Reservations are required. The Northwest Loop – Five Day Solo Wilderness Canoe Trip in Algonquin Park. I have had an experience where I almost met up with a bear as we were both walking down to the water. Keep in mind, however, that a solo trip is not everyone’s style – it takes a special type of person to tackle such an adventure. For those who chose the shuttle service we will pick you up at Finch Subway in Toronto at 8:30am. Check out our Canoe Trip Planning page for a suggested list. This is Algonquin Park. Often a site that isn’t clean is an animal magnet. Thinking taking the boat because I have never gone solo before. In late July, Britt and I loaded up the car and drove out to the East side of Algonquin Park for a canoe trip down the Barron Canyon. Canoe into Algonquin's backcountry with a small group. While kayaks are certainly fast and fun to paddle, we generally try to discourage people from using them on trips with longer and/or many portages. Before you make a reservation, make sure you know trip dates and number of people in your group. Camper Christina says to talk to yourself and tell the bears in the nights what you are doing! Being located in the park … We have six tent cabins and showers and washrooms are available. Or slowly walk away but when you are in that situation….first instinct is to run. * Rentals and purchases from stores within Algonquin Park help provide funding for Ontario Parks. Tim River Algonquin Park is Algonquin Park’s Access Point #2. If you forget something, our well-stocked stores carry a full selection of outdoor clothing, footwear, camping accessories and much more. Please share! I wont get into details, but mentally it was very healthy and good medicine! This is a wonderful feeling, but it goes deeper than that. The canoe I have selected for my solo trip is the Swift Shearwater. When not spending time with his wife and two daughters, he can usually be found plying the waters and hiking the forests of Ontario – solo. So my only problem is my bearanoia. Algonquin Outfitters has produced a handy canoe trip planning guide that will make your vacation planning a little easier. I completed the canoe trip in five days, in early August 2018. We can assist, if you want to literally leave everyone behind after you pack up your gear, and then head off into the wilderness on your own. He got scared and ran off one way and I got scared and ran back to out site. The store also features... Algonquin Park Solo Canoe Trip Day 1: Magnetawan to Grassy Bay. The haunting cry of a loon breaks the morning stillness, echoing off the rock cliffs that line the shoreline. I guess I’m a homebody and just think that a beautiful serene place like Algonquin Park is meant to be shared. I always make sure my site is clean before turning in and that my food pack (including soap and toothpaste) is hung up in a tree to keep the critters out of it. I want to escape. You only need to bring your own clothing and personal items! The kids enjoy the rope swings as well. For the first time or novice canoe tripper, it may seem overwhelming to set out on your own backcountry experience. By: Algonquin Park Adventure Tours. We can assist, if you want to literally leave everyone behind after you pack up your gear, and then head off into the wilderness on your own. I personally love being on my own schedule. I have always admired those that strike out on their own into the wilderness, but I had never done it myself. Last week was my dads 3 year anniversary of his death and we spent a many night in the park ourselves, so I feel the need to go back and process everything and reflect. If you are looking for a good long weekend paddling route in Algonquin, the Bonnechere Lake loop may be a good option.Easy access using the Smoke Lake access point make this route ideal for anyone making the drive up to Algonquin from urban centers south of the park. I totally agree w/ you on the solitude and quietness that you don’t get in your daily life (pending where you live). Hey Guys… just wanted to weigh in here. This is the first video episode in a series documenting my solo canoe trip I did of the Northwest Loop (the furthest northwest canoe route in Algonquin Park). In the late afternoon, we transfer to the Algonquin Log Cabin. Algonquin Park Solo 6 Day Canoe Fishing Trip May 2015; My Canoe Camping Gear and Food for a 1-Night Canoe Camping Trip; Head Lake & Head Creek, Algonquin Provincial Park; Plough Lake, Algonquin Park; Hiking and "bushcraft" in the McCrae Lake Conservation Reserve Portaging kayaks and gear is tricky and time consuming, using up most of the time you gain by having greater efficiency when paddling. 6 Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip. I’ve camped with the guys in Algonquin at least 15 times but this was my first solo trip. Our experienced canoe guide will teach you the basic canoeing strokes, show you how to properly load and secure a canoe, and go over safety issues l… A little bit of anxiety before a solo trip is natural, but if you are well prepared, you have nothing to worry about. So I would not have any problem with staying along the highway and doing days trips myself. It seems like it would be an excellent place to support them. It probably doesn’t help, but you should know that in 30 years of backcountry camping, I’ve only seen one bear at my campsite. Would you like to truly get away from it all on a solo backcountry canoe trip into Algonquin Park’s interior? And, if they get into trouble and need assistance, you’re just the person to help them. I fished, read, canoed, bush crafted, prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner, napped and explored. If you prefer to go by yourself, though, you may want to rent one of our SPOT personal locator devices. Sailing through the backcountry always felt like a grand adventure. This offers the ability to travel with close to the speed of kayak but the carrying capacity and ease of portaging of a canoe. They say you're not supposed to push your limits when soloing lest something go wrong, so I figured a place with markers, route maps and a detailed description was the way to go. Children in the group are free. Algonquin Kiosk Loop – 5 Day Solo Canoe Trip – Part 2 of 2 – CAMPERCHRISTINA.COM September 26, 2017 at 1:04 pm - Reply […] 1 of this trip can be found here. When you achieve the level of proficiency necessary to canoe trip solo, your self-confidence will soar. It is 6:00 am and I lie awake, staring up through the roof of my fly-less tent at a billion twinkling stars, watching them slowly fade as the eastern sky erupts in the subtle colors of a September sunrise. Couple of observations: Being an avid fisherman, I’m aiming for the third week in May to target the trout that Algonquin supports. We will meet you at Rock Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park at 1pm. (see our full Canoe Trip Planning Guide here), We recommend making camping permit reservations with the Ontario Parks reservation service before making outfitting reservations. On top of that, I have never seen a bear in Algonquin Park, despite my best efforts to find one. There are several things to consider that are unique to solo trips, so a little bit of research and a lot of planning is necessary. Hans Bludau Algonquin Kiosk Loop – 5 Day Solo Canoe Trip – Part 1 – CAMPERCHRISTINA.COM June 5, 2020 at 9:07 am - Reply Previous Next […] Leave A Comment Cancel reply I hope that helps. Need a little help getting started? Solo tripping is not for everyone, but if you have the ambition, skill, physical fitness and mental acuity to spend time alone in the outdoors, then it is time to start planning your first trip. You need only bring clothing and personal items. Sincerely, Joe Gaspar. We offer 14-15 ft (4.3-4.6 m) superlight tandem canoes or 12-13 ft (3.7-4 m) solo superlight cedar strip canoes that are ideal for any solo trek into Algonquin Provincial Park. A lgonquin Park’s vast landscape of unspoiled lakes, rivers and rugged hills is home to more than 2,000 kilometres of canoe routes. I thot I sat there for :45 and it was only :20. All the best, What might suck for me might be the best thing in the world for someone else. 6 Hour Algonquin Park Canoe Trip provided by Algonquin Park Adventure Tours. I’m just concerned about the temps and black flies during that time frame. I’m not bragging, but I’ve been back country canoe/camping 50-60 times ( which isnt that crazy when you think 30yrs x 2/yr) and for some reason I’ve always gone with or lead a group of guys. And, don’t worry if you don’t have a particular piece of clothing or forgot your toothbrush, our stores are well stocked with camping accessories and some great travel clothing. That said you have to be able to get along with yourself and rely 100% on yourself to do 100% of the chores and duties. Hey Shawn just got back from my first solo trip the other day. Like anything comfort comes with experience and knowledge and I’m a little like Kevin Callan, it takes me a day to two to settle into the back country sounds. Once at camp, I leave my pots out in a pile at the campfire at night, so if anything comes sniffing around, I’ll hear it. Another option is to consider is traveling with a companion but using solo canoes. Shawn Often when one travels with a group there’s always someone that loves cooking, someone that loves making the fire, someone that loves fishing or setting up camp and someone always reluctantly volunteers to do the dishes and clean up. I was thinking about cutting the trip short but told myself to suck it up. Please note that other than paddling to a campsite on Lake Opeongo, there is no overnight accommodation at our Opeongo Store. Solo But Not Alone in Algonquin Park (2 mamas on a 5-day canoe trip) I’ve never been in such a slump in all my life. Algonquin Park 3 - 14 day Canoe Trips . I made it easy on myself; Access 7, Source, Bruce and 3 nights on Raven. Algonquin Park: Algonquin park has many resources itself to plan a canoe trip. We visit the natural beach campsites and the kids can be kids. * I actually changed my perspective on how I saw myself… for the better. I love sharing this kind of experience with friends and family, but I have to admit there is something extra special about being there alone. Get deep into Algonquin’s interior on this Classic 7-Day Algonquin Park Canoe Trip and discover the best of the northwest corner of Algonquin Park. The website has several resources including a virtual map and links to page for planning all aspects of a trip. The tent cabins are large canvas wall tents with cots inside. Algonquin Park canoe trip checklist Canoeing in Algonquin Park is an iconic Ontario adventure, thanks to more than 2000km of canoe routes and portages. I want to challenge myself. This modified version of our Lightweight Outfitting package includes lightweight Kevlar solo canoes instead of tandems. The most valuable part of our outfitting service is the training, advice and help that our experienced guides and outfitters can offer when customizing a trip, route and equipment to your abilities and desires. This is the continuation of that post starting from the afternoon of Day 3 at my site on Big […] It is 6:00 am and I lie awake, staring up through the roof of my fly-less tent at a billion twinkling stars, watching them slowly fade as the eastern sky erupts in the subtle colors of a September sunrise. I do a lot of singing to myself on portages (ya people heading the other way tend to give me funny looks) and I always explore my campsite before I commit to it for signs of recent activity by local wildlife and cleanliness by previous campers. My Solo Canoe Route. Paddle a mix of large lakes and meandering rivers as we paddle from Algonquin Park Access #1 across the top of Algonquin … This service is included with Ultimate Outfitting and is an option for all Complete Outfitting customers who feel they might need a basic course in canoe trip skills. Stay close to an access point so help is nearby if you need it, or if you decide to cut your trip short. For a longer solo trip, we recommend the Shearwater or the Keewaydin 15 since they are the most roomy. It was a well-travelled loop starting from Cedar Lake in Ontario's Algonquin Park.. 🙂 I was planning this trip for months and wasn’t going to waste the time and money I put into it. A good compromise might be paddling a solo canoe with a kayak paddle. Regarding bears and wolves in particular, I strongly advise that you visit a place to watch and learn more about them, such as Haliburton Forest for wolves, and Aspen Valley Wildlife Centre may have bears. I visited 5 beautiful lakes, which I pretty much had to myself, the scenery was spectacular, the weather was nice, the wildlife was cooperative and the solitude was a welcome respite from the crowds of the long weekend. tripping with a group or another individual. Most animals will tend to run away if they hear you, including our black bears. Very contenting (if that’s a word). Rates are based on a minimum two-day charge. These pages document my first solo canoe trip. This is my story and my feelings. Solo tripping can be very rewarding and enjoyable but it’s not always for everyone. All are approximately 14 – 16 feet long, weigh 35 – 40 lbs. Full Itinerary Day 1 Meet at Algonquin Provincial Park access point #5 (Canoe Lake), at 11:50am, for a delicious lunch of Henrietta's and fresh fruit. They all tend to be narrower than tandem canoes. One of our staff will lead you on a three hour mini-trip and cover skills like camp set-up, food storage, portaging and paddling tips. Tent camping every year in many of a provincial park. I have years of experience. The above pricing is per person, per trip. Probably May 4-7 that being said the ice is off. Raven wasn’t a huge lake so there wasn’t many places to go. When it comes to the bumps in the night I’m like a lot of others, I tend to talk to them. I want to be by myself. and come with a detachable carrying yoke, since the seat is in the centre of the boat. I spent many years when I was younger hanging out with bears at dumps, watching them interact with one another while giving me respect as the dominant species. For more information on the Keewaydin 15, Shearwater and Pack Boat series, check out swiftcanoe.com. This solo kevlar canoe is ideal for my trip for several reasons. PLEASE NOTE: Prices are based on Per Person Per Trip. I used to love going on trips as a kid. This style of tripping offers the freedom of solo paddling but the security of having a partner to share the load. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I chose a route in Algonquin Park starting at Smoke Lake. Solo tripping that someone is always you. To reserve a camping permit, you will need to know what access point you are starting at and the names of the lakes you intend to camp on each night of your trip. The lake’s surface is a plate of glass, now reflecting the sun as it clears the top of the ancient white pines, bathing the entire landscape in a soft golden light while a light mist slowly drifts across the scene. The charge is $25 per person, with a minimum of two adults. ... Had a great time on the 3 day canoe trip in Algonquin Park as a solo traveller. • 2021 Paddle Art Contest – Ends Aug 31st 2021, see our full Canoe Trip Planning Guide here, Algonquin Outfitters - Your Outdoor Adventure Store. Yes I know I did not stop and appreciate him. This is serenity. It was a 2 night canoe trip to Little Otterslide Lake and Burnt Island Lake; a busy area of the park, but perfect for my first solo canoe trip. If you make a reservation and find that numbers or dates change later, we will be happy to change your reservation. I found the mornings and early afternoons the more tolerable times of day as that was when I was most occupied. Wow, what a change from the Instagram world where :10 turns magically into :50 lol. * One morning watching the sun rise I was shocked how slow the time passed. After some basic instruction in canoeing technique and safety, we will paddle about 12km (3-5 hours of solid paddling with periodic breaks) to a secluded wilderness campsite. DAY 4: ALGONQUIN PARK My wife thinks I am nuts. 37 reviews. An Algonquin Park Solo Canoe Trip Adventure by Shawn James, My Self Reliance. Preparing meals and taking the canoe out and trying my luck at fishing but when late afternoon and evening came, that’s when it hit me the hardest and was lonely and realized I was my own entertainment. We can assist with the route planning and reservation process – please call for details. This is a cost-effective way to get your Algonquin Park adventure off on the right foot! Also, you mentioned about Sasquatch above. Take a shower, sauna, and enjoy wine and cheese followed by a delicious dinner. I also had a few light bulb moments. But in the interior come sun down, (funny I see this with my son) I would start to become anxious. Don’t forget your Algonquin Park souvenirs too! May 24, 2019 - Photos, videos, campsites, portages, fish species, ruins, points of interest, hiking trails, canoe routes, wildlife and more. Explore Algonquin Park Solo Canoe Tripping in Algonquin Park. Some say wear ear plugs. Tim River is located within the boundaries of Algonquin Provincial Park on the west side. The trek and paddle to the site along with the initial unpacking, exploring and setting up camp was exciting but then the boredom sunk in. With so many options, it’s important to research the different routes to find the right one for your experience level, fitness level and … The remoteness and interesting topography of the Tim River area of Algonquin Provincial Park was just what I needed at the end of a long, cold and snowy winter. lol. When I’m alone, I become one with my surroundings – every noise, sight and scent grabs my attention. Interior camping reservations can also be made online: https://reservations.ontarioparks.com/. If that doesn’t resolve the mystery then I often go to investigate. Learn canoe trip skills. Our pace is relaxed with our intention of have fun, explore,look for wildlife, swim and enjoy backcountry gourmet meals cooked over a fire. Knowing what’s making the sounds you’re hearing will suppress your imagination and make you more curious than anxious. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Backcountry canoeing tripping in Algonquin Park is an unforgettable experience. Anyway, it’s January 2020 and I’m planning my 2nd annual trip… came across this and thot I’d share. Gear space varies with the model. Is it common to drop into the 20’s and 30’s during the night, and are the black flys in full roar by the third week in May? To check campsite availability in advance of making a reservation or get route advice, call the Algonquin Park information line at 1-705-633-5572. How often in our regular lives do we hear nothing but complete silence, interrupted only by the peaceful sounds of nature? To narrow that down to just 13 bucket-list canoe trips, our experts combined hours of poring over Algonquin canoe route maps with weeks of travelling the park’s backcountry by paddle and portage. I just found my 1st one 🙂. Provided for no extra charge, this service is just one of the things that makes any Algonquin Outfitters complete outfitting package among the finest in North America. What can I say..I hated it. So my question is. ), Solo Outfitting menu offers numerous food options, Traditional hardwood paddle or kayak paddle, Lightweight single-burner stove with fuel. Self-reliance does not just benefit you; it benefits everyone around you as well. My May 24 trip to Little Trout Lake was about as good as a short spring canoe trip gets. Or, there is always the zoo, but something more intimate is better. Solo Canoe Trip Outfitting. Looking to go on a solo canoe trip or take my 14 ft aluminum boat in 2 weeks time. We can also send a list of other local accommodation options if you are interested. Situated in the village of Kearney, Algonquin Basecamp is a convenient one-stop shop for those beginning their canoe trip on the west side of Algonquin Park at Access Points #2, #3 or #4. I am always either guiding others or want to share the experience with family and friends. when it is so quiet and my mind wanders I think I hear things in the night how does one adjust. Available by advance reservation only at Oxtongue Lake. Add Greenhorn Service to any of our complete outfitting packages to start your trip off with a short course in the basics of camping and paddling. The drive from Toronto runs between 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic. Honestly, does any one else have life experiences where time slows down? Shawn, Hi Shawn, your videos are awesome and inspiring. We have a variety of solo canoes, including Swift models like the Shearwater, Keewaydin 15 (standard canoe and Pack version) and Pack 13.6. Hey Brent, congratulations on thinking about joining the solo tripping ranks! Reservations for Algonquin Park interior trips can be made by calling toll free: 1-888-668-7275 (outside of North America: 1-519-826-5290). The World Tour screens in more than 135 cities around the world each year... 2021 Banff Mountain Film Festival, Huntsville Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to Huntsville, Ontario virtually starting Thursday, November 26th, 2020! Kevlar canoe: solo or Pack model (average 38 lbs. I breathe deeply, the cool morning air filled with the scent of sun-baked pine needles and smoke from a smoldering campfire. We can also assist you with the route planning and reservation process – please call for details, with a map handy. If I want to stop to take pictures or eat tomorrow’s breakfast today, I only have to agree with myself about it. But 2020 was to be the year of my first solo canoe trip. Shawn is an entrepreneur specializing in renewable energy and online education. Epiphanies are hard to script, so a pleasant surprise. I also make sure my canoe is well up on shore (even tied off) nothing worse than waking up in the morning to discover that your Kevlar boat has blown away in the middle of the night (speaking from experience). Leave plenty of time at the end of each day to set up camp, collect firewood and just relax. Required fields are marked *. Save. One Tripper’s Full-circle Experience with Project Canoe, #WeGetOutside Chat Round-Up: Getting Outside for our Health, • 2021 Paddle Art Contest – Ends Aug 31st 2021, https://www.youtube.com/c/shawnjamesmyselfreliance, https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShawnJamesMySelfReliance/posts, https://www.instagram.com/myselfreliance/, https://www.pinterest.com/MySelfReliance1/, Algonquin Outfitters - Your Outdoor Adventure Store. * It felt so good to be lost in my own thots for days w/o having to shuffle in other folks ideas. An Algonquin Park Solo Canoe Trip Adventure by Shawn James, My Self Reliance. I climb out of my sleeping bag and wander down to the water’s edge, perching on the smooth granite bedrock to splash cold water on my face. Because it was late May, the black flies were out in full force. The call is answered; not by another loon, but by a bull moose that grunts repeatedly as he pushes his way through the shoreline alders in search of a mate. Your email address will not be published. I found myself doing a lot of these activities longing to share them with someone else. First it is stable and maneuverable which will make for safe easy paddling which is an important to me being out in the park alone for the first time. Each one sleeps up to five people. If you’re self-sufficient and capable of surviving in the wilderness on your own, you will rarely be a burden to your partners on a group trip. At the end of August, I went on my first solo canoe trip. In all my selfies I have a big grin on my face 😀 . So Yes I can experience some self reflecting/reliance. At home, at work or on the road, our senses are so inundated with unsolicited stimuli that we subconsciously tune it out, snapping out of it when someone nearby speaks. You can make a reservation up to five months ahead of your trip start date. A six day solo trip in Algonquin Park, starting from Magnetawan and looping through Misty Lake, White Trout Lake, and McIntosh Lake through the Petawawa River and Grassy Bay No experience required. Take it easy on your first trip. We offer rustic overnight tent cabins and camping facilities for our canoe trip outfitting customers only at our Oxtongue Lake base. Algonquin Outfitters is one of the few outfitters in North America to rent modern solo and “Pack” canoes. I know you (we) don’t have crystal balls to predict the future, but a ballpark answer would help and ease me up a little. Explore the Official Canoe Routes Map of Algonquin Provincial Park online, free online use, trip planning information, the latest news, upcoming programs, donation and membership information, opportunities for involvement, outfitters, lodges, commercial service, plus books, free maps and souvenirs. The Cedar - Burntroot - Nippising River Loop, Algonquin Park. Keep up the great work, Shawn. Your huge heart is evident in your work and it’s encouraging! Park permit fees are extra and are paid by the client. Official website of The Friends of Algonquin Park. The link in the title takes you to the main page for back country canoeing in the park. My first solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park was an amazing experience! I thought about my wife and kids and what they might be doing at a specific moment. Once we arrive in Algonquin Park we have get our permits and then start unloading equipment and packing the canoes. In our years canoe tripping, we’ve yet to experience the East side of the park, and for good reason. No lions, tigers or bears. Submitted by Elias Wasson. I looked forward to going to bed early so I could fall asleep and move on to the next day. Would you like to truly get away from it all on a solo backcountry canoe trip into Algonquin Park’s interior? Check the personal gear list on our planning page for more details. Its a beautiful river and equally a great destination for a back country canoe trip. Then I love laying in my tent hearing the wind blow though the trees, it always sounds to me like your on the bottom of the ocean with waves rolling over head. The staff at the park is also extremely helpful. The growling bear turned out to be two trees rubbing together in the wind and the Sasquatch mucking about in my campsite turned out to be just a chipmunk rooting around my fire pit. Start with one or two nights, and don’t travel too far. So realize your strengths and weaknesses, work on learning skills that you don’t often use and maybe rely on others for and learn ways to make even doing the dishes fun. But, having been living abroad and travelling for the last eight years, my canoe trip experiences as an adult have been few and far between. Because yes I will have to get up and pee. Build a small fire, make a hot drink and sit down by the lake as the day comes to an end.
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