself with enough bug spray. I was attracting a lot of flies, the biting ones.

Costs involved

For adults the guided tour is a shade under CAD $100 per person. [Check the Long Point Eco-Adventures website for updates.] Guests can choose a single person Wilderness Systems 12 foot single Pungo kayak, which are very stable, or a Wilderness Systems 14.5 foot Pamlico tandem kayak for those who like to paddle together. Paddles and Life Jackets are included in the price.

Public facilities

There are no washrooms at the launch location. Guests are welcome to use the washroom and other facilities at Long Point Eco-Adventures prior to the paddle on Big Creek.All our outdoor trips, if there are no public washrooms, are limited to two hours. For longer treks, facilities are a must. I have even researched tactics some of the eCommerce drivers use on their delivery routes.

Guided tours

We were fortunate to have Brian Craig as one of our guides. He is as passionate as he is knowledgeable having worked with Environment Canada before. The group consisted of 10 kayakers plus the two guides.

All of the Long Point Eco-Adventures Big Creek guides receive safety training and are very knowledgeable on the natural and cultural history of the Big Creek area.

Kayaking options

The launch area is off the side of the road. The guides help you into the kayaks and push you out. The kayaks are snug and comfortable. No one tipped over or found it difficult to control the kayaks.Recommendation: Single kayaks. Tandem kayaks are also available [advance booking required]. Another option is also to take your own kayak [inflatable or solid-state kayaks] and explore Big Creek all by yourself.

Our experience as first time kayakers

The meandering Big Creek takes you through the marshes, thick vegetation of the Carolinian forest, to the open waters close to Lake Erie on an approx. 9 km four hour paddle. For first time kayakers this experience is ideal before getting into choppy waters elsewhere.The pandemic brought out the best and worst in all of us. My wife and I explored the outdoors every weekend. We hiked in all seasons and took to the waters in a canoe during summer.The thought of even buying a canoe crossed our mind. Due to storage issues we turned our attention to kayaks. Should be it be single kayaks or tandem ones? Inflatable or solid-state?To try it out before any major decisions, our friends came up with the idea of a guided excursion. The Big Creek excursion turned out to be a perfect experience.

What to wear and what to expect

There is a break about half way into the excursion. The group comes back to the starting point before heading into the opposite direction. The break is meant to have a light lunch or snack, regain energy, or get out and stretch your legs.There are no washroom facilities unless you are prepared to explore the bushes around the area.Getting in and out of the kayaks sometimes involves standing in ankle deep muddy water. Water shoes ($10) are most comfortable.Life jackets are provided by the organizers and included in the price of the expedition. If you are planning more such outdoor expeditions (kayaking, canoeing, paddling) bringing your own life jackets ($40*) is a more hygienic option.Light clothes that cover your whole body are advisable due to the bugs and elements.

Items to carry

For the four hour trip we carried sandwiches and mixed nuts in a waterproof dry bag ($30*).Depending on the day recommended articles are sunscreen, bug spray, hat, raincoat (light showers).

How to get there and other information

It is a two hour drive from downtown Toronto. If you are planning to stay and hike in the area over the weekend it can be turned into a relaxing short vacation.

Parking in the area is on the side of the road and can comfortably hold about 15-20 vehicles.

After the kayaking trip quenching your thirst and getting your fill of fish and chips in the pub (Sandbar on the beach) by the side of the lake restored my energies!

*Notes:
All currency is noted in Canadian Dollars.
This is my personal experience and is not endorsed by anyone one else.
Brian Craig has given me permission to use this interview as I see fit.

Tagged Canada, kayaking, outdoors