luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity
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Let's get adventure-ready!
Please read through the sections of this page, as they contain some valuable information you’ll need to take into consideration when packing and preparing for our adventure. If you have any questions about the information here, please ask.
The information below is designed to cover all my workshops & private lessons. Please select the relevant location, and also review the suggested packing lists and helpful tips. Click on the sub-heading to read the relevant information. You can also scroll down the page to the relevant information.
Algonquin Provincial Park Information
Where do we go?
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Algonquin Provincial Park is huge - 7,635 square kilometres to be exact!
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We explore a small portion of it at the southern end along what's known as the Highway 60 corridor.
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Along the corridor are wonderful landscape and wildlife opportunities. There are also a number of trails and campgrounds, and a few dirt roads worth exploring.
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Unless otherwise stated in the description of your adventure, we do a mix of driving and hiking. How much of each and where are determined by the season, the weather, and the focus of the workshop.
Things to note:
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Hwy 60 is a major highway (80km/h) that runs through the park. We do pull over to the side of the highway and stop for photo opportunities that present themselves, and we also pull over to allow through traffic to pass safely.
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While there are both West and East gates, they're not actual gates that open and close. Traffic through the park is 24 hours.
Where to Stay for Algonquin Park Adventures
Please note that I do not recommend places to stay. This is because everyone has different needs and budgets. This is simply a list of some options available in the area. You may also consider booking a short-term rental property using the destinations below.
Where to look for accommodations:
Dwight - ~15 minutes west of Algonquin Park's West Gate
Huntsville - ~35 minutes west of Algonquin Park's West Gate
Whitney - 5 minutes east of Algonquin Park's East Gate
Time of year is a major consideration. I highly recommend booking accommodations on the west side of the park if your workshop takes place between November & April as there are very few amenities available in Whitney during winter. I typically list where we will start each day, so please re-review the workshop details. If you are joining me for an Algonquin Backcountry Adventure, I recommend staying on the east side of the park, as our water taxi departs from Lake Opeongo.
What to look for in accommodations:
Aside from proximity to park, I recommend booking accommodations that offer kitchenette facilities in your room such as coffee maker, kettle, microwave & fridge so you can make breakfast and dinner. Restaurants are often not open before we start our days and are closed before we finish.
Most accommodations in the area are intended for guests who will spend most of their time outside. Decor is dated, and amenities are different than what you find in most hotels in major centres. If you have specific needs, please check with the establishment prior to booking. It's also a good idea to check if a park pass is included with your stay.
Accommodation Options Within Park Boundaries
There are 3 resorts within the park that are open seasonally (May to October). All three have minimum stays and offer meal plans, which may not be suitable for group workshop itineraries.
Bartlett Lodge (I have stayed and eaten here and recommend them without hesitation)
Mew Lake Campground offers cabins, yurts, tent & RV camping year-round. Other campgrounds are open seasonally.
Please note that booking availability starts at 7 a.m. 5 months in advance. Sites book up very quickly.
Accommodation Options In Close Proximity
Here is a list of some accommodation providers in the area to help you with your search.
Links are provided for your convenience and establishments may change. This list is not necessarily current.
Dwight
15 minutes WEST of Algonquin Park
The Blue Spruce Resort (I recommend them without hesitation due to the consistent feedback from guests)
Wolf Den Nature Retreat Hostel & Cabins
Huntsville
35 minutes WEST of Algonquin Park
Whitney
5 minutes EAST of Algonquin Park
Algonquin Rolling Rapids Motel
The Mad Musher Restaurant & Riverside Rooms (hostel-style accommodations with private room and shared bathroom & kitchen facilities)
Algonquin Park Day Use Permit Information
Permits are required.
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You will need a Day Use Vehicle Permit for each day you are in the park.
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Day passes are valid from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
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You must purchase your pass online within 5 days of your visit
(e.g. if you are visiting on October 10, you may purchase your pass between October 5-10. If you are visiting on October 11, you may purchase your pass between October 6-11) -
If you have a seasonal or annual pass, you must register your pass for each day's visit. There is no additional charge. You simply enter your pass number in the appropriate field.
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Your license plate number is entered into the system and that is how wardens know if you are a passholder. You do not need a phhysical pass, but you do need proof of purchase or proof of an annual pass if requested.
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Please note that passes are limited during the busy fall season (early September to mid-October).
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IF a vehicle permit is included in the cost of your private adventure, you will need to provide me with your license plate number and province/state of issue so I can register your vehicle. Please advise me if you have a seasonal pass, your accommodation provider offers a free pass, you are camping, or if you are a senior. Please note that if you plan to enjoy the park before or after your adventure, you will need to purchase a day use permit.
To purchase your Daily Vehicle Permit:
You will need your license plate number. You can always change the plate number later.
Complete the same steps to register your annual pass.
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Click the following link to visit the Ontario Parks online reservation system
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Select the "Day Use" tab
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Ensure the Daily Vehicle Permit radio button is selected
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Select Algonquin - Highway 60 Corridor from the park drop-down list
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Select the first date for which you want a pass (remember that it must be 5 or fewer days before your visit)
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Hit Search
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Select the date and then follow the prompts to complete your reservation
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Complete this process for each date you will be in the park.
Food
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Please bring snacks & hydration for every adventure. Please note in the workshop details whether you should pack a lunch or we will be visiting a local establishment for our meals. These can change year-to-year and workshop-to-workshop based on current options.
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Food concessions in (and near) the park are limited and seasonal - and often grossly understaffed (slow!). Please pack your patience :)
Food Options in / near Algonquin
It's best to look online at their hours or call ahead to ensure they'll be open at suitable times during your visit.
Lake of Two Rivers Cafe operated by Algonquin Outfitters at KM34 in Algonquin Park
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Open mid-May to mid-to-late-October - hours vary according to the season
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Take out with limited outdoor seating
Portage Grill operated by Algonquin Outfitters at Canoe Lake KM14.1 in Algonquin Park
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Open May-October - hours vary according to the season
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Eat in and take out
The Mad Musher in Whitney 5 minutes outside the east gate of Algonquin Park
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Open January - October - hours vary according to the season & staffing
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Eat in and take out
The Algonquin Lunch Bar in Whitney 5 minutes outside of the east gate of Algonquin Park
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Open breakfast through lunch + dinner Thursday-Saturday - hours vary according to the season
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Eat in
Erika's Bakery in Dwight
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Open breakfast through lunch Monday-Saturday - hours vary according to the season
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Eat in and take out
Boiler Room Tap & Grill in Dwight
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Open lunch through dinner every day and breakfast Thursday-Sunday - hours vary according to the season
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Eat in and take out
Webster's Beacon Cafe & Grocery in Dwight
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Open year-round with hours changing seasonally
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Take out
Closest Grocery Options
Dwight Market & Pharmacy - open M-Sat 9-6 & Sun 10-4
Whitney Freshmart
Fuel
We will be doing a fair amount of driving, so please fuel up prior to our adventure.
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There are no gas stations in Algonquin Park
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I highly recommend filling up at the last major centre on your way to Algonquin Park, for example, Huntsville, Bancroft, or Barry's Bay, as fuel costs tend to be considerably cheaper
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The stretch of Hwy 60 that we travel is 56km long, not including adventures down other roads. We typically travel the full width of the corridor at least once a day.
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I recommend topping up during our lunch break each day as the gas stations are often closed before we finish the day and are not open before we start
The closest gas stations are:
Dwight
Webster's Beacon -- 25888 Hwy 35 (at Hwy 60) -- 1-705-635-2403
Whitney
Algonquin Lunch Bar -- 29553 Hwy 60 -- 1-613-637-2670
Place formerly known as Perry's Pit Stop on Hwy 60, but they have zero information available
When Nature Calls -- Bathroom Breaks
There are limited - and seasonal - facilities in the park, so here are a few recommendations to ensure your comfort:
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Flush toilets are available year-round at the West & East Gate, Mew Lake Campground, and the Visitor's Centre. We stop at these facilities during our adventures.
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Please come physically and mentally prepared to use the great outdoors (or outhouses / vault toilets).
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When going "al fresco", you must pack out all garbage, including toilet paper. Bring two sealable plastic bags - one with fresh toilet paper (to keep it dry!), and one for used toilet paper.
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Please speak up if you need to use the facilities so we can stop at the nearest spot. Chances are if you need to go, someone else does too!
Muskoka
The district of Muskoka is made up of a number of small towns. The "big three" from south to north are: Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, & Huntsville. The area is quite large, and travel within the region always involves going around a lake (or two or three).
Where to Stay for Muskoka Adventures
There are lots of options for hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts & Air BNBs in the area, as a quick Google search will reveal. I do recommend checking out the list of providers compiled by Discover Muskoka. Since everyone has different expectations and budgets, I do not recommend places to stay.
Here is a list of some of the accommodation providers in the area:
Please note this information may not be up-to-date.
Bracebridge (I typically recommend staying in Bracebridge as it's central to everything)
Gravenhurst
Huntsville
Others
Sherwood Inn in Port Carling
Windermere House in Windermere
Food
Please bring snacks & hydration for every adventure. Please note in the workshop details whether you should pack a lunch or we will be visiting a local establishment for our meals. These can change year-to-year and workshop-to-workshop based on current options.
For restaurant suggestions in Muskoka, I recommend visiting Tourism Muskoka's listing.
Suggested Photography Equipment
This list is designed to be an exhaustive list of equipment you may wish to bring if you have it. Please also consider your adventure, and its focus.
If you have questions about whether an item is applicable for your adventure, please don't hesitate to ask.
For example, I recommend a "keep it simple" approach for backcountry adventures, and I strongly advise bringing a tripod for waterfall adventures and when photographing the sunrise and sunset.
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DSLR / mirrorless camera(s)
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Wide angle lens for landscape photos (traditionally 24mm or wider focal length)
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Telephoto lens for wildlife photos (traditionally 200mm or longer focal length)
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Lens hoods -- these help protect your lens from accidental drops, and the elements, while also blocking stray light. If you have a lens hood, I recommend using it!
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*Fully charged* camera battery & fully charged spare battery -- bring as many as you have
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Battery charger (pack this in your bag as soon as you've finished charging your batteries!)
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Formatted (empty) memory card(s) -- bring as many as you have. Format them in camera.
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Tripod: legs, head (ball head, gimbal or whatever you use) and quick release plate(s) to attached your camera to your tripod - highly recommended for waterfalls, sunrises, and sunsets. I use and recommend the Canadian brand FLM.
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Wireless or cable shutter release/remote for long exposures (if you do not have, you can use mirror lock-up and the self-timer)
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Microfiber cloths, lens pen, or whatever you use to clean your len's glass
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Filters for landscape photos: circular polarizer (waterfalls & general landscapes), neutral density (long exposure waterfalls), graduated neutral density (sunrises & sunsets when the horizon line is clear i.e. across water without a tree line)
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Rain cover to keep rain/snow off your camera (Optech has a 2-pack of rain sleeves with different lens sizes, but ziplock bags will do in a pinch!)
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A rain cover for your bag (some are detachable & easy to forget). If you don't have a rain cover, consider bringing a plastic garbage bag.
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Camera strap or whatever you use to carry your camera on your person. (I use and highly recommend a Cotton Carrier halter)
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Comfortable bag(s) for carrying desired gear while hiking - please make sure you're comfortable carrying your bag and whatever is in it. Extra gear can be left in your room or vehicle. If doing a backcountry adventure, consider a dry-bag instead of a traditional camera bag. If you don’t want to carry your full camera bag while hiking, consider bringing a small day pack as well.
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Camera manual(s) - we'll be discussing settings and I don't necessarily know where to find them in every camera. Plus, they come in handy in the event you need to understand a dreaded error code. Most can be downloaded as a PDF & saved on your phone.
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Laptop computer and/or storage device and proper cables & memory card reader IF you wish to clear your cards or look at your images each evening.
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Allen/hex key (if you’re using a Cotton Carrier or a tripod that may require it for adjustments)
Suggested Personal Items
Again, this list is exhaustive, so please keep the season in mind when packing for your workshop. I'd highly recommend taking a look at the weather forecast for the area to help anticipate your needs. And remember, even just two hours north of Toronto sees a significant difference in weather. Algonquin Highlands, Dwight, and Whitney should give you a more accurate forecast when searching your weather app.
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Layered clothing (in all seasons) -- we will be walking & standing in changing weather for substantial amounts of time. Layering allows you to add or remove as necessary to ensure your personal comfort as both your body and the outside temperatures fluctuate. Even in the summer, temperatures can dip, so it's best if you're prepared for anything! In spring and summer, I recommend light, neutral coloured clothing, as bugs are attracted to dark colours.
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Proper footwear, including socks, and sturdy boots/shoes you can hike in -- waterproof is always beneficial when hiking in the event we encounter muddy or wet areas. Winter boots are essential for workshops during the winter. For Backcountry Adventures, we are in canoes most of the time with just a couple of brief stops on land (no hiking).
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Rain jacket / winter jacket / waterproof jacket & pants - we will be out rain, snow or shine! For Backcountry Adventures, our day starts and ends with a speedboat ride, so a windbreaker and warm hat (like a toque that will stay on your head) are advised.
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One full set of spare clothes as an emergency precaution. In the event you get wet when out hiking, you will want to have a spare set of clothes in the car to change into immediately. I keep mine in a small backpack with my car battery booster.
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Sunglasses (even in winter - sun on snow is bright!)
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Sunscreen
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Hat for sun or cold weather protection
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Buff / multifunctional headwear
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Gloves and any cold weather gear you use, such as hand warmers. For Backcountry Adventures, you may want to consider something like those thin work gloves with nitrile coated palms, or wool liner gloves.
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Bug spray (whatever works for you!) in spring and summer (mid-May to early August) - containing DEET or Picaridin. I use Deep Woods Off on my clothes and a combination of natural products on my skin. Bugs we can experience include black flies, mosquitoes, deer & horse flies. Bug spray is mandatory for Backcountry Adventures.
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Bug jacket or bug hat are essential mid-May to early August and mandatory for Algonquin Backcountry Adventures. In order to be effective, the mesh on your bug jacket or hat must not touch your face. I find wearing a baseball hat underneath my bug hat or jacket is very helpful. I use Ben's Invisinet and The Original Bug Shirt. You likely will not need to have your head covered most of the time when paddling, but will when we go on land. We have affectionally dubbed one spot we stop, "Bug Island". Other bug considerations include using a Thermacell device, and wearing clothes pretreated with permethrin.
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Any currently recommended or mandated PPE (face covering/mask, hand sanitizer etc.)
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Headlamp or flashlight -- we may be hiking to and from sunrise/sunset locations in the dark
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Hiking/trekking poles if you have/use
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Snowshoes and crampons/ice cleats. Early December to early April, snowshoes may help you navigate trails more easily. Ice cleats/crampons are good from late December to early May, as snow has compacted and the trails can be very icy. In early spring, sometimes all that's left on trails is ice from winter travel.
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Water bottle(s) & travel mug/thermos
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Snacks
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Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, & sealable plastic bag for trash - you must pack out all garbage, including toilet paper!
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Medications, glasses, other personal comfort items as necessary - please consider bringing a small medical kit with items like Benedryl, bandages, ointment and pain killers. These can be useful for emergencies, as well as things like bug bites and blisters.
NOTE: Please do not wear body spray/perfume/cologne. I recommend going as scentless as possible to help improve our chances of tracking wildlife, as well as keeping bugs at bay. I try to ensure everything I'm using is unscented/fragrance-free -- deodorant, soap, moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner, and sensitive formula laundry detergent. -
Towel to keep in the car in case you or your gear get muddy or wet. Also helpful for drying off your feet and legs on Backcountry Adventures
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Windshield wiper scraper (September to May)
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Mobile phone and charger - we may find it handy/necessary to text (although I have 2-way radios for when we're in our cars)
Photography Equipment Tips
Have more than one camera body?
Consider setting them up so one is dedicated for landscapes and the other for wildlife. I like to keep my wildlife setup accessible (carried on my person and ready to use - lens hood on & forward, lens cap off, camera turned on, settings appropriate), while my landscape setup is packed in my bag and on my back.
Which to use?
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If one body has a full frame sensor and one a crop sensor, use the full frame sensor for landscape and the crop for wildlife.
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If both bodies have the same sensor size, use the camera with a faster frames per second rate, better ISO capabilities, or better auto focusing system for wildlife.
Hiking Set-up
Whenever I hit the trail, I'm always prepared for wildlife encounters. I use a Cotton Carrier camera harness and carry my camera with telephoto lens attached. If I'm interested in photographing landscapes, I'll carry my camera bag on my back with my landscape gear, and tripod strapped to my bag. I also include safety gear, rain gear, snacks, and water in my bag, as well as spare batteries and memory cards. If I'm not interested in photographing landscapes, instead of bringing my full camera bag, I'll bring a small bag to pack my safety gear, rain gear, snacks, water, spare batteries and memory cards. I can advise you of what I'd recommend, but ultimately, how much you carry is up to you!
Canoe Set-up
When I'm in my canoe or kayak, I keep my gear simple to avoid too much fussing around. I take only one camera body and two lenses - a telephoto zoom lens (100-500mm, which I keep on my camera), and a landscape or macro lens. Most of the time, I don't switch lenses. I've asked a number of clients what they'd recommend after going on a backcountry adventure and they've agreed - a telephoto zoom lens was their go-to (if they had a choice). That being said, macro enthusiasts said they'd pack a macro lens next time instead of a landscape lens. The creek is reasonably wide with the closest opportunities being frogs and flora we glide past. I pack my camera in a dry-bag. If using a dry-bag for the first time with your gear, please test it at home to ensure you can roll the top enough to close it properly with your camera (and anything else you're planning to put in the bag) inside. I have used a 30L Seal Line Baja bag for my Canon 1DX with 100-400mm lens attached, and then I usually wrap a towel around it for cushioning. Any time I'm entering or exiting the boat, I put my gear in the dry bag and seal it. When simply paddling, the bag is open and my gear is accessible and ready for photo opportunities. I would recommend bringing an extra towel to drape over your gear during these times to catch any drips from your paddle, an extra microfiber in a ziplock sandwich bag is also good to have close at hand. I do also bring a smaller dry bag (like a waist pack) to keep my phone, spare battery, and memory cards in.
Shooting in cold weather?
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Don't crank the heat in your car, as this could warm up your camera and lens to the point that you'll get condensation on the lens with the temperature change from getting into and out of your vehicle. Try using your seat warmers (if you're lucky to have them!) to keep your body warm instead.
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To stop your lens from fogging up due to the temperature change, try putting your camera in a large plastic bag to allow it to acclimatize slowly. Also, putting your camera in your back seat may help. Be careful not to breathe on your eye-piece as this will fog it up. You may find the warmth from your face is enough to fog it up, so keep a microfibre handy, or hold your camera away from your face as much as possible. You can try the snorkelling trick or rubbing a little bit of saliva on your viewfinder, but I've had varying rates of success with this.
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Keep your spare battery in your inside jacket pocket to keep it warm. Cold weather drains batteries quickly!
Personal Items Tips
Be prepared for everything!
I carry one full set of clothes in my trunk with a car battery booster, as well as snacks, an emergency kit, and hydration. This ensures I'm prepared for anything!
Warm Gear
When I get in my car, I place my gloves and hat on my dashboard - these keep them warm and help dry them off. Also, if I know I'm going to be in my car for a while, I'll strip off my outer layer to make sure I don't overheat, or feel colder when I get out of my car again.
Snacks & hydration!
The best photo opportunities come at the most inconvenient times. If you have plenty of snacks and hydration in your vehicle, you can help reduce the chance you'll miss opportunities because you were hungry! I highly recommend you bring more hydration than you think you'll need. One water bottle is not sufficient for any of my adventures, and there won't be a place for you to refill it.
Download my simple packing list here:
Worried about bugs?
Don't be! Watch this video & simply come prepared.