Backcountry camping refers to camping in Algonquin Park’s interior campsites. On our canoe trips, the guide finds  the best campsite for the group. Each campsite has tent sites, a firepit, and a “thunderbox” (ie: toilet). We provide the tents, stoves, tarps, and any other equipment required to make a backcountry campsite into a backcountry palace. Water is taken from the lake and purified for drinking. All backcountry travel follows leave-no-trace principles as directed by the guide. 

No, you don’t.  We teach all the canoe, portage and camping skills  along the way. All of our guides are experienced instructors and will show you the ropes. 

Voyageur Quest’s guides are skilled outdoor professionals who ensure your canoe or cabin trip is an adventure of a lifetime. On top of being well versed in the natural and cultural history of Algonquin Park, our guides are warm, personable, and service-oriented. Most are graduates of post-secondary programs related to outdoor adventure and all possess industry certification in wilderness first aid, life-guarding, and canoe instruction.

You only need to bring your personal items: clothing, toiletries, and cameras. We provide all of the equipment. A complete list of what to bring will be emailed to your after booking. You can rent sleeping bags for a small cost. If you forget anything, do not worry: we can rent, lend, or retail whatever you need from our fully stocked outfitting store.

Voyageur Quest canoe trips are participatory by nature. This includes learning how to paddle, portage (carry canoe overland between lakes or around rapids). Depending on the trip, you will paddle, portage and camp each day while our professional wilderness guide provides leadership and instruction on all aspects of living and traveling in the wilderness. You will be encouraged to participate in as far as you are comfortable doing so. This includes: learning how to paddle and portage a canoe, camping comfortably, preparation and creation of delicious meals, learning about the natural world, and the enjoyment of living in the outdoors.

Solo travellers are welcome! Our groups have up to eight guests per trip. Everyone becomes fast friends while canoeing and camping!

For canoe trips, there will be as many as eight guests plus your guide. This guest to guide ratio is an industry standard for warm, flat-water canoe trips. Our guests range in age and nationality. We do our best to sort our guests into like-demographics (ie: families together; adults together). It is not unusual for guests to be trading emails at the end of their trips – it is easy to make friends when you are having so much fun!

You do not require any prior experience. We host a range of guests from first-timers to grizzled outdoors people every week. These trips are best for anyone keen for an active wilderness adventure. Our pace is relaxed and the objective is to have fun, slow down, and leave plenty of time to explore the beauty of the Park.

You should be able to be active for up to four hours (walking pace) at a time.  While travelling in the backcountry, we make frequent stops for snacks, hydration, toilet, and to admire the gorgeous views!

We provide fresh and mostly whole-foods meals that are prepared with care and skill. Whether you are in the backcountry or in our Algonquin Log Cabin, you will be served appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Our guests are consistently impressed with our elevated cuisine. Please explain in detail any special dietary needs or allergies you might have during your booking. Kid-friendly foods are added to Family Trips.

We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirement. For special diets such as vegan, gluten free or lactose free we do charge a small fee in order to properly accommodate your needs.  Please be sure to describe your requirement in detail when making your booking. For severe allergies, it is recommended that you bring at least two EpiPens with you. 

Absolutely! (Enjoy responsibly!)

For canoe trips: best advice is to bring liquor and/or wine. Decant glass bottles or cans into plastic containers. It is forbidden to bring glass or cans into Algonquin Park.

Nearest locations to buy alcohol: 

-Voyageur Quest’s Broken Patio. Located at Algonquin Park Access Point #1

-Magnetewan Distillery. Locally made craft spirits. Located in Sundridge

-Highlander Brewery. Locally made craft beers. Located in South River. Products sold in most local LCBOs and BeerStores

-LCBO and BeerStore. South River

-General Store. Trout Creek. Small selection

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  Rentls  

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.