Blending outdoor adventure with cultural learning

Blending outdoor adventure with cultural learning

Saugeen Sojourn, a 4-season cultural and ecological adventure on Saugeen lands, connects youth, new Canadians, and new campers to nature and promotes reconciliation by expanding understanding of the Anishinaabe peoples and their relationship with the land, helping build a broader and more inclusive understanding of community. 

Developed in partnership with Indigenous guides from Cape Croker Park and Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences, this program blends outdoor adventure with cultural learning. Participants spend time on the land through guided hikes, cultural teachings, and an overnight camping experience designed to foster connection—to nature, to community, and to the stories of the land.

What Participants Experience

Each Saugeen Sojourn includes four guided experiences led by trained outdoor guides and Indigenous cultural educators:

Guided Nature Hikes

Explore the landscape through interpretive hikes that introduce local ecosystems, wildlife, and traditional ecological and historical knowledge.

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Photo by Kathleen Stahlbaum

Overnight Camping Experience

Participants spend a night on the land, learning foundational outdoor skills while building connection with nature and community.

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Photo by Kathleen Stahlbaum

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Photo by Caley Doran

Anishinaabe Cultural Teachings

Delivered by Indigenous cultural leaders, these experiences may include storytelling, teachings about the land, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices.

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Photo by Mia Toose

Seasonal Outdoor Adventure

Depending on the season, activities may include paddling, hiking, or fat-bike tours on roads and trails, offering a unique way to experience the region year-round.

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Photos by Kathleen Stahlbaum

Youth Leadership & Mentorship

A core part of Saugeen Sojourn is engaging youth in program delivery. Youth work alongside experienced guides, gaining hands-on training in outdoor leadership, cultural interpretation, and ecotourism operations.

This mentorship model helps create pathways to careers in ecotourism and outdoor education.

Typical 1-Night Itinerary

Please keep in mind that weather, group dynamics will guide our itineraries.  Please join us with an open mind and flexible schedule!

Arrival Day
2:00 PM Arrival at the Cape Croker Visitor Center. Drop off bags and tent allocation
2:15 PM Welcome Ceremony
2:45-5:30 PM Guided Adventure depending on weather/group (Big Canoe paddle on Sydney Bay or Guided Fat bike tour of the area (bring your own helmet) with Anishinaabe Cultural Interpreter, Caley Doran.
6:00 PM Dinner
7:30 PM Campfire with Anishinaabe story-telling
9:45-11:00 PM Dark Sky presentation and guided telescope star-gazing, with Mike Warkentin “The Dark Sky Guy“

Sunday
8:00 AM Pancake Breakfast with Ziibaakdakaan Maple - Rooted in our Culture. 100% Pure Ontario Wood Fired Maple Syrup from Cape Croker. Packup.
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM Sydney Bay Bluff Hike and bag lunch with EcoAdventures Guide, Tainin Hopkinson, a Two-Spirit member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceeded First Nation
1:30 PM Closing ceremony
2:00 PM Check-out

What's Included

Stay: 1 night in a comfortable canvas tent (cots provided).

Adventure: A Big Canoe tour around Sydney Bay (weather pending) or a Fat Bike tour around Cape Croker (please bring your own bike helmet), an evening of star-gazing with "The Dark Sky Guy" and a guided EcoAdventures nature hike.

Culture: A traditional welcome ceremony, evening campfire, storytelling teachings

Food: Dinner on Saturday, and Breakfast and a bagged lunch on Sunday are provided by local caters and fully included. Please advise us of any dietary needs. 

Portapotties on Site: No shower easily accessible

Packing List & Items Not Included:

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag/blankets/duvet/bedding
  • Pillow

Clothing

  • Comfortable outdoor wear
  • Hiking clothing - long pants recommended
  • Extra clothing (layers/changes)
  • Warm sleepwear
  • Rain gear
  • Water shoes and hiking shoes

Gear & Lighting

  • Flashlight
  • Headlamp (Highly recommended for hands-free use)
  • Bicycle Helmet

Personal Care & Protection

  • Toiletries
  • Handsanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent

Kitchen & Dining

  • Water bottle
  • Enough water for yourself for the entire experience
  • Utensils
  • Plates
  • Extra snack food

Important Reminder: Cell service is variable to non-existent at the site. Enjoy being offline!  Consider downloading offline maps and letting someone know your itinerary before you head out.

Join a Saugeen Sojourn!

Book directly with Cape Croker Park

  • June 27/28 - Special rate $290/pp in celebration of National Indigenous Culture Month
  • July 25/26 
  • August 29/30
  • September 26/27

Book directly with Kayak Ontario - A special 3 night Saugeen Sojourn experience for kayakers

  • September 10/11/2/13 

Custom Experiences for Groups

We can design a custom Saugeen Sojourn experience for:

  • Youth groups
  • Schools
  • New Canadian programs
  • Corporate or community groups
  • Outdoor clubs

Programs can be tailored to season, group size, and learning objectives.

Contact us at [email protected] to plan a custom Saugeen Sojourn experience for your group.