portage trips ontario

10 Best Portage Routes In Ontario, Canada

Step into Ontario, Canada's untouched wilderness, on a multi-day canoe trip. These are some of the best portage routes in the province.

Ontario is Canada’s largest province, and much of the land area is covered by beautiful deciduous forests. Throughout the forests of Northern, Central, and Southern Ontario are many provincial parks with canoe paddling routes and short or long portages in between. This pastime is the perfect way to explore Ontario’s nature. However, travelers who are not experienced in canoeing, camping, or portaging should consider booking a guided tour for their first time to maximize safety. Individuals with some wilderness knowledge and wild camping experience may feel confident enough to venture out onto these routes without a guide.

10 Canoe Lake To Big Trout Lake, Algonquin Park

Known as the Big Trout Canoe Loop, this portage route begins off Highway 60 at Canoe Lake in Ontario’s famous Algonquin Park. This backcountry canoeing adventure takes 5+ days to complete and requires travelers to camp at a different lake each night. Travelers who have extra time to build into their itinerary can consider spending multiple nights at one lake to rest and enjoy a day of swimming or sunbathing near their campsite .

9 Obabika Loop, Temagami

The Obabika Loop portage route covers 100 km in Temagami, a stunning forested region in Northern Ontario. The four portage sections of the route are fairly manageable, all less than 900 meters. The loop starts and finishes at Central Lake Temagami Access Road and takes approximately five days to complete. Depending on where travelers plan to camp along the route, it may be necessary to obtain permits from Ontario Parks before departure.

Related: Be One With Nature And Visit These Amazing Provincial Parks In Ontario

8 The Brent Run, Algonquin Park

The Brent Run is a more challenging canoe route in Algonquin Park with portage stretches that are physically demanding. The entrance to this route is access #27 on Cedar Lake. This is in the northern part of the park and takes anywhere from 2 to 4 days to complete. The route was first traveled in 1934 in just 32 hours , and some travelers attempt to finish this canoe journey in a mere 24 hours to beat that record. However, for a more laid-back and peaceful experience, a lot at least 48 hours for the trip.

7 Nellie Lake Loop, Killarney Provincial Park

The Nellie Lake Loop is a must-do canoe trip when visiting Killarney Provincial Park in Northern Ontario. The route takes travelers to Nellie Lake on a 2-3 day adventure. The lake has clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming and three different campsites at various points along the shore to stop overnight. The journey starts off Highway 6 at Widgawa Lodge near the town of Espanola. Although it’s a fairly short route, the portages are steep. This is a moderate to challenging portage trip because of the stamina required to complete the hiking sections.

6 Cassels Lake Loop, Temagami

Another Temagami adventure, this paddling route is just 30 km making it the perfect choice for a weekend getaway in Ontario’s wilderness. The route starts from the Temagami Outfitters Company store and requires travelers to portage 675 meters from their vehicle to the first paddling point at Snake Island Lake. There are two more short portages along the journey, but this route is still a great option for beginners.

Related: Ontario Is The Best Place For Yurt Camping, Start With These Provincial Parks

5 Smoothwater Lake To Scarecrow Lake, Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Park

This beautiful canoe trip begins on Crown Land and takes travelers to the highest elevation point in Ontario at Ishpatina Ridge. Starting from the Montreal River, visitors travel south on Lady Dufferin Lake into Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Park. Once travelers arrive at Scarecrow Lake, they can hike the 3.2 km trail to Ishpatina Ridge for unbelievable views and a glimpse of an old ranger cabin.

4 David Lake Loop, Killarney Provincial Park

The David Lake Loop in Killarney is a fairly easy portage adventure that takes just 2-3 days to complete. Travelers begin on Bell Lake at an access point from Highway 637. The route takes you through Bell Lake, Three Mile Lake, Balsam Lake, and back to David Lake. In total, there are four portages, but overall, the route is easy and suitable for beginners. If travelers have an extra day to add to the trip, they can incorporate the hike to Silver Peak from their campsite, a 3.5-hour hike with lots of elevation but worthwhile views.

3 Saugeen River Canoe Route, Southwestern Ontario

Travelers who are looking for portage options and canoe adventures near Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula can consider the Saugeen River Canoe Route. The river is approximately 198 km long , and the official canoe route begins in Hanover at Access Point #3. There are four possible portages along the way, and most are fairly short. Campsites are available in Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area and McBeath Conservation Area.

2 Mattawa River, Mattawa River Provincial Park

Taking travelers from North Bay to Mattawa, the Mattawa River canoe journey is 58 km. However, individuals can choose how much of the route they want to cover based on the access point they start from. There are various access points in Trout Creek and along the south shore of the river. Depending on the time of year and water levels, there can be anywhere from 9-14 portages along the route, but these are rated as easy to moderate.

1 Tim River To Longbow Lake, Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park is one of the most popular camping and canoeing destinations in Ontario, and it never fails to impress visitors with its wildlife. The Tim River canoe route is known for being a great location to spot moose and encounter beaver dams. The route to Longbow Lake is 32 km and takes anywhere from 2-3 days to complete. There are only two portages during the trip, making it a fairly easy option for beginners and novices.

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As one of the most popular, storied areas in Ontario, Algonquin Park is a tried-and-true launching point for adventure. With its endless interconnected waterways and serene islands, one of the best ways to visit is by boat—and portaging, of course. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran with a canoe, Algonquin Park has countless trip options. We’ve rounded up five portaging trips everyone should try. 

Like any kind of backcountry trip, it’s crucial to be prepared and think of safety first. You’ll need the right gear, including proper-fitting lifejackets, bear spray, maps, and enough food for the length of your trip. Research your trip in advance, and check in at the park office to see if there are any important notices for visitors. Numerous outdoor outfitters around the park rent gear and can offer helpful advice.

Canoe Lake to Burnt Island Lake

Itching for a backcountry trip but only have the weekend for your trek? The Canoe Lake route’s length, difficulty, and logistics make it a great fit for a couple of days and for a group with novice or beginner portagers. Burnt Island Lake is a coveted spot in Algonquin Park and can easily be reached by the Canoe Lake access point. There are two short portages, leaving you with more than enough time to relish in the beauty of this serene spot. Many people like to make this trip in three days to leave enough time for relaxation, but it can technically be done in two if you’re shorter on time.

Barron Canyon

Barron Canyon trail is one of the most popular, easy day hikes in Algonquin Park, offering stunning panoramic views. It also happens to be part of a bucket-list portaging route, usually best fit for novice and intermediate travellers. There are many ways to do this trip, depending on where you’d like to start, but for a 2-3 day route, many people take the Grand Lake/Squirrel Rapids circuit. For this one, you’ll drop your canoe at Grand Lake and paddle to Stratton Lake, where you’ll spend the night (depending on how far you go, you can also spend it at St. Andrews Lake). Day two brings beautiful Opalescent Lake and eventually through to the Barron River, which is where you’ll catch stunning views of a canyon, with over 100 feet of rock towering above you. If you have time and energy, check out High Falls, a nearby collection of natural pools, which is a popular (and often busy) destination but well worth the extra effort.

Note: this trip usually starts on the west side of the park—it’s less accessible than routes that start off of Highway 60, it’s a bit quieter, and it’s further for those coming from the GTA.

Big Trout Lake Loop

With endless waterways and islands that you can camp on, Big Trout Lake Loop is quintessential Algonquin Park. Many trips here can be made shorter or longer, more difficult or easier—it depends on what you’d like to get out of the experience. Such is the case with this trek, another popular portaging trip that can be up to five days or longer and takes you along some well-trodden, but no less breathtaking spots in the park. Starting from accessible (and aptly named) Canoe Lake off of Highway 60, this route will take you through campsites and portaging routes on and around Otterslide, MacIntosh, and of course, Big Trout Lake. If you have the time, many folks recommend staying at either of those sites for more than one night, so you can relax, recover, and also try some fishing, which is popular in this part of the park.

Tim River to Rosebary Lake

This three-day trip offers some of the most pristine backcountry areas in the park for those willing to put in a little extra effort. It’s a little off the beaten track (at least, further off of Highway 60) and also on the north side of the park. Some things to note about Tim River: be mindful of the water levels; if they’re too high or too low, you might have to accommodate and paddle around it, although it’s not usually too much of a detour. Either way, there’s a bonus—Tim River is a common area for spotting moose. At Rosebary, if you haven’t seen any wildlife yet and are itching to (safely and from a distance), you can continue down Tim River, or go east to Longbow Lake, where moose are also sometimes seen.

Wendigo Lake to Radiant Lake

Though the number of portages involved in this five-day trip may be a deterrent to some, the paddling level is still welcome to beginner and novice folks, so keep it in mind if you’re ready to take the plunge into a classic Algonquin Park portaging trip. Kicking off in the northern part, you’ll weave through Allan Lake and North Depot Lake, finally reaching Clamshell Lake. As with many portage trips, this trek can be made shorter or longer, depending on how much water (and ground) you’re able to cover in a day. Be sure to leave time to savour Radiant Lake, and try to score the campsite on Clamshell Lake that has a rope swing into the water.

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Epic 4 Day Algonquin Portage Canoe Trip Itinerary

Last Updated January 11, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » Epic 4 Day Algonquin Portage Canoe Trip Itinerary

If there’s a kind of trip that really builds camaraderie with friends and character look no further than going on a serious Algonquin portage canoe trip.

Being in Canada we’re graced with a lot of natural beauty and in Ontario specifically whenever anyone thinks about going up north to get away from the city, most will think of Algonquin National Park.  In the past I’ve been up to Algonquin but it’s always been car camping.  This is the cushy type of camping where you drive up to your designated camp spot, park your car and set up a tent and camping chairs around the camp fire.  It’s super easy because the comfort stations a lot of times are only minutes away which come fully equipped with hot water showers and bathrooms.  If you’ve never gone camping, i’d suggest doing the car camping to get a small taste.

Now I’ll put this out there.  I love car camping.  It’s super laid back and the days usually just consist of cooking and eating and maybe some lazy activities.  But I’ve always wanted to do something a little outback and more extreme so when Hilton said he was interested in doing a canoe trip this year, I jumped all over the idea.

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Table of contents

The preparation, algonquin portaging trip retrospective, how does an algonquin portage canoe trip look like.

We decided on The Big Trout loop which is considered to be intermediate in difficulty. The Algonquin portage canoe trip was a total of 4 days and 3 nights.

We basically started at Canoe Lake, moved up to McIntosh Lake for night 1.  From there we paddled and portaged all the way out to Big Trout Lake for night 2.  For night 3 we made our way down to Burnt Island Lake.  On day 4 we completed the circle and ended up back at Canoe Lake.

In retrospect, the direction we chose for this route was the most optimal because of the water flow of some of the small creeks we had to go through which you’ll read more about below.

At first, we were looking at two times of the year we could do it – May or late August. The main reason for these months is that we wanted to work around black fly and mosquito season.  

In the end we landed on May just because was the best for everyone’s schedule, there wouldn’t be any mosquitoes or black flies, and it also wasn’t too hot.

Here are the major things that I packed for this Algonquin portage trip:

• Sleeping bag  – Ultra compact and incredibly cheap.
• Compact pillow  – Wow I don’t know how I survived all these years camping without a proper compact pillow.
• Waterproof hiking boots – For this trip, I used the Asolo Goretex hiking boots.
• Ice fishing gloves  – AMAZING especially when it was raining.  Keeps you fully warm and dry.
• GSI Minimalist set  – Awesome all-in-one kit.
• Portable butane stove – This thing is so tiny that it fits in the GSI kit above.
• 15L dry bag
• 35L dry backpack
• Waterproof pants – Columbia makes a waterproof and breathable pant that I highly recommend.
• Sleeping bag liner – A gift from my friends and so essential to keep your sleeping bag clean.
• Geigerrig backpack – Combining this with the in-line filter , I didn’t need to worry about drinking from lake water at all!

Other than that, the preparation was pretty minimal on my end as I left most of the larger gear for my friend, Hilton, who had a lot of the communal camping things such as the tent, food, and snacks.

Speaking of snacks, you’ll want to buy a lot of trail mix and the best place to do it is at a place like Bulk Barn. You can build your own trail mix by getting an assortment of nuts, chocolate, and dried fruit, and then mixing it all together yourself.

As for other preparation, we had one group meeting the week of to double check our gear and for us to talk about tips on packing the backpack and waterproofing everything with contractor bags which are basically really thick garbage bags.

As a last minute addition, the photographer inside of me just couldn’t stand not having a camera and since I had just picked up a diving housing for my new Olympus E-PM1 I thought I might as well take it out for a spin.  I also brought along my GoPro Hero2.

The Algonquin Portage Trip Itinerary

Everyday was a different adventure for us and you can say the weather was just as different for us as well.

This was perhaps the most challenging day of all.  

I survived day one literally on only 4 hours of sleep.   On top of that I had to wake up at 4:30AM to pick up Andrew and Henry before heading up to Hilton’s house.  Luckily on the way we stopped by Tim Hortons to pick up some food and coffee.  

Once at Hilton’s we rearranged a few packs and head out packed in his car.  Our original plan was to head out by 5:45AM but it probably wasn’t until 6:15 or 6:30AM when we actually left Richmond Hill.  

Oh yeah and Andrew’s fishing rod snapped in half when we packed it in…more on this later.

The ride up to Algonquin Provincial Park is roughly 3 hours and we made pretty good time.  

When we hit Huntsville, we made use of our last chance at civilized bathroom facilities and picked up some additional food.  Sad that his fishing rod broke, Andrew bought this awesome collapsable one at the Walmart but when he was playing around with it by the car, he wasn’t able to collapse it again.  He ended up returning it and then buying another normal one.  I won’t say much more about the fishing rod on this trip but let’s just say it was dead weight the whole time and caught us no fish.

Once in the park, we stopped by the main info centre but turns out we didn’t need to go there since we could pick up our permits all at the outfitter centre at the entrance to Canoe Lake .  

At the outfitter, all was smooth as we picked up the permits, our rental gear (2 canoes, 2 bail kits, life jackets, paddles, food barrel) and started loading everything.

Now the reason I say the first day was the most challenging was because after the first portage, the second portage was a killer 2.2km.  

I thought I’d be able to handle doing my first Algonquin portage with a canoe over me + my backpack + Geigerrig + 15L dry bag + life jacket.  I even started off wearing my Patagonia shell.  

The first 500m seemed okay but there was a point when I was sweating like crazy and the canoe was digging into my shoulders big time.  I took off my jacket, took a break and kept going.  I made a total of 3 breaks along the way but wow did that kill my shoulders or what.  There was no padding on the shoulder from the life jacket so that was pretty useless.  

The whole time I was thinking…”this must be how you can make sure you stay short”.  Portaging with a canoe and bag is like the literal sense of “weight on your shoulders” and you feel like you’re being pushed down to be shorter and shorter.  

What kills you along this path is how long it is for one and two just how up and down it is.  There’s deep mud along the way, up hill climbs and then down hill drops.  It’s never a straight line nor can you see the end.  With no markers, you have no idea whether you’ve just done only another 100m or if you’ve actually completed a quarter of the length.  

When I reached the end, I felt like a million bucks.  

I would’ve gone back to help the other guys who were doing some leap frogging but I was so tired and I developed a blister on my right ankle which became quite the annoyance throughout the trip.  There was something about my Asolo’s that the back heel/ankle part was unpadded and kept chafing against me.

The rest of the way seemed to be a piece of cake after that.  I took a bunch of photos with my camera, and attempted to use my GoPro as well.  

There were a few tragic stories with my GoPro though.  

One, this being my first time using it, I thought it was automatically turning on to video mode so every time I thought I was taking a video, it was actually taking a photo.  Back at home, I was awarded with a bunch of shots of my fingers when I pulled the images from my card.  

The other tragic story behind the GoPro was that I was using my suction cup mount for some shots I didn’t really have something to tie it to the boat.  I created a makeshift strap with my dry sack.  It worked for awhile and even caught it falling off one time but the second time it happened I wasn’t so lucky.  The suction cup mount flew right off the canoe and the strap didn’t catch it.  The only good news out of that was that moments before I had just taken off the GoPro itself so really I only lost the suction mount and the 3-way pivot arm.

The scenery along the way was of course spectacular and the weather was just great as the sun was out in full force and not a black fly or mosquito was in sight.  What was a bit odd I thought was that a lot of trees still had fall colours on them.

It was always a relief to hit the water again as I really don’t know if there’s any joy in actual portaging other than feeling relieved when it was over.  Canoeing was calming and slow paced in such a vast landscape.

When we reached McIntosh Lake , it was close to 6:30PM.  

It was a perfect camp site situated on an island so we had it all to ourselves.  Hilton and I set up the tent while Henry and Andrew worked on the cooking and fire.  For our first night, steaks were on the menu which were chewy as hell but still darn delicious.  Fire was pretty easy to get going and so we did s’mores and hot chocolate to cap off the night.

Others things to note… I washed my clothes and hung them to dry on our line and Andrew seemed to enjoy using our blunt axe to cut up some wood.

We woke up on Day 2 to the joy of rain droplets.  The good thing was that we were relatively sheltered with the trees that surrounded us and I was able to grab my clothes on the line before it really started coming down.

Breakfast included oatmeal + banana + bagel with peanut butter.

Oh and I also got to use a “biffy” for the first time.  I thought taking a #2 out in the wilderness would’ve been a pain but it was actually quite comfortable.  These boxes are complete with it’s own toilet seat and when you open it up it doesn’t particularly smell.  You just do your business and you go.

Decked out in all of our waterproof gear we hit the lake at around 9AM and started making towards Big Trout Lake .  

The big challenge for today were the two beaver dams we had to get over.  Luckily we were travelling in the direction of the water flow and always going downstream.  So we would try to build as much speed to the opening of the dam, get stuck, one of us would have to get out to push us off (thank goodness for Goretex boots) and then jump right back in.  

I was pretty nervous about this as canoe flipping is always on your mind but we conquered both roadblocks.  The portaging was pretty light on this day with nothing really over 500m.  Honestly, anything under 2.2K at this point seemed easy.

The great thing was that towards the end of the day, the sun broke out and we got some fantastic weather to guide us to our campsite.

You’ll notice I also took less photos on this day because near the end of day, the battery warning light was already flashing.  Day 3 and beyond I was only able to snap 2-3 photos a day.

We reached Big Trout Lake by 4:30 so we got an awesome jump to the evening to set up and start cooking.  

This campsite was probably the best as we were again on an island.  It had two biffy’s that were in it’s own little outhouse which was awesome.  

The only problem we had was sustaining a good fire.  I was responsible for fire duties and I was pretty proud of being able to start it using flint alone but because all the wood was wet, nothing would ever really catch fire.  You just had to continuously feed it or else it would die.  Thank goodness we had a pack of fire starter sticks to help get things going.

For dinner we 4 packs of Sidekicks which were pretty awful.  They were way too salty and just not good.  Don’t ever get Sidekicks for your portaging trip.

I washed my clothes again but like my clothes after Day 1, they never really fully dry so I ended up having to just lay them on my packs in the canoe.

Day 3 was a portage heavy day as we moved from Big Trout Lake to Burnt Island Lake .  

We had a total of 6 portages to do and some in rapid succession.  By the 4th or 5th portage I was already pretty exhausted.

To start the day as well, we thought we had gotten lost trying to find out first portage spot because we could hear crazy rapids ahead of us so we doubled back to the entrance of the river but turns out we were right all along and all we needed to do was go a little deeper in.  That killed about 45 minutes of time.  As a result, we didn’t get to camp until 6:30PM.  

We didn’t have too many choices for camp sites for this part of the Algonquin portage trip since it was getting late and we were stuck with one that had an uphill incline and since it was near a swamp, there were black flies galore.

The campfire layout wasn’t that great as we didn’t have too much bench area to work with to cook our food but we made do.  Black flies were all over us too so I had to cover up everything.  It was probably on this day that I got all my bites.  I totally imagined “black flies” to be your usual house fly but these guys are pretty tiny and once they latch onto your skin, even blowing at them won’t get them off.  You literally have to flick them off.

The saving grace of the day was the awesome dinner we had.  Because this was our last night, I made sure we threw in everything into this dry-food pasta package we got.  We threw in the spam, sausage and zucchini.  This package is made by Harvest Foodworks and the flavour we got was Alfredo Primavera (available at MEC) and seriously the best dinner we had aside from the steaks.  Delicious!!

Fire of course wasn’t very sustainable as everything was still wet, but we managed to get something big going for a little while to be able to do our s’mores which became our nightly ritual.

The other annoying thing about this campsite was, as I said, situated on an uphill.  With no real other space to use, that meant our tent was also on an uphill angle.  Sleeping was so awkward as in the middle of the night I woke up to find the other guys almost halfway down from where they first started.  I also had to constantly climb back up.

By 8 or 9PM, we could see a lot of dark clouds rolling in and thunder crackling in the distance.  We made sure we put everything away as we were for sure in for a wild one.  Sure enough in the middle of the night the sky unloaded on us cats and dogs.  Luckily our tent held up pretty well and nothing got wet.

Oh the joys of rain while on an Algonquin portage trip.

We woke up in the morning and it was foggy everywhere you looked.  At least it wasn’t raining right?  We did our usual breakfast and even tried to kill one of our butane canisters by toasting our bagels but even that wasn’t enough to finish one.  We probably only needed 2 butane canisters at most for this trip.

We hit the lake and we slowly made our way back home.  This leg wasn’t too strenuous as we had to do a couple of portages that at most was 800 metres long.  We were even able to cut out a few portages along the way as we bumped into this other group that said the water levels were high enough to paddle it straight back home.

The fog had lifted but by about 12PM we could see that the dark clouds were rolling again and we could hear some rumbling in the air.  

We decided to forego lunch and just paddle it hard back home to Canoe Lake .  

With a good 5 kilometres left to go, just like the previous night, it started raining huge bulbs of water on us that kept getting harder and harder.  At this point there was nowhere to go and we were committed to gun it straight back.  We usually paddled pretty lackadaisically but this day was like we had a gun pointed at our heads.  

I never had to paddle this hard in my life and for this long of a stretch.  

The good thing out of all of this was that my Patagonia jacket held up incredibly well though my Goretex pants didn’t that well but still kept me warm and dry in certain places.  The ice fishing neoprene gloves also did fantastically well.

In record time, we made it back to our starting point before 3PM.

What a way to end right?

On the way home we enjoyed a nice burger at Webers and after dropping off the guys at home, I made it home for dinner no later than 6:30PM.

Now I can’t say that I felt particularly relaxed during the trip so that’s where car camping wins but I had a fantastic experience doing something that was truly “roughing it”.  When you’re on a canoe trip like this, you really have a chance to really bond with nature and live free of technology (minus my cameras).  The daily cycle of breakfast -> paddling -> portaging -> finding next camp site -> setting up camp -> dinner -> sleep is almost therapeutic.  

The simplicity of it all takes you away from all the annoying distractions of life in our real world.  

It’s also true that a trip like this builds character.  It’s not easy most times and so you really have to dig deep to push through.

Gear-wise, I felt that I was pretty well equipped to handle the trip.  

For the camera gear I brought, I probably could’ve brought a few backup batteries but I guess it was good that it forced me to be more selective with my shooting.  

The waterproof backpack was pretty key for me as it allowed me to travel a lot lighter.  

I also didn’t bring a lot of backup clothes as some of the others did.  Instead, I relied on hand washing which worked to a certain degree but ended up having to dry them during the day by laying them on top of our packs in the canoe.  I seriously think 2 pairs of underwear, socks and 2 sets of shirts should be good enough.  I brought backup shorts but I ended up wearing my Goretex pants the whole time which held up surprisingly well.  

With the on-set of black fly season, getting one of those fly net things for your head might’ve been a good idea.

I thought the most important piece of gear for me was definitely the hiking boots.  You’re constantly faced with muddy conditions and the chance of having to step into ankle high water to push your canoe away from shore or out of sticky situations.  

Lastly I thought my set up of a 35L waterproof backpack + 15L dry sack was great because I never needed to touch anything in my backpack while on the canoe but everything else that I needed to be accessible I could get to with my 15L dry bag.  Super convenient.

Where I did feel bulky was with my Geigerrig, as I typically had to wear it on my front to be able to carry everything.  If I could re-do it I’d probably try to figure out to consolidate this a bit better with the 15L dry bag.  

For our collective gear, we pretty much had what we needed to survive but it definitely would’ve been nicer if we had 2 more additional water buckets for miscellaneous use as it seemed like we were always waiting for someone to finish using the bucket whether it be to wash the dishes, wash clothes, showers, brushing teeth, water for boiling, etc.  

Another thing we ran out of pretty quickly were the spices and salt.  Hilton bought this GSI kitchen set that came with some sort of condiment “rocket” but  it was so tiny and ran out after the first day.  

Oh and yes we probably didn’t need to have that much trail mix though I guess I can’t complain because I killed my bag pretty quickly.

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About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Complete Guide to Algonquin Portages & Backcountry Camping

As someone who has spent the past four summers embarking on numerous backcountry camping trips in Algonquin Park, I have gained a wealth of insights and expertise from these experiences.

I have had the privilege of camping alongside family and friends who have been backcountry enthusiasts for over 15 years, evolving into experts in the field.

I appreciate that embarking on an Algonquin backcountry camping trip can be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time campers or those returning after a hiatus. Therefore, this comprehensive guide aims to help you confidently plan and execute a successful Algonquin portage and camping trip .

An Algonquin backcountry experience requires careful planning and adherence to safety measures. Understanding wildlife safety is paramount, given the presence of bears and moose in the park.

As you read through this guide, you will discover tips on selecting the right camping route, reserving permits, campsite etiquette and the art of portaging.

Whether you are a seasoned backcountry camper or embarking on this adventure for the first time, this article will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate Algonquin Provincial Park.

What is Backcountry Camping?

Backcountry camping is a wilderness adventure, unlike car camping or glamping .

This camping style involves being self-sufficient and cooking on a fire or portable camping stove , far from civilization, without any amenities like flushing toilets or cell service.

When backcountry camping, you will reach your camping site by hiking, canoeing , or another outdoor method; therefore, you will be away from any developed areas.

You must be able to carry all your belongings either on your back or within your canoe.

You must be aware of wildlife safety in places such as Algonquin Park in Ontario because there is a population of bears and moose. You will discover some of these practices later in the article.

What is Portaging?

Portaging is a term used in backcountry camping and canoeing, referring to the process of carrying a canoe overland between bodies of water when encountering an obstacle, such as a waterfall or rapids.

During a portage, campers take their boats out of the water, lift them onto their shoulders, and carry them over the land to reach the next navigable waterway.

Algonquin portages can vary in length, from a few hundred metres to over a kilometre, and can be physically demanding, especially with heavy gear and equipment.

Therefore, you must be able to carry all items between you and your group.

Algonquin Park Portage Information

Before setting off for your portage trip in Algonquin, you must have a reserved camping spot or a day-park permit, ensuring entry to Algonquin Park.

You can go portaging as a daytime activity on Algonquin camping trips to explore the area around your campsite.

Alternatively, you may prefer to portage to a new location each day, booking different campsites for each night.

While on the water, you can find out where the portage landing spots are due to the Algonquin portage signs.

These square yellow signs on trees with a person carrying a canoe signify the start (or end) point. The signs usually describe the length of the portage and which lake the portage starts and ends at.

You can also find the length and location of the portages on an Algonquin Provincial Park map.

A line on the map will indicate the portage that helps you to cross from one lake to another. In some maps, a black line on the map means a maintained portage route, whereas a red line is an unmaintained trail. Other maps may show lines in only one colour.

The distance of the portage is indicated by a figure in a red box, for example, 450 metres. Or, it is shown by the letter P and a number, for example, P 450.

When preparing for your canoe trip, you should pack in a manner that makes it easy to carry.

Use techniques such as clipping items onto large backpacks or securing them with bungee cords to ensure the gear is both manageable and secure during the portage.

Where is Algonquin Provincial Park?

Algonquin Provincial Park is in Ontario, Canada and is approximately 3 hours north of Toronto.

Depending on the specific campsite or access point within the park, you may need to drive an additional 45 minutes from the West Gate to reach your destination. Otherwise, you can access it from the East Gate if coming from the Ottawa region.

When To Go Backcountry Camping Algonquin Park?

When planning a canoe camping trip to Algonquin Park, the timing of your visit can bring a very different result.

As soon as the ice clears from the lakes, typically in early spring, you can start considering a backcountry camping adventure. The canoe camping season usually runs from May to October .

Even so, consider several important factors when selecting the best date for your backcountry canoe trip.

If you prefer to avoid crowds, it is advisable to avoid the weekends, particularly the long weekend in early August, plus the first two weeks of August when the park tends to be busier. The days are warm and the nights offer a refreshing coolness in August, making it a popular time for visitors.

To escape the notorious black flies , avoid late May to late June. In addition, late July usually brings the hottest summer temperatures, so if you prefer milder weather, it is best to go camping in spring or late summer.

If witnessing the stunning fall colours is a priority, late September could be an ideal time to visit Algonquin Park. Even though the days and nights may be colder, the vibrant foliage makes it a breathtaking experience.

Be aware that June is the worst month for mosquitos , but they will still be present in July and August, particularly in the evening. Consequently, wear long sleeves and use insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Light-coloured clothing, such as white, tan or khaki, is better than dark colours to avoid attracting mosquitos, but this can be unpractical while camping.

For a more pleasant experience with favourable weather and fewer people, consider planning your canoe camping trip after the Labour Day weekend (the first weekend in September).

Trip Planning: Canoe Camping in Algonquin Park

When choosing a route for your backcountry camping and portaging trip, consider your experience level and preferences.

Decide whether you want to do an Algonquin portage trip that involves moving campsites every night or opt for a more relaxed experience by canoeing or portaging to your first campsite and staying there for a few nights.

Beginner backcountry campers may prefer a two-night camping trip to whet their appetite. On the other hand, more experienced campers may want three nights or more to fully unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Remember that portages over 1000 m can be arduous, and you should avoid having more than one long portage in a day, especially if you have heavy food barrels to carry.

Ideally, you should be able to carry all your belongings in one go between your whole group. For example, one person carries a backpack while another holds the canoe. However, it is extremely helpful to have members of your group who can carry the canoe on their shoulders and a backpack on their backs. Particularly, if you have numerous backpacks.

If you cannot carry all your belongings in one go, be prepared for extra walking. You will need to walk to the end of the portage with part of your gear, return to the starting point without any items, and then walk along the trail a third time to retrieve the remaining items.

On your return to the start point, you could offer to carry some lighter items for campers going in the opposite direction if you are empty-handed.

Where to Camp in Algonquin Park?

Numerous lakes serve as access points in Algonquin Park, meaning you will start your camping trip there.

It is possible to end your Algonquin portage at another access point, but you will need to arrange logistics for getting back to your car.

Algonquin Backcountry Access Points

The Algonquin Park website has a list of access points .

The two access points that I have visited and have experience with are:

• Magnetawan Lake Access Point
• Rock Lake Access Point

You can read all about my experiences at each of these access points at the corresponding links above.

If you need advice on selecting a canoeing route, you can call an Algonquin canoe rental shop (where you will later reserve your canoe) and they will give you suggestions.

Ensure you have a canoe route map to refer to.

Algonquin Park Campsites

When considering backcountry camping in Algonquin Park, note that you cannot reserve a specific campsite in advance.

Campsites are self-assigned on a first-come, first-served basis when you arrive at the lake.

Upon arrival at your pre-reserved lake, you are allowed to choose any available campsite .

Timing is crucial; arriving too early might mean the previous campers have not left. While arriving too late could result in the best spots already being taken.

This reservation style differs from yurt camping in Tobermory , where you can reserve a specific tent spot in advance. Or when you book Algonquin backcountry cabins, such as the ranger cabin on rain lake, in which you are allocated the exact log cabin booked.

Algonquin Canoe Routes

To help you plan your Algonquin portage trip, you can refer to the digital map on Algonquin Park’s website .

It is also possible to purchase a hard copy of an Algonquin portage map on the website too.

It is recommended to have a printed version of a map of Algonquin Park to help you while you are in the park. Cell service will be limited and there are limited options for charging your phone when backcountry camping.

Here are some sample Algonquin portage routes that you may wish to consider.

Single-Site Backcountry Camping with a Portage Day Trip

• Rock Lake to Pen Lake (and return the same way) – P375
• Rock Lake to Galeairy Lake (and return the same way) – P100

Easy Multi-Campsite Portage Trip

• Ralph Bice Lake, Little Trout Lake, Queer Lake (Magnetawan Lake Access Point)

Experienced Multi-Campsite Portage Trip

• Little Trout Lake, Moccasin Lake, Casey Lake (Magnetawan Lake Access Point)

Read my article on Magnetawan Lake Access for more details on the portage loops starting at this location. You will also find information about specific campsites in Algonquin Park on these loops.

How To Choose a Campsite?

There are numerous factors to consider when selecting a campsite in Algonquin Park. The best Algonquin campgrounds incorporate the majority of these characteristics.

Depending on the weather forecast, if rain is expected, opt for a campsite with ample tree coverage .

During mosquito or fly season, an exposed site with a breeze can keep these insects at bay. On the other hand, when camping in cooler temperatures, you should choose a spot that is sheltered from the wind.

Before settling in, check the site for flat areas that accommodate the entire group’s tents and consider if the ground has a flat surface for sleeping on.

Check for sufficient logs that can be used for seating and if there are grills on the fire pit for cooking. Some campsites even have additional surfaces like built-in shelves across trees that make good meal prep stations.

It is also worth assessing the condition of the Thunder Box (toilet), as a less full box tends to be slightly more pleasant. Some campsites have newer toilet facilities – you can tell by the condition of the wood.

An important consideration for many is how private your campsite feels.

There may be a few other groups camping on the lake, but if you can hear noise from a nearby campsite, it may ruin the appeal of being in the backcountry. Therefore, you may wish to select a more private campsite further away from other people.

We could envision this happening on Casey Lake at the Magnetawan Lake access point because there are three campsites on the lake. Two campsites are close by, and one is slightly more isolated.

Speaking of privacy, you may also want to check that the Thunder Box is far away enough from the communal area that you do not feel too exposed, but near enough to camp to not feel uneasy at being vulnerable.

Look for a campsite with a convenient shoreline for storing your canoe and easy access to the water.

Large flat boulders along the water’s edge are beneficial for swimming, sunbathing, and reading a book. Ideally, the water is relatively clear and without gunk, and does not have lily pads.

A campsite with a good view across the lake or a sunset view is a bonus.

How To Prepare to Portage Algonquin Park?

There is a range of items that must be packed and prepared before a portaging trip to Algonquin Park, including camping gear, canoes, food, clothing, and park permits.

What Gear to Pack for Algonquin Backcountry Camping?

You cannot go to Algonquin Park backcountry camping without the following products. Make sure you own them or can borrow them from a friend.

It is also possible to rent some of this equipment from canoe outfitters.

Sleeping & Shelter:

• Trekking Backpack
• Sleeping Mat
• Sleeping Bag

Food and Water:

• Water Filtration System
• Water Purification Tablets
• Kitchen Cookware
• Food Barrel / Bear Proof-Bag
• Water Bottle
• Empty Plastic Bag
• Espresso Maker
• Collapsible Sink
• Biodegradable Soap
• Lighter/ Waterproof Matches

Safety Items:

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• First Aid Kit
• Sources of Light (Flashlight/ Headtorch , Lantern )
• Hatchet and/or Sledgehammer
• Firewood (if allowed)

Find a more detailed version of the backcountry camping packing list here.

Canoe Rental Algonquin

On Algonquin backcountry camping and portaging trips, you should rent a canoe and paddles to get to your campsite. Book this sooner rather than later in case all the supply has gone.

There are several sizes of canoes to rent, based on size (for cargo), weight and paddlers.

Kayak rentals are also available but note that these vessels may be able to carry less equipment than a canoe.

Some lake access points have outfitters on the lake, so you can pick up your rented canoe directly. Whereas, other Algonquin outfitters offer delivery services .

You can choose to have your canoe delivered to your access point (sometimes for a fee). I would suggest that you arrange this for convenience purposes. Otherwise, you must carry the canoe on the top of your roof.

The companies that I would recommend renting your equipment from are:

• Opeongo Outfitters
• Algonquin Outfitters
• Canoe Algonquin

Look into each of these rental companies because one may be more suitable for you than another based on the location of your chosen access point.

The type of clothes that you should be packing are older clothes that you will not be upset if they get damaged. Choose comfortable attire that allows you to be active and move freely.

Given the potential for chilly nights , packing leggings and warm socks for your camping wardrobe is recommended.

Even if rain is not in the forecast, it is wise to bring a raincoat because the weather conditions can quickly change, and you will not have access to any weather reports online.

Remember to choose lightweight and quick-drying fabrics for clothing and consider layering for varying weather conditions.

Pack enough changes of clothes for the duration of your trip while also keeping in mind the activities you will be engaging in and the potential for clothes to get wet or dirty .

Keens , Tevas , EVA Birkenstocks , and Crocs make excellent campsite shoes. These comfortable and waterproof footwear options will give your feet a break around the campsite and are convenient for water-side activities.

• Bathing Suit
• T-Shirts (sweat-resistant fabric)
• Shorts (quick-drying)
• Warm Sweater or Fleece
• Long Pants (not jeans)
• Leggings or Long Johns
• Daytime Socks (activewear, ankle coverage)
• Warm Socks (for evenings)
• Rain Jacket
• Hat (wide-brimmed or baseball cap)
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Old Running Shoes or Hiking Shoes (durable, can get wet)
• Campsite Shoes (sandals or sturdy shoes)
• Belt Bag (fanny pack for essentials)
• Backpack (for day trips without main camping gear)

Your food during an Algonquin backcountry camping adventure must be well-considered.

On your first day of camping, you chould eat fresh or slowly defrosting items since you will not have access to a fridge. Subsequent nights require non-perishable or dry foods stored at room temperature.

You need to formulate the entire camping meal plan at home because you will not be able to leave the backcountry to find a grocery store.

Remember, your camp stove will be your main cooking tool, so select foods that can be easily prepared with the equipment you have.

While cooking over a campfire is a possibility, it is not a reliable method due to potential fire bans or adverse weather conditions.

Discover more about planning your camping meals in this article.

If arranging meals becomes a hassle, you also have the option of purchasing a meal kit through food outfitting services available in Algonquin Park. Trip packages are especially convenient if you are travelling from outside Ontario or have a busy schedule.

If you do not have access to a car or you are visiting Ontario as a tourist, you will need to rent a car . It is difficult to get to Algonquin Park without a car.

Rental cars can easily run out of inventory, so if this is something you will need, get it booked as soon as you can. Prices are usually more affordable for car rentals in advance.

How to Get Algonquin Park Permits?

Reservations and permits are essential for backcountry camping in Algonquin Park.

To secure your spot, aim to reserve your backcountry campsites well in advance – ideally, as soon as the bookings open, which is usually five months in advance .

Availability will be limited at peak times, like holidays, weekends, July, August, or the September Labour Day weekend.

For quieter Algonquin camping trips, consider mid-week stays and avoid long weekends that attract crowds.

You must pick up your permit from the park office on your way to Algonquin Provincial Park at the nearest office to your access point. Always have the permit on you, as rangers might need to confirm your permission to be on the lake.

Lastly, if you plan to fish while in Algonquin’s backcountry, remember to obtain a fishing license.

Step-by-Step Guide for Securing Algonquin Permits

• Begin by navigating to the official Ontario Parks reservations website .
• Locate the Backcountry tab situated at the top of the page.
• Opt for the “backcountry paddling” option from the available choices.
• Choose Algonquin Park as your destination and specify the lake access point along with your intended arrival date.
• Use the map to designate your preferred lake for camping (e.g., Rock Lake ).
• Click on “Add to Stay” found on the right-hand side of the page.
• If your plan involves multiple nights across various lakes, you can easily select additional lakes for each night.
• Your booking details will be displayed at the top of the page. Click on “reserve” to finalize and complete your booking process.

Algonquin Campsite Set-Up Tips

Once at your campsite, quickly set up all your equipment in case of rain or before it gets dark and becomes more challenging.

Find a spot to put your tent up that avoids low-lying areas prone to flooding and is far from the firepit and any food.

Next, you should collect some water from the deepest part of the lake and start to purify it so it is ready when you need to fill up your water bottle or start cooking dinner.

Finally, make sure you have located a tree with a sturdy branch where you can hang your food barrel. Otherwise, find a spot 30 metres from your campsite to put your bear-proof bag or canister.

You should also signal your presence at a campsite by hanging a towel from a tree or placing your canoe in view. This will prevent other campers from paddling over when looking for a site.

Rules and Regulations for Portaging in Algonquin Park

When you are portaging in Algonquin Park, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations that help maintain the park for future visitors.

You should do your part to help keep the park clean. Leave your campsite in the same condition or better than you found it. Therefore, do not bring glass or cans with you.

Additionally, do not burn foreign objects in the fire instead of packing them and carrying them out of the park. There have been numerous occasions when we have arrived at a campsite with crushed and semi-burnt cans of beer in the firepit.

Follow the “ Leave No Trace ” principle, which means taking everything you brought back home, including any trash or items that might have been damaged during your journey.

Safety Tips for Algonquin Portages

You should have at least one member of your group who is experienced in backcountry camping and canoeing.

All members of your group should always have their life jackets on while canoeing. When portaging, you can clip the life jackets to the inside of the canoe to make it easier to carry. It can also help with making some padding for your shoulders.

Make sure all members of your group can swim and do not take your boat onto the water when there is a storm.

Be considerate of other groups portaging. If you arrive at a portage start point at the same time as another group, make sure there is space for them to offload by moving your stuff to the side. Alternatively, be quick to move out of their way.

If you are not carrying a canoe but encounter someone who is, give them ample space to pass through. The person carrying the canoe has priority.

You should practice with your equipment, for example, putting up your tent and using the camping stove at home before your portaging trip.

It is essential to master other basic camping tasks, such as fire lighting and water filtration. Multiple members of your group should be proficient in these skills.

Wildlife Safety Regulations

There are several best practices to keep safe from wildlife while backcountry camping.

For example, you should refrain from eating in your tent and avoid bringing toiletries inside. You do not want to entice animals such as bears or moose into your sleeping area with these smells.

Keep a clean campsite to steer off any unwanted wildlife. Chipmunks may come to your campsite looking for food droppings. They can become a pest, so you should clear up any mess into waste bags and pack them away into the lockable food barrel.

Watch videos or read guides on how to hang a food barrel from a tree if you do not know how to.

If this is the first time you are going backcountry camping in Ontario (or North America for that matter), you would be wise to read up on some animal safety tips. There is a genuine chance of a bear encounter in Ontario, so being prepared is important.

Know what to do if you encounter a bear, and learn preventative measures, such as maintaining a clean campsite and following food preparation guidelines.

I recommend reading websites such as Ontario.ca and North Frontenac .

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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Portages in algonquin park.

Portages are trails that connect two navigable waterways along the Park's Canoe Routes Network. Portages range in length from less than 50 metres to over 5 kilometres in length. Depending upon your desires and skill level, you can create a backcountry canoe trip or canoeing day trip to meeting your interest.

All portages in Algonquin Park are marked with a yellow sign with a portaging graphic (person carrying a canoe), and lists the connecting water bodies and the portage length in metres.

See the Canoe Routes Map-Brochure of Algonquin Provincial Park for more information.

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• Mar 14, 2023

3-Day Canoe Trip Itinerary: Long Weekend In Algonquin Backcountry

A portage trip in Algonquin Backcountry is essentially a Canadian rite of passage. Travelers visiting Ontario, Canada, will want to find time to visit Algonquin Park in some capacity, but for the adventurous, backcountry canoeing is a bucket list experience. In August 2022 my partner Ramin, my brother Jack, and myself ventured out in a canoe for a 3-day, 2-night trip through the vast lakes and forests of the Algonquin backcountry.

Day 1: Kawawaymog (Round) Lake To North Tea Lake

The journey began from the outfitters at Kawawaymog Lake, just off the highway near Trout Creek, Ontario. There are lots of parking spots available here for leaving your vehicle overnight or for the duration of the portage trip.

Upon arrival, we simply launched our canoe and began paddling across the lake. However, if you are renting a canoe, this is where you'll pick it up and pay for it. The journey across Kawawaymog Lake was peaceful for us and on the other side, you paddle down a small winding river to the first portage.

The first portage was short, only 135 meters. Then back in the water for a brief paddle before our second portage, which was 255 meters. This brought us to North Tea Lake. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your campsite, especially if you're camping on the far side of North Tea Lake because it's a massive body of water.

Total Portage Distance: 390 meters

Approximate Time To Campsite (West Side of the Lake) : 4 hours

*** Plan significantly more time if you are camping on the East side of North Tea Lake

Day 2: North Tea Lake To Manitou Lake

Start your second day very early in order to have sufficient time to make it to Manitou Lake before nightfall. We ended up camping on the East side of North Tea Lake the second night, but we did venture over to Manitou Lake as a day trip. There is a waterfall between North Tea Lake and Manitou Lake that is a major attraction where people go swimming and hang out so be sure to wear your bathing suit if you want to enjoy that as a break between lakes.

Paddling across North Tea Lake alone takes at least two hours so plan accordingly. The portage distance by the rapids between North Tea Lake and Manitou is 550 meters. Again, Manitou Lake is vast so book a campsite accordingly. If you have limited experience portaging, book a campground close to the beginning of Manitou Lake so you don't have to cross the entire thing.

Total Portage Distance: 550 meters

Approximate Time To Campsite on Manitou Lake : 4-6 hours

Day 3: Manitou Lake To Kawawaymog (Round) Lake

The third and final day of this itinerary requires you to go all the way back across North Tea Lake and Kawawaymog Lake to your starting point. However, from Manitou Lake, you'll take a shorter portage route on the way back, just west of where you entered Manitou Lake. This portage is 410 meters.

Be sure to start the morning extremely early. You'll want to be up for sunrise in order to leave enough time to cross all the lakes and get back to your car with enough daylight to spare. Plan your time based on how long it took you to reach your Manitou campsite. If you are struggling on Day 2 to reach Manitou, you can do what we did and simply visit Manitou but camp on North Tea Lake so that Day 3 is less strenuous since you're already part way back to the starting point.

Total Portage Distance: 410 meters

Approximate Time To Parking Lot at Kawawaymog Lake : 6-8 hours

Safety Tips

A backcountry canoe trip is a fun experience, but it's important to be smart and stay safe. Always leave yourself plenty of time to reach campsites in daylight so you're not left paddling after dark. Have life jackets for everyone on board your canoe and bring flashlights, a first aid kit, and have a way of contacting emergency services should you need help.

Bring enough food for the duration of the trip since you won't find anything you can purchase or forage en route. To lighten your load, bring a water bottle with a filter system so you can drink filtered lake water, rather than carrying all the water you'll need for the duration of the trip. Follow Algonquin Park's fire safety regulations at the campsites.

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Canoeing , Ontario

11 ontario canoe trips with little-to-no portaging.

I am suspicious of anyone who claims they enjoy portaging. I don’t hate it, but I definitely don’t plan my canoe trips with the intention of carrying my canoe for long stretches of time.

Besides simply disliking them, there are plenty of reasons to want a canoe trip without portages. Maybe you’re camping with young kids and don’t want the hassle of constantly packing and unpacking your boat. Or you’re getting older and carrying a canoe overhead isn’t working for you anymore. Perhaps you just want to get lost in the rhythm of paddle stokes without the interruption of a portage trail.

Whatever your reasons are, I hope this post will help you plan a canoe trip suitable to your wants, needs and desires!

For most of the routes mentioned, I’ve linked either a trip report or a paddling guide. Trip reports are hosted on my side website, written about specific routes and go into detail on campsites, portages, access points, etc. Paddling guides, on the other hand, are written about a particular area and provide details on planning your trip and choosing a route.

About Me : I’m Mikaela and I’m the voice behind Voyageur Tripper. I spent a few seasons wilderness guiding and now create resources to help others get outside in meaningful ways.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is much appreciated! You can learn more by reading my full disclosure .

Ontario Canoe Trips with No Portages

Here are a few canoe routes that have absolutely no portaging. There’s a mix between canoe trips on open bays, big lakes and rapid-free rivers.

1. Beausoleil Island Circumnavigation

• Type : Loop
• Distance : 25 km
• Duration : 2 – 3 days
• Difficulty : Beginner
• Paddling Guide

Ah, Beausoleil Island – this island is home to the camp I used to attend and sits in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Georgian Bay is a large and open body of water with tens of thousands of islands – which can be explored without ever having to do a portage.

I’ve circumnavigated Beausoleil Island many times (twice as a day trip even!). I’ve always started from camp, but you can start and end at Honey Harbour. There is paid overnight parking and a boat launch. From Honey Harbour, the entire route is about 25 km and you’ll pass by a lot of cottages and, on the weekends, a lot of motorboats. Be sure to stay along the shore and be careful crossing between islands. Technically canoes have right of way over motorboats, but that only matters if they see you.

Despite the proximity to civilization, the area is absolutely stunning. Campsites can be booked through Parks Canada – I recommend Beausoleil Point and Honeymoon Bay, which are at the bottom and top of the island, respectively.

2. Phillip Edward Island Circumnavigation

• Distance : 60 km
• Duration : 4 – 6 days
• Difficulty : Intermediate
• Trip Report

Here is another circumnavigation on Georgian Bay. Phillip Edward island is further north, close to Killarney, and is on Crown Land , so no need to book campsites. Because it’s crown land, it can be a little harder to find available campsites (and a little easier to find garbage…) on summer weekends.

The put-in and take-out for this route are Chikanishing Trail, which is part of Killarney Provincial Park and requires an overnight parking permit. This can be purchased from the Visitor’s Center on George Lake.

The south shore of Phillip Edward Island is sprinkled with small islands, which can be a little confusing to navigate, and the area is subject to the windy and wavy conditions of Georgian Bay. The north shore isn’t as scenic, but it’s much more sheltered.

The photos below are by Jesse Yacoubov who wrote the Phillip Edward Island trip report .

3. Spanish River: Duke Lake to The Forks

• Type : One Way
• Distance : 44 km
• Duration : 3 – 4 days

This is perhaps the least conventional route on this list. Most people who paddle the Spanish River do so for the whitewater. The West Branch, starting at Biscotasing Lake, and the section below The Forks have tons of rapids for the whitewater enthusiast.

The East Branch, which goes from Duke Lake to The Forks, doesn’t have any portages. The branch is a series of lakes connected to one another by small (very small!) swifts. It does have a few rapids – namely Cavana Rapids, Breadner Swifts and Kingfisher Swifts – which are all suitable for novice whitewater paddlers (if at least someone in your group knows whitewater paddling). You can see the rapids in this YouTube video I made.

Duke Lake is only a few meters off the side of Highway 144, making it an easy place to put in and leave a vehicle. The tricky part of this route is getting off the river at The Forks (before all the whitewater happens). Once at The Fork, you’ll need to paddle upstream for 1.5 km (the current isn’t strong so it’s annoying but not difficult) to make it to The Forks train stop. Call VIA Rail in advance to organize your pickup.

4. Moose River

• Distance : 70 km

The Moose River is spectacular. It’s quite far and a little logistically difficult to plan a trip here, but if you’re willing to put in the work you will be rewarded with an incredible canoe trip. I paddled the Moose River as part of my three-week Missinaibi River trip, but you can paddle just the Moose River over 4-5 days.

From Cochrane, you’ll hop aboard the Polar Bear Express heading toward Moosonee. The put in is at Moose Crossing, where the train crosses over the Moose River (as pictured below). From there it’s about 70 km to Moosonee, where you’ll hop back on the Polar Bear Express bound for Cochrane.

Campsites are easy to find along the river and Missinaibi: Journey to the Northern Sky is a fantastic resource. In the late summer, you may be able to catch the northern lights! Though be mindful that water levels can drop in late summer and you may need to drag your boats a little.

5. Upper Ottawa River: Mattawa to Driftwood Provincial Park

• Distance : 72 km

I’ve only paddled a small section of the Upper Ottawa River, but let me tell you, it is a real beauty. The river is wide and the current appears slow-moving; you won’t encounter any whitewater on this route, so there’s really no need to get out of your canoe.

If you don’t mind two small and unofficial portages in town, you can put in at Chant Plein Lake just west of Mattawa. There is an unofficial boat launch and free parking here. Otherwise, there is Valois’ Motel & Restaurant on the outside of Mattawa which has a dock and overnight parking for $20 per day.

There aren’t any good resources for finding campsites along this stretch of river, but I did find this one trip report on MyCCR which details some of the campsite locations.

The best place to take out is at Driftwood Provincial Park (shortly after the park there is a dam you’d need to portage around if you wanted to keep going). I’ve camped at Driftwood and it’s a beautiful little park.

6. Pukaskwa: Hattie Cove to Michipicoten River

• Type: One Way
• Distance : 170 km
• Duration : 10 days
• Difficulty : Advanced

The last portage-free canoe trip I’ll include is a one way journey along the northern shore of Lake Superior. There are dozens of potential routes of varying distances, so I’ll only specify one in Pukaskwa National Park.

Start at Hattie Cove and the Pukaskwa National Park visitor’s centre and paddle south. You’ll pass rivers that empty into Lake Superior and weave in between islands dotting the coastline. There’s a good mix between rocky and sandy campsites, depending on what you prefer.

Really the only suitable place to end the route is at Michipicoten River, 170 km south, so this is a big trip. It’s also quite exposed and you’ll need to be comfortable with big water paddling to safely execute the trip. But if you’re experienced, this is an excellent canoe trip with absolutely no portaging.

The following photos were taken by Swamp Walker , who wrote the Pukaskwa trip report .

Bonus: Lake of the Woods

I don’t know enough about this area to have a route recommendation, but I want to call out Lake of the Woods, an area near the southern part of the Ontario-Manitoba border. This area appears to have just as much water as it has land – like it’s a mix of Georgian Bay (little land on big water) and Algonquin (little water on big land).

Looking at the map, it seems you could plan a few different routes without having any portages. There’s boat launches off of the Trans-Canada Highway and tons of big, intersecting lakes to choose from. If anyone has paddled here, please let me know!

Ontario Canoe Trips with Minimal Portages

This section contains Ontario canoe routes that have very little portaging – typically less than 200 m per day. Although you’ll still have to carry a canoe at least once, I’ve tried to include routes where a small portage is well worth the destination on the other side.

7. French River: Dry Pine Bay to Hartley Bay

• Distance : 32 km
• Total Portage Distance : 100 m
• Duration : 3 days / 2 nights

This route takes you through a beautiful section of the French River. Put in on Dry Pine Bay at Loon Landing and paddle south to meet up with the French River (alternatively, you could put in on the French River at the supply post and save yourself 3 km of paddling). From there, you’ll paddle in between the steep granite walls lining the sides of the river.

There are only two portages on this one-way route: one 70 m portage around Recollet Falls and one 30 m portage around Little Flat Rapids. There are no portages or features between Little Flat Rapids and Hartley Bay, where you can take out.

If you want a little more distance for your trip, add a route around Merranger’s Island. This will add about 11 km of paddling and contains no portaging.

8. Algonquin: Achray Campground to High Falls

• Type : Out and Back
• Distance : 20 km
• Duration : 2 days / 1 night

High Falls is a popular destination in Algonquin Provincial Park for its natural waterslide. The easiest way to access the falls is from Achray Campground, which is only 10 km away and requires just one 50 m carryover between Grand Lake and Stratton Lake. There are campsites on Stratton Lake very close to the falls, but make your reservation early if going on the weekend – it’s a popular spot!

9. Tim River to Longbow Lake

• Total Portage Distance : 240 m
• Duration : 2 days

Tim River is a slow-moving, moose-frequented river on the east side of Algonquin. With the exception of one 120 m portage into Tim Lake (and a few lifts over beaver dams), this route keeps you in your canoe and off the trails. Starting at Access Point #2, the route paddles 16 km into the park, passing through several sections of the winding Tim River toward Rosebary Lake and Longbow Lake.

These photos were taken by Raina Freidman who wrote the Tim River trip report .

10. French River Loop: West Channel Loop

• Distance : 52 km
• Total Portage Distance : 170 m

Another great option for a minimal-portaging canoe trip is the French River Delta, where the river splits into several channels and meets Georgian Bay. A popular route is to paddle down the Western Channel, along the northern shore of Georgian Bay and back up either through the Main Outlet or the Eastern Outlet (or you can do it all in reverse).

The route creates a nice loop, with paddling through narrow sections of Canadian Shield or around small, rocky islands. Coming down the Western Channel, you’ll be forced to do the 110 m portage around Lilly Chute. If you take the Main Outlet, there’s a 310 m portage around Dalles Chute. We want to minimize portaging however, so you can take the Eastern Outlet instead, which has two portages, but they are significantly shorter: 10 m and 50 m.

The photos below were taken by Sean Vandersluis who wrote the West Channel Loop trip report .

11. Matagamasi Lake to Wolf Lake

• Distance : 30 km
• Total Portage Distance : 1000 m

Perhaps this route has too much portaging to be included. But considering it’s in Temagami (a region notorious for its long, frequent and difficult portages), I think this can be considered a minimal portaging route. Plus, it includes Wolf Lake, one of my favourite destinations in all of Temagami. This was the last lake I camped at during my first big canoe trip in 2010. We took a rest day on Wolf Lake and paddled to Paradise Lagoon and it’s one of the best memories I have.

The route kicks off from the boat launch on the south end of Matagamasi Lake and goes north to Silvester Lake and then Wolf Lake, passing by Paradise Lagoon along the way. There are two portages (200 m and 300 m) each way and they’re both pretty easy.

Ontario Canoe Routes with Little to No Portages

I hope this post has been helpful and you’ve found the destination for your next portage-free canoe trip. Let me know if you’ve tried any of the routes or if there’s a good one I’ve left off the list! Here are some additional canoeing resources you may find helpful!

• How to Portage a Canoe + 12 Expert Tips to Make it Easier
• The ULTIMATE Guide to Canoe Camping
• How to Find Canoe Routes: 9 Resources for Planning Your Next Canoe Trip!

Mikaela | Voyageur Tripper

Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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3 thoughts on “ 11 Ontario Canoe Trips With Little-to-No Portaging ”

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Trip # 11 looks interesting. Are all the 4 pictures of the Paradise Lagoon?

Yes they are! All Paradise Lagoon / Wolf Lake. Here is a trip report for the route: https://tripreports.voyageurtripper.com/chiniguchi-laura-lake-loop/

This was an awesome read, I’ve canoed for 25+ years and I’m looking for something different… I believe you have talked me into the Moose river trip lol. Thanks !

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Diabolo Portage, Ontario

The steel river circle route in ontario, canada, promises to be steep and rocky..

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Steep, rocky terrain

Northwoods solitude sans shuttle

→ You don’t have to travel to the farthest corners of the earth to enjoy solitude: All it takes is one stout portage to keep the crowds away. After canoeing waterways all over the world, guidebook author Cliff Jacobson says the portage between Santoy and Diabolo Lakes is tougher than any other he’s found, even in the remote reaches of Nunavut—yet this pristine paddling escape sits right off the Trans-Canada Highway.

“At just under a mile—1,673 meters, to be exact—it would be doable in 20 minutes if it were relatively flat,” he says, but hauling a canoe and gear through piles of Mini Cooper-size boulders takes all day. The elevation gain is about 300 feet (with 100 feet stacked into the first 100 yards), so “progress is measured in meters, not miles, per hour.” But the payoff begins as soon as you reach Diabolo Lake, where an idyllic island campsite cues your entrance into rarely paddled waters. Says Jacobson, “I’ve done it five times and have never seen another boater.” Count on fish for dinner: Abundant “specks” (brook trout) in Diabolo and subsequent lakes eagerly gobble anglers’ lures.

DO IT No shuttle is required to complete this weeklong, 95-mile clockwise loop, which starts and ends at Santoy Lake (14 miles east of Terrace Bay via Canada Highway 17, about six hours from Duluth or Sault St. Marie). “Pack light and start early,” cautions Jacobson, who uses a rope to hoist canoes up the first steep climb and hauls gear with a canoe tumpline. From Diabolo, three more portages through beaver ponds lead to Cairngorm Lake. On subsequent days, continue north through Moose, Steel, and Aster Lakes before entering the Steel River and curving south to Santoy Lake (where a broad, sandy beach begs a post-trip swim). Info mnr.gov.on.ca/en/index

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4 Day Canoe Trip in Killarney, Ontario

I discovered Killarney Provincial Park earlier this summer while hiking the 100km La Cloche Silhouette Trail over four days. At the end of September, I returned with brave and hardy souls to tackle a 65km, 4 day canoe trip in Killarney. The emergence of Fall colours, serenity and isolation of NE Killarney Provincial Park, towering cliffs of granite, and great company made for one of my favourite canoe trips of all time. While far less warm than the 5-day canoe trip in Algonquin Park earlier this year, there is something to be said about cozying up next to a fire in fleece pants and toques. And hot chocolate, and mulled wine.

Where:  Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada When:  May through September (hot and buggy in the middle of Summer, probably best in August and September. Our trip went into the beginning of October and it was lovely!) Length:  65km loop (54km paddling and 10.5km portaging), 4-6 days Canoe Trip Base Cost:  $12/day for Backcountry Reservations, $12 Reservation Fee, $15-infinity/day for food, $30/day for canoe rental = ~$200 for a 4 day trip Additional Variable Costs:  fuel for your stove, food barrel rental, any new camping gear, a car rental, gas money, a flight, accommodation outside the park, wine, beer, etc.

4 Day Canoe Trip in Killarney

Route overview.

For this route, you’ll be driving 4.5h from Toronto. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The access point is on Bell Lake at Killarney Kanoes , located in the NE part of the park. A note on Killarney Kanoes: these guys are by  far the best canoe rental company and trip outfitters I have ever had the pleasure of renting from. Their rates are fair, the boats are well taken care of, and the people are equal parts helpful and hilarious. The route is a loop, and actually takes you out of the park boundaries for a small part. Portages are well kept and the area is not heavily trafficked. With 3-4 campsites on lakes that could easily support a dozen, this route will take you way out there. It’s a challenging route with long days, but you are rewarded with pristine views of rocky cliffs and glass lakes.

Jeff’s Killarney Map is great. Use the electronic copy to plan, and then take the hard copy with you.

For canoe trips in Killarney, you book a book a lake in the backcountry for each night. You don’t book a specific campsite; just the lake you intend to stay on. Campsites are first come first served, so it’s usually worth it to wake up early and get to camp early to snag that site with the view of the sunset and perfect swimming rock! However, on our trip we didn’t have any problems with sites being taken. Although this was likely due to timing (it was October after all), this part of Killarney does see a fraction of the traffic that Algonquin does.

Day 1: Bell Lake to Great Mountain Lake (10km paddle, 4km portage)

Getting to the park around noon should be enough to fit this first day in. We checked in at Killarney Kanoes where our boats awaited and our permit was issued. Although we never asked his name, we decided that “Greg” suited the helpful fellow who prepared our gear. He warned us about things to watch on our route, areas where we might have trouble, and noted that our route was ambitious. Sound advice and a few hilarious stories later, we were on our way.

Day 1 is pleasant. Jeff (of Jeff’s Maps) budgets 4 hours, and we were pretty spot on that timing. To make Jeff’s timing, do all of your portages in one go. The longest portage (almost 3km) is on Day 1, so it’s nice to get it out of the way! Although it drizzled for a short while at the beginning of our day, it cleared up well in time for our arrival at the campsite on Great Mountain Lake. Soup, sausages, cous cous , and the inevitable glass of red wine were just what we needed. This site was stunning, and its smooth rocks were exemplary of what makes Killarney unique.

Number of portages:  3

Average length of portages:  1.2km

Longest portage:  2775m

Shortest portage: 210m

Day 2: Great Mountain Lake to High Lake (18.5km paddle, 2.5km portage)

Day 2 is the longest (an estimated 7 hours). It didn’t help that we woke up quite late and didn’t hit the water until well after 10am. However, with motivation and some cool & competent trippers, we powered through the day. If you read Jeff’s Map, the shortest path to High Lake goes through Round Otter, Goose, and Rocky Lakes. Friendly Greg of Killarney Kanoes warned us that this route was essentially impassible due to low water levels, so around we went. The detour meant a lot of paddling: not ideal with headwinds and slight hangovers.

Danny – our in-house fisherman and fish expert – reeled in a bass that he would carry all day for our enjoyment when we finally reached our campsite. An inconvenient addition to the portages, but a delicious one at that! High Lake is on the northernmost boundary of Killarney. While the only campsite on the lake isn’t the best of the best, it gives you the lake to yourself which is lovely.

Number of portages:  7

Average length of portages:  340m

Longest portage:  715m

Shortest portage: 125m

Day 3: High Lake to Balsam Lake (15km paddle, 4km portage)

Drinking a bit less wine than the first night helped us start our Day 3 a little earlier. The route on Day 3 goes out of the park boundaries. You go from High Lake into Bassoon Lake, which is part of the Killarney North Forest Reserve. Bassoon Lake is on crown land, so if you choose to camp here it is free!  Further on, you come into a small cottage community on Lake Panache. Lake Panache is massive: on windy days, this route could take twice as long so consider this in your planning. Through Snake Channel, fisherman Danny landed one of the biggest fish I’ve seen caught live. It was a beautiful pike, far too big for the designated Ziploc bag.

With our early start, we took our time paddling. Ahead of schedule, we even made the time to have a fire at lunch. Hot chocolate and tea were had, toes were warmed, and fish was filleted. The scenery was as exciting as it was serene: fully alive yet eerily still. With overcast skies but calm waters, it was some of the nicest paddling I’ve had the pleasure of doing.

The ultimate campsite!!

The campsite on Balsam Lake we stayed at is tied for first place with the island campsite on North Tea Lake in Algonquin Park  on my list of the best Ontario campsites of all time. Its iconic Killarney rock features, massive seating area and unique view of the sunrise are winning attributes. A big stone table served many purposes such as topping our pizzas and mulling our wine. For a little post-dinner snack, we enjoyed the catch of the day: a little pike to go with the pizza.

Number of portages:  6

Average length of portages:  700m

Longest portage:  2195m

Shortest portage: 205m

Day 4: Balsam Lake to Bell Lake (10.5km paddle, 0km portage)

The last day is a real treat. With only one portage that is 40m long there is little to stress about. In the morning, we woke up to perfect reflections of the trees on the lake. Blue skies and a hot sun replaced the 30mm of rain we were expecting, making us all smile a little bigger. A little leftover pizza and some jazzed up oats were on the breakfast menu, plus two rounds of hot beverages for everyone.

It was a lazy and lovely morning; well deserved after a couple of long days on the water. Slowly, we paddled and floated our way back onto Three Mile and Bell Lakes. We eventually arrived back at Killarney Kanoes where “Greg” was glad to see us alive and well. It was sad to say goodbye to the canoes – unfortunately, canoe tripping leaves my realm of trip planning after October. Until next season Killarney, it’s been a slice!

Number of portages:  1

Average length of portages:  40m

Longest portage:  40m

Shortest portage: 40m

Roses n Thorns

Rose (the best part).

Paddling to portaging ratio & the portages in general!! This was a HUGE win. On previous trips, there has been far too much portaging. On this trip, the portages that did happen were incredibly enjoyable. Killarney’s infrastructure and maintenance of the trails is exemplary, and the views along the way are ideal. With birch forests, a bit of elevation change up and over rocky ridges and clear paths, the portages were lovely. As an added bonus, the Autumn temperatures ensured no pesky bugs got in the way of ultimate fun!

Thorn (the worst or most hilarious part)

Personally, the thorn was chilly toes – why did I choose to wear sandals, and why did I bring no pants? It snowed for goodness sakes. This is unpreparedness and unnecessary extreme minimalism at it’s worst. As a group, I think the most hilarious moments were had trying to find the first portage on Day 2. Slowly sinking in knee deep in mud with many hours of travel ahead, it took us over half an hour just to find the darned thing!

Bud (the new friend)

It may have been obvious in my recount of the trip, but the new friend here is most definitely “Greg” and Killarney Kanoes. While I’m not sure Greg would consider us friends, I certainly have a friend in him and his business. Honest advice, practical tips, TLC towards the gear, and one authentic Ontario Parks experience renting boats. You go, Greg! If it is Greg, anyway…

Gear and Food List

Canoe tripping requires slightly more gear than a hiking trip. Naturally, you’ll need the canoes. Killarney Kanoes rents boats, barrels, and anything else your group may need for a canoe trip. You’ll want a stove and cooking kit, but will also have the luxury of cooking over a fire. Of course, you’ll need your sleeping kit and a pack to carry it all in as well. See my  Gear for the Trail  list for a decent list to start. Make sure you bring a map (Jeff’s Map of Killarney can be ordered/bought  online ).

Since you are not carrying packs over long distances each day, you can bring all sorts of fun food! On a canoe trip you are less concerned about weight, and can therefore bring fresh veggies, eggs, meats, and other items that would never fly on a hiking trip. Here are some ideas:  Food on the Trail . On this trip, days looked like this… Breakfast:  We stuck to an oats only breakfast this time around. It’s nice to have something warm on frosty mornings. Lunch:  Naan/tortillas with peanut butter, jam, and hummus. Supplement with personal snacks such as goldfish, pepperoni sticks, GORP, granola bars, dried mangoes, and corn nuts. Dinner: Sausages &  cous cous , pasta with fried veggies and soy chunks (+ fresh bass), and pizza with all the toppings (+ fresh pike and mulled wine!!)

Make it Happen

• Understand the route and pick a time of year you want to go. You may choose to make this a shorter or longer trip depending on your preference and experience.
• Choose your route/itinerary, and where you will stay each night so you can book your campsites. Again, you book a lake instead of a specific site. This can be done online .
• Book your canoes ! In high season, the light boats that are best for portaging can be scooped up quickly. The boats we rent are the Ultra Light Kevlar 16′ ones, and the rates can be found here . You will also need a food barrel.
• If flying, fly into Toronto (YYZ) and rent a car from the airport to drive to Killarney. The access point is Bell Lake at Killarney Kanoes.
• The fun begins! Plan your meals, get your gear in order, and gather a group of super cool people to make it awesome
• Get outside and do the thing

To see Killarney on foot, definitely check out La Cloche Silhouette Trail . Whether you are looking for more Escapes from Toronto or something else in Canada , get outside and go already!

If you would like to paddle this canoe trip in Killarney and need advice, tips, or guidance, please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] 🙂

Click the image to pin it for later!

I’ve also painted a couple small landscapes from Killarney Provincial Park. They are for sale, and can be found on my art shop !

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19 replies to “ 4 day canoe trip in killarney, ontario ”.

This looks incredible! Your photos are amazing and the evening fishing session is definitely something that I could get down with – that sunset 👌🏻😊

Ah thanks so much!! It was a lot of fun having our fishing friend on the trip. It made for some entertaining moments and a wonderfully authentic & raw canoe tripping experience 🙂

Holy! Looks so serene. You are the master of finding great outdoor spots. I never knew about Killarney until now. Take me next time please 🙂

THANKS VIOLA!!! Let’s go!! When are you moving away? Ah we will have to catch up & meet up before then. In any case, definitely check out Killarney. It’s the bees knees 🙂

I love how many National parks and walking trails you have over there! To have that on my backyard would be a dream!

For sure! We’re lucky in Toronto though it’s easy to forget it. I’m sure there’s a wonderful area to explore near you too! Where do you live?

I haven’t been to Toronto yet (or Canada for that matter!) but a nature escape outside of the city would be top of my list. It looks like you guys had a fantastic time and I would love to just enjoy canoeing with a few friends. And what a beautiful place to do it!

Yep, canoe trips in Ontario are certainly one of the best ways to experience the province. So many beautiful lakes 🙂

I’ve never heard of a canoe trip and it sounds like quite the adventure. I just went to Banff and we did an hour of canoeing but not an actual trip like yours. This sounds like a fantastic trip with friends or family 🙂

It really is a great way to see a place! It’s part hiking, mostly canoeing, and all around awesome. It’s much less strenuous than a multi-day hiking trip too, so it’s really accessible! Let me know if you’re ever interested in doing or planning one – I’d love to help 🙂

Wow, this looks absolutely beautiful, and the costs are not bad at all! This would absolutely be worth it.

Yes! These types of trips are so accessible in terms of cost. Part of the reason I love them so much haha 🙂

Wow, those photos alone convinced me….I’ve never really considered the idea of doing a multi-day canoeing trip before, somehow it just never occurred to me, but now I want to try it out and see if it’s something I’d enjoy! Hauling the boats doesn’t sound super fun haha but there’s pros/cons with anything right? Do you think if I’m fit enough to hike with a big backpack that I’d be ok, or should I train a bit in some way to prepare?

It’s really not as hard as you’d think! The boats these days are super light, and you can plan trips that have a minimal amount of portaging for sure. I’m sure that you’d be able to do this no problems. Plus, if it is too heavy, two people can carry the boat :). Canoe trips are really awesome and totally different than a hiking trip. If you ever need help planning or anything just let me know! 🙂

Wow! Canada really is a country of beautiful lakes. So close to the States and yet I still haven’t made the trip! You’re so lucky to be able to enjoy such relaxing scenery!

There are SO many lakes around and they are all awesome! Definitely make the trip one of these days :). There’s nothing more peaceful to me than an early morning or sunset paddle on a calm lake.

This looks amazing! Im actually doing a similar trip in BC next year. This just got me so pumped for it!

AMAZING!! I hear the routes out in BC and Alberta are super well maintained. They have these cool carts that you put the canoes on that help a TON on the portages too 🙂

Wow! What a fun and unique experience. Your pictures are gorgeous!

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The Happy Camper: Ontario’s Top 10 Portage-Free Canoe Routes

Kevin Callan

September 12, 2022

I’m closing in on a dozen canoe trips so far this season, and I only portaged once. The majority of routes were across open water, with no lengthy, bug-infested, muddy trails to haul my gear and canoe across. It wasn’t necessarily a conscious choice, an adoption of getting older, or getting a tad out of shape. It just so happened the places I chose to paddle were portage-free—and I was fine with that.

If you’re so inclined to eliminate portages on your next canoe outing, here are some of my favourite routes to try out across Ontario.  

Algonquin’s Opeongo Lake

Opeongo is one big piece of water with a shoreline of 149 kilometres. The lake stretches 15 kilometres north-to-south and 14 kilometres east-to-west. It’s a perfect weeklong paddle—a massive lake with tranquil scenery, unlimited campsites and amazing sunsets. Annie Bay is one of my favourite parts of Opeongo. The big motorboats don’t seem to gather there, and the campsites are outstanding.

Algonquin’s Kioshkokwi Lake

Kioshkokwi Lake, otherwise known as Kiosk, is a less busy spot set on the more northernly portion of Algonquin park and offers countless campsites with beach fronts to swim from and rocky shoals to watch stunning sunsets from. It’s also teaming with history. The town of Kiosk, on the north shore of Kioshkokwi Lake, was once home to a large and well-developed lumber mill and rail station. Kiosk’s mill burned down in 1973 and the town slowly degraded into mere ruins. In 1996, the last residents packed up and left.

Algonquin’s Kingscote Lake

Kingscote is a relatively new access point for Algonquin Park. Historically, there was a cottage housed here, but in 1999-2000, under the Living Legacy Program, the Nature Conservancy of Canada helped Ontario Parks purchase and develop a mini campground at the south end of Kingscote. I’ve stayed at the campground and quite enjoyed the less crowded drive-in or walk-in sites. The area boasts some incredible mountain-bike trails and a prime hiking trail along the York River. However, I much prefer paddling farther north on Kingscote and pitching a tent on one of its backcountry sites. And there’s a chance of catching the legendary Kingscote “silver” lake trout. The trout differ from the common lake trout found throughout Algonquin by their uniform body colour devoid of the common white spots or vermiculations.

Big Gull Lake

This lake is managed by the local municipality— North Frontenac Township —and you need a permit to pitch your tent on one of the 24 maintained campsites. The neighbouring Crotch and Kashwakamak lakes are popular lakes as well, but I find Big Gull Lake has a more northern feel to it. There are some seasonal cottages at both ends of the 20-kilometre lake, but the campsites are situated in the centre portion, far from any development. Two boat launches are located on both ends of the lake.

Charleston Lake

Charleston Lake Provincial Park campground maintains over 200 campsites. The park also offers 13 interior sites organized into clusters grouped together at Bob’s Cove, Hidden Cove, Buckhorn Bay, Captain Gap, Slim Bay and Covey’s Gap. Each cluster has one to three campsites and can hold six people and three tents per site. There’s a remote feeling to each site, and powerboats have been banned because the area is the only known nesting site for loons in the park. Conveniently connected to each interior site is a hiking trail upon which visitors can head off to explore the area’s wide assortment of flora and fauna. Since the Frontenac Axis is the most southern part of the Shield, the various habitats that are found here create what biologists call a transition zone. A large selection of plants and animals occur either beyond the normal southern or northern extent of their range, and Charleston Lake has some of the rarest finds in the province.

Upper Ottawa River

I am totally enthralled with the upper stretch of the Ottawa River, from the town of Mattawa to Driftwood Provincial Park. It makes a perfect canoe route. The scenery is amazing, with the steep-walled corridor of Quebec’s Laurentian hills to the left and the surprisingly undeveloped Ontario forested shoreline to the right. The width of the river is just under a kilometre at best, so wind and waves might become an issue, and in some areas, there are a lack of good campsites due to little use by paddlers. But the scenery far outbids any of the negative drawbacks.

Lake Timiskaming

Like the lower stretch of the Ottawa River below the town of Mattawa, the upper section that flows from Lake Timiskaming to the town of Temiscaming gets little use from paddlers. I haven’t a clue why. The scenery is exceptional, with thick boreal forest rooted on the western Ontario shoreline and the Laurentian Mountains jutting up behind the eastern Quebec border. The notably rough waters of Lake Timiskaming—the same that drowned 12 boys and one leader from St. John’s Anglican School of Ontario in 1978— may keep paddlers away. But when approached with caution and logic, this entire route makes a perfect journey on one of Canada’s most historic waterways.

Georgian Bay

The eastern coastline of Georgian Bay is the southern edge of the Canadian Shield with smooth granite bedrock, windswept pine, thousands of islands, countless inlets and crystal-clear water. It was a common hang out for members of Canada’s Group of Seven painters and by far one of the most scenic places in the province of Ontario. There are lots of choices on what’s labeled “the sixth great lake,” but the place I always seem to go back to is Foster Island and the mouth of the Naiscoot River. 

Lake Temagami

Lake Temagami is the focal point of the Temagami region. It’s close to 2,000 square kilometres (20,000 square hectares), measuring 45 kilometres from north to south and 35 kilometres east to west. It has over 1,200 islands, its deepest spot is more than 100 metres to the bottom, and the total length of its shoreline has been estimated at 5,000 kilometres. That all adds up to one amazing full-week paddle! I’ve paddled around Lake Temagami several times, first in my mid-twenties as a solo paddler inspired by Hap Wilson’s extensive Temagami Canoe Routes guidebook (1978), and then as a canoe guide in my mid-thirties and early forties. It remains one of my favourite Temagami routes to re-experience.

Philip Edward Island

Philip Edward Island is just south of Killarney Park. It’s a fantastic four-to-five-day route that has been rated by a number of leading canoe and kayak magazines and websites as one of the top 10 paddle destinations in North America. The trip circumnavigates 50 kilometres of island shoreline, starting out from either the marina in the town of Killarney or a Chikanishing River access point. You can paddle around the island in either direction, but the preferred way is counterclockwise due to the prevailing winds. The exposed southern shoreline is also the most scenic, and many paddlers simply go to Beaverstone Bay and back. But the north shore is still well worth a visit. It has a protective channel, Collins Inlet, and it is fascinating for historians, as it seems everyone in Canadian history paddled through here.

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3 to 14 day wilderness Canoeing trips and wilderness Sea Kayaking trips are available in Ontario, British Columbia, the Yukon, and North West Territories in Canada.

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Learn the essentials of canoe or sea kayak paddling as well as wilderness camping techniques while traveling through such wilderness areas as Algonquin Park, the 30,000 Island group in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Johnstone Strait, and the Bowron Lakes British Columbia, the Yukon River, Nahanni River, Tatshenshini River in Canada and Belize Coral Islands kayak adventures.

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What clients say.

I was just on the 6 day Algonquin trip with your guide Robin. Just wanted to send you a quick email to thank you for the experience. The professionalism and execution of the trip was like nothing I’ve ever seen. There was not a single thing that was not considered and accounted for. I appreciate the time and expertise that you put into your expeditions, it shows. I would like to send her a thank you as well, she was an incredible guide.

Thanks also for such a beautiful trip. It was excellent on all counts – great guide – wonderful fellow paddlers – good – equipment and campsite – and of course just being out ‘there’ on a stellar weekend. And I loved that part of Algonquin which I had never been to before. Hope that you both have a great summer and I look forward to another trip at some point.

We have just returned from your Kayaking with Orca whales trip ……., and would like to say we had a fantastic time, ignoring the weather, which was a trifle damp. Janet who led the trip is an amazing woman, every question anybody asked she knew everything about it. She was so layed back, never stressed, or never showed it if she was. She made everybody feel good about themselves, especially me (Mitzi), as I am not a sporty person. The food was very good, well, as was everything, I cannot praise everything enough. Thank Janet for making the trip so good, and also Erin, for keeping us fed. It was brilliant thanks again.”

“I have to tell you that our experience in the Algonquin Park was one of the best and more exiting I ever had. When I talk about my Canadian vacation our canoe trip is my favourite subject. I keep a wonderfull memory of that week. I just wanted to let you know that you made a great job!”

Once again, I wanted to thank you for our 3 Day Algonquin Canoe trip. Despite the rain, my Dad and I had a great time. Our experience was memorable, and I learned much more adding to the knowledge from my first trip with you. The gear was top notch, food was delicious, and scenery was awesome. I feel confident I can do this with my family now. I am planning to see you again next year for the 5 Day Kayak, and maybe more.

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Alternate travel options to consider if TTC strikes

Strike planned for friday could bring buses, streetcars and subways to a halt.

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Commuters who rely on public transit to get to work, school or elsewhere in Toronto will have to find other ways to get around the city if a public transit strike goes ahead as planned later this week.

• Head to this story for the latest news about the potential strike by TTC workers

Nearly 12,000 TTC workers could walk off the job  Friday at 12:01 a.m. if negotiations between the transit agency and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 113 don't produce a new contract — which could disrupt travel plans for tens of thousands of commuters.

ATU Local 113 president Marvin Alfred said there hasn't been enough progress on the union's wage, benefit and job security demands, while TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said a deal is possible as long as the parties remain at the bargaining table.

A strike would mean subways, buses and streetcars won't run, but the Wheel-Trans service for people with disabilities would continue to operate.

If you're one of the people who normally takes public transit in Toronto, here is some information to help you plan ahead.

TTC users talk about their options to get to work if the transit service goes on strike

Other transit systems.

Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency that operates the GO Transit bus and train networks, said in an email it "always has contingency plans in place" in the event of service disruptions.

The agency added that GO trains and the UP Express will continue to operate as normal, and its stations will remain open, but it wouldn't say whether those plans include increasing the frequency of trains and buses.

Durham Region Transit (DRT) said in a news release Tuesday that it "does not anticipate significant impacts to our local transit services," although it is planning to make alternative stop arrangements for its PULSE 900 (Highway 2) and Route 920 services near the Scarborough Town Centre and Centennial College, if required.

"If a disruption occurs, customers who usually transfer to/from TTC services may wish to consider GO Transit options to reach their destinations. DRT does offer connection opportunities to GO Transit train stations and bus stops within Durham Region," the statement said.

• Union says TTC workers will strike on June 7 if no deal reached
• TTC workers could strike. Here's what they want

Mississauga's MiWay said by email it's also preparing contingency plans for stops it serves that could be affected by a TTC strike, including the Kipling Bus Terminal and Long Branch Bus Loop.

"As part of these plans, we are reviewing possible detour options for routes servicing Kipling Bus Terminal (i.e. Routes 1/1C, 3, 11, 20, 26, 35, 70, 71, 76, 101/101A, 108, & 109) and Long Branch Bus Loop (i.e. Routes 5 & 23)," said Eve Wiggins, director of MiWay Transit, in an email statement.

Kristine Hubbard, operations manager at Beck Taxi, said she expects the company's entire fleet of around 1,300 vehicles to be on the roads. However, she said with demand expected to surge, the company won't be able to guarantee arrival times.

"We'll try to do our best to help, but we are no replacement for TTC," she said.

Beck Taxi has stopped booking scheduled trips for Friday, but customers can still request taxis on-demand by hailing them down on the street, via phone or by using the Beck Taxi app or website . 

"We won't forget about you. We won't overcharge you, but pack your patience and if you don't have to go, you know, don't," she said.

Uber Canada said in a statement that if the strike goes ahead it will use surge pricing, which means prices will increase in response to higher demand, although it will put a cap on prices.

The exact price of each fare will be based on factors such as the length of the trip, the amount of traffic in the area and how many riders are requesting rides versus the number of Uber drivers on the road, the company said.

Uber said it will also offer incentives to its drivers to entice them to increase the number of trips available. 

It recommends riders also use its "group ride" feature to carpool and split fares with friends, or use UberX Share, which pairs different riders together. 

Cycling, walking or driving

Commuters who normally leave their cars at home will likely choose to get behind the wheel and drive to their destinations, which could lead to more congestion than normal . 

The Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) said it encourages anyone driving downtown to visit the Green P website for a list of municipally-run parking locations, including those with electric vehicle charging spots.

Where negotiations stand as potential TTC strike looms

Others may choose to ride their own bikes or to rent one.

Bike Share Toronto has more than 9,000 bikes available at 700-plus stations across the city that are available to rent for short trips. Riders can access these bikes by creating an account through the Bike Share website , mobile app  or at a station kiosk. Pricing options include pay-as-you-go, day passes or annual memberships.

Michael Longfield, executive director of advocacy group Cycle Toronto, said the city's network of bike lanes have expanded rapidly over the past few years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"A lot of folks did start dusting their bikes off in the early weeks and months of the pandemic. I'm sure some folks will be tempted to take them out again," Longfield said.

Longfield said it's important to make sure your bike is in working order, so make sure to check the air in your tires, that your brakes work and that your chain is functional and not too rusty.

David Simor, director of the Centre for Active Transportation, said for those whose bikes have been sitting in a garage for the winter or longer, there are lots of bike repair shops to get it fixed up. He also pointed to community bike hubs where cyclists can learn do-it-yourself repairs. The city maintains a list of both here .

Simor pointed to the city's "amazing and under-advertised" multi-use trail and ravine systems .

"It might not be quite as direct as on streets, but certainly very comfortable and really, you know, beautiful and gorgeous to boot at this time of the year," he said.

Finally, Simor said, those who are fortunate to live close to work, grocery stores and other amenities can go for an old-fashioned walk.

"It's actually a really helpful thing for those who need to drive by keeping your car off the road. And also it's great for your mental and physical health," he said.

The airport

Toronto Pearson Airport issued a statement Thursday saying its aware a strike would be a problem for air travellers.

It said some 4,700 people per day use the TTC to get to and from the airport via the 900 Airport Express route that runs from Kipling Station.

It urged those travellers to instead consider the UP Express, taxis or other ride-hailing services or a GO bus (routes 40 and 94 service the airport).  

Elementary school students at Toronto's public and Catholic school boards won't attend class Friday due to a scheduled PA Day, but high schools will be open for a regular school day.

The Toronto District School Board told parents and caregivers Wednesday that school buses will operate normally for secondary school students, but warned of possible delays due to increased traffic.

"All other students should explore alternate methods of transportation including carpooling or biking and/or walking in order to get to school," the note said.

"Thank you for your understanding as we all prepare for what could be a challenging time to get around in our city."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan is a reporter with CBC Toronto. He has also worked for CBC in Vancouver, Yellowknife and Ottawa, filing for web, radio and TV. You can reach him by email at [email protected].

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Ontario Pathway trails now feature local artwork of county's beauty and landmarks

C ANANDAIGUA — Elaine Liberio remembers standing near the red barn at Frederick Farms in Phelps, famed sunflowers before her, brush in hand and artistic vision in her head.

The colorful painting spoke of this area of Ontario County, where everyone knew the late farm owner, John Frederick, Liberio said, and seemed to fit perfectly the goal of a joint Ontario County Arts Council and Ontario Pathways project.

Her painting is the first to be seen along the Canandaigua leg of the Ontario Pathways trail as part of a new public art project. 

“I think this is awesome,” Liberio said. “It’s fun to be the first one on the trail.”  

Hikers accustomed to seeing all sorts of plants and wildlife when they embark on the Ontario Pathways trails can now add works of art to what they see. 

Works from Ontario County artists are posted along this leg of the trail, beginning at the Ontario Street kiosk in Canandaigua, and soon to be along the volunteer trails organization's other legs.

The Ontario County Arts Council and Ontario Pathways sponsored the project, which, as former Arts Council President Judi Cermak said, is an attempt to bring people to see trails they haven’t seen in the past. 

“This is a good collaboration of different organizations working together to bring arts to the whole community and unique because it’s outdoors,” Cermak said. 

Last fall, artists submitted one image of their artworks for juried selection. The caveat, the paintings and photographs had to represent Ontario County.

No problem there, as works included scenes of sunflowers, a snow-covered Grimes Glen Trail on a sunny winter day in Naples and a brilliant sunrise on Canandaigua Lake, among the more identifiable county landmarks.  

Jan Romeiser painted an off-the-beaten path scene, near this kiosk, of a gate opening to a trestle that spans the Canandaigua Outlet. 

It’s not the easiest thing to see, Romeiser acknowledged, but she took the work out of finding it by painting it, which can be found near the start of the trail. 

How cool is this project, Romeiser said. 

“It’s something a little extra for people to enjoy while they’re taking a walk on the pathways," Romeiser said.

The roughly 18-inch-by-24-inch artworks are displayed on all-weather posters attached to wooden posts crafted by Keith Turner of Canandaigua and installed along the trail by he and his wife, Sue. 

“This being part of the community is so important,” said Joyce Kowba, the current president. 

There’s more to see

Two other art openings are planned as part of this project.

One will be on County Road 46 near the Pathway Community Church in Hopewell at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 8. The second will be in Stanley at 11 a.m. June 15. 

More about Ontario Pathways and Ontario County Arts Council 

Ontario Pathways is a 25-mile system in Ontario County. The trail is open year-round from dawn to dusk and is free to use.  

The main trail is composed of two “legs” of abandoned railroad corridors: the Canandaigua leg from Canandaigua to Stanley; and the Phelps leg from Stanley through Flint, Seneca Castle, Orleans and ending in Phelps. 

For more details, visit ontariopathways.org . 

Ontario County Arts Council is a nonprofit organization with a membership of over 200 visual and performing artists and other members of our local communities who appreciate and support culture, art, music and architecture. The organization sponsors and co-sponsors many events, exhibits and workshops, and supports the arts with grants and scholarships. 

For more details, visit ocarts.org . 

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Ontario Pathway trails now feature local artwork of county's beauty and landmarks

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9 Outstanding No-Portage Canoe Trips in Ontario

Most canoeists have a love/hate relationship with portages. Schlepping your stuff over a portage trail or two is a surefire way to avoid busy campsites and congested lakes. On the other hand, portaging is seriously demanding—especially if you’re travelling with kids, looking for a more relaxing outdoor experience, or wanting to bring along the proverbial kitchen sink.

Not to worry, Ontario is full of canoe trip options that achieve the elusive goal of wilderness and solitude without the physical challenge of carrying your gear around rapids or between lakes. Depending on your vacation window and skill level, there are no-portage canoe trips in Ontario that span a day to a week or more.

Our list of Ontario’s best no-portage canoe trips includes easy downriver day trips as well as two-week wilderness expeditions in the Far North. Be aware that no portage doesn’t mean no challenge. The trade off for a lack of carries is often big water, and some of our suggested routes on Lake Superior, Georgian Bay and other large lakes demand expert canoe tripping skills, good judgment and a high degree of caution.

Skip the portaging with these great Ontario canoe routes.

Pu kaskwa National Park, Lake Superior

The 200-kilometre stretch of wild Lake Superior between the towns of Marathon and Wawa, tracing the coastline of Pukaskwa National Park , easily ranks among Canada’s greatest paddling destinations. This coastal route is a favourite for experienced sea kayakers, but it’s also an excellent choice as a no portage canoe trip—particularly for those with advanced canoeing and wilderness tripping skills. It’s best to set aside two weeks for this epic trip. The rugged Pukaskwa coast reveals jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, including impressive headlands, sweeping sand beaches, towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

There are plenty of exceptional campsites with good landings, and also longer stretches up to eight kilometres with few options to get off the water when conditions are rough. Make sure you have plenty of flexibility built in your schedule and equip your canoe with a spray cover for added seaworthiness. Late July and early August is the ideal time to paddle the Lake Superior coast.

• Though Pukaskwa is rarely busy, it’s a good idea to book your backcountry campsites in advance
• Get a vehicle shuttle (and a place to stay or camp on Lake Superior before and after your trip) with Naturally Superior Adventures and Rock Island Lodge. Canoe rentals are also available
• Naturally Superior Adventures and Ontario Sea Kayak Centre offer guided sea kayak trips on the Pukaskwa coast, perfect for experienced paddlers wanting to see the shoreline from a different vessel

Lake of the Woods, Kenora

Lake of the Woods is the inland sea of northwestern Ontario, featuring a mind-blowing array of islands and enough shoreline to inspire a lifetime of adventure. East of Kenora, the Lake of the Woods shore is a mix of sand beaches and lushly forested islands all the way to the mouth of the Rushing River, part of the Path of the Paddle section of the Trans-Canada Trail.

It’s important to note that this is big water that’s subject to strong winds, so be sure to assess your skills and make sure you paddle a seaworthy canoe. For a three-day, no-portage route on more sheltered water check out the Path of the Paddle segment from Keewatin, just west of Kenora, to the community of Minaki. It’s best to tackle this stretch of the Winnipeg River in the shoulder seasons to avoid motorboat traffic.

• For canoe rentals and expert local advice check out Green Adventures in Kenora
• Interactive digital maps can help you plan routes on the Path of the Paddle water trail throughout northwestern Ontario, a part of the Trans-Canada Trail
• Minaki Yurt Adventures provide unique accommodations on nature’s doorstep, located north of Kenora and just off the Path of the Paddle water trail

Philip Edward Island, Georgian Bay

Located in the northwestern corner of Georgian Bay between Killarney and French River, Philip Edward Island is ancient canoe country that has served indigenous and non-indigenous travellers for millennia. While the outer, southern shores of Philip Edward Island and its outlying islands feature classic Georgian Bay pine-and-granite scenery, the sheltered waters of Collins Inlet to the north creates an ideal canoe channel.

Working with the weather, you can often complete a circumnavigation of the island in four to five days, with July and August being the ideal months to plan a trip. Killarney Provincial Park permits are required to launch from the mainland at Chikanishing River, off of Highway 637 just east of the village of Killarney.

• You can ride the Park Bus from Toronto to Killarney’s George Lake Campground and pick up rental canoes (and a short vehicle shuttle to the put-in) from Killarney Outfitters
• Be sure to end your trip with classic fish and chips at Herbert Fisheries on the waterfront in Killarney
• Splurge with a night’s stay at the luxe Killarney Mountain Lodge before or after your trip

Lake Temagami

One look at a map reveals the great potential of northeastern Ontario’s Lake Temagami for an extended no-portage canoe trip. Temagami’s namesake lake is sprawling, with hundreds of kilometres of shoreline to explore. The Central Lake Temagami Access Road is your best starting point, providing good long-term parking and direct access to the mid-portion of the lake.

The lake’s deep southern bays beckon with tall pines and stunning smooth-rock campsites, and you can trace the narrow channel (no portages here) to Cross Lake for even more seclusion. Sharp Rock and Sandy inlets, in the northern reaches of the lake, have a distinct feel with a stark contrast of narrow island channels and vast horizon views. You could easily spend a week circumnavigating Lake Temagami’s wild and diverse shores.

• Rent a canoe from Temagami Outfitting Company on Highway 11. It’s possible to start an extended trip from the nearby Temagami town docks
• Finlayson Point Provincial Park offers a quiet campground amidst the big pine of a classic Lake Temagami cove, with outstanding opportunities for portage-free day trips

Whitewater Lake, Wabakimi Provincial Park

Whitewater Lake is a massive body of island-pocked water that epitomizes the remote wilderness of northwestern Ontario’s Wabakimi Provincial Park . The lake offers some of the best walleye fishing and opportunities to see woodland caribou in the region, as well as abundant campsites on glacier-polished rock and sand beaches. Once upon a time, Whitewater Lake was the cherished redoubt of Wendell Beckwith, an eccentric inventor who built a series of immaculately crafted cabins on a secluded island, which are returning to the earth today. Whitewater is a popular destination for experienced trippers. But you don’t have to portage to get there if you book a bushplane flight with an Armstrong, Ontario-based outfitter and take a week or so to traverse Whitewater Lake’s shores.

• Strap your canoe to the strut of a vintage floatplane and enjoy the scenic half-hour flight to Whitewater Lake with Armstrong’s Mattice Lake Air
• Full Wabakimi canoe trip outfitting packages are available from Wabakimi Outfitters
• For a truly luxurious experience, fly into Whitewater Lake with Wilderness North and stay in a comfortable cabin

Lake Opeongo, Algonquin

Opeongo is a large body of water in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park with plenty of shoreline and islands to support a five-day canoe adventure. The lake is located off of Highway 60 and serves as a popular entry point to the park’s backcountry. Opeongo features countless islands to explore; and the mouth of Hailstorm Creek, located in the lake’s northwest corner, is the site of a massive bog that’s a great place to view moose and many songbirds in the spring. Be sure to reserve your Lake Opeongo campsites well in advance.

• Algonquin Outfitters ’ paddling centre on Lake Opeongo features a huge fleet of rental canoes and camping gear, as well as providing route planning advice and water taxi service to ease your access to remote corners of the lake. Custom-guided canoe trips are also available
• Opeongo Outfitters offers canoe rentals, outfitting, water taxi services and boat tours on Lake Opeongo

Goulais River, Sault Ste. Marie

Located just north of Sault Ste. Marie with easy access from Highway 17 and Highway 556, the Goulais River is a little known gem with several options for no-portage canoe day trips. Intermediate paddlers love the Class I-II rapids between the village of Searchmont and Kirby’s Corner, where the river crosses Highway 552 east of the Trans-Canada Highway. This 20-kilometre section is best in high water conditions and includes plenty of easy whitewater, with several campsite possibilities on gravel bars and beaches. The river becomes more mellow at Kirby’s Corner, making the run from Highway 552 to Highway 17 a relaxing float trip for families that’s suitable all summer long.

• Rent a canoe or sign up for a guided day trip and learn more about the Algoma Highlands region with Forest the Canoe , a Goulais River-based outfitter specializing in interpretive trips
• Mountainview Lodge offers canoe rentals, vehicle shuttles and accommodations on the Goulais River near the village of Searchmont
• Bellevue Valley Lodge provides B&B accommodations in scenic hardwood hills, minutes from the Goulais River, with great opportunities for paddlers, mountain bikers and nature enthusiasts

Magpie River, Wawa

The Magpie River is an under-the-radar, no-portage canoe day trip located just north of Wawa, off the Trans-Canada Highway. You’ll encounter a few easy rapids and sections of swift water along the 15-kilometre run from Steephill Dam to Highway 17. The big attraction is the awesome scenery, featuring high rolling sand hills reminiscent of the Canadian barrenlands. The Magpie is also an excellent place for blueberry picking and the fishing for trout and walleye is pretty good, too; it’s easy to be distracted by the sights and opportunities for harvesting along the way.

• Vehicle shuttles, route information and canoe rentals are available from Naturally Superior Adventures . The company also offers a self-guided eco-tour (complete with canoe rental and shuttle) on the Michipicoten River, another great day trip with no need to portage
• Stay at the Wawa Motor Inn and visit the lakeshore in downtown Wawa

Upper Ottawa River, Temiskaming Shores

The mighty Ottawa River gets its start in the highlands of northeastern Ontario, flowing out of Lake Temiskaming. This section of river is notable for its towering shorelines and impressive white pine, yet it’s rarely paddled. The Upper Ottawa River offers good opportunities to canoe the headwaters of an iconic Canadian river with plenty of potential for trips spanning a long weekend to a week or more, depending on your aspirations and experience level. 

• Smoothwater Outfitters is a longtime Temagami canoe outfitter that offers vehicle shuttles for upper Ottawa River canoe trips and outstanding waterfront accommodations just off Highway 11

Plan Your No-Portage Canoe Trip Now

Skip the portaging and discover a world of wonderful, carry-free canoe trips across Ontario. Whether you have a day or a week or more, these no-portage canoe routes explore some of the most incredible scenery in Ontario.

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Conor Mihell is an award-winning environmental and adventure travel writer based in Sault Ste. Marie. Read his work in the Globe and Mail, Explore, Cottage Life, Canoe & Kayak, ON Nature, and other magazines and newspapers. He's been a sea kayak guide on Lake Superior for close to 20 years, and has paddled from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay. 

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Lecce out as education minister in major Ontario government cabinet shuffle

Stephen Lecce is out as education minister in a major shuffle of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's cabinet.

Lecce, who served in the role since 2019, will now serve as energy and electrification minister in a swap with Todd Smith.

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“It's been a singular honour to serve the two million children in Ontario's publicly-funded schools,” Lecce, who was often at odds with teachers’ unions throughout his tenure, told reporters after the announcement was made. “My new mandate is about bringing that energy into a new ministry and helping to ensure that we can build an infrastructure, the largest infrastructure program in Ontario and Canadian history, but we have to have the energy to do it.”

Other highlights of the shuffle include the introduction of former housing minister Steve Clark as government house leader. Clark resigned from his cabinet position in September amid the fallout of the Greenbelt land swap scandal.

In a statement issued announcing the changes, Ford said: “We’re at an important moment in our province’s history with clear choices.” Last month, the Premier declined to commit to a June 2026 election date , which fueled speculation of an early Ontario election.

Key members of Ford’s cabinet, including Health Minister Sylvia Jones, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra, remain in place.

The shuffle came on the same day the legislature rose for an extended summer break.

Some ministries, such as tourism, culture and sport, as well as agriculture, food and rural affairs, have been split in two and renamed.

Stan Cho becomes the new minister of tourism, culture and gaming with responsibility for the OLG. The former minister of tourism, culture and sport, former CFL star Neil Lumsden, will now be solely responsible for sport. Registered nurse, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, will take Cho’s place.

Lisa Thompson becomes the new minister of rural affairs, after serving as minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs since 2021 as Rob Flack takes on farming, agriculture and agribusiness. 

Mike Harris, son of the former Ontario premier of the same name, becomes the new minister of red tape reduction, filling the vacancy left by Parm Gill , who gave up his cabinet position and seat to run for the federal Conservatives.

A number of new associate minister positions were also created and bring the size of Ford’s new cabinet to 36.

The province confirmed earlier in the day that legislators will return to Queen’s Park on Oct. 21.

NDP Leader calls new cabinet 'bloated'

Speaking to reporters at Queen’s Park, NDP Leader Marit Stiles called the new cabinet “bloated” and accused Ford and his ministers of “hiding” from the public due to the timing of Thursday’s announcement.

“It's gonna be almost Halloween before they come back into this place,” she said. “They don't want to be asked the tough questions…They want to take their bloated cabinet and the big fat paycheques they just gave to a whole bunch of new ministers and they're going to send them all over the province to sell a message and try to buy some more votes.”

Asked about Lecce’s new assignment, Stiles said the outgoing education minister “gutted” and mismanaged schools in the province and expressed doubts about his future on the energy portfolio.

“I am very concerned that this minister will make the same mess of our electrification and energy sector as he did in education,” she said.

A full list of the new cabinet positions is listed below:

• Premier Doug Ford remains Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
• Sylvia Jones remains Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
• Peter Bethlenfalvy remains Minister of Finance
• Paul Calandra remains Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Raymond Cho remains Minister of Seniors and Accessibility
• Stan Cho becomes Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, with responsibility for OLG
• Doug Downey remains Attorney General
• Jill Dunlop remains Minister of Colleges and Universities
• Vic Fedeli remains Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Rob Flack becomes Minister of Farming, Agriculture and Agribusiness
• Michael Ford remains Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
• Mike Harris becomes Minister of Red Tape Reduction
• Michael Kerzner remains Solicitor General
• Andrea Khanjin remains Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Natalia Kusendova-Bashta becomes Minister of Long-Term Care
• Stephen Lecce becomes Minister of Energy and Electrification
• Neil Lumsden becomes Minister of Sport
• Todd McCarthy becomes Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, with responsibility for Supply Ontario
• Caroline Mulroney remains President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs
• Michael Parsa remains Minister of Children, Community and Social Services
• David Piccini remains Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
• George Pirie remains Minister of Mines
• Greg Rickford becomes Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and remains Minister of Northern Development
• Prabmeet Sarkaria remains Minister of Transportation
• Todd Smith becomes Minister of Education
• Graydon Smith becomes Minister of Natural Resources
• Kinga Surma remains Minister of Infrastructure
• Lisa Thompson becomes Minister of Rural Affairs
• Stephen Crawford becomes Associate Minister of Mines as part of the Ministry of Mines
• Trevor Jones becomes Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response as part of Treasury Board Secretariat
• Sam Oosterhoff becomes Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries as part of the Ministry of Energy and Electrification
• Nolan Quinn becomes Associate Minister of Forestry as part of the Ministry of Natural Resources
• Nina Tangri remains Associate Minister of Small Business as part of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Vijay Thanigasalam becomes Associate Minister of Housing as part of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Michael Tibollo remains Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions as part of the Ministry of Health
• Charmaine Williams remains Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity as part of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

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