Algonquin Backcountry Adventure: Cameras and Canoes (July 19)

**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. While there are many different types of wildlife we could encounter, we're crossing our fingers for moose - think cow moose feeding at the water's edge, while her calf looks on from the shore. Maybe even capture a tender moment between mum and baby. Or watch a bull wade in water full of lilies as he gorges. 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 Date:

• Sunday, July 19, 2020

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What’s included?

• Individualized in-field photography instruction by Helen
• Canoe, paddle, PFD, & safety kit
• Dry bag (if required)
• Water taxi to the mouth of the creek 
• Brief lesson by Algonquin Outfitters including an introduction to paddling technique
• Mid-morning snack (granola bar & fruit juice)
• Brown bag lunch provided by The Mad Musher (wrap, fruit juice, piece of fruit & dessert)

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What's not included:

• Transportation to/from Algonquin Outfitter's Opeongo Store
• Accommodations
• Park Pass (many accommodation providers include this, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase one at the West Gate & East Gate of the park - there's a self-serve machine just inside the doors)
• Photography Gear 
• Items for your personal comfort, including snacks, hydration, & bug protection

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, as well as an acknowledgement of the risks associated with COVID-19. Please note: you cannot have travelled either out of province or out of country within 14 days of this workshop. You will be required to sign this waiver on the date of the excursion to ensure it is up-to-date and accurate, but may view a copy in advance to ensure compliance.

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Cost:

$375 +HST per person

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Payment Policy:

Payment is due in full upon booking, and is non-refundable.

Itinerary:

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

6 a.m. (sharp!) - AO water taxi to creek 

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

6:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Our time exploring the backcountry in our canoes

4:30 p.m. - Water taxi back to the Opeongo Store

5:00 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. In the event we have an odd number of participants, we will need someone to "solo" their canoe.
• Adventure rain or shine! Some of the best photo opportunities happen during poor weather.
• Biting bugs - 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 go "al fresco" and use a tree -- and pack out all garbage, including toilet paper. 

Please note: While this adventure 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 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 (sitting or kneeling), climbing in to and out of a canoe & speedboat from various surfaces (including uneven, wet, and muddy or sandy ground, as well as swampy or spongy surfaces, and 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. Your feet will get wet. It is your responsibility to know your limits and pace yourself accordingly.

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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 (east side of Algonquin Park). 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. Please also note that food and fuel options are limited and many facilities do not offer the same sorts of ammenities chain hotels do. Many places have also reduced their hours due to COVID-19. Be sure to look at what's available, open, and the operating hours to ensure you're prepared.

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