Wanted to try backcountry canoe camping but intimidated by the difficulty? This is a perfect intro for those who are new to it and a unique chance to unwind in a gorgeous location for those with more experience. Best of all, we're able to offer this adventure at an unbeatable price, another benefit of Wilderness Union membership.
We're heading to a secret location close to Algonquin Park (revealed only to members) that's just as beautiful as its more famous nearby cousin but more easily accessible.
The adventure starts with a canoe lesson before we paddle a short 2.5km to our spacious group campsite. You'll canoe through iconic Canadian Shield landscapes, with sandy beaches, granite rock faces and beautiful pine fringed shores.
Activities
There's so much to do when you're there and you're welcome to choose your own adventure. Cool off in the lake, read in a hammock, learn campsite skills, go for a hike - it's up to you. We'll teach you everything you need to know about camping comfortably in the woods like learning how to hang your food safely away from bears, start a campfire and more.
That night, we'll hang out around the campfire and hopefully see some epic night-skies, far from the light pollution of civilization.
On the second day, you'll have the opportunity to hike one of the most beautiful trails in the area - a moderate 5km hike that culminates in one of the most breathtaking views in Ontario.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all camp meals and cooking equipment, along with tents. We have cheap equipment rental for those who need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack, as well as an info session to ask any outstanding questions so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.
Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for each meal
Saturday Lunch - BYO packed lunch
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
Wanted to try backcountry canoe camping but intimidated by the difficulty? This is a perfect intro for those who are new to it and a unique chance to unwind in a gorgeous location for those with more experience. Best of all, we're able to offer this adventure at an unbeatable price, another benefit of Wilderness Union membership.
We're heading to Algonquin Highlands where we'll stay on a large group backcountry campsite from which we can swim, paddle and explore the area. It's just as beautiful as its more famous nearby cousin but more easily accessible.
The adventure starts with a canoe lesson before we paddle a short 2.5km to our spacious group campsite. You'll canoe through iconic Canadian Shield landscapes, with sandy beaches, granite rock faces and beautiful pine fringed shores.
Activities
There's so much to do when you're there and you're welcome to choose your own adventure. Cool off in the lake, read in a hammock, learn campsite skills, go for a hike - it's up to you. We'll teach you everything you need to know about camping comfortably in the woods like learning how to hang your food safely away from bears, start a campfire and more.
That night, we'll hang out around the campfire and hopefully see some epic night-skies, far from the light pollution of civilization.
On the second day, you'll have the opportunity to hike one of the most beautiful trails in the area - a moderate 5km hike that culminates in one of the most breathtaking views in Ontario.
What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all camp meals and cooking equipment, along with tents. We have cheap equipment rental for those who need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.
Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for each meal
Saturday Lunch - BYO packed lunch
Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire
Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea
Sunday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches
Saturday 19th July
08:00 - 11:00 - Pick up close to Keele Station. Drive to site
11:00 - 12:00 - Collect canoes, paddle in to our campsite
12:30 - 13:30 - Lunch on the lake
13:30-18:00 - Set up camp. Hang out at the campsite. Learn camping skills, paddle, hike or just relax in a hammock
18:00 - Dinner
Evening - Fireside hangs and stargazing
Sunday 20th July
Morning - Chill morning at campsite or paddle to a nearby hike for some epic views
12:00- 13:00 - Lunch
13:00 - 14:00 -Paddle out
17:30 - Return to Toronto feeling utterly reset and refreshed
Instalment Payments
You'll be able to pay for this trip in 4 interest-free instalments, making it easier to plan your summer fun budget! Look for the option to pay with Klarna at checkout.
Camping Gear Rental
We have affordable sleeping mats and sleeping bags available for rent at checkout for anyone who does not have their own. Canoes, tents, plates, cutlery and mugs are all included
Sleeping Arrangements
You'll sleep in spacious, shared tents, separated by gender. Hammock campers are welcome to sleep in a personal hammock.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Learn Camp Skills
You'll learn to portage, paddle, set up a campsite and more from our expert guides
Incredible Scenery
We'll hike one of the area's most iconic trails
Unique Weekend Getaway
This is a rare opportunity to escape civilization over just two days on a true backcountry camping trip
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Do I need existing paddling experience?
No! Our expert instructors will teach you before we head off
Is this suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, but like all our paddlers, you'll be required to wear a PFD at all times in your canoe
Can I bring my own tent?
There's no room for personal tents but you can sleep in a hammock if you'd like your personal space
What do I need to bring?
You'll receive a detailed packing list once you register for the trip. We provide almost everything you'll need in the cost of the adventure. Extra gear can be rented at low cost at checkout.
