Wed, Aug 18 - Fri, Aug 20, 2027

Early Bird Pricing (Until May 31, 2027): $599 +HST | Reg. Pricing: $649 +HST

Start/Finish: Anstruther Lake Access Point, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Ontario

kawartha highlands

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Join SHE Ventures Outdoors for a 3-day, 2-night backcountry canoeing trip through Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park in southern Ontario. This scenic canoe circuit takes us through a series of interconnected lakes, including Anstruther, Rathbun, North Rathbun, Serpentine and Copper.

Our journey begins at the Anstruther Lake Access Point and follows a loop through the park's interior, with overnight stays at North Rathbun Lake and Copper Lake before returning to Anstruther.

Over three days, we'll paddle approximately ~14.5 km and complete seven portages ranging from 164 m to 1,415 m in length. The cumulative one-way portage distance is approximately 2.77 km. However, because we plan to double carry our equipment, participants should expect to walk approximately 8.3 km along portage trails throughout the trip, bringing our total travel distance to approximately 23 km.

This trip is intended for participants who are comfortable with moderate physical activity, including paddling for several hours, carrying equipment over uneven terrain and participating in shared backcountry camp responsibilities.

ITINERARY

  • ANSTRUTHER TO NORTH RATHBUN LAKE

    We'll meet at Anstruther Lake Access Point at 10:00 AM for an on-land safety briefing and trip overview, followed by one hour of paddling instruction before making our way to North Rathbun Lake for our first night. Participants will rotate between bow and stern positions and switch paddling partners throughout the trip to practise different paddling techniques.

    Paddling: ~6 km

    Portages: 2 (201 m + 164 m)

    Portage distance with double carries: ~1.1 km

    Overnight: North Rathbun

  • NORTH RATHBUN TO COPPER LAKE

    Paddling: ~2.8 km

    Portages: 2 (1.42 km + 200 m)

    Portage distance with double carries: ~4.85 km

    Overnight: Copper

  • COPPER TO ANSTRUTHER LAKE

    Paddling: ~5.81 km

    Portages: 3 (370 m, 214 m, 201 m)

    Portage distance with double carries: ~2.36 km

    Estimated return to Anstruther Lake Access Point: 5:00 PM

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Maximum 6:1 guide ratio

    Certified Wilderness First Responder

    Paddle Canada Certified Canoe Instructor

    Commercial guiding and liability insurance

    Search and rescue coverage

    Satellite communication and emergency equipment

  • Water treatment and purification

    Food preparation and storage

    Bear safety and camp set-up

    Hands-on gear demonstration

  • Backcountry camping permit (Day 1-3)

  • See checked boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip

  • Full coordination of trip logistics from pre-departure through trail completion

    Route planning and daily itinerary development

    Pre-trip participant communication, packing guidance and trip preparation

    Monitoring of weather and access conditions leading up to departure

    Coordination of required permits

Download the gear checklist below to see what you need to bring. Checked boxes will be supplied by SHE Ventures.

Download

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

  • Round-trip ground transportation to/from Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

  • Vehicle permit and registration for trip length ($15 pp/day, payable to Ontario Parks). Available as an add-on at checkout.

  • See blank boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip

  • Available as an add-on for $149 per person (including taxes)

Distances are calculated assuming double carries (three trips per portage). Actual distances and carrying requirements may vary depending on equipment, group abilities and guide discretion.

Routes, distances and campsites may change due to weather, water conditions, group pace or safety considerations.

Overnight sites are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until booked.

All participants are expected to assist with portaging, camp setup, meal preparation and cleanup.

SHE Ventures Outdoors reserves the right to modify trip plans as necessary for safety and operational reasons.

DISCLAIMERS

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations made 60+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative fee. Cancellations made 30-60 days in advance of departure will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to trip departure. 

A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 4+ people have not registered 2 weeks in advance of departure.

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