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 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 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.