Join SHE Ventures Outdoors for a 3-day, 2-night backcountry canoeing trip through Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park in southern Ontario. This scenic canoe circuit takes us through a series of interconnected lakes, including Anstruther, Rathbun, North Rathbun, Serpentine and Copper.

Our journey begins at the Anstruther Lake Access Point and follows a loop through the park's interior, with overnight stays at North Rathbun Lake and Copper Lake before returning to Anstruther.

Over three days, we'll paddle approximately ~14.5 km and complete seven portages ranging from 164 m to 1,415 m in length. The cumulative one-way portage distance is approximately 2.77 km. However, because we plan to double carry our equipment, participants should expect to walk approximately 8.3 km along portage trails throughout the trip, bringing our total travel distance to approximately ~23 km.

This trip is intended for participants who are comfortable with moderate physical activity, including paddling for several hours, carrying equipment over uneven terrain and participating in shared backcountry camp responsibilities.

Cancellations made 30+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to trip departure.

A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 4+ people have not registered. 

• Spend two nights camping at remote lakeside campsites.

• Paddle across Anstruther, Rathbun, North Rathbun, Serpentine and Copper Lakes.

• Travel approximately ~14.5 km by canoe over three days.

• Experience seven portages and develop practical portaging skills.

• Learn and practice backcountry canoeing, camp setup, water treatment and wilderness travel skills.

·        Distances are calculated assuming double carries (three trips per portage). Actual distances and carrying requirements may vary depending on equipment, group abilities and guide discretion.

·        Routes, distances and campsites may change due to weather, water conditions, group pace or safety considerations.

·        Overnight sites are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until booked.

·        All participants are expected to assist with portaging, camp setup, meal preparation and cleanup.

·        SHE Ventures Outdoors reserves the right to modify trip plans as necessary for safety and operational reasons.

ANSTRUTHER TO NORTH RATHBUN LAKE

We'll meet at Anstruther Lake Access Point at 10:00 AM for an on-land safety briefing and trip overview, followed by one hour of paddling instruction before making our way to North Rathbun Lake for our first night. Participants will rotate between bow and stern positions and switch paddling partners throughout the trip to practise different paddling techniques.

Paddling: ~6 km

Portages: 2 (201 m + 164 m)

Portage distance with double carries: ~1.1 km

Overnight: North Rathbun

NORTH RATHBUN TO COPPER LAKE

Paddling: ~2.8 km

Portages: 2 (1.42 km + 200 m)

Portage distance with double carries: ~4.85 km

Overnight: Copper

COPPER TO ANSTRUTHER LAKE

Paddling: ~5.81 km

Portages: 3 (370 m, 214 m, 201 m)

Portage distance with double carries: ~2.36 km

Estimated return to Anstruther Lake Access Point: 5:00 PM