Welcome to The Epics!
Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.
History
The origins of the iconic Brent Run are steeped in wilderness lore. What we do know is that, starting nearly 100 years ago, hardcore guides in Algonquin began trying to complete this grueling 160 km challenge in a 24-hour window. Few have succeeded but, to this day, the legend lives on.
What You Need to Know
For our version of the Brent Run, we’ve taken the best half of this historic adventure and stretched it over five days. This maintains the challenge of the journey (trust us, it will still be a significant challenge) while also allowing us the time to actually appreciate the impressive makeup and scale of the park.
You'll travel from the top of Algonquin Park all the way down to the Highway 60 corridor in this incredible test of endurance and determination. Covering roughly 80 km with 11km of portages, this journey takes you through the heart of the park’s rugged wilderness, combining long paddling stretches with challenging portages that require strength, patience, and planning.
We'll be getting up early each day and putting in long hours (up to 12 hours some days!) to make it to our next campsite each night. Along the way, you'll begin to understand how special Algonquin is, as you cover huge distances without once coming into contact with civilization.
Expect to navigate a mix of serene lakes and winding rivers, each with its own character and obstacles, from choppy open waters to twisting, narrow channels. Portages along the route can range from manageable to gruelling, with some stretches featuring steep climbs, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks that will test both your body and your gear.
For those willing to embrace the challenge, the Brent Run offers one of the most rewarding and unforgettable journeys in Algonquin Park.
What's Included:
NB: As this is a one-way adventure, self-driving will not be possible.
Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.
To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.
Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:
If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.
Welcome to The Epics!
Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.
History
The origins of the iconic Brent Run are steeped in wilderness lore. What we do know is that, starting nearly 100 years ago, hardcore guides in Algonquin began trying to complete this grueling 160 km challenge in a 24-hour window. Few have succeeded but, to this day, the legend lives on.
What You Need to Know
For our version of the Brent Run, we’ve taken the best half of this historic adventure and stretched it over five days. This maintains the challenge of the journey (trust us, it will still be a significant challenge) while also allowing us the time to actually appreciate the impressive makeup and scale of the park.
You'll travel from the top of Algonquin Park all the way down to the Highway 60 corridor in this incredible test of endurance and determination. Covering roughly 80 km with 11km of portages, this journey takes you through the heart of the park’s rugged wilderness, combining long paddling stretches with challenging portages that require strength, patience, and planning.
We'll be getting up early each day and putting in long hours (up to 12 hours some days!) to make it to our next campsite each night. Along the way, you'll begin to understand how special Algonquin is, as you cover huge distances without once coming into contact with civilization.
Expect to navigate a mix of serene lakes and winding rivers, each with its own character and obstacles, from choppy open waters to twisting, narrow channels. Portages along the route can range from manageable to gruelling, with some stretches featuring steep climbs, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks that will test both your body and your gear.
For those willing to embrace the challenge, the Brent Run offers one of the most rewarding and unforgettable journeys in Algonquin Park.
What's Included:
NB: As this is a one-way adventure, self-driving will not be possible.
Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.
To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.
Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:
If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.
An Epic Challenge - Follow the historic 80km line from Cedar Lake to Canoe Lake, tracing the path of the legendary park guides who turned this route into a provincial icon.
Abundant Wildlife - Algonquin is teeming with wildlife and you'll get to experience it over our 5 days in some of the most remote regions of the park.
Backcountry Bonding - Forge friendships and memories that will last a lifetime as you work together to successfully complete this adventure.
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Thursday, July 30th
05:00 - Early start as we leave from Keele Station towards Algonquin Park
Afternoon - Hit the water, and begin our journey
Distance covered - 6km paddle, 1km portage
Friday, July 31st
Our longest day with 8 portages
Distance covered - 18km paddle, 4.4km portage
Saturday, August 1st
Our day with the most paddling but least portaging
Distance covered - 21km paddle, .5km portage
Sunday, August 2nd
6 portages over our second longest day
Distance covered - 17km paddle, 2.5km portage
Monday, August 3rd
Racing to the finish line
Distance covered - 13km paddle, .8km portage
Celebratory Group Meal (not included in cost)
21:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
Member Organized Event Disclaimer
Member-led outings are organized by our community, not by Wilderness Union. We don’t manage the plans, staff, or safety protocols, so you join at your own risk. Please look out for yourself and one another, and have fun!
Food and Drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch and water for any of our day trips that don't explicitly say we're making a stop at a restaurant. Where we stop at restaurants, you are responsible for the purchase of any food. Full details are available at the adventure plan, shared above on registration.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Members Only
Please note that you'll need an active membership at the time of your adventure to attend. If you booked during a trial that didn't continue or your membership has lapsed, you will need a new membership to attend.
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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Where can I find important updates about this camping trip in the days leading up to it?
Please follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the ‘Upcoming Adventures’ channel, and reach out to us in the support Discord channel if you are having any issues.
Full details for this adventure are coming soon. Be sure to check back!
