About Upper Dumoine Watershed Leadership, Stewardship & Guide Training Initiative Program
The Upper Dumoine Watershed Leadership, Stewardship & Guide Training Initiative is a unique 5-day canoe expedition designed for trip leaders and outdoor professionals who want to deepen their expertise while contributing to meaningful conservation work. Delivered by MHO Adventures in partnership with Friends of the Dumoine, this program combines hands-on stewardship training with professional development, giving you the opportunity to work alongside experienced guides and peer leaders from different organizations across Canada.
You'll paddle through the Upper Dumoine watershed conducting campsite and portage assessments, performing light rehabilitation and cleanup work, and building practical skills in guide training and expedition logistics. The program is intentionally structured to support the professional development of canoe trip leaders while generating real stewardship outcomes—you're not just learning, you're actively contributing to the protection of this iconic river corridor. Throughout the expedition, you'll benefit from mentorship and knowledge exchange with MHO's experienced team, strengthening your leadership capabilities and understanding of best practices for responsible river travel.
A highlight of the program is a one-day historic seminar at Grande Chute led by legendary canoeist Wally Schaber. This session grants you a Dumoine History Guide Certification, enabling you to confidently share the river's rich cultural and historical knowledge on future trips. This unique credential reflects the program's commitment to fostering a more connected community of leaders dedicated to the Dumoine.
The program serves trip leaders, camp directors, outfitters, and other outdoor professionals who meet the prerequisites: Friends of Dumoine institutional membership, strong canoe tripping and whitewater skills, swimming ability, and solid campcraft experience. You'll develop hands-on stewardship expertise, expand your professional network, improve your river knowledge, and align with shared standards for guide excellence—all while supporting conservation on a watershed you care about.
MHO Adventures is not profiting from this initiative; costs are structured on a sliding scale to ensure accessibility. Professional guides, group equipment, safety gear, canoes, permits, and logistical support are included. You're responsible for your personal gear, transportation to the put-in, individual road passes, and meal contributions—the latter intentionally delegated to facilitate knowledge sharing. Whether you're looking to advance your guiding credentials, connect with a community of like-minded leaders, or contribute to meaningful river stewardship, this program offers a rare, professionally rigorous experience on one of Canada's most storied paddling destinations.