Canoe programs in Algonquin Park Ontario with Chocpaw Expeditions

2008

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Algonquin Park 4Algonquin Park 4‑
Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Canoe Trips Clothing Suggestions

Sturgeon River Trip

Each year we receive many requests from families, youth groups & school groups to provide canoe trips. We have done a few trips each year. But the demand has increased to the point that we are booking now for next spring summer & fall. Beginning in May 2008 we are offering canoe trips featuring the north western sector of Algonquin Provincial Park. We will do trips in Killarney & Temagami as well. Our trips will showcase the natural splendour of Ontario’s lakes & rivers. The pace will be relaxed, with time to explore, & play, & enjoy. Leading the trips will be our winter guides who are also ORCA certified, with much experience teaching canoeing & camp skills. Some trips will be specifically designed to meet the Duke of Edinburgh criteria for their awards.

Trips will be custom designed to each group. An option for every trip will be to start at our new wilderness facility, Spirit Point. On the first day you can learn canoeing skills on our private lake. We can accommodate up to 60 in the lodge. On the final day you can return to the lodge for a hot meal & an evening reminiscing around a campfire. Below are two sample itineraries.

Rates start at $121.00 per person per day.

We offer very attractive group rates & family rates.

back to top Algonquin Park 4‑Day School Canoe Trip

Adventure Overview

As an outdoor experiential education specialist, Chocpaw Expeditions creates innovative canoe trips as well as lodge based educational programming out of Algonquin Park. Educational programs include: Algonquin Park ecology, leadership development, sustainable living, traditional Canadian travel, survival, relationship building, local culture, group problem solving and self‑management skills. Algonquin Park is Canada's favourite canoe adventure destination as well as its number one environmental research site, making this an ideal location for outdoor education. Chocpaw works with your school to help develop a program specifically for your student population and each trip is catered to the group.

The following itinerary is intended to give you an idea of a 4‑day Algonquin Park school canoe trip. Each Algonquin Park school canoe trip is 100% customized.

DAY 1
11:30am rendezvous at Chocpaw Expedition’s head office in South River, Ontario situated at Algonquin Park's northwest corner. After an orientation, brief lesson and lunch, we travel to the access point and canoe across Round Lake into Algonquin Park. Along the way we learn how to paddle, portage, navigate and enjoy an introduction to the park and its natural environment. We set up camp on a scenic point covered in pine trees and enjoy our first meal and campfire of the adventure. Learn how to set your campsite following the "leave no trace" guidelines and receive the most out of your wilderness home . At the end of the day we lie in our tents and nod off for some much needed rest.

DAY 2
Watch the sun rise over the lake as we paddle in search of moose and other wildlife. Take advantage of ideal photography opportunities as we enjoy a hot breakfast along the shore. Afterwards, we paddle east through a series of classic Algonquin Park water ways. A floating lunch gives us the energy to paddle into wetlands where we will have a great opportunity to see beavers, great blue herons and moose. Our final stop is at a beautiful lake wJanuary 27, 2008nner cooked over the fire satisfies our appetites as we exchange stories, legends and myths of travelling through the Canadian wilderness along with learning about the stars and constellations hovering high above us.

DAY 3
The aroma of coffee and bacon frying gets you out of your sleeping bags and up for breakfast. After packing up camp, we head out for a series of portages through mixed maple forest learning about the unique mix of flora and fauna in the area. Options allow you to learn to solo a canoe and to navigate as we paddle back towards the starting point, stopping along the way for another floating lunch. We reach our last campsite of the adventure and settle in once more. Enjoy another great meal in the outdoors and evening campfire as we reflect on the trip.

Day 4
After a tasty breakfast, we break camp and begin our paddle back to the access point. Along the way we learn more about the environment and wildlife around us. Stopping for one last look at the amazing park's ecosystem we arrive at the access point and end the trip oat back at Chocpaw’s office for lunch and to debrief the adventure.

back to top Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip

Moose Crossing?

Adventure Overview

Algonquin Park is Canada's favourite canoe adventure destination as well as its number one environmental research site. Just three hours north of Toronto, the Algonquin Park Three Day Canoe Trip offers great opportunities to see and photograph wildlife and learn about the natural world around you. A seasoned guide, delicious meals and beautiful campsites make this trip the ideal way to experience Algonquin Park for the first time. Experience the wonders of Algonquin Park on this fully guided adventure trip.

The following itinerary is intended to give you an idea of a 3‑day Algonquin Park canoe trip. The exact program is tailored "on trip" to the preferences of the group and weather conditions.

DAY 1
11:30am rendezvous at Chocpaw’s head office in South River, Ontario situated at Algonquin Park's northwest corner. After an orientation, brief lesson and lunch, we travel to the access point and canoe across Round Lake into Algonquin Park. Along the way we learn how to paddle, portage, navigate and enjoy an introduction to the park and its natural environment. We set up camp on a scenic point covered in pine trees and enjoy our first meal and campfire of the adventure. At the end of the day we lie in our tents and nod off for some much needed rest.

DAY 2
Watch the sun rise over the lake as we paddle in search of moose and other wildlife. Take advantage of ideal photography opportunities as we enjoy a hot breakfast along the shore. Afterwards, we paddle east through a series of classic Algonquin Park water ways. A floating lunch gives us the energy to paddle into wetlands where we will have a great opportunity to see beavers, great blue herons and moose. Our final stop is at a beautiful lake where we have the afternoon to hike, swim, and fish. A hearty dinner cooked over the fire satisfies our appetites as we exchange stories, legends and myths of travelling through the Canadian wilderness along with learning about the stars and constellations hovering high above.

DAY 3
The aroma of coffee and bacon frying gets you out of your sleeping bags and up for breakfast. After packing up camp, we head out for the series of portages through mixed maple forest learning about the unique mix of flora and fauna in the area. Options allow you to learn to solo a canoe and to navigate as we paddle back to the starting point, stopping along the way for a floating lunch. We return to South River around 2pm.

back to top Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED? WHAT KIND OF SHAPE DO YOU NEED TO BE IN?
None! The Algonquin Park 3 Day Canoe Trip or The Algonquin Park 4 Day School Canoe Trip is for people at any level of experience. Our pace is relaxed, as the objective is to have fun, slow down and leave plenty of time to explore the beauty of the Park. You should be able to be active for up to four hours at a time.

PARTICIPATORY TRIPS
Chocpaw canoe trips are participatory by nature. This includes learning how to paddle, portage (carry canoe overland between lakes or around rapids). The longest portage on a 3 or 4 day trip is 350 m. Depending on the trip, you will paddle, portage and camp each day while our professional wilderness guide provides leadership and instruction on all aspects of living and travelling in the wilderness. You will be encouraged to participate on a level which you are comfortable doing. This includes: learning how to paddle and portage a canoe, camp comfortably, preparation and creation of delicious meals as well as learn about the natural world and the enjoyment of living in the outdoors.

A WORD ABOUT YOUR GUIDES
Chocpaw guides are skilled outdoor men and women who are there to ensure your canoe trip is an adventure of a lifetime. On top of being well versed in the natural and cultural history of northern Ontario, our guides are selected for their love of the people and the land. All Chocpaw guides are qualified professionals and trained in wilderness first aid. » click here for more info about our staff

RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Upon your arrival, each participant will be required to sign and return to Chocpaw a release of liability before being allowed to participate in any trip we offer. This document releases Chocpaw from liability in the case of accident or injury for any reason.

back to top Canoe Trips Clothing Suggestions

Don't worry about what type of bag to pack your clothing in, as we will be repacking your clothes in our canoe packs. If you have a favourite day pack, please bring it along for your rain gear, camera, sunscreen, etc. We supply ensolite (blue foam) sleeping pads if you have a thermarest, please bring it along.

SLEEPING BAG
Bring a three season ( 8°C) rating sleeping bag.

RAIN GEAR
A jacket with hood and separate pants work best. A good poncho will also suffice.

FOOTWEAR
The trip requires a solid running shoe with rubber soles. Trail shoes or approach shoes (low cut with stiff shank) are ideal for this. A second pair of sandals/shoes is necessary for evening. Count on the trail shoes getting very wet and muddy during the day while your second pair stays dry for nights. Running shoes or trail shoes are great for hiking.

WARM CLOTHES
While the weather is usually warm and dry at this time of year Northern Ontario can have late spring/summer/fall temperatures drop to around 3°C at night. The winds are also quite cool. For this reason remember to bring a wind proof shell/jacket, warm sweater (wool or fleece), warm wool socks, long pants, and long sleeved shirt. Synthetic long underwear like polypropylene, a hat/ toque and gloves are also a good idea for spring and fall trips.

SUN PROTECTION
Dehydration and sunburn can wreak havoc on your energy so bring along a water bottle, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shorts.

BUG DOPE AND FLASHLIGHT
While spring (May 20 to July 10) is bug season, bogs and portages can be buggy in August! Bring along insect repellent. Anything with DEET level over 25% will be effective. Muskol is very effective. A flashlight is recommended for evenings and night use.

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
Bathing suit (for a swim), towel, T shirt(s), bandanna, camera with extra film and batteries, day pack (to hold rain gear, water bottle during hikes and canoeing).