Forest Fire Reroute ➡️ Harricana to Moose Factory

Hey everyone,

Mike McMillan here from Camp Temagami! I wanted to take a moment to share some highlights from our incredible summer adventure with the Prospector section. This year, we embarked on a thrilling four-week trip that began on the Harricana River and ended at Moose Factory.

Our journey started with a five-day paddle down the Harricana River. Unfortunately, we had to turn around earlier than planned due to a fire, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. Thanks to the group’s positive attitude and willingness to embrace the unexpected, we pivoted and set off on a new route – of which there are plenty thanks to Ontario’s vast beauty.

One of the standout moments of our trip was exploring the Missinaibi and Moose Rivers. For about 12 days, we had the chance to traverse and discover this pristine waterway. With its vast expanse and impressive rapids, this route was absolutely beautiful, even with some lower water levels. We tackled plenty of read-and-run rapids, which kept us on our toes and added to the excitement. Each moment on the trip felt like it built both our strength and skills.

Wildlife sightings were another highlight, and we were treated to glimpses of the diverse fauna that call this area home. But the true crown jewel of our trip was our time in Moose Factory. We had the opportunity to explore this unique community and even journeyed to James Bay. Meeting the local residents and learning about their culture and history was an unforgettable experience.

The trip was fantastic, and I had the pleasure of guiding six remarkable young men: Thomas Stewart, Paul Besch-Turner, Mario Lopez, Oliver Naul, Morgan Wetherill, and Cadel Bulligan. Some of these guys were new to camp, while others were returning campers, but each one brought their own special energy to the journey. Their kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit made the trip truly memorable.

I’m already looking forward to the possibility of guiding these great guys again next summer. With a longer trip, the sights are guaranteed and I cannot wait to see where these boys will go!

Best,
Mike McMillan