Difficulty: Intermediate (Read description below)
TOTAL DAYS: 7 (THURS-WED)
TOTAL PADDLE DISTANCE: 71.5km
TOTAL PORTAGE DISTANCE: 4370m (4.3km)
COST: Park Fees $0 + rentals, gas & food.
(SEE IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION BELOW)
Drive Time: 5.5-6.5hrs
Limit – 9 People
I've been out of the county for the past several years, but am planning a week long trip to my favorite area in Ontario, Temagami this summer.
The advantage of going this far north is that there are no campsite fees, but the portaging and paddling can be a little more difficult due to the size of the lakes and the maintenance status of some of the portages.
All costs (Boats, transportation, food, gear etc..) are your responsibility.
You should be completely self sufficient, including having your own maps.
-------TRIP OVERVIEW-------
Located approximately 100km north of North Bay ON, Temagami is my favorite canoe trip location in Ontario. From its spectacular sunsets & its vast backcountry network of lakes and rivers; Temagami never disappoints.
Generally quieter than Algonquin & other parks closer to Southern Ontario Temagami also offers additional challenges; portages are harder, longer, and sometimes wet. The large lakes can make for some windy days and you feel a little more remote compared to some of the other areas. Campsites are spread out and fewer in number than in other places. Most sites are equipped with a thunderbox, but occasionally you'll find one that is not.
Highlights of Temagami include:
· A section of remote 2-300yr Old Growth Forest to explore
· Spectacular sunsets
· Fantastic fishing
· Opportunities for some great vistas from both Devils Rock and the Temagami Tower back in town.
Difficulty: Intermediate
This trip is probably not appropriate for you if this is the first time you’ve backcountry camped. Check out the many beginner trips that run each year for that experience.
If you are up for a challenge and to see some beautiful surroundings, then this trip is right up your ally.
Be prepared to be on the water from 9am to approx. 5-7pm most days depending on how fast the group moves & weather conditions. Breaks will be taken; lunch and swimming can happen as we move most days.
Wind – there can be lots of it in Temagami. This can cause us to work harder to meet our destination goals and to wake up very early to make some miles on calm water (if required).
-------GEAR-------
Make sure that you are well setup for portaging. Pack gear into large backpacks or barrels to make moving it faster & easier. You should be able to portage your boat & gear in a maximum of 2 trips down the trail. If we all plan for a single carry portage it will make our days much shorter. So please plan accordingly.
Boats:
Canoes only – this trip is not suitable for kayaks of any kind.
If you are renting, please pick up your boat, or have it delivered to the access point on Wed night because we will be launching promptly at 9am on Thurs morning.
-------FOOD-------
Each person is responsible for their own food & cooking gear (Lightweight Stove, pots, utensils etc…)
Coolers are great for the car and parking lot, but please don’t bring them as part of the trip. If you need some meal suggestions check out the link below:
7 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
6 Dinners
Snacks & Drinks
DINNER SUGGESTIONS LINK: http://bit.ly/TUwZY0
Water:
We will drink lake water during this trip. Do not plan to carry bottled water beyond a 1L personal bottle that you can refill from the lake. Bring purification tables, a Pristine water purification kit or your preferred method of purification.
Personal Gear: Please see and review the gear list at the link below.
PERSONAL GEAR LIST LINK: http://bit.ly/SfMqsy
FOOTWEAR:
We had some footwear problems on previous trips (A badly sprained ankle) and some broken sandals that caused it. So please make sure bring 2 types of shoes for the trip, a pair to wear while paddling/portaging that has some ankle support and will get wet during the day and a dry pair for the campsite at night.
####-------LOGISTICS---------
Wed, June 27th
Leave for Temagami after work, pick up rentals on the way up or arrange to have your boats delivered (More expensive) to the Red Squirrel Rd access point (Access Point #3 on your adventure map). Assuming a 5-6pm departure, arrive at the red squirrel lake parking lot around 11pm-Midnight & camp for the night in the parking lot (Free).
Rest of the trip will be updated with info as we get closer to to date.
--------LOCAL OUTFITTERS--------
Algonquin Outfitters – Huntsville, ON – 1-800-469-4948
https://algonquinoutfitters.com/rental/canoes/
This may be the best option for most, they should be open until 8pm on Wed night (Please call to confirm) and you can request pick up your boat at their downtown Huntsville location, which is just off the highway.
Expedition Kevlar 16’ (Swift Algonquin) $40.98/Day
Expedition Kevlar 17’ (Swift Algonquin) $40.98/Day
Solo Kevlar canoe 15 Keewaydin or 16': Shearwater $41.98/Day
Smoothwater Temagami N, ON- 705-868-6464 - temagami@ontera.net
https://www.smoothwater.com/temagami-canoe-rentals
I have used them several times; they are also north of town closer to Red Squirrel Rd. You may be able to arrange to pick up of a boat on your way through town late on Wed night. Call to find out if that is possible at such a late hour.
They charge $200+ to deliver boats to our access point. If multiple people rent from here you could share that cost.
Rates:
Standard 16' or 17' kevlar canoe (60 to 64 lb) - $34/day
Extra-light 16' kevlar canoe (less than 55 lb) - $34/day
Temagami Outfitters -
1-416-835-0963
http://www.icanoe.ca/service_canoe.html
Call to find out about pickup or delivery options. May not be open past 5pm on Wed.
Rates:
Ultralight Kevlar Epoxy Canoes
16' Quetico 38lbs $47.75 per day
17' Quetico 38lbs $47.75 per day
14' Solo Canoe Kevlar Ultralight: 33lbs $43.50 per day
Gear/Boat/Ride Sharing
Use the comments to arrange sharing. I will setup a google doc as we get closer to the trip date.
How to find us: We'll be meeting at the parking lot access to Red Squirel Lake. Look for the big parking lot!
Photos
19 photos
