Algonquin Provincial Park Favorite Tips by RACCOON1

GENERAL SIGHTSEEING

Favorite thing: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

KAYAKING RATHER THAN CANOEING

Favorite thing: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

GENERAL TIP WITH A BEGINNERS ITENERARY

Favorite thing: Try Algonguin Outfitters for equipment. Seeing animals is not guaranteed. Fot three to four day trips you do not need a guide as long as someone can read maps and you have some camping experience.

Paddling across a lake into the wind can be tiring so take breaks at the portages. You will have to portage . When we were there the last time we ran into two ladies ( small) at a portage . The smallest one could flip a canoe over her head and carry it 290 meters over a portage without any help. So what can I say.

Go to the Algonquin Park web site and order copies of " CANOE ROUTES of ALGONQUIN PARK".

For Starters .

On HY 60 at ACCESS POINT paddle north on Canoe Lake to portage P295 ( the number indicates the length of the portage in meters). This leads to Joe Lake (where there are many camp sites), and subsequently to Burnt Island Lake and Tom Thomson Lake . There is enough in this area to keep you busy . Portages range from 110 to 1140 meters in lengths.

Remember to protect cameras and maps in water tight plastic bags. Bring binoculars 7x50 or better. Food has to be stored in packs 4 meters above ground and 2 meters from the nearest tree.

CANOEING INTO ALGONQUIN

Favorite thing: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Algonguin Park has an interconnected waterway system ( lakes, rivers, etc) which totals some 2000km in length making it probably the premier canoeing/camping area in the world . If you visit Algonquin Park you have to go canoeing .

CAMP SITE ON JOE LAKE

Favorite thing: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Camping locations within the park are regulated . You cannot just camp anywhere .

Here is a camp site. This location is really good as it is only a 1 1/2 hour canoe trip back to the docks, which is an advantege if bears steal your food at night .

THE PORTAGE

Favorite thing: When you portage you have to carry the canoe over your head. This may seem difficult at first glance but it is not. If you have two teenage sons portaging is a breeze. The kids take the canoes and mom and dad carry the paddles , backpack and life jackets. If you have no teenage sons teenage daughters will do.

PORTAGING

Favorite thing: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

If you go canoeing in Algonquin Park completing a protage is the number one goal of your trip. Portage lengths can vary from a three minute walk to a three kilometer journey. Sometimes the portage is flat and easy to traverse and sometimes it is , lets say , a %#&%#$ .

PORTAGE P295

Favorite thing: Once you have crossed a portage you are officially in Algonguin Park .

PORTAGE P295

Favorite thing: Portage P295 is a 3 or 4 minute walk , with a difference in elevation of maybe 2 meters , and has a clean and even walking path.

This is a very nice portgage .

CANOE LAKE

Favorite thing: UNDER CONSTRUCTION