Tackle one of the greatest Algonquin canoeing challenges, canoeing the length of Algonquin in the legendary Brent Run.
You'll travel from the top of Algonquin Park all the way down to Highway 60 in this incredible test of endurance and determination. Covering roughly 80 km with 11km of portages, this journey takes you through the heart of Algonquin Park’s rugged wilderness, combining long paddling stretches with challenging portages that require strength, patience, and planning.
Traditionally, the Brent Run involves travelling the 160km from Canoe Lake to Cedar Lake, right at the top of the park then back down again in less that 24 hours. This is a superhuman feat that very few have accomplished - to put into perspective just how challenging that is, we'll be doing half of the run over 5 days. Don't let that fool you into thinking this will be more relaxed...
We'll be getting up early each day and putting in long hours (up to 12 hours a day!) to make it to our next campsite each night. Along the way, you'll begin to understand how special Algonquin is - covering huge distances without once coming into contact with civilization.
Expect to navigate a mix of serene lakes and winding rivers, each with its own character and obstacles, from choppy open waters to twisting, narrow channels. Portages along the route can range from manageable to gruelling, with some stretches featuring steep climbs, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks that will test both your body and your gear.
Wildlife sightings are common, with the possibility of encountering moose, beavers, and even black bears along the way. Weather conditions can shift quickly, bringing wind or rain that adds another layer of difficulty to the paddle. It’s a challenge for those seeking to push their limits while soaking in the raw, untouched landscapes of one of Ontario’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Epic canoe trips have a way of making you feel truly alive. Your WU trip mates will feel like family by the end of this trip, having conquered real obstacles and banked so many incredible experiences together. Like all of our Epics, this is a trip you'll never forget.
You'll be led by our Lead Guide, Rory and Sarah, both of whom come with a huge amount of wilderness experience. They'll not only help you accomplish more than you knew you were capable of but also have real fun while you're doing it. Both have taught canoeing, lead trips across Canada and around the world and Sarah is a qualified Doctor with a particular interest in Wilderness Medicine. You couldn't be in better hands.
It's no exaggeration to say that you'll be among a very small number of people who've tackled this route. We've never seen an organized trip here and that's for good reason - it's incredibly hard to pull off and will be the hardest canoe trip Wilderness Union has tackled yet. You'll be shuttled up to the top of the park with all of your gear for the week making this a hard logistical challenge. Beyond the new muscles and friendships you've acquired, you'll also have bragging rights for a long time to come.
You can't cut corners on a trip like this and we've thought of everything. Among other things your trip registration includes:
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until lunch of the last morning fully catered. Please note, we may stop for a celebratory meal at a restaurant on our return that will be additional.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Fancy oatmeal, topped with nuts, dried fruits and cinnamon flakes
Lunch - Tortilla wraps with hummus, pepper, cheese and dried meat for carnivores
We're travelling a total of 80km with 11km of portaging. This will be a huge adventure and, in case it wasn't already clear, a significant challenge. While some of our trips are about relaxing on campsites, this is about the accomplishment and enjoyment of powering yourself in the wild like our ancestors did.
We'll have several portages each day, some of which are a short hop between lakes, others are practically a full blown hike with a canoe on our backs.
You'll be led by Rory and Sarah, both very experienced canoe trippers with extensive medical experience to keep everyone safe and having fun.
Camping
We'll be travelling to reserved campsites each day which means we'll have cover a certain amount of distance daily. Everyone will be assigned a different responsibility at camp and together, we'll set up our home for the night each day. This involves:
Sleeping Arrangements
There's limited space on campsites so we're sharing WU provided tents separated by gender. If you'd like to bring your own hammock to sleep in, please let us know on Discord asap. You should be very comfortable setting it up, working with tarps and have tested your sleep system in advance.
Backcountry considerations and using the toilet
This being remote backcountry, you'll have no phone reception, there's no electricity or running water. There may or may not be thunderboxes (wooden toilets) on site, so you may also be digging catholes to go to the toilet. This is a great guide to pooping in the woods!
Water
There's a risk of water contamination with viruses like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be purifying water on site. We'll be providing all necessary equipment for water purification but feel free to bring your chosen method in addition.
Fire
There's no fire ban so we'll be able to have a campfire at night.
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, do a bear hang, purify water etc. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? PM us on Discord and let's work it in.
Maps
Please ensure you download the maps in advance
Prep Meeting
If you missed the trip briefing, please watch this youtube video.
Thursday July 31st
04:45 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 05:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
05:00 - Bus leaves
Afternoon - Hit the water, and begin our journey
Distance covered - 6km paddle, 1km portage
Friday August 1st
Our longest day with 8 portages
Distance covered - 18km paddle, 4.4km portage
Saturday August 2nd
Our day with the most paddling but least portaging
Distance covered - 21km paddle, .5km portage
Sunday August 3rd
6 portages over our second longest day
Distance covered - 17km paddle, 2.5km portage
Monday August 4th
Racing to the finish line
Distance covered - 13km paddle, .8km portage
Afternoon - Expected finish of trip
We'll go on to have a celebratory all you can eat dinner at East Side Marios in Huntsville (note that this is not included in the trip cost)
21:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Travelling by canoe means you can pack a little more for comfort than you would on a hike in trip. This is a suggested list:
Clothing
Gear
Camping Gear / Sleep System
(Tents are provided.)
Personal Stuff
Random & Nice-to-Haves
Period Products
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. If you still have questions, Marie K has offered to answer any questions - you can message her privately on Discord.
We'll be providing most meals (either vegan or meaty according to your dietary requirements) for this adventure along with tea and coffee but no milk.
You should pack plenty of snacks to tide you over between meals.
You're responsible for your own breakfast (before we meet) and a packed lunch on day 1. On the way out, we will stop at a restaurant on the way back where you can purchase a meal.
We've really upped the quality of our meals this year and you can look forward to improved food options, even on backcountry trips! Don't forget to update your profile and notify us if your dietary restrictions have changed.
We'll provide the following:
Please check your member profile and ensure all information is up to date. Contact your guides directly if you have developed any health issues or allergies that we should be aware of - these will be treated in strictest confidence.
Ticks - Black legged ticks are in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here
Water danger - Only swim in places where you've been told it's safe to do so and only under the supervision of one of our guides. If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Drowning - You must wear your PFD (life jacket) at all times in the canoe and only canoe under the supervision of one of our guides
Getting lost - This is a wilderness location, away from help so it's important that we stay together at all times. If you get separated from the group, stop and blow your whistle/shout for help if there's no phone reception. It's unlikely that you'll have reception during this adventure. No breaking off without first discussing it with the hike leader!
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. Any injuries? Let us know in advance of the hike.
Wildlife - Bears are active in the area. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert. We'll provide all equipment necessary for a bear hang.
It's extremely important that no food is left unattended at the campsite (we've had meals stolen by raccoons before!) and at night, we'll take everything smelly out of bags and hang them in a tree, safe from wildlife.
Algonquin Park has a rich Indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these Indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for Indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
Tackle one of the greatest Algonquin canoeing challenges, canoeing the length of Algonquin in the legendary Brent Run.
You'll travel from the top of Algonquin Park all the way down to Highway 60 in this incredible test of endurance and determination. Covering roughly 80 km with 11km of portages, this journey takes you through the heart of Algonquin Park’s rugged wilderness, combining long paddling stretches with challenging portages that require strength, patience, and planning.
Traditionally, the Brent Run involves travelling the 160km from Canoe Lake to Cedar Lake, right at the top of the park then back down again in less that 24 hours. This is a superhuman feat that very few have accomplished - to put into perspective just how challenging that is, we'll be doing half of the run over 5 days. Don't let that fool you into thinking this will be more relaxed...
We'll be getting up early each day and putting in long hours (up to 12 hours a day!) to make it to our next campsite each night. Along the way, you'll begin to understand how special Algonquin is - covering huge distances without once coming into contact with civilization.
Expect to navigate a mix of serene lakes and winding rivers, each with its own character and obstacles, from choppy open waters to twisting, narrow channels. Portages along the route can range from manageable to gruelling, with some stretches featuring steep climbs, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks that will test both your body and your gear.
Wildlife sightings are common, with the possibility of encountering moose, beavers, and even black bears along the way. Weather conditions can shift quickly, bringing wind or rain that adds another layer of difficulty to the paddle. It’s a challenge for those seeking to push their limits while soaking in the raw, untouched landscapes of one of Ontario’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Epic canoe trips have a way of making you feel truly alive. Your WU trip mates will feel like family by the end of this trip, having conquered real obstacles and banked so many incredible experiences together. Like all of our Epics, this is a trip you'll never forget.
You'll be led by our Lead Guide, Rory and Sarah, both of whom come with a huge amount of wilderness experience. They'll not only help you accomplish more than you knew you were capable of but also have real fun while you're doing it. Both have taught canoeing, lead trips across Canada and around the world and Sarah is a qualified Doctor with a particular interest in Wilderness Medicine. You couldn't be in better hands.
It's no exaggeration to say that you'll be among a very small number of people who've tackled this route. We've never seen an organized trip here and that's for good reason - it's incredibly hard to pull off and will be the hardest canoe trip Wilderness Union has tackled yet. You'll be shuttled up to the top of the park with all of your gear for the week making this a hard logistical challenge. Beyond the new muscles and friendships you've acquired, you'll also have bragging rights for a long time to come.
You can't cut corners on a trip like this and we've thought of everything. Among other things your trip registration includes:
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until lunch of the last morning fully catered. Please note, we may stop for a celebratory meal at a restaurant on our return that will be additional.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Fancy oatmeal, topped with nuts, dried fruits and cinnamon flakes
Lunch - Tortilla wraps with hummus, pepper, cheese and dried meat for carnivores
We're travelling a total of 80km with 11km of portaging. This will be a huge adventure and, in case it wasn't already clear, a significant challenge. While some of our trips are about relaxing on campsites, this is about the accomplishment and enjoyment of powering yourself in the wild like our ancestors did.
We'll have several portages each day, some of which are a short hop between lakes, others are practically a full blown hike with a canoe on our backs.
You'll be led by Rory and Sarah, both very experienced canoe trippers with extensive medical experience to keep everyone safe and having fun.
Camping
We'll be travelling to reserved campsites each day which means we'll have cover a certain amount of distance daily. Everyone will be assigned a different responsibility at camp and together, we'll set up our home for the night each day. This involves:
Sleeping Arrangements
There's limited space on campsites so we're sharing WU provided tents separated by gender. If you'd like to bring your own hammock to sleep in, please let us know on Discord asap. You should be very comfortable setting it up, working with tarps and have tested your sleep system in advance.
Backcountry considerations and using the toilet
This being remote backcountry, you'll have no phone reception, there's no electricity or running water. There may or may not be thunderboxes (wooden toilets) on site, so you may also be digging catholes to go to the toilet. This is a great guide to pooping in the woods!
Water
There's a risk of water contamination with viruses like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be purifying water on site. We'll be providing all necessary equipment for water purification but feel free to bring your chosen method in addition.
Fire
There's no fire ban so we'll be able to have a campfire at night.
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, do a bear hang, purify water etc. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? PM us on Discord and let's work it in.
Maps
Please ensure you download the maps in advance
Prep Meeting
If you missed the trip briefing, please watch this youtube video.
Thursday July 31st
04:45 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 05:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
05:00 - Bus leaves
Afternoon - Hit the water, and begin our journey
Distance covered - 6km paddle, 1km portage
Friday August 1st
Our longest day with 8 portages
Distance covered - 18km paddle, 4.4km portage
Saturday August 2nd
Our day with the most paddling but least portaging
Distance covered - 21km paddle, .5km portage
Sunday August 3rd
6 portages over our second longest day
Distance covered - 17km paddle, 2.5km portage
Monday August 4th
Racing to the finish line
Distance covered - 13km paddle, .8km portage
Afternoon - Expected finish of trip
We'll go on to have a celebratory all you can eat dinner at East Side Marios in Huntsville (note that this is not included in the trip cost)
21:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Travelling by canoe means you can pack a little more for comfort than you would on a hike in trip. This is a suggested list:
Clothing
Gear
Camping Gear / Sleep System
(Tents are provided.)
Personal Stuff
Random & Nice-to-Haves
Period Products
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. If you still have questions, Marie K has offered to answer any questions - you can message her privately on Discord.
We'll be providing most meals (either vegan or meaty according to your dietary requirements) for this adventure along with tea and coffee but no milk.
You should pack plenty of snacks to tide you over between meals.
You're responsible for your own breakfast (before we meet) and a packed lunch on day 1. On the way out, we will stop at a restaurant on the way back where you can purchase a meal.
We've really upped the quality of our meals this year and you can look forward to improved food options, even on backcountry trips! Don't forget to update your profile and notify us if your dietary restrictions have changed.
We'll provide the following:
Please check your member profile and ensure all information is up to date. Contact your guides directly if you have developed any health issues or allergies that we should be aware of - these will be treated in strictest confidence.
Ticks - Black legged ticks are in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here
Water danger - Only swim in places where you've been told it's safe to do so and only under the supervision of one of our guides. If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Drowning - You must wear your PFD (life jacket) at all times in the canoe and only canoe under the supervision of one of our guides
Getting lost - This is a wilderness location, away from help so it's important that we stay together at all times. If you get separated from the group, stop and blow your whistle/shout for help if there's no phone reception. It's unlikely that you'll have reception during this adventure. No breaking off without first discussing it with the hike leader!
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. Any injuries? Let us know in advance of the hike.
Wildlife - Bears are active in the area. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert. We'll provide all equipment necessary for a bear hang.
It's extremely important that no food is left unattended at the campsite (we've had meals stolen by raccoons before!) and at night, we'll take everything smelly out of bags and hang them in a tree, safe from wildlife.
Algonquin Park has a rich Indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these Indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for Indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
