8 Ontario Canoe Trips That Will Lead You To Hidden Gems This Summer
Keep calm and paddle on. If you’re looking to level up your exploration game this summer then we’ve got just the thing. There are so many amazing Ontario canoe trips that will lead you to all sorts of hidden gems in the province and they’re perfect for your adventure bucket list.
From abandoned castles hidden in the woods to an island filled with rare stones, there are so many wonderful places to see that can only be accessed by boat.
Some canoe trips are long and require a little portaging, while other trips can be completed in just a few hours.
So there’s something for everyone’s skill level out there.
One route will take you past magnificent cliffs with ancient Indigenous drawings, while another trip will lead you through an eerie forest that was burned to a crisp in the 1990s.
If you’ve already hiked some of Ontario’s most incredible trails, chased down every waterfall you could find, and descended deep into these Ontario caves, then it might be time to take to the water.
So get your paddles ready, and welcome to the canoe age.
Cirrus Lake-The Sue Falls Loop
Price: Free
Address: Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're up for an epic journey, this four-day adventure from Beaverhouse Lake to Quetico Lake was made for you. Don't forget to stop and see the famous pictographs along your way.
White Otter Castle
Price: Free
Address: Unorganized Kenora, ON
Why You Need To Go: A 40-kilometre canoe trip will lead you to this historical abandoned castle in the woods.
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
Price: $10.84
Address: 24 Finlayson Park Rd., Temagami, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can canoe and portage your way past rushing rapids, wonderful waterfalls, and the site of an eerie 1990s forest fire at this gorgeous spot.
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
Price: $10.84
Address: 106 Monck Street, Bancroft, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can discover hidden waterfalls and gorgeous nature views from the Serpentine Loop in this park. If you're canoeing around sunrise or sunset, the reflective waters here will paint a truly breathtaking picture.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Price: $10.84
Address: Hwy. 60, Whitney, ON
Why You Need To Go: You really never know what kind of wildlife you'll find wading through the water here. But, one thing's for sure: you can't beat these views.
Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park
Price: $10.84
Address: 6905 Hwy. 17 E., Mattawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy marvellous cliffs and peaceful motor-free waters when you canoe on Long Lake at this gorgeous provincial park.
Charleston Lake Provincial Park
Price: $10.84
Address:148 Woodvale Rd., Lansdowne, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can explore 75 kilometres worth of gorgeous Ontario shorelines at this park which will lead you to adorable islands.
Agate Island
Price: Free
Address: Agate Island, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can search for gorgeous gems on this Lake Superior island.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.