Oh Canada! Algonquin Log Cabin Special Departure

Where will you celebrate Canada Day this year? How about at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park following the Pathways of the Algonquin?

Voyageur Quest is offering a special Tuesday to Thursday departure on the popular Pathways of the Algonquin package. Join us as we celebrate our "home and native land" the Canadian way with canoeing, hiking, and wildlife interpretation. Stay in the rustic log cabin and enjoy delicious Canadian themed meals.

Spaces are limited to 12, so don't delay!

Super Summer Specials at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost

Voyageur Quest just announced a Super Summer Special to repeat customers, great for the whole family! From now until mid-July all repeat guests who visit the Algonquin Cottage Outpost will receive a complimentary canoe, fishing rod and as an added bonus a bottle of Ontario wine!

Explore Kawawaymog Lake from end to end. Take a picnic lunch and a fishing rod and catch your dinner! Enjoy a glass of wine on the dock in the evening hours while watching the stars overhead. Relaxing at the Cottage Outpost doesn't get much better than that.

Spaces are limited, so call today!

Moose, Moose and more Moose

The past two weekends at Algonquin Park have been amazing for moose viewing! It couldn't have been better timing as our Moose Photography workshops were held June 5-7 and June 12-14, 2009. Photographers of all ability levels from Canada and the United States joined wilderness Photography expert, Rob Stimpson and our Voyageur Quest guides on an experience to remember.

Everyone had the silent approach down perfectly; words were whispered, hand signals were used, paddles moved quietly through the water. Everyone was all smiles after seeing a combined total of 38 moose over the two weekends. Also sighted were loons, birds and some beautiful flowering flora!

We look forward to a few more weekends of moose viewing in Algonquin on our upcoming 3-day canoe trips.

Spring dining at the Log Cabin

We missed Joe this spring at the Log Cabin so our team filled in with receipes, sampled, sampled again, again and again ! Get here soon for homemade soups, breads and our famous maple bacon ! We love our cookouts at Bonfire point where the fish is grilled on the open fire.

Fields of Trout Lily

One of the many delights of spring is the abundance of trout lily which cover the forest floor in May.The light green in the above picture is all trout lily. The Trout Lily is a great addition to spring salads...The leaves are delicious as are the flowers and small onion looking roots. Also out at this time of year are Red Trillium.

Surprise Lake Creek and spring creek runs

The sound of rushing water can be heard from the Log Cabin dock at this time of year. The creeks are swollen which presents a great opportunity to bring out the playboat and have some fun in the moving water. There are several creeks/ small rivers around both the Algonquin Log Cabin and Algonquin Cottage Outpost with good access. For those of you white water fans, call our office for how we can shape a great late April/ early May weeknd for you!

Meet the Team

Our Log Cabin staff team of 2009 kicked off the season with a week of training, sunny weather and lot's of laughs. Meet the team... in this picture Gill, Danielle, Amy, Vanessa, Blair, Spencer and Matt. Peacock was in for a short stint as was Zane and Carol.

April in Killarney

We were back in KIllarney with a Duke of Edinburgh school trip last week and enjoyed picture perfect weather! The snow made for some long days but the clear skies more than made up for it.

Spring is HERE!

Yup, it is official. With rain showers and the occasional truly warm day, we must sadly say goodbye to another wonderful season of snow. Many moments stick out in my mind from a winter of both seasoned winter adventures, and a few individuals who have only seen snow a handful of times in their lives. Epic snowshoeing adventures in four foot snowdrifts, x-country skiing debacles ranging from super slick conditions to even a snapped pole by one of our guides were uncommon but entertaining, and of course beautifully still starry nights out on the frozen lake. I will miss the Columbians and their ungloved skiing antics, the Ole Mississippi university group who had endless energy and excitement, and of course Unionville High School with their polar dips into the lake, but it is the relaxed conversations in the deep couches by the fire or over home cooked meals that really cement the ideal of the winter experience in my mind.

Thank you to everyone who visited us for a great experience out there on the trails. Hopefully our paths will cross again in the bush, perhaps in a canoe or on a hiking trail in the seasons to come!

Cheers,
Matt Rothwell ( lead winter guide)

The Dutchmen, a writer, and the ER

Who knew that one of our final trips of the winter would be such a splash. Trekking across beaver dams as the ice melted off the pond, variations of card games taught by our five Dutch guests, and unbelievable dinner conversations (lets just say that working in the ER of a hospital gives you plenty of experiences to talk about… thanks Fergus). We laughed, we played, hit the sauna, we dined, and even the occasional adult beverage was consumed.

All in all, a great last trip.

Cheers to our guests and Peacock my fellow guide,
Matt

The Adventuresome Youth of Unionville High

With all the swirling comments about the youth of today not getting out into nature enough anymore it was excellent to host the outdoors class from Unionville High School for the weekend. The spent a night outside in a tarp shelter they created they day they arrived, made tracks on their snowshoes, bonded as a class, and amazingly enough did the polar dip in Surprise Lake! As a matter of fact, several of them sprinted the run from the sauna to the hole in the ice and back several times. This definitely put to rest some of the worries that society has about our youth’s sense of adventure in the wilderness, at least in the minds of us guides at the Algonquin Log Cabin.

Guides
Matt Rothwell, Gill Dagg, & Dave Peacock

Algonquin Winter adventure for 2

Nick and Sue Burgin from the UK were up at the Cottage Outpost on a winter adventure for two that included snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, dogsledding, snowmobiling and a visit to the dogsled races in Kearney. Great to have winter-lovers from across the pond!

Its Negative 40 Celsius and I am All Alone

I wake up to my clanging alarm clock and recognize that it has been a colder night than usual, as the cabin is feeling a little frosty. Getting out of the warm sleeping bag is tough, but once I manage to feel my way outside to stoke the fires in our fire places I notice on the thermometer that it is registering well below the bottom of the scale, and that is –30 degrees Celsius. No wonder the trees are creaking, the air is so crisp, and my nostrils feel the light sting of the cold! I am positive that I won’t be seeing any of the birds at our feeders today, but with such cold weather should come some fantastic skiing conditions. Too bad there isn’t anyone to adventure in this true north winter up at the log cabin currently, I’ll just have to make sure that the sauna is toasty to come back to for an après ski.

Guide
Matt Rothwell

Going to the Chapel

Going to the Chapel… well err… Well they are Getting Married!

What a magical event! A winter wedding to be held at the Algonquin Log Cabin was something of a dream. A fantastic group from Sudbury and Northern Ontario arrived for a weekend of fun and festivities at the cabin and brought with them the most fantastic weather. As temperatures hovered in the ten to twenty below range, the sun shone brilliantly and made for great snowshoeing, skiing, skating, and dog sledding conditions. After an adventure filled Saturday, the setting evening sun didn’t disappoint down at the lake, as it seemed that the wedding ceremony was blessed from above with warm temperatures, no wind, and a spectacular sunset. Memories to last a lifetime for sure!

Log Cabin Staff

Happy New Year !

Our guide team had fun with a great group who were up at Algonquin Log Cabin to bring in the New Year.... Thanks to Julianne and Marcin for some great pictures. Happy New Year all and wishing you a healthy and happy 2009!

Season's Greetings from Voyageur Quest

Algonquin Ice conditions for December 16

The freezing rain on Sunday night did wonders for the ice... Surprise lake is now ideal for skiing,snowshoeing and skating ! Here are a few more shots from last week:



Dave, Matt and Tyson on a Surprise lake ski



John, Dave, Tyson amd Matt on the double snowshoe lookout

Superb Algonquin Snow Conditions for Christmas Holidays!

Snow Conditions at Algonquin Park's north -west corner are excellent this December! The snow pack is over 60cm. The ice is coming in nicely on both Surprise Lake and Kawawaymog Lake. Our guide team skied across Surprise Lake last Wednesday. Here are some shots taken last week.




Skiing across Kettle Lake



Sunrise on Kawawaymog Lake




The Log Cabin driveway

Winter Guide team Ready to go!

Our Algonquin Winter Guide team enjoyed a fun and busy week at the Algonquin Log Cabin and Cottage Outpost getting ready for what looks to be a terrific winter holiday season. Winter trail conditions are excellent with lot's of snow.

Fall's Misty Morning

Thanks to the Ritzdorf Family for this spectacular photo from their Algonqouin to Killarney trip. A morning mist and rich fall colours all mirrored in these exceptionally clear waters - make this shot a real fall favourite!

Photo contest entry - Georgian Bay sunset jump!

Luc Merton sent in this great sunset shot taken on a kayak trip on Georgian Bay. Three more weeks to submit your photo!

Bear Sighting in Killarney!

This picture of a black bear on Georgian bay was sent in from Joan Crawford while Kayaking on a September "Algonquin to killarney -lodge to Lodge" trip. Don't forget to send in your pictures for our annual photo contest where we give away 3 trips for best photos.

September School Canoe Trips into Algonquin Park

September is a great time to bring your class, Duke of Edinborough or outer club to Algonquin for a canoe trip. This fall, our school groups have been experiencing great weather and awesome displays of colour at Algonquin park's north west corner.

Fall Colour Report from Algonquin's Northwest Corner

The fall colours peaked last week making the last week of September the perfect time in 2008 to visit Algonquin for the maximum display of colour. The next few weeks in October offer plenty of orange and yellow in the forest so it's not too late to join us here at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost for a great fall getaway !

Munch, munch... more moose!

A great photo of a moose... up close and personal! Get your chance to snap photos of the moose next spring on our Algonquin Moose Photography Workshop. Check back with us often for new dates for next year!

Thanks Phil!

Thanks Phil for doing a great job of quarterbacking all our canoe trips this summer season. We couldn't have done it without you! Best of luck with your future endeavors!

Breathtaking sunrise...

This photo taken by Phil is an absolutely breathtaking view of the sunrise on Lake Kawawaymog at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost . I would write more but I think this photo speaks more of the beauty of Algonquin Park than my own words can!

Family Kayak Trip on Georgian Bay

Labour Day Weekend was spent kayaking with the family on Georgian Bay. The weather was perfect, the water was great, and the smiles all around contributed to a wonderful long weekend! Check out these great pictures below!

Eva will actually be guiding some of our 3-Day Georgian Bay Kayaking Trips next season! check our website for updates!

Ana P. on the trail

Ana Popovic has been a great addition to our canoe trip guide team this summer. With an everyready smile, Ana brings a ton of water based international guiding experience. Ana is returning to be a teaching asistant at Queens Univeristy in the fall.

2008 Algonquin Park photo contest

Thanks to Steve Ramer and Hans Deu for some fantastic pictures taken on recent trips in Algonquin Park. Steve's amazing shot of the moose was taken on our Moose Photogrpahy workshop in June and Hans shot is from a July Algonquin family adventure on North tea lake.

Anniversary with a Float plane finish

An Algonquin park canoe trip has marked the beginning of some special relationships between some of our customers, friends and guides. It seems the wilderness provides a great atmosphere for people to connect! This past month we were fortunate to host the Shoskes family from Cleveland at our Algonquin Cottage Outpost. Daniel and Ruth celebrated 20 years together and their chance meeting in Algonquin with a trip back to the Park with their daughter Valerie. Their trip ended with an exciting float plane trip back to Toronto.

Coctails in a Canoe

Nothing completes a hot summer afternoon at the Algonquin Log Cabin like drinks and nacho's in a canoe ! That's Ana with guides jess and Blair in the north canoe on Surprise Lake.

Canada Day in a canoe - a tradition

Happy Canada Day! Love this shot taken on Canada day on an Algonquin park 3 day canoe trip.


Our family tradition is to canoe every Canada day and this year we maintained our record by paddling over to the Toronto islands in a Voyageur canoe. Hope most of you enjoyed a great holiday today!

Moose Photography Workshop

Rob Stimpson was back with us this weekend to lead a moose photography workshop at Algonquin's northwest corner.
The moose and weather cooperated for ideal photo shoots. Have a peak at some of the videos below... .

Welcome back Jess!

Spring has all smiling, enjoying the warmth of the sun and return of friends. We are so happy to have fab guide Jess Starr back from BC to take care of the spring/ summer log cabin and cottage outpost eco adventures. Jess is a one - of - a - kind host and great fun to be on the trail with.

A morning paddle down Surprise Lake

The north canoe shuttle down Surprise Lake was a treat this morning. The lake was like glass. Phil Lapierre, in the bow, is taking care of our canoe trips this summer.

An April Morning

After an impressive full moon and the first chorus of spring peepers last night, we awoke to the sound of hairy and pileated woodpeckers hammering away on the trees. I took a walk down the trail to the Outpost and spotted a pair of loons, the first to arrive back on the lake after a winter on the eastern seaboard. The couple made good use of the little bit of available water between the ice and shore. The forest was buzzing with song birds. A spectacular morning! Later over at the Log Cabin we see fresh moose tracks around the cabin and a garter snake sunning on the rocks. I can't get over how warm it is. If not for the cool wind coming off the last little bit of ice on the lake - you could think it was July!

Algonquin Park Ice Out Countdown!

The ice is is very close to going out on both Kawawaymog and Surprise Lake. The heat wave continues.. last night it was 25 degrees at 10pm ! The following shot of the ice was taken at the Cottage Outpost .


Kawawaymog Lake

Report on Randall

This past winter, Voyageur Quest was fortunate to have Randall Blom as part of our winter guiding team! Backountry ski expert and author of this weblog's "Randall Snow Report ", Randall
was great fun to be around and a fantastic guide. We wish him the best on his adventure to New Zealand!

At the Dogyard

Dog sledding is a great Canadian winter experience. As thrilling as the mush can be, getting to know the dogs , hooking up and harnessing and working with the teams is a big part of the adventure. Here are a few short videos taken on our last family visit to the dog yard.

Ski Jouring

Had some fun with groups out ski jouring this past week. Skiing behind dogs is a lot of fun and best for those experienced skiers who can turn and slow down with ease! This furry friend was one of the many out on the trail with us.

Easter Sunrise

A gorgeous sunrise greeting this Easter Sunday from the Algonquin Cottage Outpost !

Team Langford!

The Langford line of Ben, Ana and John were ripping up the ice with smooth passing and shinny on the lake over the Easter weekend. March Break is great for skating at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost. With sunny days to melt the ice , the lake's surface freezes overnight providing nature's version of the "flood". Whether it be polishing off the hockey skills or enjoying a relaxing game by the fire- winter's final few weeks are a great time to be in Algonquin!

Algonquin Dogsled Photos

Thanks to Ingrid for these great pictures on a recent trip to the Algonquin Log Cabin. There is still plenty of snow up north and dog sledding trips are still available. Come join us for the last few weeks of winter weather!

Candlelight Dinner at the Log Cabin

Nothing beats a sauna followed by Joe's cooking after a great day on the trail. It's even better with a group of friends or family! Winter at the Algonquin Log Cabin is great for groups looking for a getaway in the Canadian Wilderness!

Beautiful Ski Photos

Thanks to Arnaud for these great cross country ski photos from a recent Algonquin Log Cabin trip. Come join us for the upcoming Easter weekend and enjoy the great wintry outdoors!

Randall Snow Report for March

Randall has been reporting superb snow conditions up at the Algonquin Log Cabin and the Cottage Outpost. Great for an exhilarating dogsled mush or scenic cross country ski!

Sled Dogs!

Check out these great photos of some of the great dogs you get to meet on our dog sledding trips. Enjoy a daytrip followed by a relaxing time at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost. We still have availability for the upcoming Easter Weekend!

Winter weekend at the Algonquin Log Cabin!

University of Toronto was back this February Algonquin Log Cabin for another round of winter fun and adventure!

National Post loves our "adventure for two"

This past weekend, the National Post selected our Algonquin Cottage Outpost winter "adventure for two" as one of Canada's top 10 adventure locales to rekindle "passions' fire". Click here for the whole story. February and March weekend space is still available for those of you looking for a unique Valentine's day gift!

York School Outers Club climbs to the top!

Intrepid members of the York School Outers Club make it to the top of the Lookout Trail for a snowy view of the surrounding lakes and beaver ponds. Later, as the snow kept coming down there we heated things up with an evening fire to buoy spirits before they head off on their overnight dogsled trip tomorrow.

Holy Name of Mary goes for Gold!

Holy Name of Mary school is up at the Algonquin Log Cabin for a fantastic custom log cabin adventure! As part of their Duke of Edinburgh, Gold programme we have been learning winter camping and survival skills, building quincies and exploring the Surprise Lake area both on skiis and snowshoes.

Algonquin Snow Report with Randall-update February 1

Winter is back on track! We have great snow conditions up at the Algonquin Log Cabin, with a solid snow pack now covered with over 30cm of light fluffy snow. It makes for scenic though at times arduous skiing and snowshoeing on the extensive network of trails around the Cabin.

Testing the Lake Ice

A group of Duke of Ed participants from Holy Name of Mary high school use an auger to get their drinking water. Also, they analyse the thickness and quality of the ice. The 30cm plus of solid, dark ice means it could hold a motor vehicle with ease. The skiers are safe!

Algonquin Snow Report with Randall - update January 20

If you think this is chilly, should have seen it before the warming sun came up!
Luckily the Custom Rental staying at the Log Cabin proved to be a hearty bunch. Hockey kept them warm!

Custom Log Cabin Rental goes for Frosty Snowshoe

Out for a snowshoe trip on the island. Add the cold temperatures to the new snow and it is an epic outing! After a hot lunch they were keen for more.

Setting up the Wall Tent

Jody and I have been busy setting up the wall tent at the end of Surprise Lake. The wall tent, a popular option for enthusiastic outdoor groups staying at the log cabin , sure takes a lot of wood in the stove to keep it comfortable! Our first night in the tent was quite comfortable inside while it was twenty below outside ! We awoke to a stunning clear day, and the lack of wind meant the thin layer of snow on the lake ice provided for a long lasting record of animal tracks! There were abundant moose tracks, fox, and snowshoe hare crisscrossing our sled tracks from the day before. When I went out for a ski in the bright afternoon sun, I was excited to come across wolf tracks. Following them for a bit, I was surprised to come up to Jody’s and my tracks from an hour before, where the two sets of wolf tracks veered off their earlier course and pursued ours. Puzzled, and a little apprehensive, I looked over my shoulder to see if perhaps they were intent on catching up to my ski tracks. The wide still expanse of bright white betrayed no movement. I skied alongside the tracks for a few minutes more, coming to where the wolf tracks finally diverged again from the human tracks and continued on their relaxed way across the lake. How neat to have the tables turned; it made me wonder who was investigating whom!

Algonquin Snow Report with Randall- update Jan 2

Sun at last! A crystal clear blue-bird day. Minus 23 celsius means the extra long johns for sure! Cold, crisp and stunningly beautiful winter day. Now our batteries are recharging and I find even myself even more energy to shovel off the rink on the lake.

Self Guided Exploratory Snowshoe Mission Braves Lake Ice!

This group of intrepid friends from Ottawa is here to enjoy the Algonquin Log Cabin experience for New Years Eve. They are super happy to ‘do their own thing’ and having free run of the kitchen and barbeque, they are certainly going for gourmet, with all kinds of specialty sausages and homemade dishes, with Turkish coffee, etc. A great way to ring the New Year! The next day they braved the lake-ice and crossed to the Island Trail for a self-guided snowshoe outing. Unfortunately, they said, no wolf sightings! They look forward to returning, maybe in the summer to explore more of the great trails.

Following the Wolf Pack

This group of avid skiers is sure keen to get their post-Christmas dose of outdoor exercise! A higlight has definitely been sighting wolf tracks while skiing accross Surprise Lake. As we skirted the lake towards The Narrows, we came accross first one set of fresh wolf tracks, then a dozen metres away a second, and then again a third set of tracks, all coming out of the forest, joining up and setting out accross the lake. As we followed them we saw that they were in pursuit of a set of deer tracks. We began following the tracks to see the culmintation of the pursuit, hoping for a carrion sighting. It was to no avail. Wolves have an immense home range and as they are such efficient travellers they can easily cover 50km in a day. The wolves may have caught up with their prey, but it was too far for us!. The daylight was fading and we were soon on our way back to the Lodge for a 'hotter than the Finns could handle' sauna, and then a super meal by Joe the chef.

Algonquin Snow Report with Randall - update December 27

Super conditions for the skiing and snowshoeing. Minus five degrees, just a little fresh snow to break trail through. Mostly grey skies, with snow flurries expected throughout the week. The overcast weather is tough on our solar panels!

Dogsled the Gold Rush Trail

The sled dog association of British Columbia have invited dogsledders accross Canada to come and join them in late January 2008 for the Gold Rush Sled Dog Trail Mail run which kicks off BC's celebration of being 150 years old. Beginning in Quenel, the mush travels across the heart of Cariboo Gold country. Click here for more information.

Winter walk from Sauna to the Algonquin Log Cabin

There is nothing finer than enjoying a hot sauna after a day on snowshoes, skiis or dogsled. After a quick shower this morning, I enjoyed this walk back to the Log Cabin.

Algonquin Snow Report with Randall-update December 18

Cold, around minus 15 degrees Celsius, and more snow! Another 15 cm coming down throughout the day and night– setting up for it to be a banner year. Hope it lasts!

Three Amigos on Skis!

Larry , Curly and Mo...our winter ski guides demonstrate good form on Surprise Lake !

Winter team

Enjoyed a great week at the Algonquin Log Cabin getting ready for winter. Our winter team pictured above includes Randall, Anthony, Jody and the legendary master of food Joe.

Backcountry ski Algonquin

If you have been following our web log this week , you know the story is the snow ! There is so much of it -our backcountry ski today translated into epic trail breaking! The sun came out mid afternoon producing a stunning backdrop to the snow laden forest. In our 15 years of operating winter trips in Algonquin Park, I can't remember having this deep a snow pack during winter trainng. Here is a short videos to give you a feeling of what the trails are like .

Ideal Snowshoe conditions at Algonquin

Snowshoeing the double lookout trail today was fabulous ! Using our GV snowshoes, we were still sinking up to our knees in all this snow. Call me old fashioned but with all this much fresh snow, I recommend using the traditonal Ojibway , Bearpaw of Algonquin snowshoes with a much wider footprint preventing you from sinking in the deep powder. Back at the Log Cabin sauna, both young and seasoned ( ! ) guides were nursing tired leg muscles today!

Digging out after 45cm snowfall!

Winter snow conditions could not be better as Algonquin Park's northwest corner received over 40cm of fresh snow over the last two days. Perfect timing as our winter guide team is up at the Log Cabin this week getting ready for the busy holiday season! The snow is still falling today! We'll check the snowpack and send in a snow report later this week.

Winter Bliss - Snowshoe Algonquin

Our Algonquin Log Cabin and Cottage Outpost received a new order of Canadian made GV snowshoes this week - perfect for the Algonquin hilly terrain. Our 2008 winter line up has several trips which feature snowshoeing including:
Algonquin Winter EcoAdventure - 4 day package with dogsledding, snowshoeing and backountry ski
Winter Adventure for Two 3 night package with snowshoeing and chouce of dogs or skidoo
and our award winning Log cabin 3 day winter lodge adventure which features 3 days of guided snowshoe, ski and ice fishing.

Keen on picking up a pair for yourself? Check out the MEC
website who have a great information about choosing the right snowshoe.

Christmas Holidays at the Log Cabin

Our # 1 question at this time of year is "will there be snow for our Christmas trip". I'm happy to say that our Log Cabin has a perfect record in terms of white Christmas! Have a look at some of the shots from last year ..

Winter weekends at the Algonquin Log Cabin

Snow is falling in Algonquin and it's time to book your winter weekend. The Log cabin is great for a group of friends or large family. Enjoy days on snowshoe followed by a hot sauna and drinks by the fireplace.

New for 2008! Week long rentals at the Cottage Outpost

The Algonquin Cottage Outpost will be available for exclusive rental by the week for the 8 weeks of 2008. With space for 12 , the solar powered outpost is ideal for one large family or two or three families who know each other. Call our office today to take one of these weeks. Individual chalet suites and the Nippising Cottage will be available for our adventure for two, Eco adventures, samplers and 3 night rentals between September 1 and June 30. Click here to have a look at some pictures from the last two summers.

Corporate adventure in Algonquin and Toronto Islands

Every workplace needs some fresh air and fun now and then ! Click here to have a look at some of the pictures taken on our Corporate adventures in Algonquin, Killarney, Toronto Islands and other scenic locations in Ontario.

Algonquin Adventure Race

The tough and fit were out his past weekend taking on a challenging adventure race at Algonquin Park's north west corner. Biking, swimming ,paddling, running- 36 hours of mental fortitude... congratulation to those who completed the course !

Catching up with legends

Our family had the good pleasure of hosting Dustin and Brook for a visit last week. Dustin was such a huge part of Voyageur Quest for so many years and was the driving force behind our early years at the Log Cabin. So many of our programs and ideas were started with the help of his imagination and teaching talents. It was a really nice to have a chance to catch up. Now living in the Yukon, Dustin and Brook are living adventurous lives working in a first nation community of Old Crow.

Family weeks at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost

The floating dock was packed with cousins, sisters, grandparents this past August Long weekend. Lake swims, early morning dips, fishing, and beach ultimate were hits not to mention the vintage Langford sailing fleet and the Victoria college cheer song at the bonfire! The Outpost is a great spot for a summer vacation for one large family or a few families. Book your 2008 week soon !

Bass Fishing and the Boys!

The bass fishing this August has been stellar ! This 3 pounder was caught by Ben with the assistance of his friend Charlie. The Cottage Outpost offers a great location for bass fishing all summer. For those interested in trout , there are plenty all around.
Rainbows are aplenty on the South River and big lakers are found in the big lakes in Algonquin's north west corner- a 3 hour paddle from the Cottage Outpost dock.

AAHHH Summer heat !

Summer heat ...we dream of these days in winter ! Hope all of you are enjoying the first good dose of heat and are sittting or swimming lakeside with a cold beverage in hand. I can testify that the water temperature at the Cottage Outpost is ideal for these hot and muggy days !

Algonquin Park Moose Sightings

June in Algonquin Park is a great time for a canoe trip and provides a good chance to see dozens of moose in one day. Take a look at these videos of moose having a swim. Enjoy!

Algonquin Eco adventure

Our 3 night Algonquin Eco adventures are a great mix of adventure and comfort. With accommodation at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost, the Eco adventure features unique guided adventures on the lakes and on the forest trails with deluxe solar powered accommodation at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost.
Alex captured this moment on a guided sunrise canoedown the amable du Fond river.

Bears at the Algonquin Log Cabin

This spring, we have seen a lot of black bears in and around the Log Cabin. This young fellow walked right up to our front porch last week in the middle of lunch ! He poked his head around and stayed around for a few days until the MNR arrived with a trap and took him far away.
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May Long Weekend and photo contest

Thanks to Thomas Strang for the great pictures sent in from the May Long weekend at the Log Cabin. Enter your great shots into our annual photo contest for a chance to win a free trip.

Guide Alex...

Voyageur canoeing ...

Beaver Dam Video

Nature appreciation moment.. John's Algonquin vignettes! Taken on the beaver pond trail at the Algonquin Log cabin.

Sunset canoe on Surprise Lake Video

Another Algonquin nature vignette... that's Peacock canoeing past the three sister's on Surprise lake taken during log cabin training a few weeks ago..

Cowboy Coffee with Johnny

The perfect finish to a sunrise paddle.. a cowboy cup of "Jo" served up by Johnny with style!

Sunset And Spring Peepers Video

John's Algonquin Nature vignettes!. Love the sound of the spring peepers at the log cabin dock in May... enjoy!

Naturalist inspiration

Our Log Cabin team have had the pleasure of walking/ paddling the last few days with Naturlaist and birder extrodinaire, Robin Tapley. Robin's energy and enthusiam for birds is contagious. Above, our team are busy observing a cooper's hawk through our field glasses. Other sightings and sounds included nuthatches, yellow bellied sap sackers, grouse, all kinds of warblers, sawet owls, biterns, merlins, swamp sparrows.

First paddle - May evening on Surprise Lake

Early May brings our log cabin team back to Surprise Lake for spring training and a flurry of site projects. This afternoon, we pulled out and dusted off the canoes in time for an evening paddle down Surprise Lake to Moose bay. This May will be our 10th year on Surprise lake. I remember the excitement of paddling down Surprise Lake for the first time. In May , 1997, our marketing team decided it would be great to do a "bonding" canoe trip so we decided on an Algonquin canoe trip in the first weekend in May. Saturday came and we arrived and took off for North tea..in the pouring rain. By the time we reached the first rapid, we were caught in a full snow storm, whiteout and two office staff soaked and looking slightly hyperthermic. We retraced our route as fast as we could.. by the time we were back at the takeout, over 8 inches of snow had fallen. We made a beeline to the sanctuary of the lakeview cabin ( purchased 4 days before) on Surprise Lake and fired up the wood stove for a warm and cozy evening - as the snow accumulated outside.!

The next morning , the sun came out with the heat.... Eva, Yann and I took our first paddle around Surprise Lake. We were all so happy, so inspired by the lake's beauty. I never forget the excitement of paddling past the big island and down the lake into the sun.

Trevor - our man for all seasons !!

Great to speak with Trevor this week who will be back for his 5th season of guiding Algonquin trips for Voyageur Quest. Trevor has infectious energy and is a joy to be with on the trail. Guiding winter multi-adventures, spring and summer canoe trips and dropping by each October for a glass of wine- Trevor is our man for all seasons !

Easter Melt

The ice is mostly out on Kawawaymog Lake this Easter weekend. Depite the cold temperatures and snow, the lake is pretty much wide open. Happy Easter from all here at the Cottage Outpost.

Winter hunt- wolves take down moose

A friend of mine just sent in these pictures taken on Lake Superior's Isle Royale. The photographer was in a tree stand hunting deer when this scene took place. A graphic account of winter survival !

Voyageur Quest Guides - where are they now?

We have been missing Kris Shaw this winter ! Our operations and "'special ops" manager has been down kayaking the Caribbean ocean off of Belize. We received this shot from Frank last week... anyone have any idea what "that" is in her hand ?!

Family Returns to Algonquin

It was wonderful to see Rainer and family back at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost this winter. The solar powered Cottage Outpost chalet suites are ideal for a family of 4. With two bedrooms, washroom/ shower, full kitchen, fireplace, deck and BBQ- the suites are set up for a comfortable 3 night or week long stay. Rainer’s family took advantage of the kitchen and prepared their own meals while adding on some guided days of snowshoeing and dog sledding.

Mush,Mush, Mush

Great to be back with the dogs this past weekend. Working with dogs is a wonderful rewarding – and tiring experience! If you have not tried this, come try a day trip out of our Algonquin Cottage Outpost or Algonquin Log Cabin. Mixed with cozy accommodation, tasty meals, and some time on snowshoes – you are in for a great winter weekend!

Mother and Daughter Reunion

Winter weekends at the Algonquin Log Cabin provide a wonderful way to enjoy time with old friends or families. This past week, Barbara traveled all the way from France to catch up with daughter Anne –Sophie for 3 days of winter adventure and log cabin hospitality.

Blue Sky days Of Winter

Our Log Cabin and Cottage Outpost have been busy this past week! Great to see old friends and new out on snowshoes enjoying the beautiful weather.

Snow conditions for Algonquin as of January 13

Yes we do have snow! For those of you who have been calling asking about the conditions, have a look at the following postings taken on Surprise lake at Algonquin’s north west corner on Saturday.

While the trails around the Algonquin Log Cabin and Algonquin Cottage Outpost do have less snow than normal, the lakes are freezing well and we have a 10 inch base of snow.

This past weekend , our guests were skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are set to open this upcoming Jan 19 weekend. Call our office for more details.

Snow pictures of January 13

Pond skating over the Holidays

The lakes have been ideal for skating over the past week. World champion hockey, torch lit night skating- mixed with snowshoeing, outdoor fires, saunas – the holiday season is here! Happy New Year from everyone here at Voyageur Quest!!