Our first canoe camping trip of the year! Algonquin is beautiful from the trails but to really experience it, you've got to explore it by the water. The magic of a portaging trip is that you can get deeper into the park, further away from humans and feel truly lost in nature. What allows us to do that is the portage - when we get to the end of one body of water, we'll put the canoes on our shoulders and hike to the next one, putting more distance between us and the rest of the world.
We'll take off from an access point at the quieter North Western tip of the park, that takes us through a river, over beaver dams until you're the furthest from civilization that you've ever been. As we go, you'll learn a whole basket of camping skills - from how to canoe and portage to camp craft like purifying water, keeping food safe from bears and fire starting (if the fire-ban is over). We'll spend a total of 3 days and two nights in the park.
Ontario has the best canoe camping in the world and Algonquin is perhaps the most iconic location for a trip.
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You can never guarantee animal sightings but in the past we've seen bears, beavers and moose in the park and there's a high probability you'll see some amazing wildlife over the weekend.
This is a beginner friendly trip and is suitable for people of all abilities. Those who don't feel capable of carrying a canoe will carry gear instead and we'll be helping each other out every step of the way.
We'll be accompanied by an experienced wilderness guide with a wealth of experience leading groups in Northern Ontario and advanced first aid qualifications.
This is a 3 day, 2 night trip that sees up start off from the North Western tip of the park. We'll pick up canoes, have a quick portaging lesson then set off on to the lake to travel as a group to our respective camp sites.
While we're all setting off together, we're going to be in 2 groups for this trip, one of which will have a slightly longer portage to a quieter lake, the other, an easier trip to somewhere closer. We'll split off from each other a few hours in to the adventure, only regrouping on the last day for the paddle back.
Jon will lead one group, Isaac will lead the other with one leader at each site.
Pre trip info session and social
We'll be hosting an online pre-trip briefing on Monday 31st August at 18:30 here. We also have a pre-trip social on the 3rd that you should attend to meet your fellow campers!
The Paddle and Portage
We'll be paddling 11km to our campsites. We start on a large lake before going up an incredibly beautiful river, lifting over beaver dams as we go. This section is likely to be quite slow. Towards the end of the river we have one 65m portage and another of about 300m. We'll then end up on North Tea Lake where we'll split, one group finding a site there, the other going for the longer portages (500m then 250m) onto the more isolated Lost Dog Lake.
If you haven't portaged before, there's no need to be intimidated. The stronger person in the canoe will do the portage with the other carrying the bags. We can stop along the way and break it into manageable chunks. Everybody who has signed up is capable of the trip!
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be staying in Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure, separated by gender. We'll have 2 large tents per campsite which everyone will use unless you're unable to due to a medical reason (like sleep apnea). If this is the case, please message privately on Discord.
Facilities
This being backcountry, there'll be no phone reception, no electricity and no toilets. The only facilities we'll have are a Thunderbox (a wooden box over a hole as a toilet) for the most scenic loo trip of your life. This means we'll be purifying our own water and bringing our own toilet paper.
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.
Bears
Bears are active in the area, we saw one last time we visited. 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.
Fire
There's currently 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 me on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
It's bug season! The fact we're next to the lake means it hopefully shouldn't be too bad but you should bring bug spray. Natural stuff won't cut it, get high percentage DEET or Icaridin. Keep in mind that DEET melts plastic so, while it's safe on your skin, keep it away from your gear. A bug net or bug jacket is recommended if you're sensitive to bugs. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Saturday 5th August
06:20 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 06:30. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
06:30 - Head off. We'll stop at a rest-stop along the way to pick up lunch
10:15 - Meet up with self drivers at Driftwood Paddle to pick up gear and prepare to launch
11:30 - Anticipated launch time. Paddle to campsites, stopping for lunch en route.
16:30 - Anticipated arrival at campsites.
Set up camp then chill around the fire
We'll eat together in the evening, hang out around the campsite and find a spot for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Sunday 6th August
A full day of relaxation and exploring. Paddle on the lake, read in a hammock, practice your knot tying skills. It's up to you!
Monday 7th August
8:30 - Lazy morning
9:30 - Break Camp
10:30 - Leave Camp
12:00 - Meet back up with the rest of the group
15:00 - Arrive back at access point
17:00 - Celebratory meal
20:00 - Anticipated return to 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.
Check back here to see how the weather is developing. We'll share an update closer to the time.
Clothing:
As a general rule of thumb, only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
If you have asked for rentals, we'll pack the stuff you bring into the rented backpack.
If you have a dry bag, bring it for your electronics and anything else you want to keep dry. If you don't you can tie your clothes up in a garbage bag within your bag.
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
We'll be providing plates, cutlery and a mug for everyone
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, Chrissy has offered to be our resident outdoorsy Period Professor and you can message her privately on Discord.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
We'll be providing most meals for this adventure along with tea and coffee. You'll buy your own lunch on the way up to the start (we'll stop at an en route) and celebratory dinner but everything else is included. We'll confirm your dietary requirements in the coming days.
Saturday lunch - Get your own lunch en route
Saturday night dinner - Gourmet vegetarian or meaty option
Sunday morning breakfast - Isaac's famous backpacking oatmeal
Sunday lunch - Wraps
Sunday dinner - Another gourmet hot meal
Monday breakfast - Isaac's equally famous backpacking porridge (yes, porridge is the same as oatmeal)
Monday lunch - Wraps
Monday Dinner - We'll get food at a diner on the way back. After an epic return journey in canoes, this will be the best meal you've ever tasted! The meal on the way back is separate to the meal plan.
You're welcome to bring your own burner for making tea and coffee. You should also bring your own snacks!
We'll provide the following:
If you need a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack or drybag, make sure that you fill out this form ASAP otherwise you'll have a very uncomfortable trip!
No additional reservations required
Water based danger: Everyone must wear PFDs at all times while in the canoes. Non swimmers must not swim.
Sunburn/ Heat stroke: Wear sunscreen and a hat. We'll have rehydration solution if you need it.
Portage injuries: Wear shoes with a decent sole and some support
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help.
Wildlife: We'll store animal attractants properly and stick as a group to reduce the risk of unexpected animal encounters.
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.
The park is located on the traditional territories of the Anishnabe and the Algonquin from which the park gets its name, meaning "the place of spearing fish and eels". Learn more about the indigenous history of the park and the Algonquin people here.
Our first canoe camping trip of the year! Algonquin is beautiful from the trails but to really experience it, you've got to explore it by the water. The magic of a portaging trip is that you can get deeper into the park, further away from humans and feel truly lost in nature. What allows us to do that is the portage - when we get to the end of one body of water, we'll put the canoes on our shoulders and hike to the next one, putting more distance between us and the rest of the world.
We'll take off from an access point at the quieter North Western tip of the park, that takes us through a river, over beaver dams until you're the furthest from civilization that you've ever been. As we go, you'll learn a whole basket of camping skills - from how to canoe and portage to camp craft like purifying water, keeping food safe from bears and fire starting (if the fire-ban is over). We'll spend a total of 3 days and two nights in the park.
Ontario has the best canoe camping in the world and Algonquin is perhaps the most iconic location for a trip.
You can never guarantee animal sightings but in the past we've seen bears, beavers and moose in the park and there's a high probability you'll see some amazing wildlife over the weekend.
This is a beginner friendly trip and is suitable for people of all abilities. Those who don't feel capable of carrying a canoe will carry gear instead and we'll be helping each other out every step of the way.
We'll be accompanied by an experienced wilderness guide with a wealth of experience leading groups in Northern Ontario and advanced first aid qualifications.
This is a 3 day, 2 night trip that sees up start off from the North Western tip of the park. We'll pick up canoes, have a quick portaging lesson then set off on to the lake to travel as a group to our respective camp sites.
While we're all setting off together, we're going to be in 2 groups for this trip, one of which will have a slightly longer portage to a quieter lake, the other, an easier trip to somewhere closer. We'll split off from each other a few hours in to the adventure, only regrouping on the last day for the paddle back.
Jon will lead one group, Isaac will lead the other with one leader at each site.
Pre trip info session and social
We'll be hosting an online pre-trip briefing on Monday 31st August at 18:30 here. We also have a pre-trip social on the 3rd that you should attend to meet your fellow campers!
The Paddle and Portage
We'll be paddling 11km to our campsites. We start on a large lake before going up an incredibly beautiful river, lifting over beaver dams as we go. This section is likely to be quite slow. Towards the end of the river we have one 65m portage and another of about 300m. We'll then end up on North Tea Lake where we'll split, one group finding a site there, the other going for the longer portages (500m then 250m) onto the more isolated Lost Dog Lake.
If you haven't portaged before, there's no need to be intimidated. The stronger person in the canoe will do the portage with the other carrying the bags. We can stop along the way and break it into manageable chunks. Everybody who has signed up is capable of the trip!
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be staying in Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure, separated by gender. We'll have 2 large tents per campsite which everyone will use unless you're unable to due to a medical reason (like sleep apnea). If this is the case, please message privately on Discord.
Facilities
This being backcountry, there'll be no phone reception, no electricity and no toilets. The only facilities we'll have are a Thunderbox (a wooden box over a hole as a toilet) for the most scenic loo trip of your life. This means we'll be purifying our own water and bringing our own toilet paper.
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.
Bears
Bears are active in the area, we saw one last time we visited. 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.
Fire
There's currently 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 me on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
It's bug season! The fact we're next to the lake means it hopefully shouldn't be too bad but you should bring bug spray. Natural stuff won't cut it, get high percentage DEET or Icaridin. Keep in mind that DEET melts plastic so, while it's safe on your skin, keep it away from your gear. A bug net or bug jacket is recommended if you're sensitive to bugs. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Saturday 5th August
06:20 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 06:30. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
06:30 - Head off. We'll stop at a rest-stop along the way to pick up lunch
10:15 - Meet up with self drivers at Driftwood Paddle to pick up gear and prepare to launch
11:30 - Anticipated launch time. Paddle to campsites, stopping for lunch en route.
16:30 - Anticipated arrival at campsites.
Set up camp then chill around the fire
We'll eat together in the evening, hang out around the campsite and find a spot for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Sunday 6th August
A full day of relaxation and exploring. Paddle on the lake, read in a hammock, practice your knot tying skills. It's up to you!
Monday 7th August
8:30 - Lazy morning
9:30 - Break Camp
10:30 - Leave Camp
12:00 - Meet back up with the rest of the group
15:00 - Arrive back at access point
17:00 - Celebratory meal
20:00 - Anticipated return to 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.
Check back here to see how the weather is developing. We'll share an update closer to the time.
Clothing:
As a general rule of thumb, only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
If you have asked for rentals, we'll pack the stuff you bring into the rented backpack.
If you have a dry bag, bring it for your electronics and anything else you want to keep dry. If you don't you can tie your clothes up in a garbage bag within your bag.
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
We'll be providing plates, cutlery and a mug for everyone
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, Chrissy has offered to be our resident outdoorsy Period Professor and you can message her privately on Discord.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
We'll be providing most meals for this adventure along with tea and coffee. You'll buy your own lunch on the way up to the start (we'll stop at an en route) and celebratory dinner but everything else is included. We'll confirm your dietary requirements in the coming days.
Saturday lunch - Get your own lunch en route
Saturday night dinner - Gourmet vegetarian or meaty option
Sunday morning breakfast - Isaac's famous backpacking oatmeal
Sunday lunch - Wraps
Sunday dinner - Another gourmet hot meal
Monday breakfast - Isaac's equally famous backpacking porridge (yes, porridge is the same as oatmeal)
Monday lunch - Wraps
Monday Dinner - We'll get food at a diner on the way back. After an epic return journey in canoes, this will be the best meal you've ever tasted! The meal on the way back is separate to the meal plan.
You're welcome to bring your own burner for making tea and coffee. You should also bring your own snacks!
We'll provide the following:
If you need a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack or drybag, make sure that you fill out this form ASAP otherwise you'll have a very uncomfortable trip!
No additional reservations required
Water based danger: Everyone must wear PFDs at all times while in the canoes. Non swimmers must not swim.
Sunburn/ Heat stroke: Wear sunscreen and a hat. We'll have rehydration solution if you need it.
Portage injuries: Wear shoes with a decent sole and some support
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help.
Wildlife: We'll store animal attractants properly and stick as a group to reduce the risk of unexpected animal encounters.
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.
The park is located on the traditional territories of the Anishnabe and the Algonquin from which the park gets its name, meaning "the place of spearing fish and eels". Learn more about the indigenous history of the park and the Algonquin people here.
