Algonquin has over 1,600 kilometers of wonderful canoe routes. We can help you choose a route that suits your length of stay and experience level. The red lines indicate the major canoe routes. There are many other additional routes.

Algonquin Park Canoe Route Map
Canoeists traveling in the Park interior must carry the map, Canoe Routes of Algonquin Park. This large, detailed map is available at the Portage Store ($4.95 plus tax) and is included in all our Outfitting Packages. to have a map mailed to you, send $8.00 (includes taxes, postage and handling) to the Portage Store, or have your Visa or MasterCard ready when you call or include them when you E-mail us.

Sample Canoe Routes
With over 1500 kms of canoe routes and nearly 400 lakes, Algonquin Park has literally hundreds of different canoe trips, ranging from 2 or 3 & 5 days to 2 or 3 weeks. It is all flat water paddling, with only the northern section of the Petawawa River having any whitewater. The other rivers and creeks are much smaller, with portage trails around any of the smaller rapids or sections of the rivers that aren't passable. In fact portages are part of every canoe route in Algonquin Park. They range from less than 100 meters to over 5000 meters and link together the lakes and rivers of Algonquin.

Portages are what make some canoe routes harder than others. Quite simply, the more portages in a route and the longer those portages are, the more difficult the route will be. The other contributing factor is the total distance that must be covered each day. The further you plan to travel each day, the more difficult you will find the route. Finally the amount and type of canoes and gear that you have, will also contribute to how difficult you find a route. If your group is able to do a portage in a single carry, they can cover more ground each day, if they wish. Having to double back for the second half of your gear (a common event for many groups) will increase the time and effort required for each portage and will reduce the total distance your group can cover in a day.

In planning a route it is important to remember that this is a holiday, not a race. Best to be a bit on the conservative side. The weather can affect your travel time, with some days the wind being a friend and on other days your worst enemy. Packing as light as possible, while still ensuring you have everything you need, is really important. On longer trips, having a layover day or two is not a bad idea. If you are unfamiliar with the Park, feel free to contact us for help in planning a suitable route.

Below you will find a sampling of some 3 to 5 day canoe trips, complete with a map. They can easily be modified by adding layover days or traveling a little further or a little shorter each day. For most parties we consider 6 to 8 hours from the time you leave your morning campsite till you arrive at your next site a full day (lunch and swim breaks included).

"If you haven't yet, now would be a great time to experience our virtual canoe route. This trip will allow you to see the lakes, portages and campsites on a four-day canoe trip in the park. The virtual canoe trip is actually our sample canoe route #2 Big Troup Loop going north from Canoe Lake. Take the trip and follow along on the map for a truely inspiring look at a wilderness canoe trip."

3 Day Trips Utilizing 1 Campsite : Three canoe trips, all starting from the Portage Store area that call for one easy day of travel to a campsite to be used for both nights. The second day is a day off for relaxing or exploring or fishing or whatever. On the third day you return to your starting point by the same route you went out on. Great first time trips.

4 or 5-Day Trips North of Canoe Lake : Three canoe trips, all starting on Canoe Lake (Access point #5) and heading into the area north of the Portage Store. One is a short, easy trip, with the other two being longer more difficult trips. This is where you will find the virtual canoe trip route.

4 or 5-Day Trips South From Smoke Lake : Three canoe trips starting south of the Portage Store (Access point #6, Smoke Lake). On route returns to Smoke Lake, the other two end at Rock Lake (Access point #9), requiring a shuttle back to the Portage Store.

Hopefully these sample routes will give people new to Algonquin Park an idea approximately how far they can travel in a typical day