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Canoe Lake is a lake located in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. It is a most wanted destination for many tourists entering the Algonquin park.
Admission fee to Algonquin Park
Since Highway 60 runs through the park from the west to the east, you don’t need to pay the entrance ticket for the Algonquin Park unless you want to stop and visit the attractions along the way. So, considering that the only way to explore the interior of the park is by canoe or on foot, it is necessary to buy the permit. Day use costs around 17 Canadian Dollars and it could be even more expensive during the fall season. The day permit is valid until 10.00 pm of the date of issue to the Algonquin Park.
Access to Canoe lake in Ontario
It was late September when Alessandro and I were visiting Ontario and we reached Canoe Lake from the west gate since we were arriving from Toronto. At km 14.1 of Highway 60, a short road leads north to the Access Point Office where we bought our permit. We were asked to display it properly on our dashboard so that we would not be fined. We were also given a map which showed clearly the various attractions that can be visited inside the Algonquin Park.
Things to do in Canoe Lake
Our first stop was Canoe Lake which is located at access point number 5. It is probably the most touristic one since along with the canoe related activities it has everything you need including a gift shop, cafeteria, lake view restaurant etc. There were a good number of other people there but I wouldn’t say it was overcrowded.
Canoe rentals in Canoe Lake
At Canoe Lake there are a variety of Canoe rentals that can accommodate all Algonquin Park paddling needs. Prices are quite reasonable; I think we paid around 45.00 Canadian Dollars for the most stable aluminium one for 4 hours. Besides giving us some quick instructions, the guys also provided us with a life vest and a map.
The map of Canoe Lake showed the routs, where to spot animals and all places of interest. If you are not very good at swimming, rent the most stable canoe even if it is little more expensive, especially if it is windy. It will help you float more smoothly. We were lucky because the weather was just perfect. While canoeing, there are chances to encounter wildlife; we were dying to see a moose but we didn’t see any.
Paddling in Canoe Lake was really relaxing. Even though I’m not a water activity person, it was just breath-taking and romantic. It’s such a wonderful way to experience that beautiful scenery. We highly recommend canoeing in Ontario because it is perfect for capturing the Canadian atmosphere. It fulfills the idea that we all have of Canada.
However, I strongly believe that 4 hours of paddling in Canoe Lake is not enough. If I had known it before, I would have taken the two or three days canoe trip. Sadly only later I found out about the wonderful guided canoe trip packages. They include staying overnight in the heart of the Canadian wildlife. I would have loved trying one of those.
Before you plan your trip to the Algonquin Park, I highly recommend that you take your time to gather all the needed information to make this trip the highlight of your stay in Ontario. Canoe lake and Algonquin park have a lot to offer compared to what it may seem. Try to join one of those guided canoe camping trips if you can. I’m sure you will be glad you joined.
Curiosity for Canoe Lake in Ontario
Canoe Lake was the favourite campsite of painter Tom Thomson. Thomson is a Canadian Artist who lived in the early 1900s and is known
for his thickly painted landscapes of the Canadian wilderness. He spent years painting mostly around Canoe Lake. He died mysteriously in July 1917 and his body was found six days later floating in the lake with fishing net wrapped around his legs. The cause of his death remains unknown as to whether it was an accident, suicide, or murder.
