Algonquin Solo Canoe Trip - Part 1 of 2

While freezing my tail off in January I was pining for a canoe trip. I dug up some videos of a route I did on, and around, Booth Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park with my dog Maddy, aka The Goose (don't ask). It was a rainy few days but none the less a beautiful trip with lots of portaging, doing a few crafts, great paddling and oh, did I mention rain? If you've also found yourself daydreaming about a canoe trip lately then maybe this will help you as it did me.

Cheers,
Troy

Category:

Education

Tags:

• howto
• algonquin
• provincial
• park
• interior
• solo
• canoe
• trip
• paddle
• paddling
• rain
• camp
• camping
• outdoors
• portage
• canada
• bushcraft
• survival
• backcountry

[raptorsfan92]

Was it just you and your dog camping?

[MaddyTheGoose]

@raptorsfan92 Yup, just me and The Goose.

[raptorsfan92]

@MaddyTheGoose oh thats cool, but risky dont you ever fear something will happen and you`ll have no help

[MaddyTheGoose]

@raptorsfan92 I suppose it's a calculated risk. When you first start solo tripping, you may initially feel apprehensive but once you get comfortable with it and hit your stride it puts your mind at ease and you can really appreciate the reward of the risk.

It's certainly not for everyone but those who like it seem to like it a lot.

[epitaph664]

I'm almost 15 and training for my first trip to Algonquin in August '10. I'm really excited and wondering if you have any tips. Also was it difficult canoeing with a dog?

[MaddyTheGoose]

Great to hear you're getting ready for your first trip. I have a lot of tips but too many to mention here. If you watch the rest of my videos you'll catch the tips I've put out there so far and stay tuned for more to come.

As for going with a dog, if I go solo I can't even imagine going without Maddy. But there are times when it can be difficult due to room and safety. For example, the Temagami trip I did in 2009 would have had me nervous for Maddy if she came due to all the shear drop offs.

[kingcollie]

I gotta give you a huge thanks, I've been watching your solo trips over and over about 12 times a year since 2008. It's the only way I can get into the bush during the times I am unable ( 90% of the time) You and Maddy have inspired me so much these past 3 years. I'm 22 and hope to do exactly what you do (First I need to find my OWN goose haha). I just really wanted to thank you for all you've done. You've made my life a lot better and I hope you film some more solo trips, Cheers!

[solobackpacking]

I really dislike my Equinox tarp.

What tarp is that?



[bluntis420]

Looks incredible man. Words cannot describe how bad I'd love to do a solo mission like this for a few days. The moment I get back to Canada i'm planning on heading out to Algonquin for a trip like this.

Cheers!! Brightened my day just watching this

[tristen1230]

I went did farm lake. At that campsite to. Catch minows the fish at dawn. Caught like 2 pike in 2 minutes.

[eddymacable]

what do you film with?

[NGMHusker]

Have you ever been through the Tim/Magnetawan

[FlingBoogers]

@Boddah45 do what i do when I go for extended trips where I KNOW I will be out of cellular phone range. Rent a SAT phone for $10/day (or some people swear by the SPOT service but I have read bad reviewes).

[kirokyukan]

@MaddyTheGoose The risk is what attracts me so much.

[flybenji]

You have not lived until you have mustered up the courage to camp alone in the wilderness. I had no dog when I did it & momma bear & three cubs visited my campsite on the last morning of my stay. I had no gun, or mace or anything & she was 350#. Great Vid.

[RoboRocker69]

@rainman1344 Yes. Every camper or hiker must be registered with Ontario Parks to camp or hike in Algonquin or any other Ontario provincial park. The fee (per person) is modest and goes toward funding park maintenance / management.