Canoe Camping with Beginners, Algonquin Park Backcountry

Fall 2023; mid September, as the leaves were just starting to change, over a year in the making, we were finally able to take James' mom and partner out on their first backcountry canoe camping trip. James helped Rosanna and Steve plan all the gear that they needed to outfit themselves, they collected gear all summer long in preparation. Unfortunately two weeks before the initially planned fall trip, Rosanna, broke her ankle! The excitement resumed next fall, the fall of 2023. Here we go:
We entered through Magnetawan, night 1 Daisy Lake, night 2 Misty, night 3 Little Trout Lake
They completed their first portages, set up their new tent for the first time (disclaimer: it is recommended to try before your trip!) pulled over beaver dam after beaver dam, were rained on, got lost in the forest, ate fresh caught trout cooked over the fire.. had the true Canadian wilderness experience.
Emma, friend porcupine and new doughnut floatie that does not float very well, are also featured in this short comedy - ahem, I mean canoe camping film.
Alternative title suggested by Rosanna and Steve: Camping with Seniors
Let us know if we should edit the title in the comments 😂
Thanks for coming on the adventure with us!

[@timothyreid3061]

This is great. You guys are awesome for bringing the older folks along. They are such good sports. Emma steals the show as always.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

We were appreciative to them for the great company. Emma cannot help but steal the show, she’s a hoot. Thanks for joining along!

[@dritch2472]

Thanks for posting. I needed a canoe trip today. Two Packs and a Pup has made it into my top three backcountry canoe adventure favs. Along with Canoe The North and Lost Lakes. I prefer the quieter videos that really capture the serenity of backcountry without a whole lot of hoopla. Nice coverage. ♥

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

That’s high praise 🙏 we are humbled. John & Erin from Lost Lakes + Ashley & Keenan from Canoe the North are amazing. We’ve still got a beautiful peaceful canoe trip from the summer I’m editing now, so hopefully that’ll be out shortly. Thanks for coming along on the adventures ♥️

[@kristingrounds4163]

OK when you guys take beginners canoeing you really take them canoeing LOL!! They got the full experience with portages, big lakes, rain they had it all! I was laughing when she was trying to open the saw and wondering does she not watch your videos? LMAO!! This was a great one, thanks for sharing!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks @kristingrounds4163 ! We wanted to give them a well rounded experience 😂😉 they can’t wait for the next one- Which is coming up soon. Hope you’re having a great summer 🩷

[@mellissabgarden1549]

I just absolutely love your beautiful dog ❤

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

I told her, she is very happy and send her love back to you ❤️❤️❤️

[@walleyehunter8862]

Looks like a beautiful place ! There's nothing like getting away from civilization and enjoying the great outdoors ❤ !

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Totally 💯

[@gareman9417]

Thank you for posting this, it's nice to se some new footage of people enjoying the quiet outdoors without any irritating youtube "music" needlessly playing through out.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

We like to keep it real. Not trying to make a production out of it.

[@brianadventures9622]

Love it! How is that dog and donut combo so adorable!

[@ZackStubbington]

This is the first video I've ever watched from you guys... I subbed in the first five minutes. Loved it haha.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Awe thanks Zack! They aren’t all this eventful, we had great company on this one. 😂 hope you enjoy the other trips too, thanks for coming along!

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

You all are always worth the wait. The adventure was awesome as well video(as always) and due to the slightly higher level of entertainment, I am giving this a 2 thumbs up....and....Emma has a new name..."Plate Face"....that was just too much...I am sill laughing....thanks so much guys! And James' Mom and partner were outstanding troopers and comedy show in itself....thoroughly enjoyed.....thanks again and glad to see you all back!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Ah thanks Jim! Always great to hear from you! You are too kind - although I have to agree that Rosanna and Steve are a walking comedy show, we can’t wait to get out there together again. I’ll have to find a plate that floats a bit better for the next trip but plate face will return, because that was too funny. Still have trips to post from last year, hope to get ‘em out before this seasons trips begin! See ya on the next one Jim

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

@@TwoPacksandaPup Can't wait for more adventure with Two Packs & "plate face"...Emma the pup....LOL

[@tuckerandi]

Your video came upon my recommended list , seems KZbin got it right, love the outdoors especially if there's a big dog 🐕. New subscriber here.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Awe thanks so much! Very happy to have you, hope to see you on the next one 😉

[@tuckerandi]

@@TwoPacksandaPup have the bell pushed, but feel free to remind me lol. Have a great weekend

[@dustinfrost5214]

Looked like an amazing trip out canoeing and camping

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Was perfect! Thanks for coming along!

[@bradpeterson9583]

Thank you for making such good videos. My wife and I raised our children canoe/ camping in BWCA and southern Ontario for 20+ years. We both enjoy the three of you so much. Please keep making such nice videos . When will we see the next one.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Brad, comments like these make our day. We love the canoe camping community so much and it warms our hearts to hear that you and your wife enjoy the videos. We just love getting out there and sharing the trips with others who have the same passion. Editing time has been scarce recently, but we promise the next one will come soon! Appreciate hearing from you.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Emma constantly swimming back to check on the newbies at the beaver dam pull overs and her flower face donut thingy 😂

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

She’s very helpful 😂 and entertaining

[@IronJohn755]

Found your videos while looking for examples of taking big dogs on canoe trips. Your pup is so well behaved. I've got a big (80lbs) male golden. He'd absolutely love it but I have no idea how he'd do on portages, at campsites, sitting in the boat, etc. Currently in the daydreaming phase, looking to train him on local ponds & lakes before trying anything serious.

[@lawrencelee2599]

Glad you’re back….i just love Emma!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks Lawrence! Emma is priceless, always making us laugh ❤️

[@marionrogers6330]

Totally love this. So cool what you do with your parents is what we end up doing with our kids. Oh by way we are probably the age of your parents 😂

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Amazing! Love family trips, such great experiences to give your children.

[@yeoldfart8762]

Started the day with a fretless banjo tune and then a lovely float with you. A great start for the day and it's above freezing.Maybe we'll have an early breakup this year.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

So glad we were able to contribute to a lovely start to your day 😊 we’re preparing for an early ice out over here so we can get going on our first trip of the year! Let’s hope!

[@carlospacheco6871]

Very happy to see you back great video thanks

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for watching!

[@darrendavidsonoutdoors]

That was great! I like to see new people getting into backcountry canoe camping. When I start out with new people I tend to start them on a more front country crown land camping spot which we can drive to so I can see what skills they have or don't have and make sure they don't over react to thinhs that fo bump in the night. Then i graduate them up to a full backcountry canoe trip from there.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Smart! Yes if we didn’t know anything about them we may have done so. They were looking forward to a back country trip and now we’re all looking forward to the next one this year. Thanks for coming along on our adventure!

[@MidwestDreamer]

just stumbled across your video and your channel. I watch a few folks who go canoe trip camping and it makes me want to get out there and do it.. maybe one day! what a great video -- loved it!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Awe thanks Shauna! Really happy that you enjoyed it! You should plan to give it a try, warning, it is addictive 😊

[@rickleverenz4028]

I’ve watched a a lot of your videos and they are very informative and relaxing My family has had a camp on McCauley lake since the 50s and love the park and what it has to offer I have a video idea for you 2 I know you have lot of knowledge of the area and was wondering if you had plains to work on one of the portages that you feel could use some work I feel you would get a lot of satisfaction from giving back to the park and would make for some great videos keep them coming as I love what you 2 r doing Thanks 😊

[@Tents.and.Timber]

Whoa guys, loving this! Looked like an awesome time. What an awesome test for beginners, trying to open an Agawa Saw, hahaha. Keep the adventures coming and we hope to meet you out there one day!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much! Yes, would be fun to fun into each other. Thanks for checking the video out 😄

[@garymagill8553]

Another great trip/video. Makes me think I could do it again (I’m 76). Thanks for posting.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

You could do it again! Just takes planning to make sure it’s something you are comfortable with.. and some company/help is always nice 😊

[@backcountrylakes]

Great vid...thanks for sharing. Never to old to get out and experience the backcountry!!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Right?! Thanks so much! 😊

[@Larry77777]

Excellent camera work and editing. High resolution made it very realistic/enjoyable to watch.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you! Very glad that you enjoyed 😄

[@dwayneb7440]

How awesome to get to share your passion with them. Makes me even more pumped to take a friend from Kenya backcountry- if he ever gets his visitors visa. Great rhythm- nice trip

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Awe thanks, glad you enjoyed the trip and it fuels your excitement to take a friend. It’s so special to take someone that hasn’t been before ♥️

[@DaveInCanada081]

The old guy is a hoot! So cool.😂

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Yes we brought him for the entertainment. Emma better watch she doesn’t get upstaged

[@vendigrows]

A water dog with a life vest!!😂😂😂😂 I bet you love your dog but this is crazy!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

She’s lucky enough that she swims almost everyday - without a life vest.. but when we’re on a trip, we all wear one. Period. We’re on the water for 6+ hours a day, often in new places, there’s no harm in safety and setting an example for others. Luckily it doesn’t cause her any discomfort 😊♥️ she swims at camp without one of course.

[@lenbeaudry]

Another excellent adventure and you brought some newbies along good for you

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

That was great

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you! 🙏

[@kelleyursu8610]

This was great 👍 So funny, nice scenery, nice campsites, awesome

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you! Very glad to hear that you enjoyed!

[@octobersky64]

Great show tks for sharing😊

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks for coming along

[@adrianlois6284]

Pleasant video, the beautiful dog made me laugh, greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷🙋

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

She’s entertaining 😃

[@SB-3D710]

Love your videos. Would you ever consider doing a gear video?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much! Absolutely, we’ve had a number of requests for it. We will have to get around to it. We love our gear

[@mikemckinley1031]

Whose parents were they there a cute couple was it their first time canoeing I hope you take them along again. Very good video.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you Mike! Rosanna is James' mom and Steve is her partner. They have canoed many times, but this was their first time canoe camping. We will all be going again together for sure.

[@loulima91]

Awesome video! I did this loop myself a few years back it was nice to see one of the campsites i was at through your content. Thanks for making the doldrums of late winter much better! What app was being used for the map? I thought it was so cool.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Very cool app! Avenza and then Maps by Jeff Were happy to tide you over until summer 😀

[@donventura1834]

How About 'Never underestimate old folks with a canoe !!'

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

#badass love it. Will need to edit the title 😛

[@moegardner1]

Just wondered if you have ever had someone recognize Emma before they saw or recognized you. Thinking of the way she will run ahead on a portage. Thanks for the new vid, looking forward to summer even more now .

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Not sure, we don’t have her go farther than we can see so we’re usually all visible at once. For sure when we walk her around our neighborhood she is the one everyone knows 😂

[@MarkDohring]

So enjoy watching u guys canoe as a family. Which waterproof backpacks are u using.?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

They are MEC Slogg Deluxe packs

[@deskgamesix]

Welcome back!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thank you ❤️

[@Robert-cd2ht]

We want another adventure video!

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

😂😂 thank you for the encouragement! This is the nicest comment. Motivational to get those videos edited 👌 It’s coming!

[@Robert-cd2ht]

@@TwoPacksandaPup Sounds great and will connect with you soon.

[@adkkev]

Another good video! Now … where is your video about your trip to Yosemite??? 🤔😁

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Haha very good question! It is coming I promise!!!

[@DC-qe4db]

We are doing out first back country trip just doing rock lake to lousia lake. What would you say is you guys favourite site on lousia lake? We have heard 17 is worth checking out.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Louisa is gorgeous, you can’t go wrong! We just posted a video of this exact route

[@alexs3447]

Kind of a brutal route for newbies . Did you think of splitting them up so there would be at least one experienced person in each canoe. The dam liftovers looked really tough

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

They do have some paddling experience, so we weren’t worried, especially since we were all together all the time. No better way to improve than pull up ur pants and go for it.

[@alexs3447]

@@TwoPacksandaPup That's the canoeing ethic

[@soggywilson]

love those Slogg packs which ones are they?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Right?! We have the 70L and thinking of getting one 115L for longer trips and bulkier trips.

[@soggywilson]

@@TwoPacksandaPup I hope they bring some of the cool colours back.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

@@soggywilson Agree! I feel like black especially would be very difficult to see inside..

[@soggywilson]

@@TwoPacksandaPup and a black pack is soooooo boring

[@TomandMaryWhittaker-e8q]

When is the next trip?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

We’ve got it out finally 😄 more soon!

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

Well, if Rosanna does this more often, she will be stronger and less likely to get injured.

[@Sandi-hp4tf]

Great videos!! What camera do you guys use?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks so much! We just use our iPhone 14 pro’s.

[@Sandi-hp4tf]

@@TwoPacksandaPup oh awesome. Thank you

[@davidwalesby2426]

is that lake of two rivers being you end point?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Hey, no was not

[@foolkingog6950]

hi can I ask what kind of app you use when canoeing. Thanks

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Avenza and the map is Maps by Jeff, Algonquin Park

[@robmil2012]

Did you go through south river to get into algonquin park ?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Magnetawan Lake Access Point (#3)

[@kamilosuarez7043]

from access point to dasiy how long did u paddle for

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

It’s a good, very light day. We arrived in under 2.5 hours

[@davidwalesby2426]

where is the river at 12 minutes in the video

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Petawawa River

[@harrison1873]

What app is James using to have the map of Algonquin with location?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Thanks! It’s Jeff’s Map on Avenza, so helpful.

[@harrison1873]

@@TwoPacksandaPup thank you love the videos

[@octobersky64]

you going to do some new shows ?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

It’s been a min but we’ve got one out now!

[@limitbassfishing2733]

Would have thought you might have put one of you with each of them in a canoe just to have one stronger camper with them at least to help out some. It looks like they did ok so I guess it's irrelevant at this point.

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Good call out! We considered it, but with Emma shifting around so much, we felt it would be best if we both of stayed together with Emma to manage her shiftiness.

[@TrottiersFishingTips]

Can someone please tell me what those sausages were?

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Sikorski Garlic Sausages from Costco. Love them.

[@TrottiersFishingTips]

@@TwoPacksandaPupthank you

[@TrottiersFishingTips]

@@TwoPacksandaPup picked some up today lol can’t wait

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hey there you three!!! I saw you posted on IG but I’m trying to ween myself off of everything but KZbin when it comes to social. Maybe I should do it the other way around but who knows😂. Just wondering if you guys are going to be putting stuff up on the tube anymore?🥲. Miss you guys and hoping you’re having a good summer!! NQU

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

Smart to get off social media! Good for you. We will keep posting videos here. Just posted one last night. Hope to catch up on editing as I’ve got a few trips filmed that need to come out still. Thanks for stopping in to say hello!

[@batwithglasses]

Emma's toy is a hedgehog, not a porcupine..sorry, was driving me and my OCD crazy.🫣🥴

[@TwoPacksandaPup]

😅 haha it’s ok, I’m not offended. I have some ocd but it shows up differently. Naming things correctly, grammar and spelling are not strong suit. I’m not sure if porcupine will be ok with the name change though, we will have to either apologize for the inaccuracy or keep calling them that for consistency 😜