Algonquin Park is one of Canada's most renowned parks and an international attraction. Established in 1893, it is the oldest provincial park in Canada and is about 7,653 square kilometers (2,955 sq mi).
Come enjoy the beauty and tranquility that is to be found in the depths of Algonquin and only accessible by canoe. For our introductory family trips we select our routes to minimize portaging and maximize time in camp allowing everyone the chance to relax and enjoy these wild spaces.
The Madawaska river is one of the best instructional rivers in all of Ontario. With a large number of Class 1-3 rapids and easy portages, the Mad river as it’s called, has something for everyone.
A river of national historic significance the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River. Located in Central Ontario, the French River is the symbolic dividing line between northern and southern Ontario. To wilderness canoeists, however, it's more than a line on a map; it's a line stretching back into our history.
Algonquin Park is one of Canada's most renowned parks and an international attraction. Established in 1893, it is the oldest provincial park in Canada and is about 7,653 square kilometers (2,955 sq mi). For comparison purposes, this is about one and a half times the size of the Province of Prince Edward Island. Over 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometers of streams and rivers are located within the park making it a paddlers dream.
Long recognized for its stunningly beautiful landscape it has been inspiring artists such as Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven for well over a hundred years. Come join us and see why this National Historic site in your own backyard attracts so much attention.
We offer Algonquin canoe trips that are customized to your specific goals and timelines, we use our intimate knowledge of the park to get you off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Leveraging many years of military planning experience we tailor every trip to suit not only the level adventure you are looking but also the level of luxury.
Our ability to deliver a high end luxury experience, a personal limits testing odyssey, and everything in between is what sets apart from any other provider. Algonquin park is a magnificent platform from which to embark on your own personal odyssey, whether it is an introduction to adventure "Off Trail" or a more luxurious appreciation of Algonquin's landscape, we will make your journey a memorable one.
Trip fees
Canoeing equipment
Camping equipment
Park Fees
Meals
Guides 5:1 ratio
Safety equipment
The Off Trail team is pleased to offer you an Algonquin Park Family Canoe Adventure. Come enjoy the beauty and tranquility that is to be found in the depths of Algonquin and only accessible by canoe. For our introductory family trips we select our routes to minimize portaging and maximize time in camp allowing everyone the chance to relax and enjoy these wild spaces. With our first night being campground based and the close proximity of our interior site mean we leave plenty of time to relax.
Our trips can be influenced by a number of unpredictable factors but our itineraries are planned to allow for a comfortable pace that will be enjoyed by all. This trip is meant to be a fun introduction to the beautiful wild spaces, not a test of your strength and tolerance.
Portage of equipment and canoes as well as the setup and tear down of the camp complete will be done for you. Although we always welcome assistance from those interested in completely immersing themselves into the camp work, our job is to take care of all the heavy work and setup, your job is to enjoy!
The menu will consist of locally sourced ingredients with particular attention paid to its production. It is important to us that what we fuel ourselves with is naturally and ethically raised or grown. With your input we will develop a menu that you will not believe was prepared in the wilderness.
Trip fees
Included:
Canoeing equipment
Camping equipment
Park Fees
Meals
Guides 5:1 ratio Safety equipment
The Madawaska river is one of the best instructional paddling rivers in all of Ontario. With a large number of Class 1-3 rapids and easy portages, the Mad river as it’s called, has something for everyone. Those that want a little more adventure can increase their canoe skill and confidence as we travel down river enjoying sets of easy rapids and for those just looking to enjoy beautiful scenery and tranquil surrounding they will appreciate the short easy portage trails that bypass all of the challenges on the river.
As the only luxury full service operator on the river we are pleased to begin planning the 2019 Madawaska calendar. Come paddle this iconic river in a carefree fashion as we take care of all the hard work. There will be no carrying heavy packs on this trip. All gear is portered to camp and set up for your arrival, and the camp chef will satisfy your taste buds with local fresh fare that will nourish the body while the river nourishes your soul. We only operate at select times in the season meaning space is limited as are the bugs! Running select weekends from June through October and custom dates on request.
Our journey is a 2 1/2 day 32km paddle. We Meet in Griffith and shuttle to the start point at Aumonds Bay where we will do gear checks, pack your personal gear into our waterproof packs, and cover safety points.
The first evening we take a short paddle to arrive at a set up camp with supper on and establish our camping routine while socializing around the fire.
Day two sees us covering the most distance of the trip as we enjoy the several pleasurable rapids or short scenic hikes depending on your pace and preference.
Your final day is a flat water paddle to the take out and a good opportunity to try your luck fishing and to enjoy the river's beauty.
We do our best every day to capture unexpected moments and chances to enhance your adventure and Sunday is no exception with possibilities of rappelling and a hike up to a view point overlooking the valley. We end our journey at 16:00 on Sunday at the Griffith take out where your cars are parked
Trip fees
Canoeing equipment
Portage
Camping equipment
Transportation
Meals
Guides 3 Guides for 6 - 12 guests
Safety equipment
A river of national historic significance the French River is the first designated Canadian Heritage River. Located in Central Ontario, the French River is the symbolic dividing line between northern and southern Ontario. To wilderness canoeists, however, it's more than a line on a map; it's a line stretching back into our history.
It was used as a transportation corridor by the Algonquin peoples of this region. The Ojibwa named this the "French River" because it became associated with French explorers of the 17th century, including Étienne Brûlé, Samuel de Champlain and Pierre-Esprit Radisson, and missionaries. Other explorers who later followed this route included Simon Fraser, Alexander Mackenzie and David Thompson.
Together with the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers, the French River formed part of the water highway from Montreal to Lake Superior in the days of the fur trade. It remained a major canoe route until about 1820.
You will be greeted by your Off Trail team at the French River Visitor Center on Hwy 69 approximately 3 ½ hours north of Toronto. Upon arrival we will establish tent groups, and paddling teams before getting into the water for some basic canoe techniques. Camp will be set up and waiting for us allowing you to enjoy a great meal and a good nights rest.
Day 2-5 we will travel in the footsteps (paddle strokes!) of the historic fur traders and explorers that opened up the “New World” to the eventual creation of our great country. We will be paddling approximately 12km per day while surrounded by a unique landscape of Canadian Shield that has been carved and compressed by hundreds of thousands of geological forces.
The river provides us with plenty of opportunities to practice a range of skills from running low level rapids, portaging, and lining canoes as we reflect on the challenges faced by those who traveled the route over the last 400 years. Camp will be selected and established in the late afternoon giving everyone time to explore, swim, or fish.
Trip fees
Included:
Canoeing equipment
Camping equipment
Meals
Guides 5:1 ratio Safety equipment