Algonquin Backcountry Adventure: Cameras and Canoes

**IMPORTANT** Please read to the bottom to ensure you understand what is and is not included in this workshop. 

Helen has partnered with Algonquin Outfitters to offer you an unforgettable photography adventure in Algonquin Park: a day in the backcountry! 

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Slip into your canoe and glide quietly down one of the park's interior creeks that's best known for wildlife viewing. This trip is timed perfectly to coincide with the appearance of the highly sought-after golden moose calves. Watch cow moose feed at the water's edge, while their calves look on from the shore. Maybe even capture a tender moment between mum and baby. Listen to the call of loons in the early morning, and photograph them as they hunt for food. Spend a day on the water, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, as you paddle past beaver lodges, marshy grasses, and among the lilies, soaking in all of Mother Nature's goodness as you go.

Excursion Dates:

Choose one of two dates - or both!

• Saturday, June 13, 2020
• Monday, June 15, 2020

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What’s included?

• Individualized in-field photography instruction by Helen
• Canoe, paddle, PFD, & safety kit
• Dry bag
• Water taxi to the mouth of the creek 
• Brief lesson by Algonquin Outfitters including an introduction to paddling technique, and standard canoe etiquette
• Mid-morning snack (granola bar & fruit juice)
• Brown bag lunch

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What's not included:

• Transportation to/from Algonquin Outfitter's Opeongo Store
• Accommodations
• Park Pass (many accommodation providers include this -- we also recommend carpooling when possible)
• Photography Gear 
• Items for your personal comfort, including snacks, hydration, & bug protection
• Optional Add-On Day Along 60 (following day)

A full list of suggested gear and personal items will be provided after your deposit has been received. While I highly recommend bringing a telephoto lens for wildlife opportunities, you do not need to have one to enjoy this workshop. Technically, you do not need to have a "proper camera" to enjoy this adventure, either!

All participants will be required to sign a waiver, which includes a non-disclosure agreement.

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Cost:

$375 +HST per person

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Payment Policy:

A 50% non-refundable payment is due at the time of booking to secure your space, with the balance due 60 days prior to the workshop. If you are booking within 60 days of the workshop, the full workshop fee is due upon booking.

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Cancellation Policy:

Please be sure to check your schedule prior to booking, as your initial payment is non-refundable. In the event you pay in full prior to the cancellation deadline (61 days prior), you will be refunded 50% less transaction fees. Cancellations 60 day or fewer prior to the workshop are non-refundable.

Itinerary:

5:30 a.m. - Meet at Algonquin Outfitters' (AO) Opeongo Store in Algonquin Park

6 a.m. - AO water taxi to creek 

6:15 a.m. - Brief canoe lesson from AO before we set out along the creek

6:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Our time exploring the backcountry in our canoes

4 p.m. - Water taxi back to the Opeongo Store

4:15 p.m. - Workshop Conclusion

What to Expect:

• A long, fun day in Algonquin's interior! We'll be spending a lot of time on the water, but the pace will be slow & leisurely.
• Beautiful scenery.
• The probability of wildlife (we can never guarantee that part).
• Individualized photography instruction and back-of-camera critique from Helen.
• A mix of photography & paddling skill levels - you will most likely be paired up in a canoe with another participant.
• Adventure rain or shine! Some of the best photo opportunities happen during poor weather.
• Biting bugs -- yes, it's spring in Algonquin! Bug protection is mandatory for this trip. Please bring a bug jacket and bug spray.
• We will stop and head ashore for bathroom breaks, but will spend as much time on the water as possible, as fewer bugs will bother us there. There are no "washroom facilities", so please be prepared (mentally & physically) to use a tree -- and pack out all garbage, including toilet paper. 

Please note: While this workshop is designed to be reasonably accessible, there's a fair degree of exertion involved and participants must be comfortable performing these activities during a full day, as there will be no option to leave the workshop early. We have a scheduled water taxi service and are unable to call to change our pick-up time. Activities include, but are not limited to: paddling a canoe for hours at a time, climbing in to and out of a canoe & speedboat from various surfaces (including uneven, wet, and muddy ground, as well as swampy or spongy surfaces, or even shallow water), lifting your camera gear and personal items in to and out of a moving boat, pulling your canoe out of the water onto shore for breaks, and putting it back in the water after. It is your responsibility to know your limits and pace yourself accordingly.

Optional Add-On Day Along 60 - $85+HST

Want to maximize your time in Algonquin? Add an extra day in the park with Helen - this time on land! 

Dates Available: Sunday, June 14, and Tuesday, June 16  |  6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

~ We'll start the day at 6 a.m. and head into the park to search for and photograph wildlife and landscapes, letting Mother Nature be our guide. We'll end the day around 2 p.m., but of course you're welcome to stay & play as long as you like!

• Individualized photography instruction, and guiding provided by Helen. 
• You are responsible for your own accommodation, transportation/gas, meals, and park pass.
• We'll make a quick stop for those who wish to grab a bite on the go, but we'd recommend you pack a lunch and/or snacks to enjoy on the go.
• IMPORTANT: To sign up for this add-on, you must already be signed up for the Backcountry Adventure.

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Accommodations:

You are responsible for booking your own accommodations. We will be leaving from the Lake Opeongo Access Point, which is located on the east side of Algonquin Park. To reduce your travel time in the morning, I'd recommend looking at accommodation options in Whitney. Please remember to factor in travel time. From the west gate to the east gate of Algonquin Park along Hwy 60, it is roughly an hour's drive. Please note: as everyone has different budgets and expectations, I do not recommend places to stay. The following list has been provided for your convenience and contains some options to explore on both sides of the park. Please click on an option to visit its website and learn more about what it offers, including availability.

Options in Whitney (east of Algonquin Park):

The Mad Musher Restaurant & Riverside Rooms 

Algonquin Rolling Rapids Motel

Camp Bongopix Cabins

Algonquin East Gate Motel

The Couple's Resort

Adventure Lodge

Options west of Algonquin Park:

Wolf Den Nature Retreat (Oxtongue Lake)

Blue Spruce Resort (Dwight)

Spring Lake Resort (Dwight)

Camping in Algonquin Park:

Mew Lake Campground