Born of originality, a commitment to unparalleled off-the grid service, and a passionate desire to connect all people to the restorative majesty of Algonquin's wilderness - our adventures have a character that simply cannot be replicated.
Voyageur Quest came from an idea I had during a long arduous canoe trip in Northern Ontario. I was working for another company at the time that specialized in taking people out of their comfort zones for 23-day canoe trips. The days were long and the food limited. The scenery however was spectacular. Waterfalls, jack pine forests with sphagnum moss, caribou swimming across lakes, pike and walleye on every second cast. It was so unfortunate that we had to rush through it on another day paddling and portaging from sunrise to sundown. Why couldn’t we come back here and stay for a week! Have nowhere to go! Explore, swim, fish, – and bring lots of good food! Why not come back with friends and have a comfortable time in the wilderness! The idea of a comfortable wilderness vacation was born and Voyageur Quest took out its first comfortable adventure to Algonquin Park the next fall. It was 1991. Over the last 29 years, Voyageur Quest has built all of our trips on the idea that a trip in nature can be a vacation- something fun and enjoyable. Choosing Algonquin Park, and more specifically the northwest corner of Algonquin Park, to be our home was less arbitrary. The Algonquin area has deep roots in my family. My mother Marion Langford (nee Barker) was Head Counselor of a summer girl’s camp, Camp Inawendawin on St. Mary’s lake near Dorset, Ontario in the 1950’s. Her days were spent tripping through Lake of Bays on sailboats or into Algonquin in canoes. Prior to working at Inawendawin, my mother spent all of her summers with her grandparents on Lighthouse beach on Lake Nipissing and their house in Powasson. Powasson and this part of the South River are just a short drive away north from our present day Algonquin Log Cabin and canoe trip outpost locations on Surprise and Kawawaymog Lake.
My grandmother and great grandfather, T. H. Reid, on Lake Nipissing , 1920
Elzwood Barker, my grandfather , on the South River. June 1921
On the other side of my family, Ken Langford, a cousin of my father’s great grandfather, started one of Canada’s oldest canoe companies Langford canoes, located in Dorset, Ontario. My love for the Algonquin area, canoes, and a sense of adventure come from these family roots.
Since taking out our first trip in the summer of 1991, Voyageur Quest has evolved from a one-person operation to one of Canada’s most recognized adventure travel companies. Our journey has been immensely satisfying. Growth has been slow and steady- one customer at a time. Our customers are what have made this journey feel so special. Our business is small and unique, not exactly the type of place you find in mainstream travel agencies. Our customers have had to search to find us and when they did find us, it was like a reunion of old friends. Kindred spirits who love to be off to be off the beaten track. We have been so incredibly lucky to work in a business that attracts such interesting and well-traveled guests.
Our Algonquin Log Cabin, built in the fall of 1997, was created as a way for our guests to enjoy a wilderness trip but avoid camping. Our Algonquin Cottage Outpost purchased in 2000 and renovated in 2003, offers deluxe solar -powered comfort for those couples and families looking for a private adventure.
In 2009, we purchased what was locally known as “Wattie’s Island” in the middle of Kawawaymog Lake. Once owned by Algonquin Park Ranger Tom Wattie, the Island has a great historical to past Ranger life connection to famous Canadian painter Tom Thomson. This tiny island is a wonderful spot for couples and artists keen to paint and photograph.
Our adventure vacations are considered “Best in Class“. Going all the way back to 1998, the Canadian Tourism Commission selected our 3-day Algonquin Park winter adventure, Footsteps of the Pioneer as the Best Winter trip in Canada in the Learning and Culture category. In 1999 and again in 2000, Voyageur Quest was again selected by the CTC as one Canada’s top 50 Ecotourism and soft adventure companies. We are proud of our past but continue to work very hard to find new ways to improve our trips and offer excellent value to our guests. In 2011, and continuing to today, Voyageur Quest’s Algonquin canoe and log cabin adventure has been selected by the Canadian Tourism Commission as of of Canada’s “signature experiences”.
Our growth continue as we continue to search for new ways for our guest to discover Algonquin. In 2013, we added Voyageur Outfitting, a canoe outfitter to our operation. Perfect for a DIY adventure, Voyageur Outfitting offers canoe, kayak and SUP rentals , overnight cabins before and after your trip and best of all – the Broken Paddle Patio . The Patio is liscened with cold beer , wine and excellent BBQ fare.
Voyageur Quest today is a small team of hard working individuals who are determined to provide the best possible adventure experience to our clientele. Collectively, our mission continues to be to outdoors in a fun and comfortable way.
Hope to see you soon,
John
John Langford
Director and Owner
Voyageur Quest and Voyageur Outfitting
Voyageur Quest creates adventure and opportunities for connections between people and the natural world while being active. We work to offer first-class Algonquin adventures with unparalleled off-the grid service. We believe the outdoors is for everyone. Today more than ever, we aim to nurture the craving to connect: to laugh around a fire, share the ritual of morning dip, cast a line and share the anticipation. It's always been about this natural connection.... to the place, to the people, to the rhythms of Algonquin Park. We firmly believe these connections make us happier and healthier.
Our mission includes supporting issues of mental health and the environment that affect all people. We wish to recognize and celebrate the organizations who work tirelessly to honor, help preserve and spread the word on both issues of mental health and the environment. We hope you will connect with the work that these organizations do.
Canada’s pre-eminent conservation organizations. They protect wilderness. They collaborate with communities, governments, First Nations, scientists and progressive industry to protect nature and find solutions that work for the planet and for all.
A human connection movement whose mission is to make the world a happier and healthier place by reminding people about the importance of face to face social connection.
