FAQ
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Each adventure trip also features its own specific set of FAQs. If you can't find what you are looking for we'd be happy to help you.
ALGONQUIN CANOE TRIPS
We pride ourselves on serving incredible meals on our trip! Breakfasts typically involve juice, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, eggs and bacon. Lunches are most often smorgasbords of fresh breads, meats, cheeses, hummus, vegetables, fruit, and baked cookies. A sample lodge dinner: venison (or vegetarian) stroganoff with fresh garden vegetables, vinaigrette salad, blackberry torte, coffee, and tea. A sample canoe or kayak dinner: rigatoni with fresh basil, Italian sausage (optional) and fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, garlic bread, baked apple desert
We can accommodate to all types of dietary requirements and preferences, some at a minor cost. Please be sure to inform us of any allergic or dietary concern when you book a trip.
For our fully-guided adventures, our packages include:
- Accommodation (lodge or camping),
- All meals
- All necessary equipment
- Park permits
- Services of a wilderness guide.
Return transportation from Toronto can be added to the trip package price for an additional charge.
- HST
- Personal clothing
- Sleeping bag (on canoe trips only). Rentals are available, just ask!
- Transport from Toronto (available for additional cost).
Spring and early summer are the buggiest times of the year.
We recommend bringing bug spray and during May and June a bug jacket.
WILDLIFE: WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN BE SEEN IN ALGONQUIN PARK?
Algonquin Park is home to many different types of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and fish.
Moose –close to 40000 moose live in Algonquin Park- Loons – a pair found on most Algonquin Park lakes
- Beaver – seen on many lakes and streams
- Black Bear –not common in the north west corner of Algonquin Park
- Wolves –over 30 wolf packs reside in Algonquin Park including the “Nahma pack” who we often hear
- Otters, mink, chipmunks and red squirrels are common small mammals in the park
- Over 250 Birds have been identified in Algonquin Park
- 31 different species of reptiles and amphibians live in Algonquin Park
The Friends of Algonquin Park have good wildlife information on their website
Our 3- and 5-day Algonquin Park wilderness adventures do not require any prior experience. Whether it be a canoe trip, lodge-based trip or sea kayak adventure, our trips are 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 Algonquin Park or Georgian Bay.
You should be able to be active for up to four hours (walking pace) at a time.
An average canoe or kayak trip may consist of one couple, a group of friends, and a few individuals traveling on their own. The male and female ratio is usually equal but varies from trip to trip. Algonquin Park canoe trips attract people from all over the globe, so you will likely be traveling with an international group. For our canoe trips, group size is usually between 6 and 8 people. On a Log Cabin adventure, group size can be up to 12-16 people. Voyageur Quest also operates private canoe and/or lodge-based trips of all shapes and sizes so if you don’t find a trip to fit, please contact our office and build a tailor made trip to fit
We recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
Voyageur Quest – Guided Trips (Canoe, Kayak, Winter Camping, Private & DOE) and Lodge-Based Adventures – Log Cabin, Cottages and Island and all Cottage and Cabin Rentals
Payment Policy. A 25% deposit with “to book” form information confirms the booking. The balance is due 30 days before the trip. Full payment is due for trips booked within 45 days of the trip date. Please note a 2.4% credit card fee is applied. We encourage e-transfer or bank wire transfer wherever possible.
Cancellation Policy. Cancellation received 60 days or more prior to the trip – Full refund minus a $75.00 admin. fee. Cancellation received less than 60 days – Loss of initial deposit. Cancellation received less than 30 days – No refund will be issued without the purchase of cancellation insurance, purchased at the time of booking from your travel insurance provider.
Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $500 ($750 Nipissing Cottage Outpost) will be required to secure against any property, furniture, appliance or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order. The customer will be responsible for any assessed damages.
Dog Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $250 will be required to secure against any property, furniture, or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order.
Noise policy. No loud noise after 10 pm. Management reserves the right to evict customers who do not comply – without refund. This will also result in the loss of the damage deposit.
Cancellation By Us. Voyageur Quest reserves the right to cancel a trip /or to make changes to a trip. Though it is a rare event, such cancellations and/or changes may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. If your tour is canceled or changed and an alternate trip date is offered, we will notify you in writing at the earliest possible date and will offer you a credit for the amounts you have paid to us to be used for an alternate date or changed tour.
Again, we recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
ALGONQUIN LOG CABIN
We pride ourselves on serving incredible meals on our trip! Breakfasts typically involve juice, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, eggs and bacon. Lunches are most often smorgasbords of fresh breads, meats, cheeses, hummus, vegetables, fruit, and baked cookies. A sample lodge dinner: venison (or vegetarian) stroganoff with fresh garden vegetables, vinaigrette salad, blackberry torte, coffee, and tea. A sample canoe or kayak dinner: rigatoni with fresh basil, Italian sausage (optional) and fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, garlic bread, baked apple desert
We can accommodate to all types of dietary requirements and preferences, some at a minor cost. Please be sure to inform us of any allergic or dietary concern when you book a trip.
For our fully-guided adventures, our packages include:
- Accommodation (lodge or camping),
- All meals
- All necessary equipment
- Park permits
- Services of a wilderness guide.
Return transportation from Toronto can be added to the trip package price for an additional charge.
- HST
- Personal clothing
- Alcoholic beverages
- Transport from Toronto (available for additional cost).
Spring and early summer are the buggiest times of the year.
We recommend bringing bug spray and during May and June a bug jacket.
WILDLIFE: WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN BE SEEN IN ALGONQUIN PARK?
Algonquin Park is home to many different types of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and fish.
- Moose –close to 40000 moose live in Algonquin Park
- Loons – a pair found on most Algonquin Park lakes
- Beaver – seen on many lakes and streams
- Black Bear –not common in the north west corner of Algonquin Park
- Wolves –over 30 wolf packs reside in Algonquin Park including the “Nahma pack” who we often hear
- Otters, mink, chipmunks and red squirrels are common small mammals in the park
- Over 250 Birds have been identified in Algonquin Park
- 31 different species of reptiles and amphibians live in Algonquin Park
The Friends of Algonquin Park have good wildlife information on their website
Our 3- and 5-day Algonquin Park wilderness adventures do not require any prior experience. Whether it be a canoe trip, lodge-based trip or sea kayak adventure, our trips are 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 Algonquin Park or Georgian Bay.
You should be able to be active for up to four hours (walking pace) at a time.
An average canoe or kayak trip may consist of one couple, a group of friends, and a few individuals traveling on their own. The male and female ratio is usually equal but varies from trip to trip. Algonquin Park canoe trips attract people from all over the globe, so you will likely be traveling with an international group. For our canoe trips, group size is usually between 6 and 8 people. On a Log Cabin adventure, group size can be up to 12-16 people. Voyageur Quest also operates private canoe and/or lodge-based trips of all shapes and sizes so if you don’t find a trip to fit, please contact our office and build a tailor made trip to fit
We recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
Voyageur Quest – Guided Trips (Canoe, Kayak, Winter Camping, Private & DOE) and Lodge-Based Adventures – Log Cabin, Cottages and Island and all Cottage and Cabin Rentals
Payment Policy. A 25% deposit with “to book” form information confirms the booking. The balance is due 30 days before the trip. Full payment is due for trips booked within 45 days of the trip date. Please note a 2.4% credit card fee is applied. We encourage e-transfer or bank wire transfer wherever possible.
Cancellation Policy. Cancellation received 60 days or more prior to the trip – Full refund minus a $75.00 admin. fee. Cancellation received less than 60 days – Loss of initial deposit. Cancellation received less than 30 days – No refund will be issued without the purchase of cancellation insurance, purchased at the time of booking from your travel insurance provider.
Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $500 ($750 Nipissing Cottage Outpost) will be required to secure against any property, furniture, appliance or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order. The customer will be responsible for any assessed damages.
Dog Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $250 will be required to secure against any property, furniture, or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order.
Noise policy. No loud noise after 10 pm. Management reserves the right to evict customers who do not comply – without refund. This will also result in the loss of the damage deposit.
Cancellation By Us. Voyageur Quest reserves the right to cancel a trip /or to make changes to a trip. Though it is a rare event, such cancellations and/or changes may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. If your tour is canceled or changed and an alternate trip date is offered, we will notify you in writing at the earliest possible date and will offer you a credit for the amounts you have paid to us to be used for an alternate date or changed tour.
Again, we recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
ALGONQUIN CANOE AND LODGE ADVENTURES
We pride ourselves on serving incredible meals on our trip! Breakfasts typically involve juice, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, eggs and bacon. Lunches are most often smorgasbords of fresh breads, meats, cheeses, hummus, vegetables, fruit, and baked cookies. A sample lodge dinner: venison (or vegetarian) stroganoff with fresh garden vegetables, vinaigrette salad, blackberry torte, coffee, and tea. A sample canoe or kayak dinner: rigatoni with fresh basil, Italian sausage (optional) and fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, garlic bread, baked apple desert
We can accommodate to all types of dietary requirements and preferences, some at a minor cost. Please be sure to inform us of any allergic or dietary concern when you book a trip.
For our fully-guided adventures, our packages include:
- Accommodation (lodge or camping),
- All meals
- All necessary equipment
- Park permits
- Services of a wilderness guide.
Return transportation from Toronto can be added to the trip package price for an additional charge.
- HST
- Personal clothing
- Sleeping bag (on canoe trips only). Rentals are available, just ask!
- Transport from Toronto (available for additional cost).
WILDLIFE: WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN BE SEEN IN ALGONQUIN PARK?
Algonquin Park is home to many different types of animals, birds, reptiles, insects and fish.
- Moose –close to 40000 moose live in Algonquin Park
- Loons – a pair found on most Algonquin Park lakes
- Beaver – seen on many lakes and streams
- Black Bear –not common in the north west corner of Algonquin Park
- Wolves –over 30 wolf packs reside in Algonquin Park including the “Nahma pack” who we often hear
- Otters, mink, chipmunks and red squirrels are common small mammals in the park
- Over 250 Birds have been identified in Algonquin Park
- 31 different species of reptiles and amphibians live in Algonquin Park
The Friends of Algonquin Park have good wildlife information on their website
Our 3- and 5-day Algonquin Park wilderness adventures do not require any prior experience. Whether it be a canoe trip, lodge-based trip or sea kayak adventure, our trips are 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 Algonquin Park or Georgian Bay.
You should be able to be active for up to four hours (walking pace) at a time.
An average canoe or kayak trip may consist of one couple, a group of friends, and a few individuals traveling on their own. The male and female ratio is usually equal but varies from trip to trip. Algonquin Park canoe trips attract people from all over the globe, so you will likely be traveling with an international group. For our canoe trips, group size is usually between 6 and 8 people. On a Log Cabin adventure, group size can be up to 12-16 people. Voyageur Quest also operates private canoe and/or lodge-based trips of all shapes and sizes so if you don’t find a trip to fit, please contact our office and build a tailor made trip to fit
We recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
Voyageur Quest – Guided Trips (Canoe, Kayak, Winter Camping, Private & DOE) and Lodge-Based Adventures – Log Cabin, Cottages and Island and all Cottage and Cabin Rentals
Payment Policy. A 25% deposit with “to book” form information confirms the booking. The balance is due 30 days before the trip. Full payment is due for trips booked within 45 days of the trip date. Please note a 2.4% credit card fee is applied. We encourage e-transfer or bank wire transfer wherever possible.
Cancellation Policy. Cancellation received 60 days or more prior to the trip – Full refund minus a $75.00 admin. fee. Cancellation received less than 60 days – Loss of initial deposit. Cancellation received less than 30 days – No refund will be issued without the purchase of cancellation insurance, purchased at the time of booking from your travel insurance provider.
Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $500 ($750 Nipissing Cottage Outpost) will be required to secure against any property, furniture, appliance or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order. The customer will be responsible for any assessed damages.
Dog Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $250 will be required to secure against any property, furniture, or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order.
Noise policy. No loud noise after 10 pm. Management reserves the right to evict customers who do not comply – without refund. This will also result in the loss of the damage deposit.
Cancellation By Us. Voyageur Quest reserves the right to cancel a trip /or to make changes to a trip. Though it is a rare event, such cancellations and/or changes may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. If your tour is canceled or changed and an alternate trip date is offered, we will notify you in writing at the earliest possible date and will offer you a credit for the amounts you have paid to us to be used for an alternate date or changed tour.
Again, we recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Expeditions
Yes these trips meet the requirements for the Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. Voyageur Quest works closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Office to ensure we are constantly updating our trips to meet the necessary requirements. However, it is important that each student clear the trip with their Award leader as a particular trip may not be qualifying based on previous trips/experiences.
No! Our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys are designed to be a learning experience for all students! The practice journey allows students the opportunity to learn, ask questions and set goals for their Qualifying Journey.
Absolutely! Most of the students on our scheduled adventures are solo travellers. It is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and meet new friends.
Yes, we do have Toronto to Algonquin “pre trip” packages! The Ontario Northland Bus leaves Toronto daily at 9:10am from Yorkdale Subway Station. We have packages that help support students with bus travel the day prior the trip. These Packcages include pick up in South River, overnight stay at our Lakeside Bunkhouse, dinner and breakfast on-site before beginning the practice and qualifying journey! There is an additional cost for this Overnight Package. Contact our office for more information.
Yes! All of our scheduled adventurous journeys include the necessary practice, night off and adventurous journey, along with the proper time period based on the level the student is working towards.
All meals, park permits, equipment, accommodation and services of a wilderness guide/supervisor and assessor is included in the price. Students are required to bring their own clothing and sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are available for rent and transportation can be arranged for an additional cost.
The specific clothing suggestions do vary based on the trip and time of year, however each student will be sent a detailed packing list upon their booking.
Each Duke of Edinburgh trip typically has between 5-8 students on each trip. Each trip is co-ed and students are typically between 14-21.
We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirement. We are able to accommodate vegetarian and most allergies at no additional cost. For more speciality diets such as vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free there is an additional cost. Please be sure to describe your requirement in detail when making your booking. For guests who have an anaphylactic allergy, it is required they bring 2 EPI Pens.
Following the guidelines and recommendations from the Duke of Edinburgh Award office, it is highly discouraged and often does not meet the requirements of the adventurous journey for parents to join the trip.
At the end of the Qualifying Journey, our Instructor will write a brief team report. Students take a picture of the report and other materials (map, menu etc) then upload and send it to the Duke of Edinburgh Online Web Portal. This form should should show our VQ email [email protected] as the assessment authorizing email with the Director’s name, John Langford, noted on the form. The Duke of Edinburgh office will then send the Director at [email protected] an automatic notification requiring him to electronically sign off on the student’s successful completion of both the practice and qualifying journeys.
All VQ Instructors are experienced Outdoor professionals. Instructors are certified: in wilderness first aid; swimming/ life guard; and canoe trip & camping leadership. In addition, VQ Instructors take part in 3 weeks of local training each spring, carry Satilite phones and have support/are connected to the VQ base.
Yes definitely! DOE Adventurous Journeys require a minimum 4 and a max of 8 students. The cost of private trips vary based on how many people are in your group.
We recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
Voyageur Quest – Guided Trips (Canoe, Kayak, Winter Camping, Private & DOE) and Lodge-Based Adventures – Log Cabin, Cottages and Island and all Cottage and Cabin Rentals
Payment Policy. A 25% deposit with “to book” form information confirms the booking. The balance is due 30 days before the trip. Full payment is due for trips booked within 45 days of the trip date. Please note a 2.4% credit card fee is applied. We encourage e-transfer or bank wire transfer wherever possible.
Cancellation Policy. Cancellation received 60 days or more prior to the trip – Full refund minus a $75.00 admin. fee. Cancellation received less than 60 days – Loss of initial deposit. Cancellation received less than 30 days – No refund will be issued without the purchase of cancellation insurance, purchased at the time of booking from your travel insurance provider.
Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $500 ($750 Nipissing Cottage Outpost) will be required to secure against any property, furniture, appliance or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order. The customer will be responsible for any assessed damages.
Dog Damage Deposit for Cottage and Island Rentals. The amount of $250 will be required to secure against any property, furniture, or interior damage. This held deposit will be returned after check-out once the property is checked and all is found in good order.
Noise policy. No loud noise after 10 pm. Management reserves the right to evict customers who do not comply – without refund. This will also result in the loss of the damage deposit.
Cancellation By Us. Voyageur Quest reserves the right to cancel a trip /or to make changes to a trip. Though it is a rare event, such cancellations and/or changes may be necessary due to circumstances beyond our control. If your tour is canceled or changed and an alternate trip date is offered, we will notify you in writing at the earliest possible date and will offer you a credit for the amounts you have paid to us to be used for an alternate date or changed tour.
Again, we recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking.
Useful Websites and Algonquin Park Resources
- Voyageur Outfitting – full service Algonquin Park canoe outfitter located at Algonquin park access # 1.
- Guide for those planning to explore Algonquin’s interior by canoe.
- The weather for Algonquin Park
- More Algonquin Park Information and Resources
- Ontario Provincial Park Information and Reservations
- Parks Canada Information
- Sky Chart for Northwestern Algonquin Park
- Langford Canoe and Kayak
- On-Line Sled Dog Advertising & Information
- Online Kayaking Resource
- Outdoor and Wilderness Adventures Resource
- Ontario’s Great Outdoor Adventures Official Web Site of Ontario Tourism
