The Canadian canoe has become one of Canada’s most recognised icons. Invented by the Indigenous people of Canada, the canoe has been and continues to be a way of life for The First Nations. The country’s relationship with this narrow boat is significant, as canoeing became a tool of diplomacy and cross-cultural connection that made the creation of Canada possible. As such, there is no way more beautiful to explore Ontario than with a paddle in hand.
Ontario has over 250,000 lakes, containing one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. To experience these in all their glory, visit one of the most unique regions, Ontario’s Highlands, nestled between Toronto and Canada’s Capital, Ottawa. With a bounty of freshwater lakes, cascading rivers meandering through its valleys, and dense forests with toppling majestic trees, travelling through the waterways by Canoe is a bucket list experience.
Travellers can pick up a Canadian Canoe Route passport and follow a curated seven-day itinerary starting at the Canadian Canoe Museum. The museum in Peterborough is moving to a new purpose-built, five-acre waterfront location (meaning you can actually paddle up to it) along Ashburnham Drive in spring 2024. With the largest collection of canoes and kayaks in the world, this new building will become a cultural destination that inspires visitors to learn about Canada’s collective history through the unique lens of the canoe. Marking the perfect starting point, the seven-day itinerary will then entail travelling further north to Madawaska Kanu Centre on the east edge of Algonquin Park, a Madawaska River Trip; visiting the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre on Golden Lake; spending the night beach-side, along the Ottawa River, and end the trip’s final days with a whitewater adventure in a modern canoe, followed by a waterfront breakfast in Ottawa.
Day 1 & Day 2: With your Canadian Canoe Route passport, drive northeast to Elmhirst Resort on Rice Lake. Visit The Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough, to learn all about the Canadian canoe culture.
Day 3: Travel further north to Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC), on the east edge of Algonquin Park, where you can learn how to paddle a canoe. Enjoy MKC’s delicious meals, overnight in a rustic Cabana deep in the hardwood forest to get ready for your River day.
Day 4: Madawaska River trip, overnight at MKC.
Day 5: Visit The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre on Golden Lake, home of the world’s largest birch bark canoe. Head further east, spend your night beach-side along the
Ottawa River at the OWL Rafting Resort.
Day 6: Today, you’ve come for whitewater adventure in a modern canoe—and a daylong rafting experience through the legendary Rocher Fendu rapids awaits. Enjoy a freshly grilled meal aboard the OWL Pontoon boat, watching the Canadian Shield pass by, reflecting on 400 years of Voyageur culture. Big sky overnight at OWL.
Day 7: Waterfront breakfast before finishing your journey in the Nation’s Capital. In the City of Ottawa, a must-stop is the Aboriginal Experiences on Victoria Island to complete your passport.
Add on: Continue along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route connects Ottawa with Kingston. Stop for a half-day paddle, or cruise the full length with your own Le Boat rental and experience the Rideau.
For more information, please visit www.destinationontario.com
