Ontario’s Noganosh/Kelsie/Island Lake Lost Canoe Route Portage

[@kayakncamping]

Tim brings up a good point around 3:50 that many people may not be aware of (but certainly need to be). If portages fall into disuse and disappear, the surrounding waterway is no longer qualified as “navigable”, which opens the area up to “other interests”. These nefarious business interests can then make the assertion that the land is not used by the public, and thereby allows them to apply to use the land for “resource extraction”. Consequently, it’s in the best interest of paddlers to seek out “lost” portage routes, keep them established, keep the waterways classified as “navigable”, and keep out the mining and logging companies.

[@LostLakes]

You know you've had a hot, tiring day when you only want one whisky lol. Awesome vid, always great to see activity in the area. Such a worthy destination for southern ON. Aside from QE2W, I don't know any other crown land spots in the area where you can easily travel for a week+. There's a big loop here that could take two weeks really, with a great mix of whitewater and large and small lakes. Glad you found the map. If you have any tracks for updates/corrections, I'm all ears. A lot of the tracks were received second or third hand.

[@scottengh1175]

The red plaid jacket looks better on Tool Man Tim. Respect to you all. We always used a drying bag in Boy Scouts. Haven't seen one in 45 years.

[@PineMartyn]

Hmm, the race is on now...to see which of us re-establishes that portage from the other direction. My thanks to all four of you for putting in that work. Cheers, - Martin

[@schultzoutdoors8799]

I can't wait to reap the fruits of your labor!:-)

[@ayrguitars9173]

I was through there twice in the past 5 years. The trail from the John Lake has always been there - I found it and it was in surprisingly good condition. That was in 2016 though. The Kelsie end, there areas no sign of a trail at all. And a very confusing route; there were markings going off all over the place. Anyway, it opens up a ton of tripping options.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Nice, next time stop by my place on your way home!

[@jasonmcdaniel7878]

If you mixed Robin Williams with Stephan Root you'd probably get someone like Andy. Hahaha! Great vid! Nice try clearing the portage! It still looked like a fun time out there.

[@robintheoutside]

Sabrina and I have researching Island Lake Forest and Barrens for one of our trips and we stumbled across this video. We just want to thank you, Tim, Andy and Doug for this. And Kevin, as always, you're freaking awesome. Thank you for all you do!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. It's a great area for paddling.

[@joshuascudds3407]

Great to see you out with the boys on Smokey Kevin!

[@camper69]

Over 30 years ago my group canoed in the Noganosh area. Great trip with the ICOC out of Hamilton. No thunderboxes then.

[@kgdblade]

Thanks for your hard work trying to open up this key link. I've been to Nagonosh a few times and I'm a bit happy about the clean-up efforts as some of those sites back there were a bit 'hunt-camp'-ified with all the homemade furniture and such. Your vision of making this a 7 day loop would be absolutely fantastic. Maybe it will ispire the MECP folks to turn it into something formal. Cheers. K

[@RodMurray]

This video brought back many memories. My paddling buddy and I led a camp trip through here in the 70s, the trip became known as the “Magnetewan Bushwhack.” Trying to imagine the route we took back then. Will have to revisit this area soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@martinmeltzer2696]

It is good to see you and your friends out on the water and in camp again... not to mention doing a good thing by attempting to reestablish the portage! As much as I have enjoyed the whiskey/fireside chats... I have missed this, even though the pandemic has really played hob with our daily routines. I vicariously live my camping/outdoor/canoeing/adventuring life through your videos! Thank you, Kevin for sharing this with us! All The Best, Martin

[@TheHappyCamper]

I liked the whisky chats as well - but it was sure nice to be in the woods again.

[@tsocanuck]

great work kevin ..i think all ontarians will appreciate you and the guys hard work ....building a better and more beautiful ONTARIO

[@ExploreTheBackcountry]

Well done! So many options to loop through that area!

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Kevin: Quite an adventure. Great companions. Something that I have had to put in my past; but I sure enjoy the feelings you have brought forward forward for me. Thanks for bringing me along. Stay Safe Brian 80

[@kayakncamping]

Someone's carrying a Bob Dustrude saw. Looks like the 30", too. Love that saw!!

[@jeremyb6361]

I love Canadian Outdoor Equipment, great shop

[@Mrmynameisasa]

Thanks for cleaning our backyards and keeping these underappreciated areas accessible!

[@bradfenton]

Great work fellas!!

[@tombeasley4896]

Appreciate the work you guys did marking the trail, always great to see people maintaining the routes. Got a trip planned this September, hopefully we can get the rest marked out for you. All the best, hope the rest of the trip went well!

[@OntarioWoodlandAdventures]

First minute into it, a good laugh. Excited for the rest!

[@mcetcher]

That Keslie portage always sucks. lol. Been that way, way too many times. I live about 5 kms from the west shore of Noganosh.

[@TheHappyCamper]

You have an amazing backyard.

[@davidwolfe9950]

I love what you guys are doing. I wish there were more people like us still around. Hope to see Tim soon at The Canadian outdoor equipment store.

[@sderby4297]

I'm liking the video montage and music! Thanks for getting me "virtually" out.

[@gwynjones7801]

One of the best backcountry videos out right now! Thanks for this. Hope you can make it back out there to make it a 'found' route.

[@bobdraws]

Thanks for taking us along.

[@RxRidgerunner]

Hello from Florida. Always love your trips. Good group of guys working for a great cause. Looking forward to the completion of the portage.

[@CanoehoundAdventures]

Great work fellas. If more people would do the same thing (properly and legally) then more lost canoe routes would be preserved form all to use. It is amazing what you will find for markers... Blazes, Cairns, Flagging Tape, BEER CANS, Directional felled trees etc...

[@tiamaria1618]

I attempted to find the portage from the Kelsie Lake side in mid July/2021. There was a big rock cairn on the SW side of the shore so we started there. In hind site, I would try the NE side next time; it looks less dense in satellite pics. We bush wacked a 50m or so 'til we were able to get the canoes back into the water/swamp and were able to paddle a meandering 'creek', much like Farm Creek, to about half way. Then we took to the NE shore and attempted to find the portage that Kevin et al had marked. That was over a month ago now so I don't recall a lot, but while I think we found some markers there was still a lot of bush wacking. When we got to John Lake we had to make our way through 5m of partially floating bog to get the canoes into enough water to float them. There's got to be a better spot. We must have disturbed a bees nest because me and my paddling partner got stung quite a few times. So, lot's of work still to be done but definitely doable. Next time I'll study the satellite images a bit more as the NE shore looks more open than the wooded SW shore. Also, I wouldn't try to make this part of a trip unless you've got good compass skills. Exploring it as a day trip would be a better option. We have Garmin way points but I couldn't figure out how to share that here.

[@johnebenal]

Thanks Kevin, a great topic and we'll done.

[@OpenAirOutdoors]

Fantastic seeing routs being revived! Great stuff guys👌

[@WaterWalker16]

Great vid Kevin. Good work guys. We need to keep our canoeing heritage alive!!

[@Rudecheers]

Great stuff guys! Never thought about the importance of portage-trails like that before.

[@martincuda7947]

Let's start a portage maintenance association!

[@crazyhorsejohnny1974]

The “new guy” Doug’s voice sounds familiar. A commercial maybe. Lol !!! Anyways thanks for sharing. Take care and stay safe.

[@keithlabonte2547]

Great video! More please lol. I will check out that portage and lend a hand next time I’m up that way.

[@AdamRomanoExplores]

Great work you gentlemen are doing. Thank you. 👍

[@shesablue4243]

I love when the gang all gets together

[@CanadianSledDog]

This is so cool I was just scouting satellite view in this area and looking at these lakes, type noganosh into KZbin, after watching your video I learned so much!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Hope you have a great trip

[@filmic1]

Really nice, great sound track. That was quite a job. Thanks for sharing!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Just fantastic Kevin ! Great effort man ! Thanks for sharing,Cheers !

[@brucemair2486]

Passed you guys on our 3rd day on Noganosh Lake!

[@TheHappyCamper]

How was your trip?

[@brucemair2486]

@@TheHappyCamper fantastic thanks. We couldn't believe it, the whole reason we went there was your 50 Canoe Routes book. The first person we see in three days was you and your crew....what are the odds? Suagern River is next, again thanks to your book.

[@loversofthepark5668]

Good group of guys

[@paddlehooked4687]

Happened to bump into you guys in Noganosh while you were heading out. Thanks for putting in the time to maintain the route and all the other things you’ve done for the canoe tripping community!

[@TheHappyCamper]

Thanks. Were you the family on the Smoke Lake portage?

[@paddlehooked4687]

KCHappyCamper nope, the two ugly fellas in the big green canoe on Noganosh, right at the point when it starts to turn towards the narrows. We had fishing rods sticking out of every side of the canoe. Caught an epic pike moments after you passed. Well over 40”, fish of a life time for sure. Can’t share the photo here but can send on FB.

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@paddlehooked4687 That's amazing! So glad you had a good trip.

[@nigelgregory4777]

Hi from England, loved the vid, no canoeing but the guys back together having a laugh trying to get their life back, this is a massive job for four people, maybe you could get a working group to sort out the trails in shifts of small groups, as this would help tourism are government grants available. Once again, many thanks for the video. Nige (north Manchester, UK.)

[@augustoutside5130]

I've found a great way to fund and mark Portages is to.find them in the winter time. When snowmobiles travel through them

[@KevinOutdoors]

Nice video Kevin. I got curious and checked out the area in Google Earth it does look like a great place with lots of potential. And good to see Andy back on a trip!

[@HusbandWifeOutdoorLife]

nice! Been missing seeing these videos with the guys!

[@kevinsdm1524]

Great work! Cheers

[@andrzejmadrivercanoe6979]

I love watching your trips 👍

[@FreakofNature1]

Excited to see this through! Rough day if your only having one drink ;)

[@clarkygarage4364]

Speaking about canoe trails going obsolete. Super simple answer get your neighbourhood ATV Club to blaze a trail. They would be more than happy to and respect your way of travel.

[@markchuchra8399]

Hi Kevin, I am a recent subscriber. And I just ordered three of your books. Nice video. I am preparing for a trip to Noganosh in a week or so. This will be my first time there but I found your video inspiring and confirming. Do you recall to what extent you were able to get a cell phone signal on this lake or smoky lake? I was looking at a coverage map posted by Rogers and it seems like it is within their coverage area based on their map. But it is also very close to a “white hole“ in their coverage map, which often indicates that signal is spotty or absent. It may depend on the individual device you are using as well. I am hoping to discover that there are places where I can use an iPhone to text family at least once a day, otherwise I may be guilted into getting a satellite device that enables messaging / sos signals. I would rather not get an additional device and subscription service as I would rarely be needing it.

[@tiamaria1618]

Kevin, I don't have much experience orienteering, but couldn't you have just followed a bearing and marked a new portage? The topo maps you had, could have helped you avoid marshes and hills. You're more experienced than I, so what am I missing?

[@manelikalski]

Thanks for sharing Kevin! I feel like yourself, Andy, and Tim need to start a band. Tim should take lead.....

[@TheHappyCamper]

I'll take the drums LOL, Andy keyboard, Doug is definitely the bass player,

[@canoedaddy9515]

Band name: The Trailblazers

[@jimsmedley234]

Kevin: don't maligne the two burner Coleman stove. I finally recognized it's usefulness on a 1995 Temagami trip during a fireban with a 4 month old (youngest of three) for 8 days. It's actually very light and compact. The fuel tank fits inside (if you're taking a stove along you're going to have a fuel tank and burner anyway) and you can fit a 1 L , 0.9 L and 0.6 L Sigg fuel bottle inside, as well as the fuel tank, pot lifter, matches and sparker. It provides two burners and a stable cooking surface. It's Hell on wheels when you dump the dinner to the ground from one of those small stoves and have 3 hungry kids on your hands. The light stamped sheet metal frame also provides a built in and excellent wind screen. It fits right at the front of the Wannigan and is easily accessible for a cold day lunch. Mine has been down the Petawawa, Madawaska, Dumoine more times than I can count, as well as the Kattawagami (toughest portages I've ever faced in 55 years of tripping - with children!). the Mountain River and the Moisie. Many of those trips were done with Wanapitei trippers and V2 leaders whom Doug may know - not certain, but they may have been the ones to introduce the 2 burner Coleman to Camp Wanapitei.

[@imbezol]

This is the most epic story I have ever heard about a camp stove.

[@paulkerby4829]

Great VId One of your best

[@schultzoutdoors8799]

Thanks for this Kevin, very interested in this route.

[@willgresham5311]

Had the same experience as you coming from the Kelsie Lake side 3 years ago, a couple Cairn's and no clear path forward. Also noticed a significant amount of bear scat, definitely going to have bear spray on hand this time around. We've been making plans for the past couple weeks to try and hoof it from the John side in September. Here's the route. imgur.com/a/qqRLMyi Who knows, maybe we can take up the mantle and mark the second half. Wish us luck!

[@ayrguitars9173]

Will - that image you posted, I did that exact route back in..... 2015? Pretty sure that was it. Did an even longer version the following year that brought us out to Wilson Lake / Naiscoot, then up the south branch of the Mag. Been trying to get back through there for the past 3 years but stuff kept getting in the way. Although in 2018 we did connect up to the Pickerel R. for an even longer loop, but it bypassed John & Kelsie altogether. Finally have a window of opportunity coming up; I'll be back through in September.

[@conniewaite1996]

We have a 3burner like that stove.It is my hubbys

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

Wise Old Gandalf...ensuring the Trolls stay out with their nefarious usage of resources..."You Shall Not Pass beyond this restored portage!" - Puff! - Puff! (on the pipe).

[@chrisschell90]

I'm so torn between sshh keep this place a secret or blaze a portage so clean I can see it on Google Earth!!!

[@TheHappyCamper]

That's a very good point and something I always consider before promoting an area.

[@TheHappyCamper]

@@chrisschell90 Ess Narrows

[@canoedaddy9515]

Hi Kevin. I was so happy to find this video today. I've been asking about this portage for the past month on myccr and I'm pleased to see that the likes of the Happy Camper is having similar thoughts. www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=33000 I was thinking of trying the big loop from Wahwashkesh to Island to Noganosh to the Magnetewan and back to Wahwashkesh this July. It was only this portage that I was concerned about as it would be a solo trip. It was a valiant effort though, boys, and much appreciated. If anyone is interested in attempting this with me alongside some clearing efforts, please weigh in. Maybe something can be worked out. A post by a fellow canoer who goes by the handle of cbert was in there last week from the Kelsie side and lost the trail shortly after taking out on Kelsie. What a great loop it would be if that portage gets marked and cleared in its entirety. Always enjoy your videos, Kevin. Keep them coming!

[@tiamaria1618]

Kevin, I'm curious, and I've never attempted what you did here. With a good quality topographic map and a compass, couldn't you have just made your own portage, following a bearing and deviating around obstacles when needed?

[@TheHappyCamper]

It's doable, as long as you have good navigational skills - but it would better overall if there was one specific trail to help the majority of paddlers.

[@Alien2799]

How is the bug tent in the rain? Is it leaky? I would imagine that it is Ok up to medium rain only? Thank you

[@TheHappyCamper]

It works out ok, actually.

[@melarch.5424]

Hi Kevin, this is Mel Kusec from FB. We went there about 4-5 years ago from John Lake side trying to find this portage but lost the trail after about 300 metres. I was on the Island Lake side in 2016 and we did not go to Kelsie. On myccr there is a thread and picture where a party with Erhard did the portage to Kelsie from John hee is a link to an old post from 2009 www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/viewtopic.php?f=107&t=33000&p=307567&hilit=kelsie#p307567 seems like CanoeDaddy posted recently as well.

[@tiamaria1618]

Kevin, I'm game to help find the trail from the KelsieLake side, but how the heck do you get to Island Lake? I've looked at Google maps and it seems like that could be quite the trip. Would you get to it from the north east end of the Magnetewan? Those look like some long portages, if they are even there. Keen to help just need some guidance.

[@TheHappyCamper]

You paddle up Farm Creek. There three shortish portages and a bunch of beaver dams. Access is on Wahwashkesh Lake. It's written up in my Top 60 Canoe Routes of Ontario book.

[@robertdendooven7258]

I have to ask about the tools Tim brought for the trail clearing. Would electric pruning and small chain saws work easier or are they not allowed in Provincial Parks or Crown Land in Ontario? How come you had no footage of yourself doing work Kevin? It sounds like a conspiracy that YOU have to do all the filming to get out of work? LOL!! Seriously, I would have liked to seen how those tools looked in action, even briefly, to see how useful they are.

[@TheHappyCamper]

I meant to film us using all the tools Tim brought but the heat was starting to get to me and I didn't do much filming near the end. Sorry. Here's a video from his channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYfWnZqbiJeEl8U

[@kevinbungles]

The FAB four

[@straightouttacompston3179]

Some really great content on this page, I just smashed the subscribe button! I'm living in Banff and vlogging my experiences too! Would be honoured if you checked it out!

[@jeremyb6361]

Nefarious industrial purposes