Home to Algonquin

I would bet that most people have a place that they picture when they are having a rough day. A happy place, if you will. Without a doubt my family’s happy place is Algonquin Provincial Park. It is our favourite escape destination, a refuge from our busy big city lives, our home away from home and the jewel in Ontario Parks‘ crown.

I would also bet that most outdoor enthusiasts harbour a crazy tripping dream. My husband Fraser’s is a big one. It is his greatest tripping wish to paddle every one of Algonquin’s more than 1500 lakes. A gigantic park map occupies a wall in our house and every lake that Fraser has ever passed through has been shaded. There is an impressive percentage of that map already highlighted, but many more gems waiting for their turn to be coloured in.

We’ve been visiting the park for decades and since introducing our kids to Algonquin seven years ago, it has become our frequent playground. Because our trips are usually short, there are lakes that we haunt regularly due to their relatively easy access. But to check off some of the lakes deep in the heart of the park, was going to take a monster trip. And with the boys now reaching an age where they can haul gear like champs, we are ready to tackle a monster.

We’ve planned a canoe route that will cut the park down the middle running north to south and covering its entire maintained length. This journey will see us paddling and portaging our way through 36 lakes, over 105km and tackling 49 portages. While the route can be accomplished in less time, we’ve opted for a relaxed pace rather than a punishing schedule and will spend 20 days enjoying all the park has to offer.

At the heart of every family trip is our desire to share a love of the outdoors with our sons. When we let them in on our plans for the summer they were thrilled, if not downright giddy; they wanted to go immediately. It is their enthusiasm that drives us to ever greater adventures. For as long as I can remember they have been begging to carry heavier packs, go on longer trips and to take on bigger responsibilities. They wanted to trip like the big boys even before they were out of diapers. On this trip they will finally graduate to the ranks of serious voyagers.

Fraser will likely never see his wish fully realized, I mean we’re not getting any younger and the numbers are against us. We’re sure going to have a blast trying though. I don’t doubt that the four of us have a strong enough passion for canoe tripping, for Algonquin and for family to come as close as anybody has to fulfilling an impossible dream.