We've got just the adventure for you. Come explore Algonquin Park by paddle board on this 4 day, 3 night weekend escape. It's time to level up your SUP skills with the support of knowledgeable guides while enjoying all this iconic Canadian park has to offer. Paddle-specific breath work, meditation and movement sessions will gently prepare you for the day and delicious gourmet meals crafted by our private chef will keep you fuelled and happy.

Glide through the pristine Canadian shield wilderness on your stand up paddleboard by day and relax in a floating sauna by night. This trip is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore Ontario's beautiful landscape by its classic waterways. Wildlife is abundant and your paddleboard and secluded cottage basecamp are the perfect vantage points to see it all at the peak of fall colours.

The adventure is based at Nipissing Cottage & Cabins situated on Kawawaymog Lake to ensure a soft landing after a full day of paddling. Bring your bathing suit, binoculars, cameras, art supplies or fishing rod to enjoy your downtime as you commune with nature in the way you love best, right at the height of Ontario's fall colours. 

Algonquin Park is world-renowned for its natural beauty and we are so lucky to be able to offer this amazing opportunity to paddle board through the park at the peak of Ontario's fall colours. You will have the chance to see some of the most stunning scenery in Ontario while enjoying the tranquillity of being on flat water.

Paddling into the seclusion of the wilderness will connect you to nature in ways you may have never experienced before. Observe moose grazing on water drenched lily pads, busy beavers preparing their lodges for winter and if lucky, listen to the howl of a wolf pack and the haunting call of loons across the water.

Fresh swimming waters, and Group of Seven shorelines beckon to the lover of all things outdoors.

Location : Algonquin Park, ON, Canada

Welcome to the Algonquin Cottage Outpost. This incredible retreat boasts over 650 feet (200m) of shoreline, a main cottage, and two chalet suites. With docks, decks, campfires and even a floating sauna, it's a dream destination for a group of water-loving adventurers. 

The off-grid cottage and cabins are powered by solar energy, ensuring ample lighting and running water from the well. Additionally, a propane heater is available to provide warm shower water. Each building is equipped with a flush toilet for your convenience.

Relax in the quiet of Algonquin Park, disconnecting from your devices and connecting with nature, yourself, and your fellow SUP community.  

On this 4 day adventure, we delve into the world of paddleboarding on inland waterways (lakes and slow-moving rivers) sometimes with wind and waves. Our comprehensive course provides you with the theory and techniques needed to navigate these dynamic conditions with confidence. 

You'll learn essential techniques such as efficient paddle strokes, how to paddle better in a straight line, foot positions, edging, and bracing, rescues, navigation and trip planning allowing you to take your paddle boarding skills to the next level. Beginner paddlers will also become confident through our "Challenge by Choice" philosophy and positive, patient learning atmosphere.

Join us to to enhance your paddling abilities and explore new horizons on the water in a relaxed and supportive space. 

Pam has created a series of "Wellness for Paddlers" rituals that she uses daily throughout the year to help keep her mind calm and body relaxed, mobile and fit. Twice a day we will gather on the deck, dock or on-water and ease into a gentle combination of breath work, meditation and mobility moves that will warm you up for the days adventures, then relax and stretch your paddling muscles with a mindful flow at the end of the day. You will feel the difference this daily ritual makes, as it bookends the serenity you will find in this natural setting.

The wood-fired, floating sauna in Algonquin Park is a unique sensory delight, especially in the crisp October ambiance. Amidst the tranquil waters, immerse yourself in this warm haven as autumn paints the landscape in shades of red and gold. The sauna's crackling fire blends with the rustling foliage and distant wildlife calls, creating an enchanting symphony. 

Alternating between the sauna's heat and a cold lake plunge invigorates the body, stimulating blood circulation, metabolism, and immunity. This revitalizing ritual detoxifies the body and clarifies the mind, with each breath becoming a meditation. Stunning views of Algonquin's wilderness enhance this experience. More than physical cleansing, it's a profound connection to nature's rhythms, our primal instincts, and ourselves. The blend of fiery warmth from within the sauna and chillier outdoor temperatures is both soothing and exhilarating, providing a momentary escape from everyday life. 

In essence, the wood-fired floating sauna at Algonquin Park in October indulges the body and soul, refreshing tired muscles and offering respite for busy minds while basking in nature's awe-inspiring autumn display.

As autumn unfolds, Algonquin Park in Canada transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of crimson reds, fiery oranges, and striking yellows. This exquisite display of fall foliage offers an ever-changing backdrop to the expansive wilderness and serene lakes that define the park. The crisp air is filled with an earthy scent that invigorates your senses as you traverse the park's numerous hiking trails.
This time of year also promises less crowded paths, allowing for intimate encounters with nature and wildlife. The solitude makes it ideal for bird watching, as many species begin their migration south. Additionally, the cooler temperatures make outdoor activities like canoeing and exploring more enjoyable while providing spectacular sunset views over the beautifully hued treetops.

Yvonne Lamb joins us on this trip to keep you well fuelled with healthy, delicious fare using locally sourced ingredients and recipes inspired by the bounty of Northern Ontario from farm to lake. Yvonne finds adventure outdoors but especially in the kitchen where she creatively prepares scrumptious breakfasts, picnic lunches for our busy days paddling and exploring, as well as special dinners to share around the campfire. Yvonne shares her culinary expertise with fun activities for guests to take part in the cooking. We know some guests come just for the laughter and magic Yvonne brings to the table.

Hi! I'm Pam!

I am a certified Paddle Canada SUP Basic & Advanced Flatwater Instructor, as well as a Coastal Touring 1 Instructor. My goal is to share a love of the water, from the perspective of paddling and marine literacy in order to foster connections between people and between people and the water. My teaching style emphasizes safety & technical skills while having fun in a positive, supportive environment.

Having studied Marine Biology at the University of Guelph & Commercial Photography at Sheridan College, I am blending my passions through teaching SUP in BC and ON. My love of the water has led me to many aquatic pursuits - canoeing as a child, competitive sailing, sprint canoe/kayak racing and long-distance Outrigger Canoe racing before discovering the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding.

This is an entry level to advanced paddle adventure with options to level up based on the groups skills and interests. 

• Must be comfortable in and on the water, able to swim with a PFD and keen to learn SUP skills. 
• You do not need to be an expert paddler but must have the fitness to paddle leisurely for approximately 4-6 hours with frequent rest and snack breaks on shore.
• If you or a friend are interested in attending, but would rather spend more time onshore, you are most welcome to come for the paddles you desire, wellness practices and other activities of your choosing such as hiking, relaxing or canoeing.

Please book a time to talk to Pam if you are unsure if this trip is right for you. 

• 4 days of coastal touring exploring the scenic waters of Algonquin Park (hours can count towards Paddle Canada Advanced SUP Skills certification if interested)
• 3 nights stay in cozy Nipissing Cottage and Cabins on Kawawaymog Lake, Algonquin Park
• Parking and park permits
• Paddle Canada-certified guides with Wilderness & Remote First Aid/CPR qualification.
• Optional Paddle Canada Basic, Advanced or Coastal Touring Stand Up Paddle Skills certifications  (as assessed by the instructor)
• Private chef 
• All meals and snacks from lunch Day 1 to Breakfast Day 4 prepared by our private chef
• Daily gentle movement, breath work and meditations geared towards paddle specific wellness
• Use of canoes and floating sauna
• Pre-trip webinar to help you prepare for the trip
• ALL TAXES & FEES!!!

Location : Voyageur Quest Outfitting & Algonquin Wilderness Centre, Algonquin Park, ON, Canada

The adventure begins at Voyageur Quest Outfitting, Kawawaymog Lake, Algonquin Park near South River, Ontario. Join the group at 10:00 am to unload gear and settle into your room, followed by a welcome session and a scrumptious lunch lovingly prepared by our private chef, Yvonne. 

After lunch you will get limbered up with our signature paddle-specific wellness practice, a gentle introduction to breath work, meditation and healthy movement. Now you're ready to hit the water for a Stand Up Paddle lesson geared to your skill level and a leisurely tour of the beautiful Lake Kawawaymog shoreline.

Once off the water, you get some down time to choose your own afternoon pursuits. Soak in the wood fired floating sauna, relax on the deck, hike the colourful trails of the Algonquin Highlands, go for a canoe or get creative drawing, painting or photographing the scenery that inspired the Group of Seven..

As the sun begins to set, we gather for a restorative practice before the dinner bell rings for our evening gourmet meal. The campfire will be crackling and the sauna stoked to bring our first day of connecting with new friends in the outdoors to a close. 

• MEALS: L, D
• OVERNIGHT: Nipissing Cottage & Cabins

Location : Voyageur Quest Outfitting & Algonquin Wilderness Centre, Algonquin Park, ON P0A 1X0, Canada

Getting to Algonquin Park by Car 

• Take highway 11 to South River. 
• Head east on Ottawa ave, which then becomes Howard St, then Chemical Road. 
• Stay on Chemical Road for 19.5 km
• Watch for Algonquin Park Access Point #1, then stay left and the Voyageur Quest Outfitting building will be on your left. 
• Once we have gathered and checked in, we will convoy over to our cottage and get settled in. 

Getting to Algonquin Park by Air

• Toronto Pearson Airport 
• Take the Ontario Northland Bus to South River Station.
• Voyager Quest can then come pick you up. Make sure to book ahead.

Carpooling

• It may be possible to connect with other guests who you could carpool with if coming from a similar area. It's a great way to save money, be kind to the environment and get a jump start on the friendships that develop on these retreats. 

Location : Algonquin Park, ON, Canada

Bright and early we ease into the day with our gentle sunrise wellness practice, followed by a delicious gourmet breakfast to start the day feeling well and energised. Today we work on more advanced stand up paddle skills for those who choose and take a longer tour of Lake Kawayamog ablaze in fall colours.

The light at this time of year is unparalleled and is one of the reasons why celebrated painter Tom Thomson who inspired the famous Group of Seven, explored here by canoe to capture this iconic Canadian landscape. We will paddle amidst the islands Thomson painted from, identifying the scenes of many of his autumn paintings, such as The Tent, and learning about his connection to Kawawaymog Lake, the South River area and his mysterious death in1917.

The afternoon brings free time to let your creative juices flow, soak in the sauna or relax with your new friends before settling a bit deeper into our wellness practice before dinner. Blissed out and happy from our days activities, another delicious gourmet dinner will be well served by Chef Yvonne.

Spend the evening around the fire, sharing memories of the day and excitedly planning our full day outing for tomorrow.

• MEALS: B, L, D
• OVERNIGHT: Nippsing Cottage & Cabins

Location : Algonquin Park, ON, Canada

Grab your coffee or tea and meet on the docks for our morning wellness practice, as the sun rises over the lake before us. Launching as the mist rises we paddle across the lake to the mouth of a meandering river that draws us deep into the heart of Algonquin Park. The expedition has begun!

Breakfast will be served on the go and it will be a yummy one, made all that more special served up on our boards.

We will spend the day paddling deeper into the park, choosing a route with tranquil waters and great wildlife viewing opportunities. Our pace will be leisurely and filled with the camaraderie of your group, stopping for rests, hikes and a fabulous picnic lunch along the way. Returning to home base by late afternoon, you will have seen scenery many never will, rich in Canadian history. Your paddling skills will be enhanced and your confidence on the water will grow with each stroke of your blade.

Wellness on the docks before dinner will work out any kinks or sore spots from 3 full glorious days spent moving your body in the fresh air. Our final sauna and campfire will be eagerly awaited while friendships forged throughout the retreat will deepen.

• MEALS: B, L, D
• OVERNIGHT: Nippsing Cottage & Cabins

Location : Voyageur Quest Outfitting & Algonquin Wilderness Centre, Algonquin Park, ON, Canada

We have arrived on the final day of our adventure!

We will begin our final morning with a quiet sunrise paddle with warm drinks on board or a sleep in if that's what calls you. You will be pampered one last time by Chef Yvonne, snap photos with the lake for a backdrop and say farewell to Algonquin Park and your new paddling friends.

• MEALS: B, Snacks-To-Go
• OVERNIGHT: N/A