Breathtaking 5-Day Solo Canoe Trip in Algonquin Park

Join me on this 5-day fall solo canoe trip to reach the highest lakes in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. I faced freezing temperatures, countless beaver dams, and low water levels along the way. Despite these challenges, this is one of my most memorable adventures as the landscapes, wildlife, and fall colours left me in awe.
I hope you enjoy coming along with me on this adventure. Your likes and comments are sincerely appreciated.
~Kev
0:00:00 Intro
0:00:40 Day 1
0:07:35 Day 2
0:19:13 Day 3
0:40:14 Day 4
0:56:25 Day 5
#campingalone #canoecamping #algonquinpark #canoetrip

[@steveohorchler2669]

Nice trip beautiful sunsets and for not seeing anyone for 4 days what a plus!

[@kevinthewild]

Yeah it definitely was a great trip!

[@richardwildeman1267]

I just stumbled upon your channel a week or so ago, and we've binge watched everything you've posted now! It's seriously our favorite channel now. You should be right up there alongside Xander and Lost Lakes in KZbin fame and subscriber numbers! Just keep doing what you're doing, and you'll get there in no time. The Brent Solo Run and Killarney hike SOS are crazy epic!! You seem to be cursed with always having an insane headwind, but then super lucky with the most amazing campsites and wildlife encounters all the time. I've been earning a living in video production for 25 years now, so I especially appreciate a polished professional quality trip video like yours all are. And with just a bit of music at the head and tail, it seems to feel more real, like we're really tagging along on the trip, and your dialogue throughout is really great, entertaining and engaging, and the shooting and editing top notch. Funny, I went to check out your Instagram account after, and turns out we follow each other. I didn't notice the KZbin link in your bio before, I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box though. lol Really looking forward to this season's trips now!

[@kevinthewild]

Wow. This is one of the nicest comments I have ever received Ric. It makes me truly happy to know that you have enjoyed watching the videos that I have posted so far. I still have a lot to learn, but I am trying my best to capture and share the marvel and beauty of what I am seeing and experiencing on these trips. I love watching channels like @LostLakes for that very reason. We all share a love for nature and the outdoors - and although most of us only have a limited amount of time to pursue that passion every year - these videos can help fill in that gap. Thanks again for the very kind words. Cheers!

[@BDAWGRANGER]

Very nice, enjoyed for sure.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you!

[@terrimay6171]

The colors of the trees, water, the clouds, mossy rocks, all so beautiful. Were those otters at 3:49? They were hilarious! Great video - I enjoyed it.

[@kevinthewild]

Yes they were otters! Funny little guys - and usually quite curious as well 😄

[@jacksonwillbert1352]

I noticed them too

[@curtbush75]

Thanks for taking me along. The greenery and the blue water look sweet in the midst of a Long Winter in northern Minnesota.

[@kevinthewild]

The winter has been long here in Ontario as well. Hopefully we’ll all get some spring weather soon! Cheers!

[@avalonadventures8396]

Perfect mix of music, sounds of nature and narration. I'd like to see a l little fishing.

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks! I might bring a rod along on future trips.

[@eliwasson3414]

Hey just finished watching all your vids, their really good. Keep ‘em coming!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Eli! Really appreciate it! Cheers!

[@bampotbampot]

Another excellent video. Looks like a great trip with some fantastic campsites. Very well done.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you Bampot! It definitely was! Cheers 🍻

[@o1420]

Really enjoy your videos 😊

[@kevinthewild]

So glad to hear that 😊. Thanks for commenting

[@131416181]

Great video. Thanks for the beautiful images.

[@kevinthewild]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CarnivoreStork]

Great filming & editing, thanks for bringing us along. 🍁🌲

[@kevinthewild]

I’m glad you enjoyed 😊

[@timothyreid3061]

Hey Kev, just came outta those parts yesterday, 4 day solo, into Tern and back. Water level much better for me. McCormack lots of water, just had to pull canoe over grass hump off to the side. Love your stuff. I just watched this for second time. Did my first solo canoe trip, 62 yrs old last July, 6 day Kiosk Loop. You make it look so easy. Middle island on McCraney Lake north site is another beauty. I was fortunate to see moose and calves on Cashel and Tern and caught a nice speckled trout on McCraney as well. The highlight, I would say though, was the series of cascading waterfalls between McCraney and Clara (again my water levels were much higher than what you experienced). I really enjoy your presentations and thanks for the inspiration to get out there.

[@kevinthewild]

Just catching up on comments from the past few months. Wow that's great Tim! I hope you are able to get out on another trip before the season is over. Cheers!

[@dqsewlutionsinc.2168]

another great video !! that moose was so chill.! the tent pole repair sleeve should be inserted inside the poles but your way worked !! bravo

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks! Yeah I love how relaxed that moose was. And as far as the tent pole repair sleeve - unless I am losing my mind, there was no way to slide it over that particular section of the one-piece pole system on my tent, as there are large "Y" shaped connection pieces on either end...

[@dqsewlutionsinc.2168]

@@kevinthewild oh it was at the top ! :( > that happened to me too the sleeve pushed in ugh , I used a stick slid it inside the pole to fish it out back half way.

[@andrewpostma7640]

I absolutely LOVE watching your videos !! I wish you could go to Algonquin EVERY Week !!!I can't wait for more content, your filming , your narration, your resilience thru the portage s make your videos THE BEST imho , I could watch these all day long in my home theater !! Thank you !

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you so much! I should have another one out soon.

[@thewhitty8]

Great video!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks!

[@danielmartin402]

Great video Kev it was an awesome video. I was amazed by how close you got to the girl moose and you weren't scared. I noticed that you didn't take a fishing pole. Maybe you could have caught some fish to supplement your food rations so you wouldn't be so hungry at the finish but I am impressed with your determination and effort what a video. Hope you can make more canoeing videos.🚣

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Daniel. I actually have very little fishing experience, but I want to change that starting this year as I'd love to be able to add fish to my backcountry menu! Cheers!

[@ianlindsey3616]

Hell of a solo!!!! I give you a lot of credit on this tough route in mid October. CHEERS!!!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Ian! It was a fun one!

[@frankanderson5120]

We'll done laddie.

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Frank. Cheers 🍻

[@paulblubaugh589]

Sorry, I had to laugh when you woke up to frozen socks. Been there. Fortunately, for the most part, the weather held out for you. T-shirt days and freezing nights makes for awesome camping. I love seeing parts of the park I have never visited. You proved it on Clara Lake that the best campsites are the ones hardest to get to. You do know that moose on the last night was just mooning you when you got close. Another awesome trip. Thanks for letting me tag along.

[@kevinthewild]

Glad you enjoyed Paul! It was a great trip. And yes Clara lake was a wonderful surprise - including getting mooned by that moose 😄

[@Camp_the_woods]

Awesome video!

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you!

[@ride-paddle-repeat]

Really impressed with how you filmed this, the storytelling, the scenery, the wildlife shots. Absolutely breathtaking indeed. I've been watching multiple of your videos back-to-back and am grateful you shared these adventures with us.

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate hearing that you've been enjoying my videos. Cheers!

[@yooos3]

Planning to do a similar trip this summer and I was looking for some guidance when I came across this video. It's perfect! Not only the place, shots, and video but also I love that you had broken down in different days while mentioning every stop, and showing every hurdle! I have done multiple expeditions in the Himalayas but I am absolutely new to Canadian wilderness, so this helped :) Great video!

[@kevinthewild]

I’m glad you found it helpful. The Himalayas! Wow! Sounds incredible. Good luck with your trip this summer!

[@alexs3447]

A tough trip for sure .

[@kevinthewild]

It definitely got cold!

[@theamazingoutdoors]

Sometimes the most difficult moments of a trip become the most fondly remembered after the fact. Maybe it's because earning those beautiful and serene moments makes them all the more meaningful. Thanks for sharing! Really enjoying your channel.

[@kevinthewild]

Absolutely! And thanks for commenting! Cheers!

[@NotSoEpicAdventurer]

Thanks for sharing your trip! Looked to be another great adventure…. Already thinking about my spring Algonquin trip! I only have my 16’ swift so may look at renting a pack canoe :)

[@kevinthewild]

Give one a shot! They’re great for flat water solo trips.

[@NotSoEpicAdventurer]

@@kevinthewild cheers!!

[@alexu2954]

Fall colors are incredible! Thanks for another great video Kev!

[@kevinthewild]

They certainly are! Glad you enjoyed Alex. Thanks again for commenting 🍻

[@regbillings4955]

Awesome camping adventure video footage, thanks for sharing your canoe/camping trip. I love that park, been there many times in my youth :) Any issues with bears? Take care, cheers, thanks :)

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Reg! I’ve never had an issues with a bear. I hang my food and keep a clean camp so as to minimize chances of attracting them. I also carry bear spray with me.

[@astynasty8963]

So beautifull. This is really i want to do once in my life.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you. I hope you are able to!

[@Gillesgip]

Well done! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you!

[@jeffreyclark6728]

Just found your trip Algonquin Park journet. Really enjoyed your journey. I've done some really nice canoe trips in Maine more than several years ago. Just let me say I am in the 70+ year category and anyone that is watching this journey, then do it!.. Now!... life is but a fleeting wisp in the wind. Thank you for sharing your adventure. BTW, I really liked the canoe. reminds me of my kevlar Tripper. God Bless!

[@kevinthewild]

Wonderful comment Jeffrey. Thank you.

[@woodswalker7119]

Awesome trip!! Beautiful area and some great moose sightings!!

[@kevinthewild]

Yeah it was a good one! Cheers!

[@jeanmaucieri-mu3ks]

Heck of a trip Kev. I enjoy watching your videos and can’t wait being back in the park this spring. Keep these videos coming!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Jean! Really appreciate it.

[@mflacke]

Beautiful trip!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Flackee!

[@carltonbirds]

Very lovely, and all the colours.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you!

[@ellaashby5159]

One thing I am learning about you is that YOU HAVE A SWEET TOOTH . Ha Ha Another very enjoyable video. I have watched your videos all day from here in Southern Illibois. Cant wait for the next one. Having so much fun watching. thanks for filming these and sharing.

[@kevinthewild]

Guilty as charged 😂. Glad you're enjoying Ella!

[@miguelcampbello8983]

Great shots! Must have been there at the same time, also got hit with the snow.

[@kevinthewild]

That’s what makes it an adventure!

[@jjurksztowicz]

Holy beautiful! What amazing fall weather!

[@kevinthewild]

It was! Thank you!

[@Not_typical.Canada-edition]

The nature is amazing, thanks for sharing that beauty ❤

[@kevinthewild]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@ronbaker9971]

Just discovered your site and enjoyed the video. My spirit tells me I’d replicate your trip but my body and age say no. I look forward to viewing more of your trips.

[@kevinthewild]

Do what you can my friend! Cheers!

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you!

[@susieshurey3722]

Hello from Australia Kev, that was epic and so great to be able to share your stunning adventure new subscribers Cheers! :)

[@kevinthewild]

Well hello Susie 👋. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed coming along with me! I would love to explore the wildnesses of Australia one day as well. Thank you commenting and subscribing! 😊

[@stevefrompeterborough4007]

What a fantastic trip and video. October is an awesome time to trip in Algonquin Park.

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Steve! It certainly is! Cheers!

[@Dustin-65]

Very nice adventure ❤

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you!

[@ralfhedin]

Fantastic video, again! I especially appreciate that you share problems like finding the path on a portage, or the correct "canal" on the water. That makes it easier for me as a less experienced adventurer to accept my own mistakes, miscalculations etc.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you Ralf! Yes don't be so hard on yourself. We all make mistakes. Just try to be as prepared as possible for when you do. For example: I've fallen into cold water several times now, and each time I was very happy that I had extra clothes in a waterproof "dry-bag".

[@glassassoc]

Great presentation Kev, brilant wildlife photography and sharing of your views, thanks!

[@kevinthewild]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@canoeman1961]

Very nice filming. The rich colours in your film from the first few days with the sun at your back were incredible. Thanks for taking the time to show all the issues along the way for anyone who might want to give this loop a shot. A joy to watch.

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@vicki4801]

Gorgeous. For he first few days (up to McIntosh Lake) you were traveling one of my favorite routes in the park. It was good to see familiar places in the height of color. And those remote lakes on the way to McCraney. The moose. The frost. That campsite on Clara! Wow. Thank you for sharing this. Beautifully done.

[@kevinthewild]

I’m glad to hear you enjoyed Vicki. I hope you get to explore that route again soon.

[@bubba_czn1640]

What a great trip and video!! Thanks for putting it together. This time of year I look forward to my Spring trip so I like to watch some videos and this one was awesome. I can only do 2 or 3 nighter so I can live vicariously through well made videos of longer trips. Keep up the good work and I look forward to watching more of your trips. Peace.

[@kevinthewild]

I do the same Bubba. I’m actually watching someone’s spring Algonquin trip right now lol. Glad you enjoyed. My earlier canoe trip videos aren’t as well filmed or edited - but I’m trying to improve on every trip. Hope you have a great spring trip! Cheers 🍻

[@zootycoon2462]

Another AWESOME vid Kev! Keep up the great vids! It helps me with cabin fever!

[@kevinthewild]

I watch other people’s canoe trips for the same reason. Glad you enjoyed!

[@tercet]

Another awesome video, might as while rename your channel The Moose Whisperer =]

[@kevinthewild]

Hahaha. I might 😄. Thanks for commenting as always!

[@robertblack8334]

Wow you did amazing, doing that all alone , and great footage.

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Robert!

[@lusiiiman]

worth the sub! thanks for helping us live through your experiences!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@evanhungate1748]

Great trip, beautiful fall colours. Funnily enough, I also rented that exact canoe earlier this summer from AO. Was a great ride

[@kevinthewild]

Haha awesome! Hope you had a great trip with it as well!

[@denisesarazin6753]

It looks like the Keewaydin 15? If so I rented one too and loved it.

[@kevinthewild]

You got it Denise. It’s a great little solo canoe. Perfect for Algonquin.

[@louise200]

You were not wrong... that was absolutely breathtaking! Honestly, I think if donated a £1 for every single time I said, "Oh, wow!" you'd be a very rich man 🤣. The colours are so beautiful at this time of year, just gorgeous to look at, even if it was a bit chilly - and challenging - at times. And to have it all to yourself?! What a dream. Wonderful to see the moose... and the rather annoyed otters were funny (they be like: "oi, mate, this is our lake, move it along, move it along..."). You certainly have some great wildlife encounters. And amazing campsites. Just wow.... Aaaaand, there I go again...lol! Yes, I most definitely enjoyed coming along :)

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you Louise! So glad you enjoyed 😊

[@NicoA223]

I stayed at that site on Clara Lake in the summer, it was really cool. Did lose a fork, though.

[@kevinthewild]

I don’t recall finding a fork so someone else must have picked it up 😄

[@NicoA223]

Haha nice!

[@mikehoyer7750]

Great route, best time of the year and excellent presentation. Subscribed and can't wait to see more!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Mike! Cheers!

[@PaulFlude]

That site on McIntosh is one of my favourite as well! Did they take down the giant dead tree?

[@kevinthewild]

Hey Paul. Yes they did. That's the tree you can see me sawing in the video. Simply massive.

[@AngelesView]

Just stumbled on your video. Such a beautiful setting two of my fav things, fall and the lake. Beautiful sight to see, and you are pretty easy on the eyes too 😉 lol

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you Angele! And I’m flattered 😊

[@paquetteadventures4120]

Great trip. I had a moose sneak up on me one time, close enough for a selfie. When in October was the trip? Want to do a trip around that time.

[@kevinthewild]

Oh wow! This was the second week of October.

[@Tannertraversed]

Great video and shots! I can recall when my non native family visited Newfoundland, they didn't seem to have an intimidation factor when it came to approaching a moose, fortunately for them nothing went south and unfortunately for the rest the same cannot be said. You got some steel hanging to get that close. Props to you!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Ryan. I admit I might have gotten a bit too close to that cow. Her demeanour seemed calm and relaxed however, and she did have an escape route into the bush had she felt uncomfortable. I filmed her eating there for about 15 mins or so.

[@Nop188]

Fantastic views Kev. The image quality is stunning! With what did you film and what settings did you chose? Thank you!

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you! This video was actually all filmed on an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

[@PaulFlude]

Should have stopped by the falls. They were right there.

[@kevinthewild]

Next time!

[@DanOpdal]

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Just found your channel and subscribed. Cheers!

[@kevinthewild]

Glad you enjoyed Dan, and thanks for the sub!

[@DanOpdal]

@@kevinthewild You're very welcome, my friend!

[@jontowns6728]

Based on the weather and temps you are saying I think I left Algonquin on the day you arrived lol

[@kevinthewild]

How was the weather like during your trip?

[@jontowns6728]

@@kevinthewild amazing actually. The weather turned on the last night, was raining overnight and snow flurries as we were paddling out

[@kevinthewild]

Glad to hear! And sounds like you are right lol

[@nicholasdala]

I just seen your video now. I'm fixing to go back to Grand Lake in Achray!!!! I'd NEVER get that close to a moose without a appropriate means of protection! Do you ever go fishing while out ?

[@kevinthewild]

I’m looking forward to getting back into the park too! I haven’t fished on my past trips but I will bring a rod with me this year. Cheers

[@TRSwanVideos]

Love the colors/contrast and looks like you had nice conditions. What camera(s) are you using?

[@kevinthewild]

Thank you! In this video I filmed everything on an iPhone 14 pro.

[@kayakadventures247]

Very well done video . lots of details. thank you for sharing . Gust wondering what do you use to record video GoPro? of just your phone/

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks! This was all recorded on my iPhone 14 Pro.

[@davidmacdonald467]

Hi Kev, thanks for your earlier reply. Like the route you took and planning to do part of it (Rain Lake to McIntosh) and then likely head back to Rain Lake. Hate to back track, but need to enjoy the trip and be practical. I am a bit older than you haha and Potters Creek stuff looks challenging and also I am thinking of late August so I am not sure what the water levels will be like at Cashel Lake heading into Clara, despite Clara site looking awesome. May be next time. So my question is, seeing that I want to take it slow, I will probably want to over night between Rain Lake and nice Wenona site you stayed at. Any thoughts / recommendations on overnight Jubilee Lake or Moccasin Lake? Thanks mate.

[@kevinthewild]

Hey David. Both of those lakes have nice sites. I would say keep your first day short and camp on Jubilee. I often find that the first day of a trip feels more challenging as I am tired from the drive, the planning etc. Its nice when you don't have too far to travel before settling in for your first night. Enjoy your trip! It's a beautiful part of the park.

[@davidmacdonald467]

Thanks Kev. Really appreciate the help. It'd a long ways away until August but good to have locked in. I'm sure I'll have a few more questions between now and then. I've got a cabin on Lake of Bays, so will likely get some gear up in this area. Feel free to let me know of any favorite outfitters or camping stores up and around Huntsville / Algonquin area. Cheers.

[@kevinthewild]

Anytime! I've only used Algonquin Outfitters in the past. They were always great. @@davidmacdonald467

[@bampotbampot]

I notice that you used the Keewaydin 15 with the traditional canoe seat on this trip as opposed to the pack boat model. Interested to know the reasons for the change, and how you would compare the two models (stability, paddling efficiency, and ease of portaging). Cheers!

[@kevinthewild]

Good observation! Especially after my comments in my last video where I said I felt more stable in the pack boat model. Well I decided to give the canoe version another try since it had been 3 years since the last time I tried it. My thoughts - I actually quite enjoyed it! Keep in mind that I was on smaller lakes and I did not have to face any particularly strong winds or waves. I still feel that the pack boat is superior in those conditions as it is definitely a bit more stable. I was not able to easily slide my size 11 boots under the canoe seat to kneel. I did however very much enjoy the "freedom" of the canoe seat. Sitting higher allowed me to survey the creek that I got lost on. Easier to tackle beaver damns / getting in a out of the canoe. I think that if/when I buy a swift canoe, it will be a model with the adjustable canoe seat height - allowing me to lower the seat in difficult conditions. But I would sit in the elevated seat position 90% of the time. Also, the canoe seat did interfere with my backpack during portages a bit. And adjustable seat would be helpful in allowing more clearance for a traditional backpack like mine. Hope this helps!

[@kevinthewild]

Also, to maximize potential speed an efficiency on long travel days, I would recommend adding the kayak foot brace or foot bar to the solo canoe. On this trip I didn't feel like I needed it however.

[@davidwest6075]

@@kevinthewild I have the 15" Keewaydin with the adjustable seat and I can't recommend it enough. I hit some heavy wind and waves on Big Trout and McIntosh in September and the lower seat level felt stable and safe. As you mention, 90% of the time the seat will be in the higher level, but the ability to lower it in bad weather make for the best of both worlds. Enjoyed the new video! Nicely done.

[@kevinthewild]

@@davidwest6075 That’s great to know! My only concern was if there was any issue with it wanting to come out while upside down in portaging. But I love the Keewaydin and will likely buy one - I do want to try the solo prospector first though.

[@davidwest6075]

@@kevinthewild I've not had an issue with it moving at all. Swift's locking system, along with the magnets they use keep it snug. I like to use a traditional paddle as well as a kayak paddle, so the canoe meets my needs better than the pack boat. I liked the prospector as well, but the Kee just cuts the wind like butter. The prospector was great in the creeks, but I felt like I had less control on the open water. Both great boats though.

[@brando1937]

Nice video, but seemed a little too close for comfort with that moose!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks! And I definitely would not have gotten that close to a bull!

[@canesser1]

I see you have driven the Keewaydin! I have the canoe seat as well and my only beef is the foot room underneath with my size 12 clod hoppers but find the whole boat feels better with legs in race position anyway. Now that you have your own Prospector 14 what are your thoughts? Laid up with foot injury this paddling season so left a big hole in my life this year.

[@kevinthewild]

Yes I have a lot of experience in the Keewaydin 15. My size 11 feet don't easily fit underneath the seat of either. The Prospector 14 is a great boat too. I chose it for its added stability for my camera setup. It's a bit more maneuverable, same weight, but definitely slower than the Keewaydin. Can't go wrong with either in my opinion.

[@kevinthewild]

And I'm sorry to hear about your foot injury. Hope it heals up in time for next season.

[@Zakrivers]

Great video Kev! Whcih Werner is that , and what length? I'm trying to find what long enough to not drip in the boat, but not too long to be inefficient is? Thanks!

[@kevinthewild]

Thanks Zak! I think the paddle is called the Kalliste. The one I have is adjustable from 240 - 260cm, so you can dial it in exactly the way you want. It’s pricey but it’s been excellent for me so far.

[@Zakrivers]

@@kevinthewild thanks for the reply! Do you find you like it at the 260 end?

[@kevinthewild]

@@Zakrivers I find myself going between 245 and 255 in the solo canoe. But in a wider prospector I extend it to 260. Whatever model you get - get an adjustable one. It’s well worth it IMHO.

[@Habsolutely]

Fun! How did you navigate? Map and compass or GPS?

[@kevinthewild]

I use a map and compass, but I do have a basic map loaded onto my phone as a backup (Garmin Explore App)

[@grahamgill8834]

Do you know the site number on Clara lake ? Thanks

[@kevinthewild]

Hey Graham. It’s the only site on Clara lake for canoeists. The other two are for the backpacking trail.