Our canoe trip to the Barron Canyon in Algonquin Park was much anticipated and with the perfect weather, we were not disappointed. In the middle of bug season, we enjoyed the beauty and quietness of Algonquin Park without seeing any other groups.
Our trip started on Grand Lake at Achray and as we navigated our way across the lake, we soon left all signs of civilization behind as we snuck into a creek headed for Stratton Lake. After a quick liftover at the dam, we headed down Stratton Lake towards our 1st campsite. The campsite was on a beautiful point with enough exposure to the wind to keep the bugs to a minimum. A nice beef stir fry made over the fire ensured that we finished off our 1st day in style.
The 2nd day started just as beautifully as the 1st one ended, a beautiful sunny day was ahead of us. A quick start had us on the water by 9 am and heading across our 1st portage into St. Andrew Lake. After our 2nd portage of the day, we headed to High Falls for lunch and a quick swim at the water slides. With the recent warm weather, the water was a perfect temperature and we didn't waste the opportunity. After lunch, we had two more portages before our campsite at Opalescent Lake. We enjoyed our evening with a chicken satay stir fry, some gunnel bobbing, games, a fire, chocolate fondue, a beautiful sunset and our 1st taste of bug season.
Day 3 saw us get on the water even quicker than the day before. As we headed down the lake at 8:30 am, we were all to eager to leave behind the hordes of mosquitoes and black flies. We had our longest portage right off the bat, a 740 meters, and the group made it look easy. A quick manoeuvre down the swift brought us to our last portage of the day and the beautiful Barron Canyon. As we had plenty of time to spare, we took our leisurely time to enjoy the 100 metre high cliffs of the canyon. We arrived at our last campsite by lunch and spent the afternoon eating grilled cheese sandwiches, swimming, relaxing and exploring the area. A nice breeze kept the bugs to a minimum, although we were quick to head to our tents when the sun went down and the bugs came out to play.
Our last day started with a wonderful pancake breakfast. With a short paddle and one quick portage planned for the day, most of the group was excited about the thoughts of a shower. With another perfect blue sky, we headed for the take out. Squirrel Rapids was the end of our canoe trip and our wonderful experience.
Mr. Brouwer
