Algonquin Canoe Trips

1. Check the thunderbox… nothing worse than finding out too late that it’s been busy.

2. Set up the tents. If it starts to rain, you’ll want somewhere to go.

3. Hang a rope in a tree for the bear bag. This is actually really important, because you don’t want to be fumbling around trying to make sure that your food won’t lure a bear into your campsite when it’s already dark or you’re too tired.

4. Gather a healthy cache of firewood. Gathering everything you need for the evening before you start the campfire is a better approach than constantly walking out into the bush to grab a few dead branches. Plus, if you have some leftover then you can use that in the morning or leave it for the next people. Remember to take only dead branches from the ground! Never cut anything that’s alive.

5. Pull your canoes up on shore, flip them over, and tuck your life jackets away. Just in case the wind picks up overnight, you don’t want to wake up and find out you’re up the creek without a way to get back.

You can have this much fun with your friends too. Pick up a canoe trip plan from algonquincanoetrips.com for step-by-step information, packing checklists, maps, and canoe route overviews.

Even if it isn’t your first canoe trip, these comprehensive documents can be helpful tools for preparing everyone in your group and getting your friends excited.

You can have this much fun too. Planning a canoe trip doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick up a canoe trip plan from algonquincanoetrips.com for step-by-step information, packing checklists, maps, and route overviews.

Even if it isn’t your first canoe trip, these comprehensive documents can be helpful tools for preparing your group and getting everyone excited.

1. A steady pace wins the race. Carry and rest for predetermined amounts of time. Example: carry for 10 minutes, rest for 2; carry for 20 mins, rest for 5.

2. Take the first digit or two of the portage distance and multiply it by 2. This is a good estimate for how many minutes the portage should take. Example: 720 meters will take about 14 mins; 1260 meters will take about 24 mins.

3. When carrying, grab the front thwart with one hand and hold onto the yoke with the other hand up against the gunwale. Your canoe will point off at a slight angle, but less weight will be on one of your shoulders. Switch sides when one shoulder gets sore.

4. Transfer the weight of the canoe down to your legs. Your upper body is just for balancing.

5. Avoid double-carrying if you can manage it. Your travel will feel three times as long.

You can have this much fun too. Head over to algonquincanoetrips.com to check out our comprehensive canoe trip plans now. Even if you’ve planned a trip before, these plans can be helpful for bringing everyone in the group up to speed.

The people you go on a canoe trip with will become your best friends in life.

Everyone plays a part and has a different role: there’s the navigators, the campfire cooks and the photographers. There’s a guy who has a few good stories and knows a couple games to play in the canoe. Sometimes there’s a noob. And there’s always that wildcard individual just trying to figure out what their role even is.

Whether it’s annual adventure or a once in a lifetime experience, you’ll always remember your backcountry companions.

You can have this much fun too. Head over to algonquincanoetrips.com to start planning your canoe trip now.

1. Gloves for paddling - my hands were so cooked by the end of the trip with blisters I had to wrap them with tape

2. Waist pack - it would have been handy to have one of these instead of digging through the main bag at every portage

3. Catadyn Water Filter or Life Straw - Sometimes you just don’t have 30 minutes for an iodine tablet to do its thing, plus you can taste the chemical in the water

4. Jetboil - we made do with the camping stove that we had, but it would have been nice to shave a few minutes off that wait time for a cup of instant coffee

5. A Hoody - It was cold in the mornings and an extra layer of protection from the mosquitoes on the portages would have been nice

Maybe you’re planning your first canoe trip and not sure what to bring, or maybe you’re renting from an outfitter but not sure which equipment package is right for you. Or maybe you’ve already done a few canoe trips and you’re just interested in learning a few tips and tricks.

Check out algonquincanoetrips.com for full and comprehensive canoe trip plans.

1. Don’t have someone 65 lbs heavier than you in the bow during a fierce headwind (you’ll start taking in water)
2. If you double-carry the portages, your day is going to feel longgggg
3. It feels awkward if only one person is singing in the canoe, so might as well join in
4. Do not, under any circumstances, spill your water in the tent right before bed
5. If your friend decides to jump off a cliff, try to talk him out of it
6. Don’t wait until it gets dark before you try to hang a rope for the bear bag
7. If your friend asks you to put sunscreen on his back, be a pal and make sure you get his whole back
8. Deodorant doesn’t take up too much room in the bag and makes a big difference in the tent
9. Be very careful with your paddle, because if it breaks, you’re up the creek
10. Always always always remember to pack some dudewipes

Let’s hear something you’ve learned during your canoe trips. Drop one in the comments below

Plan your next backcountry canoe trip by visiting algonquincanoetrips.com

There’s nothing better than finding an awesome campsite unoccupied during a backcountry canoe trip. This spot on the western shore of Radiant Lake in Algonquin Park had plenty of space and a prime swimming spot. Start planning your next backcountry canoe trip by visiting algonquincanoetrips.com