Canoe Route: Grand Lake to Squirrel Rapids
Updated: Aug 21
Immerse yourself in the wilderness on this three-day backcountry camping adventure. Paddle pristine lakes, tackle scenic portages, and spend your evenings at secluded campsites surrounded by the sights and sounds of Algonquin Park's backcountry.
Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights Access: Sand Lake Gate | Total Paddle Distance: 22.4 km | Total Portage Distance: 4.6 km |
Day 1: The Launch
Total Paddle Distance: 9 km | Total Portage Distance: 0.7 km | Destination: High Falls Lake
Our adventure began with an early morning stop at Algonquin Bound Outfitters to finalize our rental order before heading down the gravel roads of eastern Algonquin Park. After a stop at Sand Lake Gate, and dropping a vehicle at our takeout point, we continued to Grand Lake at the Achray Campground.
Finding our reserved canoes stacked neatly near the boat launch, we loaded our gear and set off across the water. Grand Lake offers stunning views of rolling hills and sandy shorelines, but as one of the larger lakes on the route, wind can significantly impact paddling conditions. Be prepared to adjust your plans if weather conditions change.
Once around the bend toward the first portage - a short 50-metre carry across a small dam - the waters become calmer and the pace slows considerably.
From there, paddle the length of Stratton Lake, one of the area's most popular backcountry destinations, before reaching the 75-metre portage into St. Andrews Lake. After this quick carry, we paused for a floating snack and took a moment to appreciate the quiet beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
Our largest portage of the day was the 550-metre carry into High Falls Lake, where we made camp for the evening. The gentle sound of cascading water can be heard from nearby High Falls, while the shoreline's flat rock shelves provide the perfect place to sit, relax, and take in the view after a rewarding first day on the water.
Day 2: The Ooze
Total Paddle Distance: 3.4 km | Total Portage Distance: 1.6 km | Destination: Cork Lake
While today's paddling distance was relatively short, it more than made up for it with portaging. Knowing what lay ahead, we fueled up with a hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and eggs before breaking camp.
A short paddle across High Falls Lake brought us to the day's first portage - a 330-metre carry into appropriately named Ooze Lake. Small, shallow, and decidedly swampy, Ooze isn't known for its scenery, but thankfully it doesn't take long before you're back out of your canoe and on your way toward Opalescent Lake.
What Ooze lacks in beauty, Opalescent makes up for tenfold.
With its striking teal-coloured water and picturesque shoreline, Opalescent is one of the hidden gems of this route. The lake offers several excellent campsites and would make an ideal destination for a second night in the backcountry.
We, however, had our sights set on Cork Lake.
The 675-metre portage into Cork is noticeably less travelled than many others in the area. Expect fallen trees, uneven footing, rocky sections, and the occasional swampy crossing. While challenging at times, the reward is well worth the effort.
Cork Lake is breathtaking. Towering cliffs, crystal-clear water, and only two campsites create a sense of solitude that is increasingly rare. Here, you'll truly feel removed from the crowds.
We were fortunate to enjoy a warm autumn afternoon, making a refreshing swim from our campsite irresistible. That evening, clear skies treated us to a spectacular display of stars, and we happily fell asleep beneath the night sky.
Day 3: The Canyon
Total Paddle Distance: 10 km | Total Portage Distance: 2.3 km | Destination: Squirrel Rapids
We were up early for the biggest day of the trip, packing camp and ensuring plenty of snacks were within reach for the journey ahead.
After saying goodbye to Cork Lake, we retraced our steps along the rugged portage back into Opalescent. Having completed the route the previous day, somehow the carry didn't seem quite as daunting this time around.
The 750-metre portage between Opalescent and Brigham Lake was the longest of the trip. Fortunately, much of the trail follows a gradual downhill slope, making the journey more manageable than the distance might suggest.
From Brigham Lake through to Squirrel Rapids, you'll encounter one of the area's most heavily travelled canoe routes - and once you reach the canyon, it's easy to understand why. A little patience and courtesy at busy portages goes a long way toward keeping the experience enjoyable for everyone.
After two shorter portages, measuring 100 meters and 440 meters respectively, we arrived at the highlight of the journey: the spectacular Barron Canyon.
Carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago, the canyon's towering walls rise nearly 100 meters above the water, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in Algonquin Park. With perfect weather on our side, we rafted our canoes together and enjoyed a floating charcuterie lunch—or a "canoe-terie," if you will. As an added bonus, we spotted a moose grazing quietly along the shoreline.
One final 420-metre portage brought us to our takeout point at Squirrel Rapids. After unloading our gear and stacking our canoes for Algonquin Bound Outfitters pickup service, we began the journey home.
Of course, no successful backcountry trip is complete without a celebratory stop for ice cream and souvenirs. A visit to Algonquin Portage, followed by a quick stop at Algonquin Bound Outfitters to return paddles and safety gear, provided the perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure.
Local Tip
Before returning to Achray to collect your second vehicle, take a detour to the Barron Canyon Hiking Trail. Viewing the canyon from above offers a completely different perspective of the landscape you've just paddled through—and it's absolutely spectacular.
Know Before You Go
Permits & Reservations
Reservations and vehicle permits are required, reserved online or by calling 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
Stop at Sand Lake Gate upon arrival to check in and receive any relevant information from park staff.
Access Information
Access this route via Barron Canyon Road, a gravel road that may be used by logging trucks at certain times of the year. Drive cautiously and watch for large vehicles.
Unless you've arranged a shuttle through an outfitter, leave one vehicle at the Squirrel Rapids takeout and another at the Grand Lake put-in.
Leave No Trace
Algonquin Park's backcountry offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Help protect this special place by following Leave No Trace principles:
Pack out everything you pack in.
Respect wildlife and observe from a distance.
Stay on designated portages, routes, and campsites.
Minimize campfire impacts and ensure all fires are completely extinguished.
Leave your campsite better than you found it.
Ready to plan your own wilderness escape? Explore more backcountry routes, camping experiences, and outdoor adventures throughout the region. Whether you're looking for rentals, route planning, equipment, or expert advice, local outfitters like Algonquin Bound Outfitters and Algonquin Portage can help you get started on your next adventure.
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