We've now capped this trip at 8 members plus our guide Jon for a more intimate introductory canoe trip.
We'll begin our adventure at Access Point 6 (Smoke Lake). Carrying our gear and canoes, we'll portage through a trail that's a little under 240m taking us to Smoke Lake. We'll then paddle all the way to Ragged Lake where we'll set up camp.
You'll learn a set of skills: canoeing through calm and windy waters, portaging with all your gear, purifying drinking water, making fire with deadwood, and being bear (and other wildlife) safe.
In the past we've seen moose, black bear and beavers; so cross your fingers! There's tons of other wildlife to hear and see, just as exciting as seeing the big guys.
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.
This trip will be led by our experienced wilderness guide and friend of many of you, Jon. Jon has a wealth of experience leading groups in Northern Ontario and advanced first aid qualifications. He's also a sensitive, supportive leader who makes everybody feel comfortable and has a passion for nature that he'll share with you.
This is a great opportunity to hone your love for the outdoors with friends new and old.
This is a 3 day, 2 night trip that sees up start off picking up canoes and gear from Algonquin Outfitters on Canoe Lake. We'll start with a lesson on how to portage as we'll need to get the canoes over to the other side of the road to the Smoke Lake Access Point.
Pre trip info session and social
We'll be hosting an online pre-trip briefing on Monday 14th August at 18:30 here. Do your best to make it because there'll be a ton of information, chances to ask any questions and meet your guide, Jon
The Paddle and Portage
We'll be paddling between 7-10km depending on where we eventually pick a campsite. It starts with a 500m portage to the access point, before about a 6km paddle across smoke lake and then a 240m portage onto the lake we'll be staying on, Ragged 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 shared Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure.
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 Jon on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
This is the best time of year to go camping because there are barely any bugs. You may want to pack some bug spray just in case and a bug net or bug jacket is recommended if you're sensitive to bugs. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Friday 18th 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 - Arrive at Algonquin Outfitters on Canoe Lake to pick up gear and prepare to launch
11:30 - Anticipated launch time. Paddle to campsites, stopping for lunch en route.
15:30 - 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.
Saturday 19th 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!
Sunday 20th August
8:30 - Lazy morning
9:30 - Break Camp
11:00 - Leave Camp, head back to access point
14:30 - Arrive back at access point
15:30 - Celebratory meal
19:30 - 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.
Nobody has asked for rentals so if you need a sleeping bag, backpack or sleeping bag, please let us know asap!
Clothing:
As a general rule of thumb, only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
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. Bring a lunch for day one or buy on the way up to the start (we'll stop at an en route) and there's a final celebratory dinner but everything else is included. We'll confirm your dietary requirements in the coming days.
Friday lunch - Get your own lunch en route
Friday night dinner - Gourmet vegan meal
Saturday morning breakfast - Isaac's famous backpacking oatmeal
Saturday lunch - Wraps
Saturday night dinner - Gourmet vegan meal
Sunday morning breakfast - Isaac's famous backpacking oatmeal
Sunday lunch - We'll have a light lunch then stop 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. Closed toe shoes are recommended.
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.
We've now capped this trip at 8 members plus our guide Jon for a more intimate introductory canoe trip.
We'll begin our adventure at Access Point 6 (Smoke Lake). Carrying our gear and canoes, we'll portage through a trail that's a little under 240m taking us to Smoke Lake. We'll then paddle all the way to Ragged Lake where we'll set up camp.
You'll learn a set of skills: canoeing through calm and windy waters, portaging with all your gear, purifying drinking water, making fire with deadwood, and being bear (and other wildlife) safe.
In the past we've seen moose, black bear and beavers; so cross your fingers! There's tons of other wildlife to hear and see, just as exciting as seeing the big guys.
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.
This trip will be led by our experienced wilderness guide and friend of many of you, Jon. Jon has a wealth of experience leading groups in Northern Ontario and advanced first aid qualifications. He's also a sensitive, supportive leader who makes everybody feel comfortable and has a passion for nature that he'll share with you.
This is a great opportunity to hone your love for the outdoors with friends new and old.
This is a 3 day, 2 night trip that sees up start off picking up canoes and gear from Algonquin Outfitters on Canoe Lake. We'll start with a lesson on how to portage as we'll need to get the canoes over to the other side of the road to the Smoke Lake Access Point.
Pre trip info session and social
We'll be hosting an online pre-trip briefing on Monday 14th August at 18:30 here. Do your best to make it because there'll be a ton of information, chances to ask any questions and meet your guide, Jon
The Paddle and Portage
We'll be paddling between 7-10km depending on where we eventually pick a campsite. It starts with a 500m portage to the access point, before about a 6km paddle across smoke lake and then a 240m portage onto the lake we'll be staying on, Ragged 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 shared Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure.
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 Jon on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
This is the best time of year to go camping because there are barely any bugs. You may want to pack some bug spray just in case and a bug net or bug jacket is recommended if you're sensitive to bugs. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Friday 18th 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 - Arrive at Algonquin Outfitters on Canoe Lake to pick up gear and prepare to launch
11:30 - Anticipated launch time. Paddle to campsites, stopping for lunch en route.
15:30 - 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.
Saturday 19th 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!
Sunday 20th August
8:30 - Lazy morning
9:30 - Break Camp
11:00 - Leave Camp, head back to access point
14:30 - Arrive back at access point
15:30 - Celebratory meal
19:30 - 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.
Nobody has asked for rentals so if you need a sleeping bag, backpack or sleeping bag, please let us know asap!
Clothing:
As a general rule of thumb, only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
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. Bring a lunch for day one or buy on the way up to the start (we'll stop at an en route) and there's a final celebratory dinner but everything else is included. We'll confirm your dietary requirements in the coming days.
Friday lunch - Get your own lunch en route
Friday night dinner - Gourmet vegan meal
Saturday morning breakfast - Isaac's famous backpacking oatmeal
Saturday lunch - Wraps
Saturday night dinner - Gourmet vegan meal
Sunday morning breakfast - Isaac's famous backpacking oatmeal
Sunday lunch - We'll have a light lunch then stop 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. Closed toe shoes are recommended.
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.
