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Algonquin Duke of Edinburgh Canoe Expeditions

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canoe Expeditions

From $735+HST/person
3-6 Days 2-5 Nights Accommodation Tasty Meals, All Equipment, permits Wilderness Instruction

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Expeditions at Algonquin Park's northwest corner

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was created to encourage personal development, allowing young people to learn from new experiences to discover hidden capabilities and talents. Voyageur Quest offers  The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Adventurous  canoe expeditions  designed to  empower and challenge. These Algonquin Park canoe trips  challenge young people to problem-solve with a focus on leadership, sustainable living, and traditional wilderness survival skills. Voyageur Quest personalizes each expedition to meet the needs of the group, accommodating different group sizes and all three levels of the award. Please visit The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award website to ensure you have the right experience for each level.

Challenge yourself

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Algonquin Park canoe trips are intended to be a challenge. Learn backcountry canoe and camping skills. These practice and expeditions offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about yourself and working in a team.

Leadership and Teamwork

Beginning at our outfitter and base camp at Algonquin Park Access Point #1, groups 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. Voyageur Quest operate both scheduled trips, listed below, as well as private expeditions, the latter of which can be arranged for any date and group size.

What's included

All the instruction, canoe and camping equipment, park permits, and tasty meals.

Learn canoe and camping skills
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.
No Experience Necessary
It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.
Become a great backcountry cook
Feast on superb meals cooked on a fire and on cook stoves. Best of all, you will learn how to cook these meals!
All Equipment Included
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.
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Learn canoe and camping skills

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.

No Experience Necessary

It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.

Become a great backcountry cook

Feast on superb meals cooked on a fire and on cook stoves. Best of all, you will learn how to cook these meals!

All Equipment Included

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.

Dates and Rates

Dates and Rates

Availability

2023 Departures 

Bronze Practice & Expedition
June 23- 25

Aug 18 -20

Silver Practice & Expedition

June 24- 28

July 1-5

Aug 19- 23 Sold Out

Aug 27- Aug 31 (Only 1 Spot Left)

Gold Practice & Expedition

June 24 – 29 Sold Out

Aug 19 – 24
Aug 27 – Sept 1

*Contact our office for other dates and custom trips*

Pricing & Options

Algonquin Park The Duke of Edinburgh's Expedition Canoe Trip BRONZE
$735+HST/person
  • 1 Night Camping Accommodation
  • 1 Night Cabin Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • All Group Equipment
  • Algonquin Park Permits
  • Services of a Wilderness Instructor
Algonquin Park The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canoe Expedition SILVER
$1195+HST/person
  • 3 Nights Camping Accommodation
  • 1 Night Cabin Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • All Group Equipment
  • Algonquin Park Permits
  • Services of a Wilderness Instructor
Algonquin Park Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canoe Expedition GOLD
$1365+HST/person
  • 4 Nights Camping Accommodation
  • 1 Night Cabin Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • All Group Equipment
  • Algonquin Park Permits
  • Services of a Wilderness Instructor

Trip Itinerary

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Bronze Day 1: Practice
Arrive at Algonquin Park access # 1 for 10am
Orientation with the DOE Philosophy
Review route, menu and pack-out
Canoe instruction and water safety
Circumnavigate Kawawaymog Lake and portage into Wet Lake
Lunch
Camp on North Tea Lake
Review trip plan and menu
Dinner
Goal setting session
Distance: 10km
Time at task: 8hrs
Day 2: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Canoe and portage through North Tea Lake to surrounding lakes
Set-up camp
Dinner
Night paddle with wildlife calls
Trip reflection
Distance: 12km
Time at task: 9hrs
Day 3: Expedition
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage back to VQ base
Lunch on route with reflection session
Clean equipment and pack-in
Debrief and assessment with guide
Depart at 3pm
Distance: 16km
Time at task: 10hrs
Silver Day 1: Practice
Arrive at Algonquin Park access # 1 for 10am
Orientation with the DOE Philosophy
Review route, menu and pack-out
Canoe instruction and water safety
Transfer to put-in near Nahma Lake
Paddle and portage to Craig or Pishnecka Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Campfire baking
Distance: 9 km
Time at task: 10 hrs
Day 2: Practice
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle out
Lunch en route
Pick-up and transfer to VQ base
Pack-in, clean gear, adjust menu and pack-out expedition
Optional sauna or shower
Dinner at the Broken Paddle Patio
Goal setting session
Distance: 10km
Time at task: 10hrs
Accommodation: Bunkhouse
Day 3: Expedition
Breakfast at Broken Paddle Patio
Load canoes and depart on expedition
Canoe and portage to North Tea Lake
Hike into Cayuga Lake for lunch
Paddle to Mangotassi Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Night Paddle with wildlife calls
Distance: 15km
Time at task: 9hrs
Day 4: Expedition
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage to Manitou Lake with visit to waterfalls
Paddle to site of tornado damage from storm of 1973
Loop around Manitou Lake islands
Set-up camp on North Tea East
Dinner
Survival skills and bush crafts
Trip reflection
Distance: 13km
Time at task: 10hrs
Day 5: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage back to VQ base
Lunch on route
Clean equipment and pack-in
Debrief and assessment with guide
Depart at 3pm
Distance: 16km
Time at task: 10 hrs
Gold Day 1: Practice
Arrive at Algonquin Park access # 1 for 10am
Orientation with the DOE Philosophy
Review route, menu and pack-out
Canoe instruction and water safety
Transfer to put-in near Nahma Lake
Paddle and portage to Craig or Pishnecka Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Campfire baking
Distance: 9 km
Time at task: 10 hrs
Day 2: Practice
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle out
Lunch en route
Pick-up and transfer to VQ base
Pack-in, clean gear, adjust menu and pack-out expedition
Optional sauna or shower
Dinner at the Broken Paddle Patio
Goal setting session
Distance: 10km
Time at task: 10hrs
Accommodation: Bunkhouse
Day 3: Expedition
Breakfast at Broken Paddle Patio
Load canoes and depart on expedition
Canoe and portage to North Tea Lake
Hike into Cayuga Lake for lunch
Paddle to Mangotassi Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Night Paddle with wildlife calls
Distance: 15km
Time at task: 9hrs
Day 4: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage through Biggar to Three Mile Lake
Set-up camp on Three Mile Lake
Dinner
Survival skills and bush crafts
Distance: 13km
Time at task: 10hrs
Day 5: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage through Manitou Lake
Lunch at the waterfalls
Paddle and portage into North Tea Lake
Set up camp
Dinner
Trip reflection and campfire stories
Distance: 12km Time at task: 10 hrs
Day 6: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage back to VQ base
Lunch on route
Clean equipment and pack-in
Debrief and assessment with guide
Depart at 3pm
Distance: 13km
Time at task: 10 hrs

Client Testimonials

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.

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“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 

FAQs

Yes this trip does 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. 

There is! Due to the early start of our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey’s students who require transportation can arrive the night before on the Ontario Northland Bus, get shuttled in, stay at our Bunkhouse and have dinner and breakfast on site before beginning the practice and qualifying journey! There will be an extra cost for this night before package. 

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. 

Due to our remote location students and guides will complete the report in person at the end of the trip and take a picture of it. Students then upload a scanned copy or picture of their report and send it to the Duke of Edinburgh Online Reporting Form. 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 (NOT THE GUIDE’S EMAIL). 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 our guides are trained and experienced professionals. They are not camp counselors, but mature wilderness guides with a minimum of 40 hours wilderness first aid training, and many have completed post-secondary degrees in this field. 

Yes definitely! There is a minimum 4 people required for a group and a max of 8 people – the price will range based on how many people you have in your group. 

Are you ready? Book your adventure today!

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SPECIALS & PACKAGES

Experience Winter Camping
March 26-27
Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the last few days of winter, by travelling to a winter camp, sleeping in a heated wall tent and learning winter camping techniques!
Click Here
Algonquin Photo Moose Safari
June 11-13
Spend a weekend searching for the picture perfect moment of Algonquin's amazing wildlife, with professional photographer Rob Stimpson.
Click Here
Algonquin Snowshoe and Chalet
Available March 17-20
Relax in a comfortable chalet suite and snowshoe and cross country ski right from your door!
Click Here
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2 for 1

$675*+HST per person
2023 Spring Special

Algonquin Log Cabin

June 12-14, 2023 Kick off the Summer with a fun and active weekend at the Algonquin Log Cabin Paddle, hike and enjoy cozy Log Cabin nights and tasty meals served fireside. You will love the wood- fired sauna. Enjoy this Spring with our 2 for the price of 1 deal. Use promo code: SPRINGCABIN

$5200

for up to 10 people
2023 Summer week

Hondoo Island Getaway

June 26- July 1, 2023. Enjoy Summer from a Luxury Cottage located on the north tip of gorgeous Hondoo Island at the edge of Algonquin Park. With 4 bedrooms and lots of space, this island paradise is perfect for a family vacation. Welcome includes Wine and Cheese upon arrival.

10% off

$1295 +HST
2023 Spring Special

Algonquin Island Retreat

May 25-28, 2023. Relax in your own couples-only private island cottage retreat on Kawawaymog Lake at Algonquin Park Access Point # 1 on Algonquin's western boundary. With 360-degree water views and two decks, the cabin is fantastic for artisans or couples looking for a quiet getaway in nature.

Trip Enquiry!

Specializing in Algonquin Park Canoe Trips, Lodge-Based Adventure Trips, and Private Cottage Rentals.