I just recently heard of the Slate Islands on Lake Superior. I have not been able to find too much information about other paddlers experiences there. From the little information I have found makes these islands a priority destination for me. The shortest distance from the mainland is just under 9 km. There are some businesses that offer shuttles but I would prefer to do the crossing. Apparently, these islands are a part of Ontario Parks but do not have services there.
Has anyone kayaked the Slates? I would love to read about it.
The islands are home to a large herd of woodlands caribou that seem quite friendly. And the scenery is beautiful.

Chad,
Although I have not kayaked the Slates, it is not because I did not try. Both days that we had available to try the Slates were to foggy to cross from the mainland to the Islands. When we inquired about shuttle service, the price shock almost knocked us to the floor. $500!!! You figure that they are taking you there and then going back and then returning to pick you up and then taking you back to the main land; so 4 times, they have to burn gas. Very expensive. You are better off to paddle for sure, but it can be testy. To be honest, the best sea kayaking that we have ever done was about 15 miles to the West of the Slates at Rossport. The Rossport Islands are breath taking. Most of them are protected.
We stayed at the Rainbow Falls Provisional Campground. Fantastic location because there are at least 4 islands that you can get to right from your campsite. Seeing that you are only 15 miles from the crossing for the Slate Islands, you can plan your trip to the Slates by the weather. If its going to be sunny and calm, then drive the 15 miles and do the open water crossing to the Slates, if the weather is a little testy, then do some of the Rossport Islands.
The best time of the year to go is the last week two weeks in July, through the first two weeks of August. We had unbelievable warm weather and Lake Superior was 70 degrees!!! We snorkeled every day.
Have fun and enjoy the most beautiful sea kayaking in North America!
Pat from Rockford, MI

Thanks Pat for your input. The last half of July to the first half of August is the worst time for me to get away up to Lake Superior (with work and kids). This year, I have almost the month of September off for holidays. I am not going to take a chance on driving all the way up to Superior and hope for unbelievable weather. That's too bad. I guess there is always next year.

The crossing at its shortest is about 14km (close to 9 miles I guess). We did the crossing in fog from Bottle Point (we had taken some solid compass bearings the night before) without any problems, but the way back (across to Jackfish Bay) was spectacular and calm. The Rossport area does have enough spectacular paddling to take up a week with the family, but the Slates are somewhere special to be sure. The caribou are a really unique drawing card, but there are some beautiful beaches, diverse geology, old mines, a lighthouse, and some historic camps, buildings, and shipwrecks (including a brothel).

Naturally Superior Adventures in Wawa may be able to set you up with a group already shuttling across to save cash, you may be able to find groups through various message boards, or you may just want to ask the operator if he has a group going you can combine with to save everyone some money.

When did you do the crossing to the Slates Ray? I mean which month? Because I am not from that area and not too familiar with Lake Superior, I would like to know the best time to paddle there. I have most of September off this year but wonder if that is getting to late in the season to paddle to the Slates.

July is usually the best calm/warm combination. As the lake warms up, we start to see more wind and waves, so August tends to be windier and rougher. September is sometimes very calm, and sometimes quite rough. Very unpredictable.

If you're traveling with kids, a boat shuttle is probably the way to go.

My kids aren't really that fond of kayaking. I would be paddling the Slates solo. I think I will spend September on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron this year. Thanks for the input Ray.