Wilderness Canoe Camping

Canoeing in the Wilderness
Exploring the vast interior of Algonquin Park in a canoe is an experience you will never forget. Visitors who travel the waterways of Algonquin are privy to a special world – a world far from telephones, televisions and deadlines. A world of quiet events and new adventures. You'll be rewarded by the sight of animals in their natural habitat. You'll have the chance to swim in a secluded bay, fish in a quiet pool and camp in a remote setting. You can challenge yourself with a full day's paddle and a long portage or idle away an afternoon paddling close to shore. Either way, it's a relaxing experience that takes you back to basics in some of the world's most beautiful scenery. Come; replenish your body – and your soul – in Algonquin Park.

Since you have to carry everything (including the canoe) over the portage trails, one of the keys to a successful canoe trip in the Park is having the right equipment and supplies. Weight is a critical factor and our lightweight Kevlar canoes and compact camping gear are ideal. Equally important is ensuring that you have everything you'll need without unnecessary items. The Portage Store has over 28 years of experience outfitting Algonquin canoe trips and can ensure your canoe trip is safe and enjoyable. Choose Outfitting Packages / Supplies to see a complete listing of our outfitting services. Guided canoe trips are also our specialty. Go to One-Day / Overnight Guided Canoe Trips to check them out.

Camping in the Wilderness
At the end of a satisfying day, in the quiet of the evening, canoeists set up camp on one of the many sites scattered along the shores of Algonquin lakes. Each campsite is clearly marked, with a fire pit, room for several tents and a privy back in the woods. It is an individual campsite, for your party only. The smaller lakes will have only one or two sites with the larger lakes having 10 or more. In total there are about 1500 interior campsites in the Park.

At most campsites there is plenty of deadwood in the surrounding area, ideal for your evening campfire. A compact stove is great for cooking quick meals and making that morning cup of coffee. While Algonquin lakes are clean and pristine, all water should be boiled or filtered or treated with iodine tablets before drinking. All our Outfitting Packages include a compact stove and a water filtration system. Relaxing by the campfire, you'll find that food has never tasted better. As darkness falls and you reflect on the day, the haunting call of a loon drifts across the water. Stillness envelopes the campsite as layer upon layer of stars appears in the night sky. Here, you're close to the grandeur of nature. Here is the essence of your adventure in Algonquin Park. "To see an actual campsite go for a paddle on our virtual canoe trip."

Interior Camping Permits
Everyone camping in the interior of the Park must have an interior camping permit. Permits are available from the Canoe Centre adjacent to the Portage Store.

To reserve your permit you must know your dates, number of people, access point of entry and the lakes you will be camping on each night. Reservations are recommended, particularly for the summer months and long weekends. At the time of reserving your permits Ontario Parks will require payment of one adult fee ($9.90) per night, in addition to the non-refundable reservation fee of $12.00. You can pick up your Interior Permit any time up until 6 pm the day of your arrival, after which you would be considered a no-show and fees will apply. If you cancel or change an interior reservation a cancellation percentage charge will apply, based on how long your reservation has been held. This charge ranges from 10-50% of the camping fee. A reservation held for one month will be subject to a 10% cancellation fee, 2 months a 20% fee, etc. to a maximum of 50%. Please refer to www.ontarioparks.com under Reservation Rules & Policies for full explanation of fees charged by Ontario Parks.

The Portage Store can reserve permits for its customers. We will need to know your dates, group size, access point and planned route. Alternative routes are helpful, should your first choice be full. If you're unfamiliar with the Park, just describe the kind of trip you want and we'll book the most suitable route. We require a credit card number and expiry date in order to reserve you a permit. Our Reservation Forms allow you to quickly book your outfitting package with us and give us all the information we need in order to book your permit.

Park Regulations for the Interior
In order to protect the interior of the Park there are a number of Park Regulations that canoeists should become familiar with. The major ones are:

1. Cans and glass bottles are banned in the interior of the Park. There are a few minor exceptions (insect repellent in a spray can, etc.) but all recyclable or reusable glass bottles are banned.
2. Party size is limited to nine individuals on any interior campsite and camping is only permitted on designated camping sites.
3. Boat motors (gas or electrical) are banned on most Algonquin lakes
4. Noise restrictions prohibit the use of chainsaws, radios, cassette players and generators.
5. Firearms are prohibited
6. All garbage must be packed out
7. Live vegetation (trees, plants, etc.) cannot be cut or damaged.
8. Anyone wishing to fish in Algonquin must have a valid Ontario fishing license. Licenses are available from the Canoe Centre adjacent to the Portage Store.