Workshops / Discover Algonquin / Algonquin Backcountry Adventure
ALGONQUIN
Backcountry Adventure
Join Helen for a private guided canoe trip in Algonquin Park!
Start the day with an exhilarating ride in Algonquin Outfitter's water taxi, (speed boat that carries canoes!) as we travel up Algonquin Park's largest lake, Opeongo. Take in the beautiful vistas, feel the wind on your face, wave to people at the campsites along the shoreline, and maybe even spot a bald eagle in one of the trees. After the 20 minute boat ride, we'll be dropped off at the mouth of a creek, and then load our gear into our canoe(s). From here, we paddle along a wide, winding creek that's best known for wildlife viewing. We'll glide past beaver lodges, watch loons fish for breakfast, and go in search of wildlife, such as moose feeding at the creek's edge.
This adventure is about experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Algonquin's backcountry (a place not accessible by car) from a canoe. We'll be spending all our time on the water, with quick breaks on shore. You'll be amazed at how quickly the time goes by, as you experience Algonquin at its finest. At the end of our adventure, we'll be picked up by the water taxi at a prearranged time.
Choose from a 4-hour or 6-hour adventure.
What's included:
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Guiding by Helen
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Algonquin Outfitters' water taxi to the mouth of the creek
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Canoe, PFD (life jacket), paddle & boat safety kit - you may bring your own equipment if you have it
What's Not Included:
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Transportation to/from Algonquin Outfitter's Opeongo Store
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Daily vehicle permit required for parking
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Accommodations
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Photography Gear
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Items for your personal comfort, including meals, snacks, hydration & personal protective equipment (PPE)
*We recommend ordering a packed lunch in advance from The Mad Musher in Whitney
Cost:
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4 Hour Adventure: $645+hst
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6 Hour Adventure: $845+hst
Please see the departure & return time options in the FAQ below.
Payment Details:
Full payment is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable. Payments may be made by eTransfer, or credit.
Full details and suggested packing list are provided after booking.
Adventure ITINERARY:
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Meet at Algonquin Outfitters' Opeongo Store at the Opeongo Access Point in Algonquin Park 30 minutes prior to departure.
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Enjoy a 20 minute water taxi ride in a speed boat to the mouth of of the creek
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Unload the water taxi, carry the canoes and our gear to the other side of a small island
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Launch our canoes and set out along the creek in search of wildlife.
We'll explore the backcountry by canoe until the water taxi picks us up again, with brief stops on shore for bathroom & lunch breaks
Watch this video for a taste of this incredible adventure!
What to Expect:
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A fun day in Algonquin's interior! We'll be spending a lot of time on the water, but the pace will be slow & leisurely.
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Your gear will be in the canoe with you, so you're able to stop at any point to take photos.
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Beautiful scenery.
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The probability of wildlife (we can never guarantee that part).
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Biting bugs -- yes, it's Algonquin! A bug jacket and bug spray are mandatory for this adventure May to July. We spend most of our time on the water, which limits our exposure to them.
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When we arrive at the mouth of the creek, we will be unloading onto a small island. You will be required to hop off the boat onto an uneven rock face. Your feet will get wet on this adventure. We'd advise you to bring a small towel to dry your feet, wear wool socks, and bring a spare pair of socks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I bring my husband/wife/friend?
Yes! Bring one friend or family member for free. Add more friends or family members for $225+hst per person.
What time do we start & finish?
You have the option of 4 departure times. This is subject to availability with the outfitter on your chosen date, so please provide me with your top 2 options. Please also note that inclement weather may delay our departure or return.
4-Hour Adventure:
6 a.m. departure - 10:30 a.m. return (available June - August only)
7 a.m. departure - 11:30 a.m. return
8 a.m. departure - 12:30 p.m. return
9 a.m. departure - 1:30 p.m. return
6-Hour Adventure:
6 a.m. departure - 12:30 p.m. return (available June - August only)
7 a.m. departure - 1:30 p.m. return
8 a.m. departure - 2:30 p.m. return
9 a.m. departure - 3:30 p.m. return
The water taxi departs on the hour (:00), and returns on the 1/2 hour (:30). If you would like to shorten your trip by an hour, please let us know in advance so we can book it.
Will we be hiking?
No. We will be spending the day on the water in a canoe. When we arrive at the mouth of the creek, we will be unloading onto a small island. You will be required to hop off the boat onto a large rock face. Flip flops or Crocks are not appropriate footwear for disembarking.
What do you recommend for footwear?
Some people wear hiking sandals or water shoes, while others wear rubber boots. Some also take off their socks & shoes and roll up their pants. The depth of the water when we stop on shore can vary from ankle deep to knee deep. We'd advise you to bring a small towel to dry your feet, wear wool socks so your feet stay warm even when damp, and bring a spare pair of socks.
What do we do for bathroom breaks?
We will stop and head ashore for bathroom breaks, but will spend as much time on the water as possible. There are no "washroom facilities", so please be prepared (mentally & physically) to go "al fresco" and use a tree -- and pack out all garbage, including used toilet paper. Bring toilet paper in a sealable sandwich bag and use a second sealable bag for used toilet paper.
When do you offer this adventure?
This adventure is offered June through late September.
What about bad weather?
Adventures take place rain, snow, or shine! If the weather does not allow for our safe travel up the lake in the morning, we will either delay our departure time, or reschedule according to the water taxi service. Please note that the outfitter may require a fee to change or cancel the trip if it is not their decision. You will be required to pay any change or cancellation fees prior to the trip. In the event bad weather happens while we are up on the creek, we will take shelter and wait for the water taxi to come at its earliest ability. Please be sure you are prepared with rain gear regardless of the weather forecast.
Why do I need to be able to swim?
For safety, it is important that everyone who participates in activities on the water knows how to swim. This excursion occurs in a remote location and help is not easily accessible. You must be able to swim to shore in the event your boat capsizes (tips). You will also be required to wear the provided personal floatation device (PFD) properly at all times when on the water. This is for your own safety and the safety of others.
Will I be paddling my own canoe?
Yes. This excursion requires participation by everyone; therefore, you will be required to paddle. If you bring a travelling companion, the two of you will share a canoe. In the event you book this trip by yourself, Helen may be in the canoe with you.
What wildlife will we see?
It is possible to see any wildlife on this trip that might be found in the park: moose, bears, wolves, lynx, white tailed deer, river otters, beavers, muskrats, common loons, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, painted and snapping turtles, and various other birds, and insects. While every effort is made to find wildlife, there are many factors outside of our control and, therefore, no guarantees are made.
Please note: all participants are required to sign a release, indemnity, non-disclosure & non-compete agreement. Participants will not disclose, or take others to, the locations we visit, nor may they offer lessons, workshops, tours, or similar activities in the area. Participants may not engage in behaviour that disturbs or harasses wildlife, such as baiting, luring, or flushing. Any such behaviour will result in the adventure ending immediately, with no refund. Part of enjoying nature means respecting wildlife, and the environment in which they live.
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