Sea-Doo Explorer Pro - Adventuring on Ontario's Waterways.
The Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 introduces a brand new segment in the PWC industry - adventure.
Regarding my fondness for motorized adventure, I always opt for the less travelled road; my motorcycle is an adventure bike, and I happily spend days exploring Ontario's vast network of snowmobile trails in the winter. So when I first laid my eyes on the built-for-adventure Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 PWC, my mind immediately set off scouring my brain for destinations such a machine could take me.
Now, here we are, with a week-long plan in mind, and thanks to the good folks at Algonquin Equipment in Sudbury, a Sea-Doo Explorer Pro and I are about to have some fun.
FYI... My lack of PWC experience means this is not a review but more of a first impression from a newbie.
Lake Nipissing, here we come.
Eager to get out on the water, I set my sights on the third-largest lake in Ontario.
Lake Nipissing spans over 800 square kilometres, offering a vast area for exciting personal watercraft (PWC) adventures.
The breathtaking setting at Saenchiur Flechey Resort, situated on the picturesque shoreline of the West Arm of Lake Nipissing, is a perfect home base for some PWC exploring. From here, you can navigate through the lake's numerous channels, discovering secluded coves, islands, and sandy beaches along the way.
Getting the Explorer in the water was a breeze with a boat ramp on sight. After a few minutes of familiarizing myself with the controls and a few laps on the water nearby, I was ready to push further into the lake.
As mentioned above, adventure is what the Sea-doo Explorer promises and that is what I am after. This week's ultimate goal is to spend a night camping in the backcountry. Packing for extended journeys is easy with a 100L dry bag that comes with the machine and is attached to the rear deck, and there is plenty of space in the 96L front storage container under the handlebars. Want more room? You can add gas cans, coolers and more to the rear deck.
With gear packed and a few island campsite options on the map, I was ready for adventure. I wasn't prepared for rocks and lots of them, lol.
Finding a suitable island for camping was easy; a way to assess the island and moor the Sea-Doo Explorer overnight was a challenge I was not ready for.
Lake of Bays, you're next.
Lake of Bays, nestled in the heart of Ontario's cottage country, stands out as a prime destination for a personal watercraft (PWC) tour. Riders can explore the numerous bays and inlets, discovering secluded spots and scenic vistas.
Just because the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is aimed at far-flung adventure, it doesn't mean it can't do all the fun things that make sea-doo so popular. Today, it is about having a good time with good friends.
Tank full, we launch from Dorset Beach Park with the day's plan to follow the shoreline of one of Muskoka's most beautiful lakes.
As the name implies, Lake of Bays is all about the bays and plenty of them and by the time we returned to the boat ramp, 150 kilometres were added to the odometer.
Conveniently, around the midpoint of our day, the community of Baysville provideds a chance to refuel the body and machine.
Wanting to test the Sea-Doo Explorer's fuel range and having the security of a gas can strapped to the machine, I skipped the mid-day refill. I am happy to report that while the fuel gauge showed empty at 120 kilometres, we are still running at 150.
On this chilly day, the Sea-doo's first-of-its-kind windshield offered protection from the cool wind and was much appreciated.
Huntsville, Ontario, cottage country exploring.
Huntsville provides a charming base for PWC enthusiasts, with plenty of amenities, local attractions, and a welcoming atmosphere, and we are happy to oblige with another day on the water. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Muskoka, Huntsville is home to several interconnected lakes and waterways, making it ideal for a fun day exploring. Starting from Fairy Lake, we follow the river through Huntsville onto Peninsula Lake. While the shoreline of Peninsula Lake is dotted with the expected array of lovely cottages, the far reaches of the lake feel surprisingly remote. Midway through our ride, the spectacular setting at On The Docks Pub, downtown Huntsville, provides an opportunity for lunch and some R&R, good times.
Lake Temagami, let's get wild.
Back to the adventure search, Lake Temagami is an alluring destination for any watercraft, whether power or paddle, enticing adventure-seekers with its remote wilderness and pristine waters. Nestled in northeastern Ontario, Lake Temagami boasts an extensive network of waterways, providing a captivating playground for the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro. The expansive lake, surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain, offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to explore secluded bays, navigate through twisting channels, discover remote islands and revel in the serenity of this untouched natural paradise.
I have often driven past Lake Temagami, gazing down its length and wondering what lies beyond. Finally, I'm excited to have the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro with me and the opportunity to explore this iconic lake. For my base camp for the next couple of nights, I've chosen Finlayson Point Provincial Park.
On the first day, I plan to explore in search of an island campsite before returning to the park for the night. Then, let's see how day one goes first for day two.
Being out on the open water, surrounded by nature, alone for the most part, is such a joy. My time with the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 has already exceeded my expectations. I appreciate the 16.5 litre integrated fuel caddy, the windshield protecting me from the wind, the adjustable handlebars that allow for stand-up riding, cruise control for covering kilometres and the 7-inch display on the Garmin GPS/Fish Finder that keeps me on track and provides water depth.
My first impression of Lake Temagami is that it is big and spectacular; while I only explored a small part of it, I did find a potential campsite.
Day two, let's do this. My potential camping spot is on an island 35 kilometres away, so in no hurry, I load my gear and necessities for a night out on the lake.
You would be hard-pressed to find room for a second tent on the tiny island I plan to call home, but the main selling point of this speck of real estate is a shallow, smooth and flat shelf of rock that allows a perfect approach for a landing. When I pull it up on shore, I use branches found on the ground under the hull to protect the sea-doo.
Tent set up, dead wood scavenged for a fire, and just like that, my backcountry adventure in the company of a Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170 is ticked off as done.
I am happy to report that good times were had with the adventure mobile, the Sea-Doo Explorer Pro 170.
