Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MY TRIP, WHEN DO I PURCHASE IT AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for MHO Adventures clients. However, it is highly recommended on trips in the Yukon and NWT as well as the Missinaibi and Bloodvein River's. These rivers are more remote and therefore if there were ever a need for an evacuation it would likely be a very expensive helicopter evacuation. Clients are responsible for all evacuation fees. Travel / trip Insurace also covers cancealations as well as any flight issues / baggage loss if you are traveling to get to us.
There are a number of options of where to get such insurance. Most travel agents have an option availbale, some banks offer good value plans as well as Credit Cards (if you've paid for the trip on your card). Please make sure to check all of the details of what it included. We recommend World Nomads for international clients and Manulife for Canadians.
Travel Insurance should be purchased soon after booking your trip with us.
HOW SHOULD I PACK MY STUFF ?
You can pack your clothing and other personal items in any bag you want! Upon meeting, your guides take the time to help you repack all your items into watertight barrels or dry bags. This ensures that all your clothing and other items will stay nice and dry no matter the weather.
WET SHOES VS. DRY SHOES ?
On our packing list there are two pairs of shoes listed:
Campsite Shoes - Good options would be Runners, hiking boots, Crocs or Rubber Boots depending on the season, location and weather.
River Shoes - to be worn during the day padding and portaging. Light runners are the best option, keens are ok as well (NO WATER SHOES).
Your campsite shoes will stay dry all the time, packed away in your dry bag or barrel and worn only around camp in the evening and morning.
Your River Shoes will be put on wet everyday before leaving camp, worn in the canoes, when portaging, wading and even at all times when swimming!
Both sets of shoes should be close toed. If you would like a pair of sandals to dry your feet out, these would be a third pair.
WILL THERE BE BATHROOMS ?
Yes and no. Many of the campsites we stay at do have open-air wooden box outhouses called a thunderbox or Kybo.
In many cases there will be no thunderbox. MHO Adventures has a system in place which will be thoroughly explained and set up by guides at each campsite. Depending on the landscape and location these systems will be slightly different.
CAN I BRING ALCOHOL ON THE TRIP ?
We encourage clients (who are of legal drinking age) to bring alcoholic beverages of choice (no glass bottles) on trip to enjoy with dinner or around an evening campfire.
Safety is always our number one priority and we encourage responsible use of alcohol. There will be no alcohol consumption at any point during the day, only once we are off the water for the day.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES ?
It can be difficult to figure out how much of a gratuity is appropriate for your guides. This is a very common question, and therefore we have worked with some industry partners to create a guideline. Any form of a gratuity is greatly appreciated and by no means mandatory or expected.
Industry Guideline (to be split between guides): $20-30/day/client, $15/day/child
WHAT SKILL LEVEL AM I ?
This is just a short overview of our skill levels. If you have any questions or require more information please check out our BLOG POST about MHO skill levels.
Beginner: This your first canoe trip ever, or you are looking for an easier, more relaxed pace. Shorter days on the water allow for more time for campsite activities such as swimming, or fishing. While this trip is more relaxed, you can still expect 3-4 hours paddling with some portaging.
Moderate: If you are new to whitewater this is a great place to start. Our guides take the time to teach paddling strokes and skills that will allow you to maneuver safely down the class 1-2 rapids you will encounter. You can expect a certain amount of physical exertion, with 4-5 hour days on the river and portaging on uneven terrain.
Intermediate: You have some paddling experience and are looking for more whitewater adventure! Longer days on the river paddling up to class 3 rapids, and you can be sure there will be some portaging involved, frequently on challenging terrain with large steps up or down. You must be in good physical condition.
Advanced: You have been on a multi-day canoe trip before and you have whitewater paddling skills. These trips are generally longer and in remote locations. Be prepared for long days on the water running rapids, lining, and portaging. Portaging is on uneven terrain with potential for large steps up or down, and can be as short at 25m to as long as 2km. These trips offer little time for beginner instruction, participants need to have previous whitewater tripping experience, and be in good physical condition. You will be expected to carry gear on portages to share the load.
CAN I FISH ON TRIP?
Of course you can!
However, depending on the trip location and your residency, there are different regulations in place.
In Ontario for Canadian Residents
If you are between 18 and 65 years old, you must begin by purchasing an Outdoors Card. This wallet sized card will allow you to then purchase a fishing license. You can buy one online, by phone, at any Service Ontario, or a license issuer (such as Canadian Tire, or oftentimes your local outdoor store). You must have your Outdoors Card with you whenever you are fishing.
Once you have your Outdoors card, you can purchase a fishing license. There are 2 different types of fishing license: conservation, or sport. These two types of license have different rules surrounding catch limits so be sure to visit Ontario.ca so you can familiarize yourself with the fishing rules and regulations such as when and where you can fish, which species, the size and number of fish you can keep, the different types of bait and tackle that are safe to use, and more. You can purchase your fishing license online, by phone, at a Service Ontario, or a license issuer (such as Canadian Tire, or oftentimes your local outdoor store).
There are a few exceptions to who needs to purchase a fishing license. If you are younger than 18 or older than 65 years old, you do not need an Outdoors Card or a fishing license to fish. Other exceptions include members of Indigenous communities, veterans or active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and certain persons who have a disability.
For more details, please use these resources.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-outdoors-card-and-licence-summary
https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents
https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary
In Ontario for non-residents of Canada
If you are not from Canada you can still enjoy the serenity of fishing on trip. Much of the requirements are the same as Canadian residents, you still need to purchase an Outdoors Card, and a fishing license. You also have the option of buying a fishing permit for 1 day or 8 days. Please familiarize yourself with the rules around fishing in Ontario before you head out. You can purchase your Outdoors Car and fishing license online, by phone, a participating Service Ontario, or a license issuer (such as Canadian Tire, or many other outdoor stores).
https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-non-residents-canada
https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary
In Québec
You must acquire a fishing license to fish in Québec. There are a few different options you can purchase including an annual license, a 7 day, 3 day, or 1 day license. You can purchase a license by visiting a sales outlet, or online. If purchased online, you can download the license to your phone, or print it out. If you are from Ontario and are fishing in Québec, there are certain zones where your Ontario license is considered the equivalent of a Québec license. Be sure to check which zones in which this rule is effective.
Québec is divided into 29 fishing zones. You must know which zone you will be fishing in! Different zones have different rules and regulations surrounding which fish you can keep and how many.
For more information, please use these resources.
https://mondossierchassepeche.gouv.qc.ca/en
https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/sport-fishing
https://peche.faune.gouv.qc.ca/RegPec/CarteInteractive/en
In the Yukon
You will need to purchase a fishing license if you wish to fish in the Yukon. You can purchase a license online or at the Department of Environment offices, or at an authorized license and permit vendor. You will have the option of a seasonal license, a 6 day or a 1 day license. Please go online to familiarize yourself with rules and regulations regarding fishing in the Yukon.
https://yukon.ca/en/yukon-fishing-licence
https://yukon.ca/en/yukon-fishing-regulations-summary
https://yukon.ca/en/outdoor-recreation-and-wildlife/fishing/guide-fishing-yukon
**No matter where you are fishing, you must have your fishing license, government issued ID, and if required, your Outdoors Card on hand. You may be asked to present it to an official.