Paddling into a campsite offers one the opportunity to experience a more natural environment setting, engulfed in every aspect of nature. Canisbay Lake campground offers both conventional drive-in camping and paddle-in campsites, located on the other side of the lake, and is away from the noise of hwy 60. Check-in at the Canisbay Lake campground kiosk, drive to the paddle-in parking, unpack all of your belongings, carry your canoe a short distance to the beach/lake, load up your gear in your canoe and paddle across the lake in search of empty campsites. It is a first-come, first-served system, as you are not given a particular campsite. Check out the map ahead of time to see which side of the lake you want, but be prepared to keep paddling until you find an empty site. Although this may seem daunting, we took on the attitude of exploring and enjoying the paddle time. If you don't have your own canoe, you can rent one from Algonquin Outfitters. They will deliver your canoe right to the parking lot so all you need to do is load it up!
Day 1
Arrival day consisted of meeting our travel companions, The Palaros, at the campground kiosk, followed by loading the canoes with our gear and setting out to find a camping site. After dropping off the kids at the site, with the task of setting up the tents, Maryleah and I canoed back to the vehicles for another load.
An excellent job setting up the campsite.
Day 2
After a lingering, hearty breakfast, a swim in the lake and a paddle back to the car, we drove to Two Rivers hiking trail. Two Rivers is one of 15 interpretive walking trails along the highway 60 corridor. Time needed is about 1.5 hours for this 2.3 km trail. Anika, a grade 12 graduate whose graduation was cancelled due to Covid, brought a grad gown for some great photos.
Day 3
Happy Canada Day!
Today we reversed the order of events and went for a hike first, at Whiskey Rapids, before keeping cool in the lake back at our campsite. Whiskey Rapids, 2.1 km long, is another interpretive walking trail along the highway 60 corridor, which takes you to scenic rapids along the river, about half way, before heading back to the entrance.
Day 4
Eat, pack up, paddle-out.
A grateful shout-out to Aiden at Algonquin Outfitters, who gave our car a boost, after we discovered it dead, once the car was packed and the canoe was secured on top.
If you are interested in exploring other campsites or hiking trails, here is a map of the highway 60 Algonquin corridor that can be found in the Algonquin information guide.
Website: www.ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin
Tips:
1. Guide booklets are not found at the trail site. You need to pre-purchase booklets at the East or West gates, or online.
2. Order an Information guide online before you go, as it has all of the information you will need.
3. Pack appropriate gear, like hiking shoes or sandals, warm sleeping bags, etc.