Algonquin Park Paddling Day Trip

I look forward to the two or three-day trips I make into the park kayaking every year. I prefer to explore a new lake or river every trip to Algonquin Park. This year was no different. If you do not have a year-round pass for vehicle access into Algonquin Park you can visit any provincial campground to purchase one. I would recommend the Bonnechere Provincial Campground as a place to do this depending on where you want to enter the park.

 

 

On the drive in we observed various swamps, ponds and small lakes with a careful eye for one of the many Moose to be out wading in the waters. After arriving at the Park Vehicle Boundary Line we pulled off to unload. We then unloaded the canoe and kayak onto my Wilderness Systems Heavy Duty Kayak Cart. This began our hike to our planned launch site.

A kayak or canoe cart is essential for day trips like these as they often include a significant walk and/or portage. We do our best to reduce weight and carry only the essentials. Packing light is key. On this trip, I brought a Yeti Hopper Backflip filled with some ice and water, a Bending Branches paddle, a Primus Classic Trail Stove, small pan, PFD and a light action fishing rod. The Yeti Hopper Backflip kept my drinks cool all day while providing me an option to keep and take home a few fresh trout if I desired and was lucky enough to catch any.

 

I recommend Bending Branches paddles as their durability and lightweight design are key for these long trips paddling. Paddling my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120, purchased from Trailhead, gave me a perfect combo of weight, speed, maneuverability, and range.

 

As we paddled up the river enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of the interior of Algonquin Park I also noticed a few spots to fish on the way back out. Always hoping to catch a few natural speckled trout as a shoreline lunch. I always bring dry food and some bread as a backup in case my fishing skills fail me. Luckily my dry food was not needed on this trip as we managed to catch handfuls of small trout while keeping only a few larger ones for a fish fry.

 

 

 

These types of areas remain the pristine wonders they are when we all do our part to maintain them. The general rule is- anything you take in you take out and more as you find it. Bringing a bag to fill with any garbage found helps keep our park beautiful!

 

 

I'm already planning my next paddling day trip into the interior of Algonquin Park. I recommend you consider taking the time to enjoy its natural beauty!

 

 

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