Speaker Photo & Bio: Phil Cotton

"Uncle" Phil is a retired high school teacher, avid canoe historian and active environmentalist who has guided fully-outfitted canoe trips professionally for more than 55 years. Since 2004, he has devoted himself entirely towards the preservation and protection of canoe routes that lie within Wabakimi Provincial Park and on adjacent Crown lands. A prolific author, Phil contributed a chapter for Kevin Callan's paddling guidebook, Quetico and Beyond. Each winter, he undertakes an extensive speaking tour throughout Southern Ontario and the Upper Midwest to promote the park and what has become popularly known as The Wabakimi Project.

Presentation Title & Synopsis: Through Fire, Flood & Drought--Exploring the Northern Waterways of Wabakimi

Wabakimi Provincial Park is bounded on the north by the Albany River which is designated as a non-operating provincial waterway park. Its southern tributaries include the Pashkokogan, Mishekow, Shabuskwia, Attwood, Witchwood and Opichuan Rivers that link to routes within the park. Home of world record speckled (brook) trout, these remote waterways provide exciting angling and photo opportunities as well as challenging whitewater and canoe camping experiences.

To fulfill the adopted mission of The Wabakimi Project "to promote the Wabakimi area as a world-class wilderness canoeing destination", volunteer participants have already spent two seasons exploring, rehabilitating and documenting these traditional and historical canoe routes. They have travelled through forest fires and extreme water levels clearing portages and cleaning campsites. Through Fire, Flood & Drought will focus on recent reconnaissance trips of the Albany and Misehkow Rivers. It will also include information about self-directed canoeing opportunities in the Wabakimi area and how to participate in The Wabakimi Project.

Canoe Race Sunday, June 10th, 2012.
Come test your skill against Ontario's best or get the family together and paddle the point. For over 15 years now our Canoe Race has brought out the best in competition, and enjoyment for all ages. Great prizes are donated including tents, sleeping bags, Tilley hats, waterproof jackets, and much more. Every participant receives a guaranteed prize, a complimentary beverage at the Snooty Fox, and a sized performance dry fit top. This event is truly a worthwhile outing!

Last year the canoe race oversold with 32 canoes, our best turnout ever. Join us June 10th for this one of a kind Hamilton event.

Canoe Race Map

Banff Mountain Film Fest
"Adventure Attic proudly hosts the Banff Mountain Film Festival annually. We will be announcing our 2013 dates in the coming months. Stay tuned!"

Customer Appreciation Night
Once every fall, we take a chance to say thank you by keeping our doors open late, and we invite our customers to join together for a complimentary wine and cheese social. Come prepared with your latest trip story, or just drop in to say hi to staff and fellow patrons past and present.