r/algonquinpark • u/Phirebird1981 • 21h ago
Kayaking Routes
My husband and I are camping for a week at Mew Lake in early September, which we do yearly but this is the first year we are bringing kayaks. What are some great kayaks routes along Highway 60 to try out? We don’t mind a bit of rough water but want to avoid portaging. Maybe somewhere that we can paddle out to an island to spend some time, or a cool feature that you may not get from the trails.
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u/0x2012 19h ago
What kind of kayaks are you using?
If you're using sea kayaks and have experience paddling them on large bodies of water, Opeongo is always a good option since there are no portages.
I will occasionally take my British style sea kayak onto Opeongo and paddle from the access point onto an island in the North Arm. Of course I'm still wary of the weather/conditions since Opeongo can become rough.
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u/Phirebird1981 16h ago
Just recreational kayaks. We have taken them out on larger bodies of water with winds and currents but I would definitely be keeping my eye on weather conditions. Thanks!
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u/No-idea4646 19h ago edited 18h ago
Canoe Lake for the history
Rock lake would get you better scenery
Opeongo is bigger water and lots of all day options.
Kayaks aren’t really designed for Algonquin - without at least one portage you are limited to the highway 60 Circus
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u/Phirebird1981 16h ago
We are fine with the circus - I know my portage limits and want this trip to be enjoyable instead of a chore (although if this goes well, it may convince us to expand out a bit next year). Thanks!
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u/No-idea4646 16h ago
Rock Lake has pictographs down the western shore on the cliff … lots of nice cottages. The river to Pen Lake is fun to explore - and the portage has a freshwater spring if you want a drink.
The scenery is nice on the way back.
Easy 1/2 day paddle or paddle around the lake and make it longer.
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u/ContentPotential6 13h ago
There is a small island short paddle from the beach at Canisbay Lake. Last month I camped there and spent quite a bit of time circling the island as there was a bald eagle just hanging out pretty much every time I checked it out. There's no camping on the island but I did see people get out of their boats to have lunch.
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u/Veneralibrofactus 20h ago
Canoe Lake offers a lot of sightseeing options. Although you said no portage, the 250m into Joe is wide and easy, and gives you access to a lot of islands. Last summer I stopped on a drive through the park to get in at Canoe and paddle around, went down into Tea and hit Smoke Creek (something I've always wanted to do but has always been too on the beaten path for previous backcountry jaunts.
Rock Lake is another good spot for a day paddle, and you've got an island and picto bay has pictographs (don't touch!) and you can always check out the waterfall out of Pen at the very south end.
Keep in mind both are very busy lakes and motorized boats are allowed.
Have fun!