Solo Canoe Trip to Killarney - Part 1: OSA Lake Arrival

[@robertmoneypenny6028]

Made this same trip with ;my wife, son and grandson in September 1998. This brought back a lot of memories. Thanks for that.

[@andreabrand23]

Hi Robert, thank you! I apologize for my delayed response (took a break from social media for awhile). I'm glad it brought back memories for you. It's such a lovely trip - I'm excited to take my kids there this season and make some family memories there too :)

[@cmargheimable]

Love it!!! Subscribed.

[@nicholasmelosi]

Nice work

[@costas_karpi]

Excellent Andrea, nice one 🛶👍💪

[@andreabrand23]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@jaclynbrand3887]

Thank you for sharing your adventure with us who may not get to attempt this living soo far away. This would be a dream of mine.

[@andreabrand23]

Thank you for watching! Perhaps someday we can go together! :)

[@paulbossence5687]

Looks like a great trip, thank ya

[@andreabrand23]

It certainly was! Thank you for watching!

[@OutdoorsMyLife]

Nice video, I have decided to subscribe, keep making more videos

[@andreabrand23]

Thank you!! I truly appreciate your support!

[@ameliagleasonn]

amazing love it love u mom

[@andreabrand23]

love you!!

[@DavidNorthFilms]

Good for you. That really is a beautiful campsite. I head out on my first solo canoe trip next month and I can't wait. Thanks for sharing your video.

[@andreabrand23]

Yay! That is so exciting!! Hope you have an amazing time!

[@outdoorfunforeveryone4659]

Awesome video love the dog

[@andreabrand23]

Thank you so much! She sure is a great dog!

[@musicbycandlelightmbc3225]

Hahaha, I hear you panting...lol. Gosh I miss those days. I canoed every single lake including Norway lake and Sandy Lake by Silver Peak way back there except for Nelly lake which is a 3,000m portage from Grace lake. Too long with gear going uphill..lol. It is an extremely clear lake. Killarney is stunning and absolutely breathtaking. OSA was my favorite by far. I also loved the graveled beach coming out of the portage and on to OSA. Greatest spot is either the first or second island to the far left if I remember correctly. There is a high cliff to the left...I think? If you were to go to the end of OSA lake, you can make your way by a few portages through Artist Creek until you eventually reach an inlet of Georgian Bay. You get to traveling along the Blue Ridge (right) and South La Cloche mountain range (left). I miss those fun filled days and beautiful peaceful times of paddling and camping...sigh. I wish I could find someone or if I had a partner to do that with. I had left the mining town of Sudbury to live out in BC years ago. I really miss the plethora of lakes and rivers and parks like Algonquin. Killarney will always stand out above them all.

[@andreabrand23]

Thank you so much for watching and for your beautiful comment! I've heard Nellie Lake is beautiful, but yes, 3000m is a long portage. You'd definitely hear me panting on that one, lol. Maybe someday! Sandy Lake looks like it would be a peaceful spot, with only one campsite. OSA was such a special destination for me, since I'd been dreaming of going there for years. Algonquin is another favourite place of mine, but there's just something about Killarney... about the way it FEELS. Killarney has certainly captured my heart

[@MichaelSmith-lm6xl]

The portage to Nellie is actually not as bad as it might look. Yes it’s long, but much of it is pretty flat. It’s an incredibly beautiful portage also

[@geomamma519]

Love your video! How long did it take you to get from the George Lake access point to OSA? I'm dreaming of a solo trip myself. Maybe to Ruth Roy? Gorgeous video and site. Thanks!

[@andreabrand23]

Thank you! It took about 6 hrs to get from George Lake to OSA. I prefer taking my time & paddling with a canoe paddle vs. a kayak paddle. I also double carry the portages. Definitely found it challenging at times, especially during high winds. I've actually considered a trip to Ruth Roy too. I feel like a solo there would be amazing!

[@geomamma519]

@@andreabrand23 Thanks for your reply! Yes I think Ruth Roy would be incredible. The put-in there is a bit tricky and steep, but at least the portage is very short. Johnnie Lake can be windy but at least it's a direct, easy route! I think I'm going to put Ruth Roy on my list for a solo trip this fall!

[@andreabrand23]

​@@geomamma519 I have camped on Johnnie Lake in September, and it was a lovely trip, even though unseasonably cold! Since there were no portages, my friend & I filled the canoe with art supplies and spent 2 days painting! A bit of an homage to the Group of Seven artists :) Fall is my favourite season, and as a plus there are no bugs! Good luck on your solo trip, and hope you have the best time turning that dream into reality!!

[@geomamma519]

@@andreabrand23 I love your homage!! How lovely. September-no-bugs sounds perfect. Plus the park is quieter! The weather can always be dodgy, even in summer when you can be hit by torrential storms ;). Last year we were in Killarney during the storm that caused a tornado in Barrie. We spent the day under the tarp! Wishing you happy trip planning for this year.