Spend a day discovering the best of Algonquin Park—by canoe and on foot. This guided day trip packs a lot into a relaxed pace, giving you a true taste of why Algonquin is one of Canada’s most iconic wilderness areas.
We begin with a gentle paddle on Canoe Lake, one of the park’s most historic and scenic bodies of water. After a short paddling lesson, we’ll set off for a two-hour loop that winds past quiet bays, spruce-lined shores, and the same routes once travelled by famed artist Tom Thomson. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled—loons, otters, and even moose are often spotted in the early morning calm.
Back on land, we’ll head to the Hemlock Bluff Trail for an easy 3.5 km hike through shady old-growth forest. This loop brings you to a scenic lookout perched high above Jack Lake, where you’ll take in sweeping views of unbroken forest and glimmering water. Interpretive signs along the way offer insight into the ecology and research history of this remarkable landscape.
After a relaxed lunch, we finish the day with a visit to Ragged Falls, one of the park’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls. A short trail leads us right to the thundering cascades, where you’ll have time to explore, take photos, or just sit and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
Throughout the day, our friendly wilderness guides will share stories about the land, help spot wildlife, and make sure you’re comfortable and confident—whether it’s your first time in a canoe or your fiftieth.
This trip is professionally guided by qualified, friendly wilderness guides and includes transportation from Toronto, canoe rental, paddles, life jackets, and all safety equipment. You’ll just need comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure.
We start the day with a 2 hour paddle at Canoe Lake. We'll have a quick canoe lesson before hitting the water to explore the lake.
Next up, we'll find a picturesque spot to eat our packed lunches then head to Hemlock Bluffs. This is a 3.5km, moderately challenging but short hike with a fantastic view mid way round.
Finally, we stop at Ragged Rapids Falls for the short hike to the rapids. This is an easy hike that will take no longer than 1 hour.
06:20 - Meet the van at the Petrocanada next to Keele Station. Please note the van leaves dead on time and we cannot wait for latecomers, so please get there on time.
06:30 – Van leaves
10:00 – 12:00 – Pick up canoes and hit the water for a paddle
12:30 – 13:00 – Packed lunch break
13:00 – 14:30 – Hike the Hemlock Bluffs Trail
15:00 – 16:00 – Check out Ragged Rapids Falls
19:00 – Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Pack breathable layered clothing and dress according to the weather.
- Hiking boots/trail shoes (sneakers are not suitable and you may be turned away if you're dressed in a way that puts yourself in danger)
- Sun hat/cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Any medication
- A bag to pick up trash
You should bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least 1.5L of water. It's a good idea to also pack electrolytes during hot days.
Self drivers – You'll need to purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit for the Highway 60 corridor in advance here – ideally 5 days in advance at 7am to ensure you get a spot. The park gets busy at times.
Blacklegged ticks are common in Ontario and can carry Lyme disease. There's no need to be concerned if you follow some basic precautionary steps.
To protect yourself:
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks. Lighter colours make it easier to spot any passengers.
- Use bug spray with DEET or Icaridin.
- Check your whole body (and your pets) after hiking. Doing this while showering makes it easier.
If you find a tick, remove it right away with fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool, being careful not to pull off the head. Pull straight out, clean the area, and monitor for symptoms like a rash or flu-like feelings. If concerned, talk to a healthcare provider—early treatment is highly effective. Hang on to the tick after removal so you can send it in for testing if needed.
It usually takes 24–36 hours of attachment for the bacteria to be transmitted. That means early removal is key and that you don't need to worry if you've found one on you before 24 hours has passed.
Algonquin Park has a rich Indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these Indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for Indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
Spend a day discovering the best of Algonquin Park—by canoe and on foot. This guided day trip packs a lot into a relaxed pace, giving you a true taste of why Algonquin is one of Canada’s most iconic wilderness areas.
We begin with a gentle paddle on Canoe Lake, one of the park’s most historic and scenic bodies of water. After a short paddling lesson, we’ll set off for a two-hour loop that winds past quiet bays, spruce-lined shores, and the same routes once travelled by famed artist Tom Thomson. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled—loons, otters, and even moose are often spotted in the early morning calm.
Back on land, we’ll head to the Hemlock Bluff Trail for an easy 3.5 km hike through shady old-growth forest. This loop brings you to a scenic lookout perched high above Jack Lake, where you’ll take in sweeping views of unbroken forest and glimmering water. Interpretive signs along the way offer insight into the ecology and research history of this remarkable landscape.
After a relaxed lunch, we finish the day with a visit to Ragged Falls, one of the park’s most beautiful and accessible waterfalls. A short trail leads us right to the thundering cascades, where you’ll have time to explore, take photos, or just sit and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
Throughout the day, our friendly wilderness guides will share stories about the land, help spot wildlife, and make sure you’re comfortable and confident—whether it’s your first time in a canoe or your fiftieth.
This trip is professionally guided by qualified, friendly wilderness guides and includes transportation from Toronto, canoe rental, paddles, life jackets, and all safety equipment. You’ll just need comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and your sense of adventure.
We start the day with a 2 hour paddle at Canoe Lake. We'll have a quick canoe lesson before hitting the water to explore the lake.
Next up, we'll find a picturesque spot to eat our packed lunches then head to Hemlock Bluffs. This is a 3.5km, moderately challenging but short hike with a fantastic view mid way round.
Finally, we stop at Ragged Rapids Falls for the short hike to the rapids. This is an easy hike that will take no longer than 1 hour.
06:20 - Meet the van at the Petrocanada next to Keele Station. Please note the van leaves dead on time and we cannot wait for latecomers, so please get there on time.
06:30 – Van leaves
10:00 – 12:00 – Pick up canoes and hit the water for a paddle
12:30 – 13:00 – Packed lunch break
13:00 – 14:30 – Hike the Hemlock Bluffs Trail
15:00 – 16:00 – Check out Ragged Rapids Falls
19:00 – Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Pack breathable layered clothing and dress according to the weather.
- Hiking boots/trail shoes (sneakers are not suitable and you may be turned away if you're dressed in a way that puts yourself in danger)
- Sun hat/cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Any medication
- A bag to pick up trash
You should bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least 1.5L of water. It's a good idea to also pack electrolytes during hot days.
Self drivers – You'll need to purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit for the Highway 60 corridor in advance here – ideally 5 days in advance at 7am to ensure you get a spot. The park gets busy at times.
Blacklegged ticks are common in Ontario and can carry Lyme disease. There's no need to be concerned if you follow some basic precautionary steps.
To protect yourself:
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks. Lighter colours make it easier to spot any passengers.
- Use bug spray with DEET or Icaridin.
- Check your whole body (and your pets) after hiking. Doing this while showering makes it easier.
If you find a tick, remove it right away with fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool, being careful not to pull off the head. Pull straight out, clean the area, and monitor for symptoms like a rash or flu-like feelings. If concerned, talk to a healthcare provider—early treatment is highly effective. Hang on to the tick after removal so you can send it in for testing if needed.
It usually takes 24–36 hours of attachment for the bacteria to be transmitted. That means early removal is key and that you don't need to worry if you've found one on you before 24 hours has passed.
Algonquin Park has a rich Indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these Indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for Indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, Indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
