Frequently Asked Questions
How will COVID19 change your activities.
As with all businesses, COVID19 has brought changes to the way we do things. For our guided hikes we will limit our participants to the group size required by provincial public health. We will maintain a 2m (6ft) distance from our clients and will use personal protective equipment when needed.
What are your COVID19 cleaning protocols for Norm's Cabin?
We have taken the time to review recommendations from Health Canada, AirBnB and NOTO and have developed protocols to ensure that Norm's cabin remains a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. This includes cleaning touchpoints from our initial meeting, to the transportation of your gear and supplies as well as the cleaning and sanitizing of the cabin itself.
What are the Border Crossing Requirements?
To travel to Canada you must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler and must use the ArriveCAN app.
These requirements are subject to change. Visit the Government of Canada website for up to date information.
What are your COVID19 cleaning protocols for Norm's Cabin?
We have taken the time to review recommendations from Health Canada, AirBnB and NOTO and have developed protocols to ensure that Norm's cabin remains a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests. This includes cleaning touchpoints from our initial meeting, to the transportation of your gear and supplies as well as the cleaning and sanitizing of the cabin itself.
What are the Border Crossing Requirements?
To travel to Canada you must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler and must use the ArriveCAN app.
These requirements are subject to change. Visit the Government of Canada website for up to date information.
Do I need experience to participate on Blaq Bear routes?
Not necessarily. All of our trips begin with an orientation and safety session and we’ll assess your wayfinding skills to ensure that you can find your way. Hiking is a relatively easy activity but having said that, some trails can be challenging. All participants should be in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable hiking in the wilderness. If you are unsure whether your skill or experience levels are suited to any of our trips just give us a call. We are happy to recommend a trip that would be most suited to your style and skills.
Do the trips accommodate children?
Children accompanied by adults are welcome. We recommend that you contact us to discuss your needs if you are planning a trip with children. Currently children under the age of 18 are not permitted without an accompanying adult. We will explore a possible teen package in the near future if there is a demand.
What are the meals like?
Most meals are provided through our partner accommodations, including breakfast and lunch. Meals that we provide are selected for variety and good taste, with minimal additives or preservatives. A local establishment specializes in freezing delicious homemade meals made by their in-house chef. We also include fresh produce and bakery items made by our partners. This allows us a flexible menu for vegetarian and other dietary needs. Accurately filling out the registration form will help match the proper foods for dietary concerns.
Do I have to cook?
The Algoma Wilderness Route requires participants to cook their meals. A camp stove will be provided at the hut and there is a propane stove at Norm’s Cabin. Food provided will be easy to prepare. Camp stove use will be reviewed during orientation.
Do you drink the lake water?
Lake Superior is the cleanest of the Great Lakes, and many people drink the water regularly. The water in smaller lakes, although generally clean may be infected with Giardia parasite, also known as Beaver Fever. It is best to carry drinkable water or a suitable water filter on all your hikes.
How big are the groups?
Group sizes are limited to eight due to limited accommodation and transportation space.
What weather can I expect?
Lake Superior creates its own weather patterns, so conditions vary a lot.
Temperature Range for Sault Ste. Marie |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Daily Average (°C) |
-9.5 |
-7.8 |
-3.1 |
3.9 |
11.8 |
15.8 |
18.6 |
18.2 |
13.4 |
7.3 |
0.6 |
-5.9 |
Daily Maximum (°C) |
-5.3 |
-3.3 |
1.6 |
8.9 |
17.8 |
21.8 |
24.3 |
23.5 |
18.2 |
11.2 |
3.7 |
-2.4 |
Daily Minimum (°C) |
-13.6 |
-12.2 |
-7.8 |
-1.1 |
5.6 |
9.9 |
12.8 |
12.8 |
8.7 |
3.2 |
-2.4 |
-9.3 |
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather.html
What do we do with garbage?
We want to promote environmental awareness in all aspects of our trips. Please pack out any garbage that you generate while on your hikes. If you stay at Norm's cabin, we will remove any garbage at the end of your stay as part of the package.
How do we take care of human waste?
Use a small trowel or a stick to dig a small hole and bury waste including used paper. This will help decompose it more quickly.
Are there any dangerous animals?
Black bears, wolves and coyotes are found in the Algoma forest, but consider it a treat if you see any. Bears are very generally timid, and will seldom show themselves if people are around.
How are the bugs?
Heavy ‘Bug’ season is normally late May and June, although this varies from year to year. There are insects throughout the warmer months but we find little problem with biting insects in most spots on the Superior coast due to the breezes and cooler temperatures. If you are concerned, or are particularly sensitive to bites, consider travelling later in the season to avoid the majority of the biting insects.
The best protection is to wear light-coloured long-sleeved clothing and pants, and consider bringing a bug jacket or head net. Insect repellent can help when bugs are particularly bad but should be used sparingly.
The best protection is to wear light-coloured long-sleeved clothing and pants, and consider bringing a bug jacket or head net. Insect repellent can help when bugs are particularly bad but should be used sparingly.
Can I swim?
Lake Superior and other inland lakes are fresh, clean and depending on when you visit, cool or cold, rarely above 21°C (70F). Many areas have white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
What is your smoking policy?
We have strict “NO SMOKING” policy for any building on our trips. If you must smoke use a empty can to dispose of butts including while hiking. The forest is often dry during the summer and butts pose a considerable risk for forest fires. If a forest fire is traced back to cigarette butts, the smoker can be required to pay the costs associated with the fire.
Can I bring my dog?
You can now bring dogs to Norm's Cabin. Please contact us for other trips.
Will my cellphone work?
Cellphone coverage is fairly consistent along the highway corridors except in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Along the trails coverage is spotty. This is the reason we loan our Spot Devices, in case of emergency you will have a better chance of connecting.
Missing something?
Sault Ste. Marie has many fully supplied equipment stores and other establishments.
Where is Algoma?
Algoma District is a district located in Northeastern Ontario in the Canadian province of Ontario. Its geographical area encompasses the north shore of Lake Huron and the northeastern shore of Lake Superior.
Source: www.algomacountry.com
How to get to Sault Ste. Marie?
Sault Ste. Marie can be reached by road, bus and air.
Road
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is centrally located at the heart of the Great Lakes connected by Trans Canada Highway 17 from Ottawa and Thunder Bay, from Toronto via Highway 69, and from the United States via Interstate 75
Bus
Sault Ste. Marie is serviced by fully equipped modern motor coaches operated by Ontario Northland from most points in Canada
General Inquiries
T: 1.705.472.4500 T: 1.800.363.7512 ext. 0 F: 1-705-476-5598
[email protected]
www.ontarionorthland.ca
Air
The Sault Ste. Marie Airport is serviced by Air Canada Jazz, and Porter Airlines connecting from Toronto, Ontario. Locally short-haul flights in Ontario & Eastern Manitoba are service by Bearskin Airlines and Northwest Airlines has connections in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Air Canada Jazz
Connections from Toronto, Ontario
www.aircanada.com
Bearskin Airlines
Short-haul flights in Ontario & Eastern Manitoba
1-800-465-2327
www.bearskinairlines.com
Porter Airlines
Connections from downtown Toronto, Ontario
1-888-619-8622
www.flyporter.com
Northwest Airlines
Connections from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
1-800-225-2525
www.nwa.com
Sault Ste. Marie can be reached by road, bus and air.
Road
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is centrally located at the heart of the Great Lakes connected by Trans Canada Highway 17 from Ottawa and Thunder Bay, from Toronto via Highway 69, and from the United States via Interstate 75
Bus
Sault Ste. Marie is serviced by fully equipped modern motor coaches operated by Ontario Northland from most points in Canada
General Inquiries
T: 1.705.472.4500 T: 1.800.363.7512 ext. 0 F: 1-705-476-5598
[email protected]
www.ontarionorthland.ca
Air
The Sault Ste. Marie Airport is serviced by Air Canada Jazz, and Porter Airlines connecting from Toronto, Ontario. Locally short-haul flights in Ontario & Eastern Manitoba are service by Bearskin Airlines and Northwest Airlines has connections in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Air Canada Jazz
Connections from Toronto, Ontario
www.aircanada.com
Bearskin Airlines
Short-haul flights in Ontario & Eastern Manitoba
1-800-465-2327
www.bearskinairlines.com
Porter Airlines
Connections from downtown Toronto, Ontario
1-888-619-8622
www.flyporter.com
Northwest Airlines
Connections from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
1-800-225-2525
www.nwa.com
What time zone is Algoma in?
Algoma is in the on Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT - 5 hours). It is in the same time zone as Toronto, Montreal and New York City.
Do I require a visa to enter Canada?
The first step is to determine your basic eligibility for entering Canada, this can be found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp
Citizens from the United States and many European countries are exempt from visa requirements.
A complete list on visa requiring countries, can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp
Citizens from the United States and many European countries are exempt from visa requirements.
A complete list on visa requiring countries, can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp
Currency
The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) which is currently valued below the US dollar which bodes well for American and European travelers.
All major credit cards are accepted in Canada (MasterCard, VISA, American Express), and debit cards featuring the "Interac" logo will also be accepted wherever debit cards are accepted.
All major credit cards are accepted in Canada (MasterCard, VISA, American Express), and debit cards featuring the "Interac" logo will also be accepted wherever debit cards are accepted.
Language
Canada has two official languages; English and French. English is the more commonly spoken language, though French is largely spoken in parts of Ontario and Quebec.
What is TICO?
TICO or Travel Industry Council of Ontario is consumer protection for your travel investment when you book with a TICO registered organization.
