If you've been curious about backcountry canoe camping but unsure where to start, this is a solid way to get into it. We’ll be heading into Algonquin Park—one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the province—for an easy overnight on Joe Lake. It’s a short paddle in, about 7km total, with just one 200m portage along the way. The route offers a good intro to carrying gear between lakes without being overwhelming, and we’ll take it at a steady, manageable pace.
We'll launch from Canoe Lake and follow a calm route past narrow channels and rocky shorelines typical of the Canadian Shield. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we’ll pack accordingly and help you plan ahead. Wildlife sightings are common in this area—loons, beavers, and the occasional moose if we’re lucky.
Once we reach camp, you can settle in and do what feels right. Swim, read, hang out with the group, or practice campsite basics like setting up a tarp or hanging food safely. You’ll learn what you need to know without being thrown in the deep end.
We’ll handle the food, group gear, and guidance—just bring your personal gear, questions, and a willingness to pitch in.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all camp meals and cooking equipment, along with tents. We have cheap equipment rental for those who need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack 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 each meal
Saturday Lunch - BYO packed lunch
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
If you've been curious about backcountry canoe camping but unsure where to start, this is a solid way to get into it. We’ll be heading into Algonquin Park—one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the province—for an easy overnight on Joe Lake. It’s a short paddle in, about 7km total, with just one 200m portage along the way. The route offers a good intro to carrying gear between lakes without being overwhelming, and we’ll take it at a steady, manageable pace.
We'll launch from Canoe Lake and follow a calm route past narrow channels and rocky shorelines typical of the Canadian Shield. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we’ll pack accordingly and help you plan ahead. Wildlife sightings are common in this area—loons, beavers, and the occasional moose if we’re lucky.
Once we reach camp, you can settle in and do what feels right. Swim, read, hang out with the group, or practice campsite basics like setting up a tarp or hanging food safely. You’ll learn what you need to know without being thrown in the deep end.
We’ll handle the food, group gear, and guidance—just bring your personal gear, questions, and a willingness to pitch in.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all camp meals and cooking equipment, along with tents. We have cheap equipment rental for those who need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack 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 each meal
Saturday Lunch - BYO packed lunch
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
Saturday 5th July
08:00 – 11:00 – Pick up close to Keele Station. Drive to Canoe Lake
11:00 – 15:00 – Collect canoes, paddle in to our campsite, eating packed lunch en route
15:00 – 18:00 – Set up camp. Hang out at the campsite. Learn camping skills, paddle, hike, or just relax in a hammock
18:00 – Dinner
Evening – Fireside hangs and stargazing
Sunday 6th July
Morning – Chill morning at campsite or paddle to a nearby hike for some epic views
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch
13:00 – 16:00 – Paddle out
20:00 – Return to Toronto feeling utterly reset and refreshed
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. Canoes, tents, plates, cutlery and mugs are all included
Sleeping Arrangements
You'll sleep in spacious, shared tents, separated by gender. Hammock campers are welcome to sleep in a personal hammock.
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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Wildlife viewing
Bears, moose, beavers and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter.
Canoeing
You'll confidently be exploring the area by canoe after a short lesson from our expert instructors. Canoe, paddle and all safety gear included!
Camp Skills
We'll teach you how to set up camp, start a fire, keep your food safe from bears and more. If there's something you want to learn, chances are that our expert guides will be able to teach you!
Do I need existing paddling experience?
No! Our expert instructors will teach you before we head off
Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, but like all our paddle adventures, you'll be required to wear a PFD at all times in your canoe
Can I bring my own tent?
There's no room for personal tents but you can sleep in a hammock if you'd like your personal space
What do I need to bring?
You'll receive a detailed packing list once you register for the trip. We provide almost everything you'll need in the cost of the adventure. Extra gear can be rented at low cost at checkout.
