Fri, Sep 3 - Mon, Sep 6, 2027
Early Bird Pricing (Until May 31, 2027): $599 +HST | Reg. Pricing: $699 +HST
Start/Finish: Big East Access Point, Algonquin Highlands, OntarioALGONQUIN HIGHLands
Join SHE Ventures Outdoors for a 4-day, 3-night backcountry canoe adventure through Ontario's Algonquin Highlands.
Our route explores a network of interconnected lakes, including Poker, Muck, Cinder, Upper Crane, Lower Crane and Bentshoe. Expect scenic paddling, portaging, quiet campsites and hands-on opportunities to develop your backcountry camping skills.
Over 4 days, we'll complete 7 portages ranging from 185 m to 400 m, with a cumulative one-way portage distance of approximately 1.67 km. With double carries, participants should expect to walk approximately 5 km along portage trails throughout the trip.
This trip is suited to women comfortable with moderate physical activity, including paddling, carrying equipment over uneven terrain and sharing camp responsibilities.
ITINERARY
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BENTSHOE LAKE TO POKER LAKE
We'll meet at the access point at 11:00 AM for an on-land safety briefing and trip overview, followed by paddling instruction before beginning our journey towards Poker Lake. Participants will rotate between bow and stern positions and practice portaging techniques throughout the day.
Portages: 1 (400 m)
Portage distance with double carries: ~1.2 km
Overnight: Poker Lake
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POKER LAKE TO CINDER LAKE
Portages: 2 (200 m + 185 m)
Portage distance with double carries: ~1.2 km
Overnight: Cinder Lake
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CINDER LAKE TO LOWER CRANE LAKE
Portages: 3 (185 m + 200 m + 300 m)
Portage distance with double carries: ~2.1 km
Overnight: Lower Crane Lake
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LOWER CRANE LAKE TO BENTSHOE LAKE ACCESS
Portages: 1 (200 m)
Portage distance with double carries: ~600 m
Estimated return to Bentshoe Lake Access Point: 1:00 PM
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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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
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Water treatment and purification
Food preparation and storage
Bear safety and camp set-up
Hands-on gear demonstration
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Backcountry camping permit (Day 1-4)
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See checked boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Full coordination of trip logistics from pre-departure through trip 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.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
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Round-trip ground transportation to/from Big East Lake Access Point, Algonquin Highlands
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See blank boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Available as an add-on for $199 per person (including taxes)
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 5 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 5+ people have not registered by the registration deadline.