Portaging

One of the most common outdoor activities in Algonquin Park is portaging. With the beautiful waterways to navigate and well-marked trails, the park features ample opportunity for anyone of any skill level to enjoy a portage! All of the routes in Algonquin Park are clearly labeled with yellow signs of a portaging graphic, with information on which bodies of water it connects to and the length of the portage. To optimize the most of your time portaging through Algonquin Park, we have got the best tips and techniques to know before you go!

Choosing Your Vessel

Easily the most important step of any portage trip, is choosing the right canoe or kayak for you. Some key aspects to keep in mind while choosing your vessel are weight, durability, price, as well as your skill level and how much baggage you plan on bringing along. If you are renting, there are many options available to suit your needs at Algonquin Bound, and we also provide professional expertise to help you choose the right vessel for you and your trip.

What to Pack

Second to choosing what canoe or kayak you will use on your portage adventure, is knowing what you should bring along with you. The key tip is to NOT OVERPACK! Remember that anything you pack adds to the weight of your boat and also will have to be lugged on your back when you hit the trails. Pack only the essentials, which are as follows:

  • Dry Bags
  • Water Shoes
  • Headlamp
  • Gloves
  • Bug Spray
  • Polarized Sunglasses
  • Microfiber Towel
  • Emergency Blanket
  • Canoe Safety Kit
  • Food
  • Water Treatment
  • Map/Map Case
  • Shelter (Tent or Alternative)
  • Matches/Fire Starter