Adventure Algonquin?!

Not having a campsite booked for the weekend after the long weekend in July was a little upsetting.  There were originally other plans which meant we were not going to be able to camp, but those plans fell through. Since we had no camping was booked, we decided to make a day trip to Algonquin Provincial Park to do some canoeing.

By this time last year, we had been to Algonquin Park roughly 5 times.  Yes… 5 times to hunt for a paddle in the Paddle in the Park contest. It was a lot.  I think we know the road north from here like the back of our hand.

On this trip we planned to go for the day to canoe and hopefully swim. That meant Saturday night we gathered our gear and packed our lunch. We also had to make sure we did not sleep in on Sunday. I really do not have to worry about sleeping in as both my boys are early risers and are usually up at 6am.

It was lunch time when we hit Canoe Lake. We ate standing outside our vehicle and quickly got the canoe and gear down to the water’s edge. It was BUSY!!  It looked like there were multiple camp groups either putting in, or exiting.  Guess we weren’t going to have a quiet paddle today LOL.

Once we got past the sheltered bay the wind and waves started to increase.  We were hoping to make it to Tom Tompson’s totem pole, but quickly realized that was not happening.  We paddled hard and finally rounded one of the islands and steered around it.  We were greeted with at least a little shelter from the wind.

Hayden wanted to go fishing, so I got my fishing pole set up and let him cast a few times.  He did make us very nervous casting the line while he was sitting between the two of us.  All we could picture was a hook ending up in one of our arms.  Nar Fish for him!

While he was fishing, a big youth group came around the same island singing happily and letting the wind push them along.  I had to laugh when the leaders commented on what they were doing and their singing, because I have been there.  It actually made me really want to be out on a canoe trip with some of my past Geo kids.  They really knew how to have fun, even if I made them paddle lots and carry heavy gear 🙂

As this group passed, we were greeted by two other interesting characters.  They were in kayaks dragging canoe barrels behind them in the water.  I have not seen this done before and wondered how much drag they must be feeling!! Would not be my method of choice.

Back on the beach, Hayden was just staring at the water. He wanted to go swimming really bad.  We decided to head to Cannisbay beach and take advantage of the nice afternoon and go for a quick swim.

It was refreshing for sure!  We stopped at Lake of Two Rivers store for ice cream and I had some sweet potato fries. I really wanted to see the black bears that were frequenting the area, but no luck for us.  Maybe if we had been camping… maybe…. We just love that we can access this park and enjoy it as a day trip.  We shall be back again…. soon!