Trip Planning

 

Explore Algonquin at its best; a vast landscape of maple hills, rocky ridges, spruce bogs, and thousands of lakes, ponds, and streams.

By paddle and portage - more than 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes and over 1,900 campsites await those who seek the rugged beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park.

    -algonquinpark.on.ca

With that being said, where does one start with planning your Algonquin Backcountry Adventure?

There are  an endless amount of questions that have to be answered before starting your trip!

A few important ones are:

How many days do you want to be in the Backcountry?

How far (or how long) do you want to paddle for?

Do you want a basecamp to do day trips from or paddle to new campsites everyday?

What are your goals for the trip? Wildlife, fishing, relaxing, etc.

If you need help selecting a route that best fits your group, we can help! We have put people into Algonquin's Backcountry for over 35 years.

If you're not familiar with Algonquin Park's seasons,  here is a short list of things to consider when canoeing in the Backcountry:

Ice Out: Bigger lakes take longer time for the ice to come out.  Algonquin Park staff will start allowing

                    people into the Backcountry lakes generally by the end of April into early May.

                   Although the fishing is better right after the ice is out, it can still get quite dangerous. The water is extremely cold and on the colder days, don't be surprised to see snow!

Ice Out Links: Canoe Algonquin Facebook   

Spring: Early spring is a great time to explore Algonquin Park! Generally the first 2 weeks of May is the best spring paddling. You'll have warmer days but keep in mind the water is still

                 very cold!  Black flies usually start appearing mid-May and last until mid-June. Black fly season could be a season all on its own. If you can handle how pesky they are

                 it will pay off! When these flies are at their peak, it is the best time to observe wildlife. They drive the animals out into the open areas, lakes, rivers and fields.

                 We always recommend bug jackets or at least head nets while these black flies are out.

Summer: Who doesn't like paddling across the still waters of Algonquin Park's Backcountry with the sun beating down on them? Summer is an amazing time to be in

                      Algonquin Park. Refreshing waters give you relief from the sun, most bugs are gone with the exception of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes like to appear during

                      dusk and dawn. Try to find a campsite with a bit of a breeze blowing throughout.

Autumn: By far one of the best times to explore Algonquin Park! If you've never experienced Algonquin Park's fall colours then you are missing out! These colours are

                     simply breathtaking.

                     Colder nights, water is still tolerable for quick swims and Algonquin's Back Country is less busy!

Regardless of when you want to explore Algonquin Park's Backcountry, Canoe Algonquin is here to assist make this years adventure the best one yet!