For six years, my son (now 10) has been asking to go camping. Every year, I give him the canned “maybe” Mom answer while noncommittally looking everywhere but into his eyes. It’s not that I’ve never been outdoorsy…it’s just that I haven’t been in a long, long time. The answer? An Algoquin Park canoe trip with Wild Adventures Canada.
We did the three-day family canoe adventure in mid-August and it was incredible, even though I’m now happy to take a year-long hiatus from the tenting part of things.
Think of the Wild Adventures Canada experience as a fully guided, all-inclusive outdoor adventure centred around an Algoquin Park canoe trip. One where you simply show up at Algonquin Park with a day pack full of clothing, swimwear and footwear for three days (use my family canoe trip packing list) and someone else is prepared with everything else — right down to hors d’oeuvres served on a canoe paddle.
What’s provided in your Algoquin Park canoe trip package?
A lot. Most important, your canoe and paddles! Then there are also dry bags with a tent big enough for your entire party (or more than one tent if there are several of you), along with a sleeping bag (plus liner) and air mattress per person. If you indicate ahead of time that you’d like to fish, fishing rods and bait will also be procured.
Your provincial park entrance and parking permit are also part of the deal, so no need to stop on your way into the park.
These necessities, along with your food barrels and filtered water for the weekend, are piled into your canoe once you’re in it with help from your guide.
Speaking of the guide — you get a fun, knowledgeable guide for the entire duration of your Wild Adventures Canada excursion. For me, this is the no-brainer part of the deal because there’s no chance in hell I could navigate a foreign body of water, find an appropriate campsite, cook and, well, NOT DIE.
Our guide, Ben, despite being just 22 years old, had mad outdoor and survival skills. He was familiar with the area and was able to take us to a private beach, hidden rapids and go off in search of moose. He cooked the most gourmet “camp food” I’ve ever seen. And he helped the kids become more independent by teaching them how to bait a fish hook and cast a line, turn a tree into a tarp pole and wash dishes in the great outdoors.
But beyond that, Ben shared his Indigenous roots with us in the most special, magical ways. It was otherworldly to learn about native traditions (and, yes, I confirmed that native is not considered an offensive term). He told Aboriginal stories, passed down from his father, as we canoed for hours, built fires and ate s’mores under the stars.
One of the most memorable moments we had was canoeing at dusk to a lookout point on Rock Lake and watching the sunset perched on a rock high above the water. The view was one that my kid will remember forever:
Ben also helped the group bond deeply. Our second night, the seven of us sat in a line on our private island looking at the lake as it turned from blues to pinks. Ben pulled out some sage and set one end on fire, leading us through an intimate meditation that connected us each in a way that I could never properly explain.
I’ve never experienced anything like it before, and likely never will again. Ben’s touch on this trip went far beyond guiding in the traditional sense, and he created a series of very special moments for everyone.
Wild Adventures Canada food
We ate like royalty! Seriously…I knew the food was part of the deal, but I never imagined we would have tuna canapes, freshly sliced grapefruit, fajitas, pizza, hummus wraps, brownies and strudel.
It also never occurred to me that I’d be able to enjoy my weekend jolt of caffeine on our Algoquin Park canoe trip, either. Much less a mocha! The kids enjoyed hot chocolate, too.
Ben wouldn’t even let us lift a finger — though he didn’t mind us washing the dishes.
If you go hungry during a Wild Adventures Canada trip, point that finger at yourself.
Skill + physical fitness for your Algoquin Park canoe adventure
If you’ve never canoed in your life, the first part of the trip will be spent getting used to the canoe, the paddle and how they work together. You will have plenty of practise time in a small bay beside the parking lot, so don’t feel like you need to arrive having ever paddled before.
Our group had all been in a canoe and knew how to propel ourselves forward and steer so we pushed off to look for a campsite pretty quickly. But know that the trip will be based around the least experienced canoeist, so you won’t be doing a 3km portage if you’re with a group of kids who aren’t capable of something that intense. (We didn’t portage at all in the end.)
While you don’t have to come with any paddling expertise, I wouldn’t recommend this trip for anyone who isn’t generally in good shape. You’ll need to paddle for up to two hours just to find a campsite on day one, and then you might do five hours or so of canoeing each day.
And if you’re like me and have a kid who’s a lackadaisical paddler, you’ll be doing all of the work yourself unless your guide takes pity on you and occasionally hops in to help.
All this to say, if you’re pretty active overall, you won’t find it too challenging beyond the extra arm strength you’ll need to muster just to keep the paddling rhythm consistent.
If you’re completely immune to physical activity, I’d ramp up on the cardio for at least a month or two to prepare.
Kids need to be age 5+ to participate and ideally should be able to manage moderate hiking paths and be able to swim wearing a life vest.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never fished before either — your guide will teach you. And your kid will probably be HOOKED (see what I did just there?).
Wild Adventures Canada group size
You might be solo, or you might be with two or three other families. The groups remain small in the grand scheme of things but if you want a guaranteed private trip, that’s more costly.
We lucked out with the loveliest family from the UK. Both boys were into Fortnite so they hit it off immediately. The wife and daughter were into musicals and we were all recent Hamilton-goers, and obsessed with the show. The husband was a fascinating ex-military man with stories that had The K Man in awe. Truly couldn’t have asked for a better match for us (especially since they were much more outdoorsy and helped us pitch and pack our tent!).
The best time of year for your Algoquin Park canoe trip
Wild Adventures Canada tours take place from May through October, and the opening and closing dates are weather-dependent. We went during the third week of August and it was excellent…few bugs and no intense heat.
I think a September/October trip would be amazing and I’d consider that for next year — though I really doubt there’s a bad time to go.
Wondering what to pack for your Algoquin Park canoe trip? Here’s my “What to pack for a canoe trip with kids” post!
How much is it to do an all-inclusive Algoquin Park canoe trip?
Could you camp and canoe in Algonquin Park for less money than you’ll spend with Wild Adventures Canada? Sure. That is, as long as you own a canoe, paddles, life vests, emergency kits, water filtration systems, portable cooktops, dry packs, sleeping bags, air mattresses and floating food bins and know your way around the massive park.
No dice for us. We reveled in the comfort of having a trusted guide, and equipment that we knew was safe and not ours to maintain after the trip was over.
It’s $499 per adult and $399 for children 12 and under for the three-day family canoe adventure with Wild Adventures Canada. That’s $1,796 for a family of four with two kids who are 5-12 years old. We have certainly spent more than that on weekends in NYC or skiing. Heck, it can cost nearly that much to stay at Great Wolf Lodge for three days depending on your room choice!
So yeah…I’m a fan. And your kids are gonna LOVE it. I mean, just look at this face:
DISCLOSURE: Wild Adventures Canada provided this trip for my son and me to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own, of course.
Susan Bowers says
This sounds like my dream trip!
Cassandra D says
A guide with a canoe appeals to me.
Thomas P says
Sometimes the hurdles of planning, packing, gearing up etc. keep us from doing fun things – these trips take all the excuses away by doing the bulk of it for us so we can just enjoy without the added stress. That’s the best part of what they offer for me.
Marilyn C. says
I went canoeing once and would love to go again. Also I love camping!
Sarah Bojorquez says
I’ve never been there it sounds amazing!
valerie morgan says
I absolutely love being in a canoe BUT to be in one in Algonquin would be such a dream
Laura ERickson says
Being from Canada, Northwestern Ontario specifically, this brings me back to growing up and peaceful outdoor trips with the family. I hope to give my kids the same experiences. Thanks for sharing your journey and pictures!
cathy erdle says
I love that this Wild Adventures Canada canoe trip in Algonquin Park takes away all the planning, worries and work. You can just enjoy this amazing experience, knowing everything is looked after. We did this trip a few years ago and loved it. I remember lying on a big flat rock near our tent one evening and watching the shooting stars — absolutely magical!
Kristin says
Win or not I’m definitely going to look into this! It would be so great for my son. 4th grade has been really rough in every way. Plus he just got strep throat and had to miss hockey tryouts, ugh.
Erinn Lishman says
I would love to try a Wild Adventures Canada guided canoe trip, especially in Algonquin! I used to visit Algonquin every summer but my hubby has never been. This would be a pretty awesome chance to show him a place I love!
Robyn Oram says
I’d love to try canoeing
Patty M says
My sister and I took a Wild Adventures trip as out last sister trip before I had my baby. It was amazing and we still talk about going back. This would be a perfect opportunity. I’m graduating with my Master’s degree on Saturday and celebrating my second Mother’s day (US) on Sunday…this seems like a perfect time for a celebration trip with Wild Adventures!
Rachael Sutherland says
I absolutely love nature and camping and exploring the great outdoors
Audrey Grant says
I would love to experience to calm and beautiful scenery of the northern trip.
Wanda B says
What I would love most about this is being so close to nature.
Katie C says
What appeals to me most is the scenery and everything that you can do here!!!!!!
Rick Gallard says
Makes you really want to Camp at Algonquin park!
Marlene V. says
This trip sounds amazing – everything is planned and well thought out!
Paul Grant says
This sounds like a great trip for anyone, especially all the help you get.
Nicole Jubleew says
Spending time outdoors to re-connect my family with nature appeals to me the most.
Lisa M-C says
Would be amazing to canoe Algonquin! Have hiked it but would love to take our children!
Pam says
Having an expert along the way is the most appealing to me as hubby has not had much experience camping.
lisa penney says
i love all the smells being outdoors! this is a dream contest!
Stacy Scott says
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✮ (¸.•´✶Woohooo Just getting out there Exploring, and learning New things =) Awesome Review =) Thank you for the chance
susan b says
this has been on my bucket list. I would be scared to do this on my own with the bears there.
Veronica S. says
I love the idea of such a great trip in Nature with someone else taking care of everything for a change!
Julie F says
We have canoed camped in Algonquin a few times and it is awesome but it would be even better with a guide!
Allie Futterer says
I love nature and find it most important kids young and old need to experience the beauty of Canadian nature!
Beth Young says
We love being outdoors together in the open nature, We love evening fire chats 🙂
Heather Bowie says
Sounds amazing!!!!
christina cichon says
Would be so cool. I don’t travel enough in Canada. #Canadianguilt
gayle b says
I love Algonquin, love the sunrises and sunsets, love the peace that settles into you, and the scent of the forest…all these things
Jason Fry says
I Love camping and I would Love to take my son for some bonding,
Jennifer Hakze says
Outdoors is great for grounding yourself.
kathleen ditty says
Going to Canada!
Ron Ablang says
Just getting away from it all and breathing the fresh air.
Sarah Smart-Antonio says
This looked like such a special trip! I love how the food looks so gourmet, being able to fish and that you actually get a comfy air mattress ! Makes all the difference !
Maureen says
I’ve been trying to think of something to do with my daughter for some quality alone time together. This would be amazing. She is 14, and we need something to help us reconnect
Trisha Pedros says
Wow looks like you had wonderful time! Love that everything is taken care of! Love easy peasy! Good luck beautiful people!!
Erin McSweeney says
i love that everything is handled for you, and you get to just go in and enjoy the beautiful park
Tracey says
I love that Wild Adventures Canada handles EVERYTHING from the camping equipment to the cooking. Nothing could be better than just showing up to enjoy a canoe and camping adventure!!
Donna F Doyle says
I love being outdoors and on the water.
Dori says
This is something I would do for sure. Get close to nature and relax…..
micheline says
I just love camping but have never been to Algonquin Park, I think it is fantastic that Wild Adventures Canada provides everything for your adventure. This relieves so much stress when trying to plan a weekend.
Rosita E. says
I haven’t had many chances to go on nature trips and experiences but I’d love to ride canoes and do it with other ppl. I would never forget it.
Janice Country Cournoyer says
Awesome review I have never been to Algonquin Park On my bucket list..
Chris says
Being connected to nature with my family matters most
Marni C says
I grew up camping every weekend with my adopted family. Fast forward 44 some-odd years to when I find my biological Dad who has NOT camped ONCE in his life! Horror! So this trip would be the perfect opportunity for me to introduce him to the incredible world of camping and the great outdoors. Yes, trip of a lifetime for us, thanks for the chance to win.
Leslie W-H says
We would definitely benefit from the close, personal canoe instruction. Can’t seem to stop going in circles when we try it on our own, lol!
Calvin says
Nice review, very thorough. I like the vast nature, also the flexible group size of this adventure. Very lovely views.
Cassandra Kazlovskis says
I would love to take a love one and immerse ourselves in nature – it would be an epic few days!
Tabby72 says
Truly just being outdoors away from the cares of daily life is the best thing!
Kay L says
I would love the peace of being outdoors
Susan Ashcraft says
I love canoeing and camping and I’ve never been to Algonquin Park…would be a wonderful introduction to the park
Kay Burke says
Sounds so fun and having a guide takes all the guess work and doubt away
Cassandra M says
the best part would be connecting with nature more. i hardly ever get the chance to do so and it looks beautiful
Heidi Snow says
This would be amazing. I love being on the water and when we camp I like to find places to rent canoes or kayaks. We love to camp but having someone else take care of everything would be amazing!
LARRY says
THE WILD ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT EXPERIENCE
Chris MacDonald says
I love that it has an experienced guide so there is someone to help with all of the details – like how to paddle properly, how to avoid bears etc.
Leeanne C says
Would be a nice getaway for me and my friend who could use a quiet and tranquil getaway. Sure would learn some wildlife skills while out on adventure. Get to see some wildlife.
Susan D says
This would be amazing to reconnect with the husband or bonding time with the kids!!
Jaime Edwrads says
This trip would be an amazing way for me to spend some quality one on one time with my oldest daughter. She is a tween and it would be a great experience for the two of us together.
Mommy Gearest says
It makes a FABULOUS 1:1 trip with kids!!
Courtney says
This would be amazing! I would love to take both my husband and daughter but mainly my husband for our anniversary. He loves the outdoors, canoeing and I have never been to Alquoinin so this would be a dream come true for both of us.
Tina Tremblay says
I would love this! It’s like glamping but actually camping. Lol.
I never know what to pack so this would be perfect. Just take the husband’s and kids and go!
leagueofmoms says
This sounds amazing! Like camping for dummies – cause honestly that is me, I don’t really know what to do, but would love to do it!
Mommy Gearest says
***I AM CAMPING FOR DUMMIES!*** That is the most accurate description ever.
Beth Whittington says
This would be so fun! I would love to experience Algonquin Park, especially with everything taken care of like you’ve described!
kathrynanywhere says
This is a trip that my daughter would benefit from greatly! She doesn’t always like to listen to me, but she will listen to another adult in charge!
Jodi Serwatuk says
I camped a lot as a kid, and I’d love to share the adventure with my kid!
Lauren Miller says
I love that they seem to take care of all the “unknowns”! I’m not a camper, but seems like so much fun and not intimidating at all!
Meghan Towns says
I’ve worked in Algonquin Park for 5 years and a lot of my family members have worked for well over 10 and yet I’ve never thought to actually camp or do any touring! How crazy is that?
Mommy Gearest says
No way!!! You really must. It’s kinda pretty and stuff. LOL
Deepam (Susan) Wadds says
What a wonderful review! You’ve conveyed your experience with clarity and humour and love. Best of all, you make me bust with pride, because Ben is my son. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your adventure!
Mommy Gearest says
You should be so, so proud of him. What an incredible human being. Good job, mama!
Deepam (Susan) Wadds says
What a wonderful review! You’ve conveyed your experience with clarity and humour and love. Best of all, you make me bust with pride, because Ben is my son. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your adventure!
Mommy Gearest says
You should be so, so proud of him. What an incredible human being. Good job, mama!