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 so many people.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all of the following:
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack, as well as a dedicated info session to ask any outstanding questions so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.
Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until breakfast of the last morning fully catered.
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
Dinner - Thai curry with chicken or tofu
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.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all of the following:
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack, as well as a dedicated info session to ask any outstanding questions so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.
Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until breakfast of the last morning fully catered.
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
Dinner - Thai curry with chicken or tofu
Friday - September 5th
06:00 - 12:30 - Drive to Barron Canyon
12:30 - 13:30 - Load canoes, eat lunch
15:00 - Arrive at site. Set up camp
Evening at campsite
Saturday - September 6th
Paddle Barron Canyon (10km) return
Lunch at Brigham Chute
Return to campsite early/mid-afternoon
Sunday - September 7th
Morning - Break camp, hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail
Celebratory Lunch on way home
20:00 - Anticipated arrival back in toronto
Instalment Payments
You'll be able to pay for this trip in 4 interest-free instalments, making it easier to plan your summer fun budget! Look for the option to pay with Klarna at checkout.
Camping Gear Rental
We have affordable sleeping mats and sleeping bags available for rent at checkout for anyone who does not have their own. Tents, plates, cutlery and mugs are all included
Sleeping Arrangements
You'll sleep in spacious, shared tents, separated by gender.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Camp in Barron Canyon
You're not just visiting Barron Canyon - you'll be IN it. You'll sleep on a backcountry site along the spectacular Barron River before paddling its most picturesque stretch.
A Rare Trip
This part of Algonquin is hard to reach with very few options to get there. You're joining one of the very rare trips to the area
Easy Backcountry Camping
Despite the epic scenery, this is a relatively easy trip with just a short portage and a modest amount of paddling. You'll get maximum reward for minimum effort!
Will I be able to handle the portaging and paddling?
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.
What will the campsite be like?
We're staying on backcountry sites, sleeping under incredible night skies. It should go without saying that we'll be completely off grid so no toilets, no running water and no cell-phone reception. Rest assured that we'll teach you how to remain comfortable and healthy throughout your trip.
