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 two shots of the ice were taken at the Cottage Outpost and Log Cabin.

Kawawaymog Lake


Surprise 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.