A Canadian Helicopter Ride

On our overlanding trip into the Algoma Canadian wilderness, our drone had become tangled in some high branches. Sadly, we were unable to recover it. As we neared Wawa, a city meaning “Wild Goose” in Ojibway, Chuck grabbed his phone and called, “Do you have any availability for today or tomorrow?” He had asked the person on the line. ‘Who was he calling?’ I wondered. In a few moments we were pulling into Wilderness Helicopters.

*My stomach fluttered at the prospect of flying above the Lake Superior shoreline!*

“Since the drone’s lost, I thought we could get some great aerial shots from a helicopter.” Chuck shrugged. I adore his nonchalant attitude toward true adventure! Our video is linked at the end of the article. Check it out!

Debriefing

Blair, the owner of Wilderness Helicopters, had graciously fit us into his schedule on this glorious August morning. He’d just returned from dropping off two power workers to a remote location where a wild fire had burned last week. “It’s been sooper busy with da fires going on here.” Blair’s Canadian accent was charming.

*Blair, owner of Wilderness Helicopters, instructed us about procedures for entering and exiting the vehicle.*

With casual carefulness, Blair led us aboard. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see the dense woodlands along Lake Superior’s shoreline. Secretly, I was hoping to see a moose!

Pre Flight Checks and Take Off

With 25 years of experience, Blair took his pre flight check very seriously. I appreciated his meticulous methods.

*With my seatbelt buckled (bottom left) and the log book filled in (bottom right),*
*Blair adjusted the settings and we lifted off the ground.*

The blades sliced through the air and we lifted off the ground. Just beyond the runway Lake Superior waved a friendly, “Hello!”

The Lake Superior Shoreline

Within moments we were soaring over the canopy of trees to the turquois water of Lake Superior. Thick trees looked like a carpet of moss. The vast expanse of fresh water before us left me breathless.

*The rippled lake mirrored a tropical feel from above* *as I was wrapped in my down coat.*

Magpie River

The Magpie River had once been a canoer’s thoroughfare to Montreal. The Northwest Company Trading Post had been positioned on the north side of the Magpie River. Later, in May 1670, the rival Hudson Bay Company had built their trading post on the south side of the waterway. Soon The Hudson Bay Company had taken over the commerce of the time. I silently admired the tenacity of the people and how they had lived centuries ago.

On the left (north) is Government Dock Beach, also known as Michipicoten Harbor, where steamers were able to unload lumber and steel for the construction of the remote Canadian Railway in the late 1800’s. The lives of many have been carved into this region.

Helen Mine

“I didn’t even know there had been a huge mine here.” Chuck commented into the headset. The Helen mine had provided iron ore for nearly a century.

*“That’s snow.” Blair swung us over the opening of the mine.*
*Chrystal white piles laid at the bottom of the chasm.*
*I saw the snow pile, but was at such an angle that I didn’t get a decent photo to share.*

Following his $500.00 purchase, Francis A. Clergue had named this mine for his sister, Helen, and began blasting on July 1, 1900. With a slight pause during the 20’s-30’s, the production of iron ore, ‘white gold,’ continued until 1998.

The Helen Mine’s Contribution To Industry

Four steamships and the Algoma Railroad had been built to transport iron ore and steel to Sault Ste. Marie. It had been reported that the Helen Mine had produced an estimated 8 million tons of iron ore.

Searching for Moose

“Maybe we’ll get a glimpse of some moose dere.” As if he’d read my mind, Blair whirled us near some remote lakes. My smile beamed. “I’ve been hoping to see moose out here!” I looked over at Blair. “We’ve only spied hoof prints in the sand, so far.” I sat forward peering through the domed windshield, straining to see massive antlers.

“Dis late in the mornin’ de’re prolly in da woods, don’t ya know.” Blair commented. I thanked him for trying and continued to scan the edges of the lakes.

Witnessing the world from this perspective with the carpet of greenery and the glassy, reflective water filled me with awe. The supporting lift and swing of the chopper felt like an amusement ride. Thank you, Blair! I encourage you to ride in a small aircraft and see the magnificent views! There’s a video link below.