{"id":4196,"date":"2021-03-09T14:07:11","date_gmt":"2021-03-09T14:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/algonquinbeyond.com\/?p=4196"},"modified":"2024-04-12T18:39:11","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T22:39:11","slug":"15-important-tips-backcountry-canoe-trip-algonquin-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/algonquinbeyond.com\/blog\/15-important-tips-backcountry-canoe-trip-algonquin-park\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Important Tips For Your Backcountry Canoe Trip in Algonquin Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Camping. Tripping. Canoe Tripping. Portage Camping. Backcountry Camping. Whatever you prefer to call it, getting outside and exploring Algonquin Park is a beautiful thing. But you need to make sure you\u2019re prepared for your trip, and you should know some basic do\u2019s and dont\u2019s of canoe tripping in Algonquin Park. Not just for your own experience, but also to ensure you help preserve the surrounding environment.<\/p>\n

In recent years there has been a major surge in demand for ‘staycations’ like camping. While it\u2019s great that more people are getting to explore Ontario\u2019s parks, not everyone does the proper research beforehand to make sure they\u2019re following the rules and best practices. So whether it\u2019s your first time canoe tripping in Algonquin Park or you have a couple trips under your belt, here are 15 of the most important things you need to know before your backcountry canoe trip.<\/p>\n

*This isn\u2019t a comprehensive guide. Start with these tips and continue researching and educating yourself. And if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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<\/p>

Easy Nav<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>
  1. Leave No Trace<\/a><\/li>
  2. Don’t Feed the Wildlife<\/a><\/li>
  3. Know Your Limits<\/a><\/li>
  4. Prepare for the Season\/Weather<\/a><\/li>
  5. Never Cut Down Live Trees<\/a><\/li>
  6. Know Your Portage Etiquette<\/a><\/li>
  7. Camp Where You Have a Permit<\/a><\/li>
  8. Pack Out What You Pack In<\/a><\/li>
  9. Respect Other People’s Privacy<\/a><\/li>
  10. Always Wear Your PFD<\/a><\/li>
  11. No Scents in the Tent<\/a><\/li>
  12. Pack Smart<\/a><\/li>
  13. Know When NOT to Paddle<\/a><\/li>
  14. Hang Your Food<\/a><\/li>
  15. Shit Happens<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Starting an 8-day solo canoe trip in Algonquin Park's interior, September 2020<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    1. Leave No Trace<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    I don\u2019t want to say this is the most important tip of them all (since they\u2019re all super important), but please <\/i>read up on \u201cLeave no Trace\u201d<\/a> and what it means. Basically, as the name implies, you want to leave no trace of your camping trip after you\u2019re finished. What does this mean exactly? Don\u2019t leave any garbage behind at the campsite. No food or wrappers in the fire pit. Don\u2019t cut down live trees. Leave things where you found them. Respect the wildlife.<\/p>\n

    When you arrive at a campsite, you ideally want to see no trace of anyone being there before you. Yes there will be a fire pit, and a privy, and hopefully some flat ground for tents, but that should be it. And when you leave that campsite, you should leave it in the same condition you found it, if not better. One exception is if you want to leave behind processed firewood for the next campers, or as I like to call it, a \u2018courtesy pile\u2019. That\u2019s always appreciated!<\/p>\n

    For more info check out the online Leave No Trace brochure<\/a> over at Algonquin Adventures.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    DONT DO THIS - please respect the outdoors and clean up after yourselves<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    2. Don’t Feed the Wildlife<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>

    This one might sound obvious, but you\u2019d be surprised how many people think there are exceptions to this rule. There\u2019s a saying \u201ca fed bear is a dead bear\u201d. When humans feed animals, they associate that spot and that interaction with being fed. So if a bear finds food while at a campsite, you can bet they\u2019re coming back to that campsite again, and again, and again. And when that happens they start to lose their fear of humans and can become a nuisance bear, possibly requiring relocation. Or if the bear poses a safety risk to humans, the bear could be shot.<\/p>

    But even smaller, cuter wildlife like squirrels and chipmunks shouldn\u2019t be fed. If you\u2019ve ever been to a campsite where the chipmunks have been fed by previous campers, you know just how annoying they can be. You can\u2019t leave your food unattended for 10 seconds without them trying to get into your stash. And they will absolutely chew threw almost anything to get your food\u2026 trust me, I’ve had chipmunks almost chew threw the lid of my food barrel overnight while it was hanging in the trees.<\/p>

    And on top of all of that, when humans feed wildlife they become dependent on being fed by humans and may lose their ability to hunt\/forage on their own. So no matter what animal or critter or rodent you see, please always<\/i> keep your food to yourself.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Eager chipmunks almost getting through my barrel to my food<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    3. Know Your Limits<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    You\u2019re not just going car camping, you\u2019re going into the backcountry! You\u2019re portaging and paddling for hours and travelling through some tough terrain! This isn\u2019t a trip for wimps, you\u2019re going to burn thousands of calories every day and earn those dinners!<\/p>\n

    It’s exciting, I get it. But please be smart.<\/p>\n

    Especially if this is your first trip, or one of your first trips, plan accordingly. Don\u2019t book lakes that you\u2019re not sure you can make it to. Give yourself a rest day. Add in extra buffer time for everything that you plan to do; portaging, paddling, setting up camp, taking down camp, etc.<\/p>\n

    When you reserve a lake that\u2019s too ambitious for your experience level, you may need to camp off-permit and that will throw off someone else’s reservation.<\/p>\n

    When you paddle in windy waters with white caps and you end up flipping your canoe, it could be a life or death scenario. I highly recommend reading\u00a0this blog post by KPW Outdoors<\/a> about a tragic accident that happened on Lake Opeongo, October 2020.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s not always easy to know the difficulty of a trip when looking at a map; everything looks small and inconsequential (ok, maybe not those 5k portages, but you know what I mean). Simply put, know your limits and don\u2019t bite off more than you can chew. Not only can it ruin your own trip, but it can ruin other people\u2019s trips as well.<\/p>\n

    Need some route suggestions? Take a look at my\u00a0Trip Reports<\/a>\u00a0for some inspiration.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Route planning for a 6 day solo trip (campsites filled in after the trip)<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    4. Prepare for the Season \/ Weather<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>

    Canoe tripping in Algonquin Park in May is a very different experience than canoe tripping in August. After the ice is off the water and camping season begins, you have a few weeks before the bugs start to get bad. And then they get bad\u2026 really bad. As July and August approach, the bugs will start to subside and the weather will get even hotter. As fall starts to come around, nighttime temperatures can dip to below 0 degrees celsius.<\/p>

    When you\u2019re planning your trip you need to be aware of these things. If you\u2019re doing a canoe trip in bug season, bring proper clothing, a lot of DEET, and consider erecting a bug shelter once you get to camp. In the mid summer months be cautious of the sun and maybe don\u2019t plan on spending 8hrs on the water every day if it\u2019s going to be 35 degrees outside. If the forecast calls for rain, invest in proper rain gear, don\u2019t just rely on throwing a garbage bag over your shoulders.<\/p>

    Some of these things are mild inconveniences, but some can be much worse. Do your research beforehand, check the reports and forecasts, and bring the appropriate gear.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Rain or shine, prepare for the weather!<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    5. Never Cut Down Live Trees<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Ok I\u2019m going to keep this one short because there isn\u2019t too much to be said. Don\u2019t cut down live trees. That\u2019s it. You\u2019re damaging the environment, you\u2019re ruining the campsite for future campers, and live firewood doesn\u2019t burn easily anyways. There\u2019s really no reason to cut down a live tree, so just don\u2019t do it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Dead wood is good wood; there's no need to cut down live trees<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    6. Know Your Portage Etiquette<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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    This is one that many people might not think about, or even realize is a thing to consider. But oh yes, portage etiquette is a thing. Portage landings don\u2019t typically have too much space for multiple canoes to arrive at the same time so if you\u2019re just arriving, pull your boat and gear off to the side to allow room for another canoe to enter the landing. <\/p>\n

    If you double-carry portages, don\u2019t leave half your gear in the middle of the landing at either end of the portage; leave it off to the side in case anyone else arrives. Be cognizant of the fact that even though you\u2019re out in nature, there are still other people that might pass by. This is especially true for portages near busier areas of the park off Highway 60.<\/p>\n

    But what about during <\/i>a portage. There\u2019s some basic etiquette for that too! A person carrying the canoe always has the right of way. If you see someone walking towards you with a canoe, step off to the side and let them pass. If someone is coming up behind you and moving at a faster pace than you are, same thing, just step aside and let them pass. If you\u2019re doing a double carry and there\u2019s another group travelling in the same direction as you, you can offer to help carry some of their gear on your walk back.<\/p>\n

    And last rule\u2026 don\u2019t be shy! It\u2019s nice to greet your fellow campers as you pass by, even if it\u2019s just a simple \u201cHey, good afternoon, enjoy the rest of your trip!”<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    7. Camp Where You Have a Permit<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>

    When you do a backcountry canoe trip in Algonquin Park, you need to have a permit for the lake that you\u2019re going to camp at. And on that lake, you need to camp at a designated campsite. Yes individual campsites are first come first serve, but you still need to camp on the lake that you\u2019re supposed to be at.<\/p>

    This is especially important if you\u2019re i) camping on a small lake with few campsites, and ii) camping during the busy summer months. You should always camp where you have a permit, but especially in those circumstances, camping off-permit can ruin the experience for another group.<\/p>

    There are certain circumstances where you might need <\/i>to camp off-permit. Maybe there\u2019s a huge storm and it\u2019s not safe to be on the water. Maybe someone in your group is sick or injured and can\u2019t travel. Maybe the winds are too strong and you deem it\u2019s not safe to leave camp. In these emergency situations it\u2019s ok if you need to camp off-permit, but there are a few things you should consider doing. First, if possible, try and take a lesser-desired site on the lake so that someone with an actual permit can get one of the more desirable sites. Second, you can offer to share your site with another group (especially if the lake is very busy and there\u2019s a chance that they won\u2019t be able to find a vacant campsite otherwise). And lastly, don\u2019t stay any longer than you need to\u2026 keep going with your planned route as soon as you\u2019re able.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    My 'permitted' home for the weekend<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    8. Pack Out What You Pack In<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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    Don\u2019t leave anything behind. Maybe you decided to bring a big comfy camping chair but it was super heavy and you don\u2019t want to take it on that long 3k portage on your way out. If you’re debating taking it back with you, think about what Nike always says and Just Do It. Unless you’re considering leaving it behind, then it’s time to go anti-Nike and Just Don’t Do It. <\/p>\n

    Remember when we talked about Leave No Trace? It doesn\u2019t matter if you think the item will improve the experience for the next campers, it\u2019s almost never the right choice to leave your stuff behind. Whether it\u2019s a frying pan, garbage, a camping chair, or a pair of wet socks\u2026 if you brought it into the park with you, bring it out with you. It\u2019s really that simple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    These chairs were left behind by previous campers, a big no-no *waves finger*<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    9. Respect Other People’s Privacy<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>

    It\u2019s ok to be friendly. Say hi to people if you pass them on a portage. It\u2019s even ok to ask a group if they\u2019ll be leaving a specific site you want to camp at (assuming they are by the shoreline, don\u2019t start yelling out to them or going into the campsite). But be respectful of other people\u2019s privacy. People enjoy the solitude and isolation of backcountry camping, so don\u2019t intrude on that experience.<\/p>

    Remember that sound travels very easily over water, so even if you\u2019re not right beside another group that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re not disturbing them. Don\u2019t yell or be obnoxious, and don\u2019t play music out of powered speakers, which is against the rules anyways. And just a friendly reminder that drones are not allowed inside the park, so if you were planning on spying on your campsite neighbours with a drone, well, you\u2019re not allowed to do that… plus, that would just be super creepy.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Some alone time is good for the soul<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    10. Always Wear Your PFD<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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    In case you don\u2019t know what a PFD is, it\u2019s a Personal Flotation Device. Not exactly the same as ‘Lifejacket’, but very similar and the two terms are often used interchangeably by people. It\u2019s the law that you need a PFD for every person in the canoe, and you absolutely should wear it at all times. It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re a great swimmer. It doesn\u2019t matter if you don\u2019t think you\u2019ll flip the canoe. If you didn\u2019t see the blog post I linked above about the tragic accident at Lake Opeongo in October 2020, here\u2019s the link again<\/a>. Especially in the shoulder seasons, water temperatures can be very cold and being submerged in the water can quickly turn into a life or death scenario. It\u2019s really not a big inconvenience to wear your PFD, but it could easily save your life. *Insert seatbelt reference*<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Safety first - wear your PFD!<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    11. No Scents in the Tent<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>

    It honestly surprises me how often I\u2019m watching canoe tripping videos on YouTube and I see people eating inside their tent, or inside the vestibule of the tent. My rule whenever I trip is \u2019no scents in the tent\u2019. Not just food, but anything that has a scent. Sunscreen, whiskey, even the clothes I was wearing during dinner. Remember, animals have a much stronger sense of smell than you do. Just because you don\u2019t smell the chili that spilled on your shorts doesn\u2019t mean that a bear won\u2019t.<\/p>

    When I go to sleep I like knowing that I\u2019ve done my best to prevent a curious bear from sniffing around my tent, or a hungry mouse from chewing it\u2019s way inside. Bonus tip, try and pitch your tent far enough away from the fire pit so that the scents while cooking don\u2019t get windblown towards your tent.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    \"Stay away from me if you are smelly, please and thank you\" - Tent<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    12. Pack Smart<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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    Waterproof your gear. Always have a first aid kit easily accessible. Pack into fewer bags so you have less loose items while portaging. Bring a backup water purification system and extra fire starters, and pack them in multiple places in case you lose one of your bags. Bring an emergency rescue device like a SPOT or InReach. Bring an extra day or two worth of food; you never know when you might get delayed or set back from your intended route. Bring multiple maps; digital and physical options are both ok, but don\u2019t rely on only one map in case it gets lost or destroyed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    There's packing smart, and then there's this...<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    13. Know When NOT to Paddle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n

    This one may seem straight forward but a lot of people don\u2019t recognize the danger of paddling in heavy winds or during a storm.<\/p>\n

    If you think a storm is coming through, create an exit strategy. Stay close to shore and check your map for the nearest campsite or portage landing so you can take shelter with easy access out of the water. Never paddle if there\u2019s lightning, and it\u2019s usually recommended to wait 30min from the last lightning strike before getting back onto the water.<\/p>\n

    If there are heavy winds, your group will need to determine if you think it\u2019s safe to paddle through it or if you should stay on shore. If you see white caps or large waves, it\u2019s usually best to err on the side of caution and stay on shore. If you do choose to paddle, stay near the shoreline so that if you do tip, you\u2019re not far from safety. A flipped boat is never fun, but flipping in cold waters can easily lead to hypothermia and possibly death.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Windy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    Not a good time to be on the water - stay on shore!<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    14. Hang Your Food<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n

    Hanging your food isn\u2019t a foolproof solution, I know. But hanging your food will almost always be better than not hanging it. You can do a simple hang to raise it off the ground from certain rodents \/ critters, or a more thorough hang high above the ground and far from the trunk of the tree to help prevent bears from getting to your food. It doesn\u2019t take too much time to hang your food, but you\u2019ll be happy knowing that the chances of mice or chipmunks or bears getting into your precious energy supply is much lower when it\u2019s hung between trees. I\u2019ve even created a simple step-by-step guide showing you How to Properly Hang Your Food in Algonquin Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"David\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    Hanging my food barrel at the island campsite on David Lake<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    15. Shit Happens<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n

    Yes, this is one of the 15 most important things to know before your backcountry canoe trip. No matter how prepared, educated, or experienced you are, shit happens.<\/p>\n

    In September 2020 I was checking out a campsite for my Campsite Reports<\/a> and I thought <\/i>I had secured the canoe well enough, but when I arrived back to the landing I saw the canoe slowly drifting away in the water. Within 5 seconds I was stripped out of all my warm layers into just my underwear, and going for a swim to get my boat before it drifted away too far. Did I want to go swimming when it was 3 degrees outside and I was wearing warm wool clothing? Nope. Was this the first time I\u2019ve left my canoe at the landing while checking out a campsite? Nope. I\u2019ve literally done it 150+ times<\/a> and this was the first time that this specific situation has ever happened to me. You know why? Because shit happens.<\/p>\n

    Plan as much as you can, prepare as much as you can, but recognize that you\u2019re never fully in control of every variable when you\u2019re out on a trip. So be aware of your surroundings, think critically, and whenever possible, have a Plan B.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Linda\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    No, not this type... but that does happen too \ud83d\ude42<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Camping. Tripping. Canoe Tripping. Whatever you prefer to call it, getting outside and exploring Algonquin Park is a beautiful thing. But you need to make sure you\u2019re prepared for your trip, and you should know some basic do\u2019s and don’ts of canoe tripping in Algonquin Park.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3749,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[91],"yoast_head":"\n15 Important Tips For Your Backcountry Canoe Trip in Algonquin Park<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Whether it\u2019s your first canoe trip or you have a couple trips under your belt, here are 15 of the most important things you need to know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/algonquinbeyond.com\/blog\/15-important-tips-backcountry-canoe-trip-algonquin-park\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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