What’s included and what to pack
We know packing for the backcountry can seem complicated if you’re not used to it. After all, the Magpie isn’t a Mexican beach. It requires some specialty gear – but not as much as you’d think!
We want to help you get organized, so check out all the lists below. You should note that sleeping bags and headlamps are available for rent if you’d rather not buy them. However, keep in mind that if used properly almost any gear you need to buy for this trip can last for years as your backcountry clothing or even your outdoor exercise gear. Just remember: no cotton or denim.
As always, if you have any questions give us a call or send us an email. We’re here to help.
Your Magpie River trip includes the following
- Your professional guides are always available
- We offer a maximum 5:1 guest to guide ratio. (Industry average is 8:1)
- An Innu interpreter and Boreal Forest ecologist
- All ground transportation and flights from Sept-Îles onwards:
- Get picked up (day 1) and dropped off (day 9) at the airport by your guides
- Helicopter or float plane flight to Lake Magpie
- Helicopter portage (equipment only) around Magpie Gorge and Magpie Falls
- Van shuttles to the helicopter (day 2) and from the river take-out back to Sept-Îles (day 8)
- 5 nights fully guided wilderness camping—we’ll provide all the necessary paddling gear, drybags, group camping equipment, safety equipment and first aid kits, your own tent and our deep sleep system. You can rent a high quality sleeping bag from us or bring your own.
- 2 nights (first and last) at the Chateau Arnaud Hotel in Sept-Îles, double occupancy. If you are travelling alone we’ll pair you with another traveler of the same gender. If you would prefer your own room, the single supplement is $120 per night.
- All meals and snacks from day-2 breakfast through day-9 breakfast—amazing food guaranteed! You’ll get to adjust your menu for your preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) by picking your meals, or, if you prefer, leave it to us. View a sample menu.
- Enough wine and Quebec microbrew for 2 drinks per person per day.
- Basic fishing equipment
What’s not included?
- Travel between your home and Sept-Îles, Quebec
- Personal clothing and some camping gear. See below for what you need to bring
- Day 1 dinner in town: sample the local fare—you’ll have options from fine dining to fast food within walking distance of the hotel, before or after our 6:30 p.m. welcome meeting
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional – Quebec fishing permit (Can be purchased at a local convenience store before your flight to the river. Ask you guide and they’ll help you).
Packing list for camp
- Three-season sleeping bag, rated to 0°c or below – you can rent one from us for $115
- 1 pair of shoes (old running shoes or closed toe clogs—something to keep your feet safe and dry)
- 2 or 3 pairs of thermal socks (1 or 2 different weights is a good idea)
- Undergarments (men ) (women)(synthetic anti-microbial is best; it dries quickly and keeps you clean)
- Lightweight t-shirt (men’s) (women’s)
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (men’s) (women’s)
- Lightweight ‘quick dry’ long pants (women’s) (men’s)
- Thick fleece or wool sweater (men’s) (women’s)
- Thick fleece pants (men’s) (women’s)
- Top and bottom medium-weight synthetic or wool long underwear (men’s top & bottom (women’s top & bottom)
- Rain gear top and bottom (men’s top & bottom) (women’s top & bottom)
- Toque (wool or fleece winter hat)
- Sun hat
- Small quick-dry towel
- Small headlamp with extra batteries – you can rent from us for $25
- Sunscreen, lip protection, and insect repellent
- Water bottle, 1 litre
- Sunglasses with strap
- Prescription glasses with strap if necessary
- Toiletry kit with biodegradable soap and shampoo as well as personal medications
- Optional: reading material, journal, binoculars, camera (waterproof or with waterproof case)
- Optional: fishing rod with tackle and hard carrying case. We provide basic equipment but experienced anglers will enjoy using their own specialized gear.
Packing list for the river
- 1 pair of shoes for the river (women’s) (men’s). The ideal river shoe is lightweight and draining yet supportive enough for walking on portages and scouting rapids, with a grippy sole. These can be lightweight running shoes, water shoes with a supportive sole, or sturdy sandals with toe covering.
- 2 pairs of thermal socks for the river: wool, fleece, or synthetic
- Bathing suit / surf shorts
- Lightweight synthetic t-shirt (women’s) (men’s)
- Top and bottom medium-weight synthetic or wool long underwear (Men’s top& bottom) women’s top & bottom)
- Long-sleeved neoprene ‘surf’ top or long-sleeved medium-weight fleece top (men’s) (women’s)
- Thick fleece or wool sweater (men’s) (women’s)
- Thick fleece pants (men’s) (women’s)
General Packing
- Clothes for the trip home
- Travel documents (passport) and medical insurance cards or policies
Equipment provided by Boreal River
- The Boreal River ‘deep sleep’ system:
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- A three-season expedition tent—all to yourself if you are on your own
- A super comfortable mattress and optional camp cot
- A full-size organic cotton pillow and plush pillow case
- A large drybag in which to keep all of your personal items
- A smaller drybag that will be accessible during the day in which you can keep your rainwear, sunscreen, etc.
- Whitewater helmet and flotation device
- Wetsuit, ‘Farmer John’ style
- Wind and waterproof paddling jacket
- All group equipment such as cooking and eating utensils, dishes, group shelters, safety equipment and first aid kits, all boats and river gear, etc.
