The Ottawa River
Traditionally named the Kichi Zībī by the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people, which translates to "Great River". This land and river is the unceeded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. Home to numerous islands, hidden beaches and quiet channels
Rich fishing waters provide for an abundance of wildlife, at this natural avian migration point, along the Atlantic flyway. A diverse ecosystem with active conservation efforts to maintain its health and beauty.
The Village of La Passe
Named for the annual Canada Goose migration which helped to feed the early settlers and Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. Beginning as a logging community that worked closely with those in Fort Colounge, Quebec, logging operations continue in La Passe to this day, though no new logs are floated downriver.
After the spring melt or heavy storms, it is common to see logs, sunken decades ago, resurface making for dangerous obstacles while navigating.
For more detailed information about the history of La Passe you can visit, https://hwtproject.ca/lapasse-gower-point/
Crown Land, Provincial Parks, and a Conservation Zone
Many of the islands along this stretch of river are Crown Land, meaning they can be accessed and used by anyone at anytime. There are two provincial parks at Big Island and Butternut island in Ontario Waters. Camping is not permitted here, but visiting is encouraged. Ducks Unlimited Canada with the help of the Province of Quebec and permission from local landowners, has recently recogonized 80 hectares of Isle Du Grand Calumet as an important feeding and resting zone for numerous migratory bird species, notably the Bald Eagle. For more information on this highly diverse, ecologically important area you can visit,​​
The Guide and the Canoe
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Your Happy Little Guide
​Always feeling a sadness when leaving, only to return to its shores and channels, finding calm and peace along its quiet majesty. His migratory return to the river through his young life would lay the cornerstone of his own experiences on the Great River. Through grade school to college, he would return with the season like many other creatures of the river.​ He graduated in 2012 with an Advanced Diploma in Alternative Energy Engineering Technology, giving him to skills needed to build the canoe 'Sunshine'.
He has since worked in laboratories, manufacturing, construction and cannabis, each field building towards something else. ​During these adult years he experienced joy, loss, struggle and success. Each time he found peace among the quiet islands on the river that he couldn't find elsewhere.
He acutely understands the urge to reconnect with the natural world and experience peace in any form, at any time. Turtles, birds, fish, beavers, muskrats, deer, salamanders and snakes, all call these waters home, and Matt is here to show this ecological bounty to you
Matt spent his summers growing up visiting family in the village of La Passe ON, his now home. Going swimming, fishing and exploring he he was captured by the magic of the Ottawa River at an early age.
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Your Happy Little Ride
The lead canoe, 'Sunshine' is a 5m(16ft) fiberglass Bluewater canoe, born out a thought experiment, and a desire to not have to spend money on gasoline each and every trip onto the river.
Matt built and upgraded several versions of 'Sunshine', for both safety and usability. The solar setup is currently two 100W panels thru a 12V/20A controller which powers a 1480Wh LiFePO4 battery, powering a 600W(55lb) thrust electric motor making for an exceptionally silent cruise. From the charge controller an inverter is connected in order to provide power to charge devices such as phones and power banks. Its original intent was to act as an off-grid power source for multi-day island camping.
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Its companion vessel, the 'Patience' is a dense and stable but buoyant thermoplastic intended for much more vigorous waters, than we will be traversing., has been fitted with seats and outriggers for comfort and greater stability.
Ethical Wildlife Photography Rules
We will follow the Birds Canada Code of Birding Ethics V.2.1 Nov 2019
We will leave no trace, take no trophies
We will avoid nesting sites at all times
We will stay a respectful distance from all wildlife as to not alter their behaviour or cause undue stress
We will not use audio recordings or food to attract birds or wildlife
We will be respectful to other birders, boaters and anglers we meet
Violating any of these rules is grounds to end the experience without a refund
Before you go, you should know
You'll need to be prepared, with weather appropriate clothing. Below is a list of recommended items to bring along the help ensure everyone has a Happy Little Canoe Ride
You Should Bring
Required
Hat, Clothing, Footwear & Bug Spray
A hat that will protect you from the sun and footwear that is waterproof or ok to get wet. Make sure they have good grip! Clothes that will protect you from the sun, as well as the bugs. Depending on the time of year mosquitos and other biting and stinging insects can be very unpleasant. A non-DEET bug repellant is recommended
Recommended
Sunscreen & Medications
Binoculars and/or Camera
Sunscreen and any medications or allergy precautions you my need.
​Lastly, your BINOCULARS and CAMERA. As these are parks and conservation zones, I cannot guarantee any animal sightings, rarely are any animals seen then same place twice
For Photoshoots
I supply the venue and access to it, you bring your outfit and photographer for an unforgettable experience