4-day Algonquin Portage | Trip Guide & Route Inspiration

Welcome back to Trail Tales. In this video, we are canoeing and backcountry camping in Algonquin, a beautiful Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. So if you’re planning a portage trip, or just want to learn more about what Algonquin has to offer, then this video is for you. Our route takes us from Achray campground all the way through Barron Canyon and ending at Squirrel rapids. DAY ONE Rental pickup and setting off from Achray 45 minute paddle across grand lake 1.4km 40m portage to Stratton lake 1 hour paddle along the length of Stratton lake 6.3km Portage to St Andrew Lake (60m) Paddled 30 mins up the lake to the campsite 1.4km Camped at the end of the lake, near high falls DAY TWO 590m portage to Highfalls lake 50 minute paddle 2.3km 300m portage 15 minute paddle across ooze lake 0.4km 640m portage to opalescent lake 30 minute paddle 1.1km 710m portage to cork lake 30 minute paddle to campsite 2.6km DAY THREE Exploring cork lake Swimming Relaxing DAY FOUR Early start packed and on the water by 8am Backtracking through cork lake and opalescent lake 30 mins paddle (cork) 2.6km 710m portage to opalescent lake 30 mins paddle (opalescent) 1.1km 750m portage to brigham lake (mostly downhill) 15 minute paddle across brigham lake 0.5km 120m + 430m portages across brigham chute to barron canyon Paddle along barron canyon 16km 350m portage in the middle to avoid cache rapids Additional 100m portage to avoid squirrel rapids Exit at squirrel depot EQUIPMENT LIST (for 2 people) What we brought from home: Watertight backpack Food barrel Tent Lightweight camping mattress x2 Sleeping bag x2 Camping pillow x2 Camping chairs x2 Small butane stove 1 pot for cooking 2x 50ft ropes (1 for food barrel, 1 for campsite) Canoe seats x2 (optional, but improved comfort while paddling) Bug net hats x2 (depending on the season, these make a big difference when paddling) Water shoes / sandals 2x pair Camping dining set x2 (bowl, spork, knife) Small kitchen knife + cutting board Gloves (optional, provide comfort while paddling) Phone with downloaded maps x2 Power bank to charge phone x2 Playing cards Book What we rented: Canoe Life vest x2 Paddle x2 1 way rental fee (so we didn’t have to transport the canoe ourselves) 00:00 Intro to Portaging in Algonquin 01:02 Route Overview 01:39 Launching at Achray Campground - Grand Lake 02:46 Stratton Lake 03:52 St Andrew's Lake + Campsite 04:56 High Falls Lake 07:15 Opalescent Lake 08:21 Cork Lake + Campsite 11:47 Rest Day & Exploring Cork Lake 14:37 Barron River & Barron Canyon