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. 

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, sometimes on challenging terrain.

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. These trips offer little time for beginner instruction and participants need to have previous whitewater tripping experience.