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Algonquin Duke of Edinburgh Canoe Expeditions

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canoe Expeditions

From $750+HST/person
3-6 Days 2-5 Nights Accommodation Tasty Meals, All Equipment, permits Wilderness Instruction

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Expeditions at Algonquin Park's northwest corner

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was created to encourage personal development, allowing young people to learn from new experiences to discover hidden capabilities and talents. Voyageur Quest offers The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Adventurous canoe expeditions designed to empower and challenge. These Algonquin Park canoe trips challenge young people to problem-solve with a focus on leadership, sustainable living, and traditional wilderness survival skills. Voyageur Quest personalizes each expedition to meet the needs of the group, accommodating different group sizes and all three levels of the award. Please visit The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award website to ensure you have the right experience for each level.

Challenge yourself

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Algonquin Park canoe trips are intended to be a challenge. Learn backcountry canoe and camping skills. The practice and expedition portions of the trips offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about yourself and working in a team.

Leadership and Teamwork

Beginning at our outfitter and base camp at Algonquin Park Access Point #1, groups travel by canoe through the northwest corner of Algonquin Park. Enjoy the beauty of this region while building resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities. Voyageur Quest operate both scheduled trips, listed below, as well as private expeditions, the latter of which can be arranged for any date and group size.

What's included

All the instruction, canoe and camping equipment, park permits, and tasty meals.

Learn canoe and camping skills
Learn how to canoe, portage, fire building, tarp and knot skills and more. Work with a team and make your way through the spectacular wilderness.
No Experience Necessary
It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.
Become a great backcountry cook
Feast on superb meals cooked on a fire and on cook stoves. Best of all, you will learn how to cook these meals!
All Equipment Included
Canoes, paddles, life jackets, tents, sleeping pads, food and cooking equipment, plus lots more. You bring all your personal items such as clothing, toiletries and a note book to record the route, map equipment menu etc.
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Learn canoe and camping skills

Learn how to canoe, portage, fire building, tarp and knot skills and more. Work with a team and make your way through the spectacular wilderness.

No Experience Necessary

It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.

Become a great backcountry cook

Feast on superb meals cooked on a fire and on cook stoves. Best of all, you will learn how to cook these meals!

All Equipment Included

Canoes, paddles, life jackets, tents, sleeping pads, food and cooking equipment, plus lots more. You bring all your personal items such as clothing, toiletries and a note book to record the route, map equipment menu etc.

Dates and Rates

Dates and Rates

Availability

2024 Departures 

Bronze Practice & Expedition

June 21-23

August 16-18

Silver Practice & Expedition

June 22-26

August 17-21

August 25-29

Gold Practice & Expedition

June 22-27

August 17-22

August 25-30

*Contact our office for other dates and custom trips*

Pricing & Options

Algonquin Park The Duke of Edinburgh's Expedition Canoe Trip BRONZE
$750+HST/person
  • 1 Night Camping Accommodation
  • 1 Night Cabin Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • All Group Equipment
  • Algonquin Park Permits
  • Services of a Wilderness Instructor
Algonquin Park The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canoe Expedition SILVER
$1195+HST/person
  • 3 Nights Camping Accommodation
  • 1 Night Cabin Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • All Group Equipment
  • Algonquin Park Permits
  • Services of a Wilderness Instructor
Algonquin Park Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Canoe Expedition GOLD
$1365+HST/person
  • 4 Nights Camping Accommodation
  • 1 Night Cabin Accommodation
  • All Meals
  • All Group Equipment
  • Algonquin Park Permits
  • Services of a Wilderness Instructor

Trip Itinerary

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Bronze Day 1: Practice
Arrive at Algonquin Park access # 1 for 10am
Orientation with the DOE Philosophy
Review route, menu and pack-out
Canoe instruction and water safety
Circumnavigate Kawawaymog Lake and portage into Wet Lake
Lunch
Camp on North Tea Lake
Review trip plan and menu
Dinner
Goal setting session
Distance: 10km
Time at task: 8hrs
Day 2: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Canoe and portage through North Tea Lake to surrounding lakes
Set-up camp
Dinner
Night paddle with wildlife calls
Trip reflection
Distance: 12km
Time at task: 9hrs
Day 3: Expedition
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage back to VQ base
Lunch on route with reflection session
Clean equipment and pack-in
Debrief and assessment with guide
Depart at 3pm
Distance: 16km
Time at task: 10hrs
Silver Day 1: Practice
Arrive at Algonquin Park access # 1 for 10am
Orientation with the DOE Philosophy
Review route, menu and pack-out
Canoe instruction and water safety
Transfer to put-in near Nahma Lake
Paddle and portage to Craig or Pishnecka Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Campfire baking
Distance: 9 km
Time at task: 10 hrs
Day 2: Practice
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle out
Lunch en route
Pick-up and transfer to VQ base
Pack-in, clean gear, adjust menu and pack-out expedition
Optional sauna or shower
Dinner at the Broken Paddle Patio
Goal setting session
Distance: 10km
Time at task: 10hrs
Accommodation: Bunkhouse
Day 3: Expedition
Breakfast at Broken Paddle Patio
Load canoes and depart on expedition
Canoe and portage to North Tea Lake
Hike into Cayuga Lake for lunch
Paddle to Mangotassi Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Night Paddle with wildlife calls
Distance: 15km
Time at task: 9hrs
Day 4: Expedition
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage to Manitou Lake with visit to waterfalls
Paddle to site of tornado damage from storm of 1973
Loop around Manitou Lake islands
Set-up camp on North Tea East
Dinner
Survival skills and bush crafts
Trip reflection
Distance: 13km
Time at task: 10hrs
Day 5: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage back to VQ base
Lunch on route
Clean equipment and pack-in
Debrief and assessment with guide
Depart at 3pm
Distance: 16km
Time at task: 10 hrs
Gold Day 1: Practice
Arrive at Algonquin Park access # 1 for 10am
Orientation with the DOE Philosophy
Review route, menu and pack-out
Canoe instruction and water safety
Transfer to put-in near Nahma Lake
Paddle and portage to Craig or Pishnecka Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Campfire baking
Distance: 9 km
Time at task: 10 hrs
Day 2: Practice
Early morning paddle in search of wildlife
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle out
Lunch en route
Pick-up and transfer to VQ base
Pack-in, clean gear, adjust menu and pack-out expedition
Optional sauna or shower
Dinner at the Broken Paddle Patio
Goal setting session
Distance: 10km
Time at task: 10hrs
Accommodation: Bunkhouse
Day 3: Expedition
Breakfast at Broken Paddle Patio
Load canoes and depart on expedition
Canoe and portage to North Tea Lake
Hike into Cayuga Lake for lunch
Paddle to Mangotassi Lake
Set-up camp
Dinner
Night Paddle with wildlife calls
Distance: 15km
Time at task: 9hrs
Day 4: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage through Biggar to Three Mile Lake
Set-up camp on Three Mile Lake
Dinner
Survival skills and bush crafts
Distance: 13km
Time at task: 10hrs
Day 5: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage through Manitou Lake
Lunch at the waterfalls
Paddle and portage into North Tea Lake
Set up camp
Dinner
Trip reflection and campfire stories
Distance: 12km Time at task: 10 hrs
Day 6: Expedition
Breakfast
Break-down camp and load canoes
Paddle and portage back to VQ base
Lunch on route
Clean equipment and pack-in
Debrief and assessment with guide
Depart at 3pm
Distance: 13km
Time at task: 10 hrs

Client Testimonials

I ‘ve been back from my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Journey for almost two weeks now, and I still cannot stop musing about the most awakening and motivational feeling that I experienced on my trip with Voyageur Quest.

I, along with 6 other Duke of Ed participants, followed our phenomenal guide Peter for 6 days and 5 nights. He was an excellent instructor that taught with compassion and authenticity. The food was amazing and the provided equipment was far more than adequate.

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“My son recently got back from his Duke of Edinburgh Gold trip and had nothing but positive things to say about it! The practice and qualifying journeys were very well planned and fun for the whole group. Food was delicious, learning experiences were plentiful and nature was beautiful, just as expected.

His guide, Peter, made the trip run smoothly through his good organization and positive leadership. Its a trip my son thoroughly enjoyed and is something I’d recommend to other Duke of Ed participants.” 

Igor 

FAQs

Yes this trip does meet the requirements for the Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. Voyageur Quest is an authorized supplier of the Adventurous Journey and  we work closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Office. Please note it is important that each student check to ensure  they are properly registered with the DOE web portal and their Award leader.

No! Our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys are designed to be a learning experience for all students! The practice journey allows students the opportunity to learn, ask questions and set goals for their Qualifying Journey. 

Absolutely! Most of the students on our scheduled adventures are solo travellers. It is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and meet new friends. 

Yes, we do have Toronto to Algonquin “pre trip” packages! The Ontario Northland Bus leaves Toronto daily at 9:10am from Yorkdale Subway Station. We have packages that help support  students with bus travel the day prior the trip. These Packcages include pick up in South River, overnight stay  at our Lakeside Bunkhouse, dinner and breakfast on-site before beginning the practice and qualifying journey! There is an additional cost for this Overnight Package. Contact our office for more information. 

Yes! All of our scheduled adventurous journeys include the necessary practice, night off and adventurous journey, along with the proper time period based on the level the student is working towards. 

All meals, park permits, equipment, accommodation and services of an Instructor  /Supervisor and Assessor is included in the price. Students are required to bring their own clothing and sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are available for rent and transportation can be arranged for an additional cost. 

The specific clothing suggestions do vary based on the trip and time of year, however each student will be sent a detailed packing list upon their booking. 

Each Duke of Edinburgh trip typically has between 4-8 students on each trip. Most trips are co-ed and students are typically between 14-21. 

We are happy to accommodate most dietary requirements.  Vegetarian and most allergies are standard at VQ   with no additional cost. For more speciality diets such as vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free there is an additional cost. Please be sure to describe your requirement in detail when making your booking. For guests who have an anaphylactic allergy, it is required they bring  at least 2 EPI Pens.  

No. Following the guidelines and recommendations from the Duke of Edinburgh Award office, the idea of parents “on trip” is discouraged and does not meet the requirements of the adventurous journey.

At the end of the Qualifying Journey, our Instructor will write a brief team report. Students take a picture of the report and other materials (map, menu etc) then upload and send it to the Duke of Edinburgh Online Web Portal. This form should should show our VQ email [email protected] as the assessment authorizing  email with the Director’s name, John Langford, noted on the form. The Duke of Edinburgh office will then send the Director at [email protected] an automatic notification requiring him to electronically sign off on the student’s successful completion of both the practice and qualifying journeys.  

We recommend all of our customers purchase CANCELLATION INSURANCE from their preferred suppliers. Please read the payment and cancellation policies below based on the adventure or product you are booking. 

Voyageur Quest – Guided Trips (Canoe, Kayak, Winter Camping, Private & Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver or Gold)  OE) and Lodge-Based Adventures – Log Cabin, Cottages and Island and all Cottage and Cabin  Rentals

Payment Policy. A 25% deposit with “to book” form information confirms the booking. The balance is due 30 days before the trip. Full payment is due for trips booked within 45 days of the trip date. Please note a 2.4% credit card fee is applied. We encourage e transfer or bank wire transfer wherever possible. 
Cancellation Policy. Cancellation received 60 days or more prior to the trip – Full refund minus a $75.00 admin. fee. Cancellation received less than 60 days – Loss of initial deposit. Cancellation received less than 30 days – No refund will be issued without the purchase of cancellation insurance, purchased at the time of booking from your travel insurance provider.

10am at Algonquin Park Access point 1. 

All VQ Instructors are experienced Outdoor professionals. Instructors are certified: in wilderness first aid; swimming/ life guard;  and canoe trip & camping  leadership. In addition, VQ Instructors take part in 3 weeks of local training each spring, carry Satilite phones and have support/are connected to the VQ base. 

Yes definitely! DOE Adventurous Journeys require a minimum 4 and a max of 8 students. The cost of private trips vary based on how many people are in your group.

Are you ready? Book your adventure today!

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SPECIALS & PACKAGES

Experience Winter Camping
March 26-27
Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the last few days of winter, by travelling to a winter camp, sleeping in a heated wall tent and learning winter camping techniques!
Click Here
Algonquin Photo Moose Safari
June 11-13
Spend a weekend searching for the picture perfect moment of Algonquin's amazing wildlife, with professional photographer Rob Stimpson.
Click Here
Algonquin Snowshoe and Chalet
Available March 17-20
Relax in a comfortable chalet suite and snowshoe and cross country ski right from your door!
Click Here
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From $575 per person

2 nights accommodation, all meals and guided excursions
WINTER FEATURE

Private Log Cabin Winter Adventure

March 22- 24, 2024 - Escape with friends and family to the Algonquin winter paradise. This all inclusive private Log cabin experience features , tasty meals, and tailored guided excursions. Off the grid, it's the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness, ideal for groups of 6-12.

$499 per person

3 nights accommodation, boat shuttle, island orientation and use of canoe
Featured Trip

Algonquin Island Retreat Spring Special

May 13 - 16, May 16 - 19, 2024. Kick off your Spring with a romantic getaway to the Algonquin Island Retreat. Enjoy three nights on your own private island with a cozy cabin heated by wood stove, great kitchen and wonderful views. Comes with boat shuttle to island and canoe.

$199 per person

3 nights accommodation, price based on 4 people
Snowshoe Duke of Edinburgh
March Last Minute Winter Special

Algonquin Chalet Getaway

Anytime between March 4-25, 2024 - Experience the enchantment of winter at Algonquin Park's northwest corner. Enjoy 3 nights in our cozy solar-powered chalet suite with wood fired sauna and explore the outdoors with complimentary snowshoes. Including free WIFI. Bring your pup for free! Your perfect winter getaway awaits!

Trip Enquiry!

Specializing in Algonquin Park Canoe Trips, Lodge-Based Adventure Trips, and Private Cottage Rentals.