Planning a Canoe Trip
Algonquin Outfitters can help you plan a canoe trip from start to finish. Check out our handy guides and checklists below to make your vacation planning a breeze.
The Canoe Trip Planning Guide
Begin your canoe trip knowing you’re prepared for the whole journey. The Algonquin Outfitters Canoe Trip Planning Guide goes over the necessary steps for planning your adventure in Algonquin Park. You’ll find information about camping permits, park regulations, outfitting options, route planning and more. And learn when to book your trip if you want to see moose, hear wolf howls, or watch meteor showers in the northern sky.
The planning guide is available as a PDF file for easy reading and printing. Download the guide
Resources
Packing for a Weekend Canoe Trip
Rich Swift - Owner of Algonquin Outfitters shares some tips
Canoe Trip Planning Guide Topics
- Major steps in canoe trip planning
- Gathering information & maps
- Getting a group together
- Setting trip dates
- Choosing a route
- Basic park regulations
- Reserving camping permits
- Deciding which Algonquin Outfitters base to use
- Deciding what type of outfitting you require
- Reserving outfitting equipment
- Arranging transportation
- Getting to the access point & back again
- Accommodation
- Questions?
- Useful links for trip planning
Canoe Trip Packing Checklist
What should you bring on a canoe trip? When you book an Algonquin Outfitters complete outfitting package, we provide all the food and equipment required for a safe and comfortable canoe-camping trip in Algonquin. All that’s left is for you to pack clothing and personal items.
Use this checklist list to help you pack light and tight. And if you need anything for your trip, Algonquin Outfitters is one of the best-stocked outdoor clothing and equipment stores in Canada. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff will help you select the items needed to complete your list.
Essential personal items
- T-shirt(s) - two for longer trips
- Quick-drying shorts and/or swim suit
- Small towel - quick-dry, micro-fibre type works well
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt - cotton/polyester blends are good
- Sunscreen and hat - one with a full wide brim is better than a ball cap
- Sunglasses
- Quick-drying long pants - some styles convert to shorts by zipping off the legs
- Good-quality rain gear (jacket and pants)
- Wool sweater or fleece jacket
- Socks - wool, bamboo or synthetic
- Extra pair of socks for around the campsite - always keep theses dry!
- Sturdy footwear for portages - preferably well broken in
- Campsite footwear - sport sandals, running shoes or duck shoes are great
- Toilet articles - toothbrush/paste, shampoo/soap, etc.
- Spare prescription glasses or contacts
- Personal medications in waterproof bag or container
Highly recommended items
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards (or film!)
- Binoculars and field guides
- Notebook or journal and pencils
- Day pack or fanny pack for frequently used items
- Fishing rod and tackle - fishing licenses can be purchased in the park
- Rainy day entertainment - book, cards, portable board game, etc.
Spring or fall extras
- Wool or fleece hat, gloves/mitts
- Lightweight synthetic or wool long underwear (top and bottom)
- Extra insulating layers, such as fleece pants and jacket
- Waterproof footwear - insulated boots are a good idea