Voyageur Quest offers Algonquin Duke of Edinburgh canoe expeditions designed to empower and challenge. Algonquin canoe trip Adventurous Journeys challenge young people to problem-solve, focusing on leadership, goal setting, sustainable living, and traditional wilderness travel skills. Voyageur Quest tailors each adventurous journey to meet the group’s needs, accommodating different group sizes and all three levels of the award. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was created to encourage personal development, allowing young people to learn from new experiences and discover hidden capabilities and talents. Visit the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award website to ensure you have the right experience for each level.
Algonquin Duke of Edinburgh canoe trips are intended to be a challenge. Learn backcountry canoe and camping skills.Both the practice and adventurous journey are included and offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about yourself and working in a team.
Beginning at our outfitter and base camp at Algonquin Park Access Point #1, travel by canoe through the northwest corner of Algonquin Park. Enjoy the beauty of this region while building resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities. Our Algonquin Duke of Edinburgh canoe trips have scheduled dates ( see below ) from June to August. Private adventurous jounreys are available for groups of 4 to 8.
All the instruction, canoe and camping equipment, park permits, and tasty meals.
Learn how to canoe, portage, fire building, tarp and knot skills and more. Work with a team and make your way through the spectacular wilderness.
It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.
Feast on superb meals cooked on a fire and on cook stoves. Best of all, you will learn how to cook these meals!
Canoes, paddles, life jackets, tents, sleeping pads, food and cooking equipment, plus lots more. You bring all your personal items such as clothing, toiletries and a note book to record the route, map equipment menu etc.
Bronze Practice & Expedition
June 21-23
August 16-18
Silver Practice & Expedition
June 22-26
August 17-21
August 25-29
Gold Practice & Expedition
June 22-27
August 17-22
August 25-30
*Contact our office for other dates and custom trips*
I ‘ve been back from my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Journey for almost two weeks now, and I still cannot stop musing about the most awakening and motivational feeling that I experienced on my trip with Voyageur Quest.
I, along with 6 other Duke of Ed participants, followed our phenomenal guide Peter for 6 days and 5 nights. He was an excellent instructor that taught with compassion and authenticity. The food was amazing and the provided equipment was far more than adequate.
Again, HUGE thanks to Peter for teaching us and giving us an unforgettable experience.
Chantelle
“My son recently got back from his Duke of Edinburgh Gold trip and had nothing but positive things to say about it! The practice and qualifying journeys were very well planned and fun for the whole group. Food was delicious, learning experiences were plentiful and nature was beautiful, just as expected.
His guide, Peter, made the trip run smoothly through his good organization and positive leadership. Its a trip my son thoroughly enjoyed and is something I’d recommend to other Duke of Ed participants.”
Igor
Yes this trip does meet the requirements for the Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. Voyageur Quest is an authorized supplier of the Adventurous Journey and we work closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Office. Please note it is important that each student check to ensure they are properly registered with the DOE web portal and their Award leader.
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 an Instructor /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 clothing suggestions may slightly vary based on the trip and time of year, however, each student will be sent a detailed packing list upon their booking. For example, DOE Canoe Trips (All levels) What to Bring.
Each Duke of Edinburgh trip typically has between 4-8 students on each trip. Most trips are co-ed and students are typically between 14-21.
We are happy to accommodate most dietary requirements. Vegetarian and most allergies are standard at VQ with 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 at least 2 EPI Pens.
No. Following the guidelines and recommendations from the Duke of Edinburgh Award office, the idea of parents “on trip” is discouraged and does not meet the requirements of the adventurous journey.
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.
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 & Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver or Gold) OE) 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.
10am at Algonquin Park Access point 1.
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.
