We start the day with a paddling lesson from our experienced guides then canoe across beautiful Rock Lake, under epic Booth's rock.
We'll then have the unique experience of paddling to a trail head where we'll tie up our canoues and embark on a scenic hike up the rock to a breathtaking lookout point, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the pristine wilderness. If you're lucky, you may get to spot the moose who call Algonquin home.
We'll meet at Rock Lake campground where the canoe rentals are waiting for us. We'll kick off the day with a paddling lesson for anybody who needs it.
Once you're feeling comfortable in the water, we'll have a short paddle across the stunning Rock Lake, taking our time to enjoy the serenity of the area. We'll pull in beside Booth's Rock, secure our canoes then hike the 1km up booth's rock.
At the top we'll have incredible views of the area and a great lunch spot.
Returning down, you'll have the option to swim if you want to before returning back to the campground and heading back home after an amazing day on the water.
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06:20 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. It's a long drive so we'll make a short stop at a service station en route. Make sure you've used the washroom before joining us!
06:30 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on time and can't wait for latecomers so please be on time!
10:00 - Expected arrival at Rock Lake Campground where we'll pick up the canoes.
10:00 - 11:30 - Paddling lesson, explore Rock Lake
11:30 - 13:00 - Hike Booth's Rock, eat lunch
13:00 - 14:30 - Explore more of the lake/swim then return canoes
14:30 - Begin drive back to Toronto
18:00 - Rough arrival time back at Keele Station
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.
This weather widget will update with expected conditions - please dress for the weather!
We'll have some dry bags but you may want to bring your own to keep valuables dry just in case.
PFDs and paddles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water.
Canoes, PFDs and paddles. You're welcome to bring your own PFDs or paddles but no personal watercraft.
Self drivers - You'll need to purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit for the Highway 60 corridor in advance here - ideally on the 20th August at 7am to ensure you get a spot. The park gets busy at this time.
Water based danger: Everyone must wear their PFD at all times. We'll stick together and avoid going out onto open water where the water is a lot more choppy and there's greater danger.
Drowning: No swimming at any time without a guide watching you.
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
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
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.
We start the day with a paddling lesson from our experienced guides then canoe across beautiful Rock Lake, under epic Booth's rock.
We'll then have the unique experience of paddling to a trail head where we'll tie up our canoues and embark on a scenic hike up the rock to a breathtaking lookout point, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the pristine wilderness. If you're lucky, you may get to spot the moose who call Algonquin home.
We'll meet at Rock Lake campground where the canoe rentals are waiting for us. We'll kick off the day with a paddling lesson for anybody who needs it.
Once you're feeling comfortable in the water, we'll have a short paddle across the stunning Rock Lake, taking our time to enjoy the serenity of the area. We'll pull in beside Booth's Rock, secure our canoes then hike the 1km up booth's rock.
At the top we'll have incredible views of the area and a great lunch spot.
Returning down, you'll have the option to swim if you want to before returning back to the campground and heading back home after an amazing day on the water.
06:20 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. It's a long drive so we'll make a short stop at a service station en route. Make sure you've used the washroom before joining us!
06:30 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on time and can't wait for latecomers so please be on time!
10:00 - Expected arrival at Rock Lake Campground where we'll pick up the canoes.
10:00 - 11:30 - Paddling lesson, explore Rock Lake
11:30 - 13:00 - Hike Booth's Rock, eat lunch
13:00 - 14:30 - Explore more of the lake/swim then return canoes
14:30 - Begin drive back to Toronto
18:00 - Rough arrival time back at Keele Station
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.
This weather widget will update with expected conditions - please dress for the weather!
We'll have some dry bags but you may want to bring your own to keep valuables dry just in case.
PFDs and paddles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water.
Canoes, PFDs and paddles. You're welcome to bring your own PFDs or paddles but no personal watercraft.
Self drivers - You'll need to purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit for the Highway 60 corridor in advance here - ideally on the 20th August at 7am to ensure you get a spot. The park gets busy at this time.
Water based danger: Everyone must wear their PFD at all times. We'll stick together and avoid going out onto open water where the water is a lot more choppy and there's greater danger.
Drowning: No swimming at any time without a guide watching you.
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
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
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.
