Join us for a weekend exploring the iconic Barron Canyon, one of the most beautiful spots not just in Algonquin Park but in the whole of the province. This canyon stands out due to its towering granite cliffs, rising sharply over 100 metres above the Barron River, creating dramatic views that are unlike anywhere else in Ontario. The best way of experiencing the canyon? By canoe, paddling under its vertiginous walls.
On the 1st day, we'll set off early, arriving by midday to load our canoes and enjoy a relaxed lunch. We'll paddle through calm waters that serve as an introduction to the area, arriving at our campsite by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of daylight to comfortably set up camp and soak in the peacefulness of this secluded spot. The evening is yours to unwind at camp under clear skies, take a swim or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
Day 2 is dedicated to the highlight of the trip: paddling the Barron Canyon itself. We'll journey a gentle 10km round-trip, floating beneath cliffs that showcase remarkable geological formations, sculpted over thousands of years. We'll pause halfway at Brigham Chute, a beautiful waterfall perfect for lunch and a break from paddling. Early to mid-afternoon, we'll return to camp, allowing time to relax or explore nearby.
On the final day, we'll pack up camp and hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail—a short but breathtaking hike that provides spectacular panoramic views of the winding river and towering cliffs we've paddled past. The overlook gives a different perspective of the impressive landscape and makes for excellent photographs. After this hike, we'll celebrate the weekend with a group lunch on our way back, arriving in Toronto by evening.
This trip blends peaceful paddling with scenic hikes, giving you a full experience of what makes Barron Canyon such a standout destination. Its rugged beauty, impressive cliffs, and clear river waters make it a bucket list experience for many Canadians.
This is a relatively easy trip with only about 15km total paddling over 2 days and one 400m portage, making it beginner friendly. We'll start you off with a canoe lesson, ensuring you're comfortable no matter your current level of experience.
Camping
We will be setting up on informal but established existing campsites. 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. We'll 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 are unfamiliar with backcountry camping, or would like more information about how to prepare, please watch this youtube video. Note that this video is specifically for our most intense Epics trips and may include information not relevant to this adventure.
Friday - September 5th
05:45 - Meet the bus at Petro-Canada. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:00 - 12:30 - Drive to Barron Canyon
12:30 - 13:30 - Load canoes, eat lunch
15:00 - Arrive at site. Set up campEvening at campsite
Saturday - September 6th
Paddle Barron Canyon (10km) returnLunch at Brigham ChuteReturn to campsite early/mid-afternoon
Sunday - September 7th
Morning - Break camp, hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trailCelebratory Lunch on way home
20:00 - Anticipated arrival back in 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. Please note that it is essential that you have the right gear for this trip. If you have any questions, not covered by the video above, don't hesitate to contact us at #get-help or ask in the trip chat. 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.
Barron Canyon is on the border of Algonquin Park which 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.
Join us for a weekend exploring the iconic Barron Canyon, one of the most beautiful spots not just in Algonquin Park but in the whole of the province. This canyon stands out due to its towering granite cliffs, rising sharply over 100 metres above the Barron River, creating dramatic views that are unlike anywhere else in Ontario. The best way of experiencing the canyon? By canoe, paddling under its vertiginous walls.
On the 1st day, we'll set off early, arriving by midday to load our canoes and enjoy a relaxed lunch. We'll paddle through calm waters that serve as an introduction to the area, arriving at our campsite by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of daylight to comfortably set up camp and soak in the peacefulness of this secluded spot. The evening is yours to unwind at camp under clear skies, take a swim or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
Day 2 is dedicated to the highlight of the trip: paddling the Barron Canyon itself. We'll journey a gentle 10km round-trip, floating beneath cliffs that showcase remarkable geological formations, sculpted over thousands of years. We'll pause halfway at Brigham Chute, a beautiful waterfall perfect for lunch and a break from paddling. Early to mid-afternoon, we'll return to camp, allowing time to relax or explore nearby.
On the final day, we'll pack up camp and hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail—a short but breathtaking hike that provides spectacular panoramic views of the winding river and towering cliffs we've paddled past. The overlook gives a different perspective of the impressive landscape and makes for excellent photographs. After this hike, we'll celebrate the weekend with a group lunch on our way back, arriving in Toronto by evening.
This trip blends peaceful paddling with scenic hikes, giving you a full experience of what makes Barron Canyon such a standout destination. Its rugged beauty, impressive cliffs, and clear river waters make it a bucket list experience for many Canadians.
This is a relatively easy trip with only about 15km total paddling over 2 days and one 400m portage, making it beginner friendly. We'll start you off with a canoe lesson, ensuring you're comfortable no matter your current level of experience.
Camping
We will be setting up on informal but established existing campsites. 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. We'll 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 are unfamiliar with backcountry camping, or would like more information about how to prepare, please watch this youtube video. Note that this video is specifically for our most intense Epics trips and may include information not relevant to this adventure.
Friday - September 5th
05:45 - Meet the bus at Petro-Canada. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:00 - 12:30 - Drive to Barron Canyon
12:30 - 13:30 - Load canoes, eat lunch
15:00 - Arrive at site. Set up campEvening at campsite
Saturday - September 6th
Paddle Barron Canyon (10km) returnLunch at Brigham ChuteReturn to campsite early/mid-afternoon
Sunday - September 7th
Morning - Break camp, hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trailCelebratory Lunch on way home
20:00 - Anticipated arrival back in 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. Please note that it is essential that you have the right gear for this trip. If you have any questions, not covered by the video above, don't hesitate to contact us at #get-help or ask in the trip chat. 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.
Barron Canyon is on the border of Algonquin Park which 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.
