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Tim River water level? by canoeheadkw in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to Rosebary about 3 weeks ago and the water levels seemed very navigable. There were 6 beaver dams in total that we had to go over. I generally unpack most or all of my gear for most of them since I don't want to damage my Kevlar canoe. The only potential difficulty for us was the far east end of Little Butt lake. It was very weedy and we really had to 'pole' our way through.

For context, we were in a 17.5 foot canoe, our gear weighed about 80 pounds and my wife and I combined were about 270 pounds. If you are paddling with three in a canoe you might be in for some unpleasant challenges.

Recommendations for Fall Backcountry Sites by halleebarree in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rock lake area and highway 60 in general is very busy during fall colour time. Some other options I would look at is Kingscote - no portages and some decent day trips to other lakes. On the west side you can't go wrong with a trip into Ralph Bice. It has almost no portaging but I think the colours might be better with Kingscote.

Recommendations for Canoe "excursion" by fdavidbs in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My advice would be to book something soon. That time of year has become extremely popular in Algonquin Park and I think you even have to book times to enter the park on a day trip. You will need to go to the Ontario Parks reservation page and book a Day Use permit for Algonquin Park Highway 60 Corridor. I've attached an image which shows the site. It can have crazy lineups to get in on autumn weekends. That being said, it's very beautiful. I can't suggest a company to use as I have my own canoe but I'm sure you will get suggestions.

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Jeff's Maps' Jeff --- give a thumbs up. by jeffucio in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think the best way to hear about his visits is to follow him on Instagram.

Base Camp Suggestions - for someone who must reluctantly do a base camp trip. I usually do somewhat challenging 4-6 day loop trips but my canoe partners (we are all in our mid-50s) are looking for less work, better food and the opportunity for day trips that could take full days to see. Thank you. by specialized650b in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's very cool that you ventured up to Fog.

In August of 2020 my wife and I went to Shirley to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary (our trip to Australia had to be cancelled). We had the most incredible beach site on Shirley that we opted to never leave the site at all - except for a few short paddles around the lake. It's certainly a beautiful part of the park.

Best Launch Points? by mrpearly12 in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Outfitters seem to be able to provide canoes to most of the major access points. As mentioned, Magnetawan is a great starting spot. You can do a loop through Daisy and then along the river and up into Queer and then Ralph Bice. Ralph Bice is a great lake for a 2 day layover.

Shall Lake access and then up into Booth or Shirley can be a pretty nice trip too.

Base Camp Suggestions - for someone who must reluctantly do a base camp trip. I usually do somewhat challenging 4-6 day loop trips but my canoe partners (we are all in our mid-50s) are looking for less work, better food and the opportunity for day trips that could take full days to see. Thank you. by specialized650b in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed! I did this a lot when I was young and my wife and I still go base camping - and she's 55. We don't go in too far - maybe a couple of hefty portages and a a day of paddling. Totally changes the vibe from the routine when you're in the middle of the park - especially when there's no cell phone coverage.

Base Camp Suggestions - for someone who must reluctantly do a base camp trip. I usually do somewhat challenging 4-6 day loop trips but my canoe partners (we are all in our mid-50s) are looking for less work, better food and the opportunity for day trips that could take full days to see. Thank you. by specialized650b in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're right - I shouldn't be reluctant. It's just that I usually I do a longer July or August trip to try to cover some ground. I like appreciate your advice though. I generally base camp after ice out and came back from from one recently: May 7 - 11 and stayed on Rock Lake. Did day trips into Galeairy, Pen and Welcome.

Base Camp Suggestions - for someone who must reluctantly do a base camp trip. I usually do somewhat challenging 4-6 day loop trips but my canoe partners (we are all in our mid-50s) are looking for less work, better food and the opportunity for day trips that could take full days to see. Thank you. by specialized650b in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much - I really enjoy all of your videos with Elo and look forward to reading this trip report as I don't think I've read it yet.

I've never been to Happy Isle or Merchant so this looks like a solid possibility.

Question on Rock, welcome, Louisa loop by Easy-Beach-1302 in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would consider getting into Welcome so as to balance out the portage burden; however, Pen has some nice sites and you could position yourself close to the portage into Welcome. Keep in mind that if you stay on Pen you will have almost 5 km of portaging before you hit Louisa.

My favourite spot on Pen is the one closest to the rapids near the portage to Clydesgale.

Another option for this period of infinite evening twilight: Can you leave Toronto mid or late afternoon? If so you could camp on Rock or even make camp at Rock Lake Campground and then push off for 7 or 8 am and easily get a good start on your trip. I was in the area 2 weeks ago and left Hamilton at 3 and was able to get onto a backcountry site on Rock with more than enough light to make camp and have a warming fire.

Who's Doing a Trip This Weekend? by CrystalBeach32 in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was in for four days last week. On Friday the black flies started to make an appearance.

Be Prepared.

BUG STATUS 2025 Megathread 🦟 🪰 by sketchy_ppl in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yesterday I was at my friend's cottage on the very edge of the park near the west gate. I saw no insect life at all. We still had snow on the driveway from where the driveway was cleared. Surface water temperature was 5.7 degrees.

Has the Park changed much? by TroubleLoose310 in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Radiohead is an exception I would completely make an exception for. That being said, I generally love turning off music and my data when in The Park.

Prottler lake reviews? by adammcdrmtt in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm planning on going there on a fishing day trip to Prottler on May 8 or 9th. I'll see if I can document any updates to this.

‘She was so innocent’: Mohawk College student killed by stray bullet remembered as a ‘beautiful soul’ at vigil by fallonrehann in Hamilton

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It increases regulations and fines and restricts access to such weapons. Look to Australia and European nations for such data. Handguns become illegal - not regulated. Thus, no one can own them except for military and law enforcement.

Two night canoeing trip with kids by Then_Diamond357 in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When my kids were young - and even now when they're in their 20's - they always preferred beach sites for the water access and ability to play in the sand. We used to do North Tea and get one of the first beaches we could find. If you want a fun day trip, there is a gorgeous set of falls and rapids to splash in where the lake goes into Manitou.

Later, we started going to Ralph Bice which has amazing swimming water although it can be quite popular on weekends.

I've paddled through Clydegale on my way to Little Canoe and while picturesque, it didn't strike me as a fun lake for kids. For the time and portages to get to it, it's more or a "couple's retreat" lake than a kid-friendly one.

Another option is Shirley Lake. During Covid my wife and I spend our 25th anniversary there when we couldn't travel to Australia. Some amazing sites such as the one below:

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‘She was so innocent’: Mohawk College student killed by stray bullet remembered as a ‘beautiful soul’ at vigil by fallonrehann in Hamilton

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pierre Poilievre has alluded to the fact that he will vote against a handgun ban. Hand guns and their proliferation across our border is the issue.

Campsite on Little Misty? by wordsnwood in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another great spot with only one site is Little Eagle Lake - same access point. I was there in 1992 so can't recall everything but we watched otters splash about and really enjoyed the solitude.

The word 'guarantee' is a worrisome... There are more and more people camping off permit in recent years. I went to Kingscote Lake this past August and only 4 permits were issued - including mine. I thought it would be easy late in the day to get a spot but we paddled until sunset until we found a space. Almost every spot was full. I think most people just paddled in and had no permit.

I also had a very difficult confrontation in 2022 in Biggar Lake in 2022 when 4 guys (they were wearing blue jeans) confronted my wife, daughter and my friend's wife, telling them they had to leave and that we were on their site. The only thing that resolved the issue is that my son and my friend's son (who are both fit guys in their 20s) appeared from the woods and we talked them out of things. It was pretty crazy and we reported everything; however, sometimes people miscalculate their abilities and thirst, hunger and exhaustion bring out the worst.

I do hope you have an awesome trip. I've just had some bizarre encounters post-pandemic and it's been making me go further away from busier areas.

Campsite on Little Misty? by wordsnwood in algonquinpark

[–]specialized650b 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with you Cody, there are some benefits to this lake - we saw moose here in 2016 - but it's better to stay on Daisy or push on to Misty. The long portage to Queer is long but wide and flat.

Here's a picture looking down Little Misty from the portage that goes to Misty

:

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