On this trip, you’ll learn everything you need to know to safely and confidently go on your own canoe trips with the help of one of our trained guides. This starts on day one, going over each of our packs, understanding why we’re bringing what we’re bringing, and how to travel with it through the wilderness. For first time paddlers, this first day will be an introduction to being on the water: how to paddle, how to steer a canoe, and how to navigate the backcountry lake systems.
Once we’re in the backcountry, you’ll have the chance to pick your own site and practice essential skills like setting up your tent, how to assemble a weatherproof tarp system, building a fire fit for royalty and, of course, cooking over that open flame. On travel days, we’ll dig into these skills even further, offering the chance for you to put them into practice, while also learning about the local flora, fauna, and cultural history of Algonquin Park.
Our trips also run well into September and October. To us, autumn is one of the best times of year for canoe tripping - while also offering the element shift to colder weather. Fall trips have specially outfitted gear and take all necessary precautions to manage cold weather risks.
What To Expect
Day-by-Day Itinerary
You’ll meet the rest of your trip members and guide in the morning (10:45AM) at the access point lake. Upon arrival, your guide will help you get your personal gear ready and packed, while the group get’s to know each other and shares lunch.
Once packed and ready to go, boats hit the water around 11:30, and you’re off! Day 1 is usually a shorter day, where you can expect 1-2 portages under 500m, and approximately 3-4 hours of paddling. After your day of travel, you’ll arrive at the site later in the afternoon and after setting up camp, have some time to kick back, swim or practice some trip skills by the fire. Spend the evening feasting on some top notch trip cuisine, roast marshmallows, and if the weather’s right, stargaze while on a nighttime paddle.
Day 2 is usually one of two types: travel to a new site, or if base camping, have the option of some local exploring and enjoying some wild time at your site doing whatever you feel called to. If traveling to a new site, the site is torn down after breakfast (8:30-9:00am), canoes are loaded and off you’ll be for a day of backcountry exploring. You can expect roughly 4-6 hours of paddling, and 2-3 portages under 1.5km. Arrive at your new campsite, set up and take a load off while you relax and snack your way through the evening. If you’re base-camping, the flow of the day is typically decided by the collective group - some sleep in and spend the day hanging out at the campsite (swimming, reading, snacking, exploring - you name it), while others take day-trips to local attractions (swim in a waterfall? Sure thing).
Before you know it, it’ll be time to tear down the site and head home. Thankfully, day 3 moves at a gentle pace, allowing plenty of time to soak up your surroundings while you meander your way back to the access point lake. On most trips, you can expect to be back to your vehicle between 2:00-3:00PM.