Please note that the carpool departure time has been changed to 5:30pm (other details remain the same: Downsview Subway Station, Wed June 30).

Wednesday night: Drive up to Algonquin. Car camp at Tea Lake campgrounds, Algonquin Park.

Thursday: Drive to outfitters near Opeongo. Outfitters will shuttle canoes and our group to Canoe Lake. Launch from Canoe Lake, Access Point 5. Camping at Tom Thomson L. Portage: 295m

Friday: Camping at White Trout L. Portages: 2,320m, 510m, 745m Yes, this will be a long day.

Saturday: Camping at Happy Isle L. Portages: 1,840m, 340m

Sunday: Paddle down Lake Opeongo. Portage: 2,180m The largest lake in Algonquin Park. We will be paddling from the north end of the lake right down to the access point in the south. Return to Toronto.

Trip notes: So there you have it. Some long portages, but also a lot of excellent, flat water paddling. Expect to paddle 4 hours a day minimum. Paddling will be entirely flat water, plus some close quarter paddling through some wetlands. You should also be comfortable paddling across large, open lakes (Opeongo). Given the distance of some of the portages, there is a strong preference for completing them in one trip. Dogs allowed, dog owners should be prepared to provide their own transportation.

Trip requirements: overnight/backcountry experience, comfortable paddling in a canoe for 4hrs plus, able to complete portages in a single trip (with paddling partner), a positive attitude.

If I am not familiar with your backcountry/paddling background, please enter details of your experience in the “notes” section when registering. This canoe route is a retracing of my first backcountry/overnight trip, so I will be a little flexible here.

Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday June 23, 7:30pm at Chalker’s Pub (247 Marlee Ave). At the meeting, we will decide canoe, gear, food arrangements and go over the route.