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 hiking expeditions designed to empower and challenge. These Algonquin Park hiking 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.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Algonquin Park hiking trips are intended to be a challenge. Learn backcountry hiking and camping skills. These practice and expeditions offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about yourself and working in a team.
Beginning at our outfitter and base camp at Algonquin Park Access Point #1, groups hike 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.
All the instruction, hiking and camping equipment, park permits, and tasty meals.
Learn how to fire building, tarp and knot skills and more. Work with a team and make your way through the spectacular wilderness.
It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.
Feast on superb meals cooked on a fire and on cook stoves. Best of all, you will learn how to cook these meals!
Hiking packs, 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.
BRONZE
Practice – Toronto (Islands)
April 7
Qualifying Expedition – Toronto (Kelso)
April 8-9
or
Practice – Toronto (Islands)
May 20
Qualifying Expedition- Toronto (Kelso)
May 21-22
SILVER
Practice – Toronto (Kelso)
April 8-9 or
May 21-22
Qualifying Journey – Toronto (Kelso)
May 20-22 or
Qualifying Journey – (Algonquin)
June 29-July 1
GOLD
Practice – Toronto (Kelso)
April 8-9 or
May 21-22
Qualifying Expedition – Algonquin
June 29-July 2
*Contact our office if you are interested in organizing private trips
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.
Again, HUGE thanks to Peter for teaching us and giving us an unforgettable experience.
Chantelle
“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
Yes this trip does meet the requirements for the Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. Voyageur Quest works closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Office to ensure we are constantly updating our trips to meet the necessary requirements. However, it is important that each student clear the trip with their Award leader as a particular trip may not be qualifying based on previous trips/experiences.
Hiking boots are required for this trip. A mid-cut over the ankle hiking boot provides enough ankle and weight support for hiking with a heavy pack for long periods of time. We recommend not wearing brand new boots as they can cause blisters. Breaking in boots prior to the trip by walking around in them will help them be more comfortable.
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.
There is! Due to the early start of our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey’s students who require transportation can arrive the night before on the Ontario Northland Bus, stay at our Bunkhouse and have dinner and breakfast on site before beginning the practice and qualifying journey!
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 a wilderness guide/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 5-8 students on each trip. Each trip is co-ed and students are typically between 14-21.
We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirement. We are able to accommodate vegetarian and most allergies at 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 2 EPI Pens.
Following the guidelines and recommendations from the Duke of Edinburgh Award office, it is highly discouraged and often does not meet the requirements of the adventurous journey for parents to join the trip.
Due to our remote location students and guides will complete the report in person at the end of the trip. Students then upload a scanned copy or picture of their report to the Duke of Edinburgh Online Reporting Form. This form should be sent to the Voyageur Quest office directly to be electronically signed off. If you have any questions regarding this process please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Specializing in Algonquin Park Canoe Trips, Lodge-Based Adventure Trips, and Private Cottage Rentals.
