Algonquin offers excellent entry-level canoe trips for paddlers new to tripping or travelling with families. Beginner-friendly routes focus on shorter distances, manageable portages, and clear navigation.
What makes a route beginner-friendly
- Short paddling distances between campsites
- Fewer or shorter portages
- Easy navigation with clear landmarks
The routes below are ideal for beginners, families, or paddlers looking for a relaxed trip. They focus on manageable travel days, clear navigation, and flexible itineraries that allow you to move at your own pace.
Booth Lake Canoe Route
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi) one-way
Portages: 2 portages, 2,200 m (7,220 ft) total
Access Point: 17 – Shall Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake (Dwight)
The Booth Lake Canoe Route is a classic introductory trip that balances short travel days with a true interior lake destination. Starting from the Shall Lake Access Point at the end of Major Lake Road, paddlers quickly leave road noise behind and enter a scenic chain of lakes and river sections.
From the access point, a short paddle leads to Farm Lake before continuing west through Kitty Lake, passing the historic Kitty Lake Cabin. A brief carry around the Kitty Lake dam is followed by a 550 m (1,800 ft) portage into Booth Lake. The river flow approaching this portage can be tricky in higher water, but overall navigation is straightforward.
Booth Lake itself is a rewarding destination, with 18 well-spaced campsites and excellent fishing. The route works well as a two- to three-day out-and-back trip and can be extended into Boot Lake for paddlers looking to add distance.
Misty Lake Canoe Route
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) one-way
Portages: 7 portages, 4,500 m (14,760 ft) total
Access Point: 4 – Rain Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Portage Store (Canoe Lake)
The Misty Lake Canoe Route is a popular beginner-friendly interior trip that introduces paddlers to a series of small lakes and steady portages. Starting at the Rain Lake Access Point, the route quickly transitions into quieter interior waters.
After the initial portage into Sawyer Lake, paddlers move through Jubilee, Juan, Moccasin, Bandit, Wenona, and Muslim Lakes before reaching Misty Lake. The longest portage on the route is the 1,030 m (3,380 ft) carry between Muslim Lake and Misty Lake, which requires steady pacing but is well-defined.
Misty Lake is a scenic destination with multiple bays, inlets, and campsite options. The route is typically completed as a three-day out-and-back trip, with options to extend westward via additional portages or connect to the Petawawa River. While the number of portages adds moderate challenge, distances remain manageable for newer trippers.
North Depot Lake Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 18 km (11 mi) loop
Portages: 2 portages, 1,025 m (3,365 ft) total
Access Point: 25 – Wendigo Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Brent (Cedar Lake)
Located in northern Algonquin, the North Depot Lake Loop is a quiet and approachable loop route that is especially popular in spring after trout season opens. The trip begins at Wendigo Lake and follows a simple, logical circuit.
From Wendigo Lake, paddlers head to the southern end of the lake to reach the 270 m (885 ft) portage into Allan Lake. Allan Lake offers several backcountry campsites and calm paddling. At the southern tip of Allan Lake, a 756 m (2,480 ft) portage bypasses rapids along a short section of the North River and leads into North Depot Lake.
North Depot Lake features nine well-spaced campsites, including three located on an island. From here, paddlers return to Wendigo Lake to complete the loop. The short portages and minimal route complexity make this an excellent first loop trip.
Sec Lake Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8 km (5 mi) loop
Portages: 3 portages, 2.6 km (1.6 mi) total
Access Point: 20 – Mallard (Sec) Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake (Dwight)
The Sec Lake Loop is a short, low-commitment route ideal for day trips or relaxed overnight outings. The access point is located south of the Sand Lake Gate along Barron Canyon Road, with permits available directly at the access point.
Most paddlers basecamp on Sec Lake, which offers 16 rustic campsites, before completing the loop through Wet Lake and Norm’s Lake. The route includes three portages: an 805 m (2,640 ft) carry into Wet Lake that can be muddy in spring, a 750 m (2,460 ft) portage into Norm’s Lake, and a 1,005 m (3,300 ft) carry back to Sec Lake.
With quiet waters and manageable distances, this loop is well suited for paddlers looking to build confidence without committing to a longer trip.
Shirley Lake Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 25 km (15.5 mi) loop
Portages: 3 portages, 3,145 m (10,315 ft) total
Access Point: 17 – Shall Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake (Dwight)
The Shirley Lake Loop offers a longer but still approachable introduction to loop-style canoe tripping. Beginning at Crotch Lake via the Shall Lake Access Point, paddlers head north before entering a relatively flat 1,050 m (3,445 ft) portage into Shirley Lake.
Shirley Lake features campsites set among mature white and red pine forest, with nearby Fog and Ryan Lakes providing good trout fishing opportunities. The route continues with a 1,600 m (5,250 ft) portage into secluded Bridle Lake, followed by a 730 m (2,395 ft) carry into Farm Lake.
The final leg passes the Kitty Lake Cabin and winds through wetland sections before opening into Farm Lake for the return paddle. This route works well as a relaxed three-day trip and offers a strong sense of progression without technical difficulty.
Boot Lake Canoe Route
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 19 km (12 mi) one-way
Portages: 6 portages, 3.2 km (2 mi) total
Access Point: 17 – Shall Lake
Nearest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Oxtongue Lake (Dwight)
The Boot Lake Canoe Route is a quiet out-and-back trip that rewards patient paddlers with a secluded destination. Departing from the Shall Lake Access Point, the route travels through Kitty Lake and Booth Lake before winding through McCarthy Creek and a series of small lakes.
The trip includes six portages, ranging from short rocky carries to longer forested trails. The longest is the 1,140 m (3,740 ft) portage between Raja and Mole Lakes. Some portages are lightly travelled and may require extra attention to navigation, adding a mild challenge without becoming overwhelming.
Boot Lake itself offers just two campsites, making it an excellent choice for paddlers seeking a quieter experience. Nearby Roundbush Lake provides a worthwhile day trip option for those with extra time.
Choosing the Right Beginner Route
When selecting a beginner-friendly canoe trip in Algonquin, consider travel distance, portage length, and how flexible you want your itinerary to be. Out-and-back routes offer simplicity, while short loops provide variety without added complexity. All of the routes above allow paddlers to build skills, confidence, and familiarity with Algonquin’s canoe tripping environment.
