The Slate Isles - Terrace Bay, Ontario

Oh, give me a home where the caribou roam …  This wild and largely inaccessible group of islands surrounded by the water and waves of Superior is where we got the fabulous shots of bull caribou banging antlers in that age-old ritual called extreme dating.  The islands are a part of Slate Islands Provincial Park, and they lie within the newly-designated Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. It’s the largest sanctuary of its kind in the world, so don’t look for a Starbucks or a Tim Hortons.  You gotta bring your own tucker out here, ‘cause the caribou are protected, and although I’m told that the fishing is unbelievable, we didn’t have much time to try.  I can’t guarantee that you’ll see a caribou despite the fact that the Slates have the largest herd in the region, but you’ll increase your chances if you go during the fall rut. Just be careful to get back to the mainland before the big storms hit and strand you there. Insert photo of David & Doug with boat It’s the hardest place to get to of any of our stops on the lakes, but Doug Caldwell runs a charter boat from Terrace Bay, and he’ll strap your kayaks on the roof.  If you do manage to get there, you’ll never forget it, or Doug.  See if you can get the sleeping bag back that I left in the forward cabin of the boat.  If you’re cold, feel free to use it.