My family has never been paddling before… do we need to know how to canoe?
There is no experience needed to come on a Family Paddling Adventure. Our trips are suited to the beginner paddler and tailored made for families who are looking to get out and try a new experience. We always include instruction and on going feedback to your family to help you enjoy a successful first time paddling experience and leave you all with new skills that you can use on future trips!
What benefits are there to going on a guided experience with my family?
The beauty of a guided experience is that everything is organized for you ahead of time. With our hectic lives and busy schedules its hard enough to find quality time to spend with our family but even harder if there is a lot of preparation and time needed just to make it happen. When you come on a Family Paddling Adventure you know that you can truly enjoy a wonderful getaway with your family and be confident that you are in great hands. Often people feel that they could run their own trip without the services of a guide until they begin investigating it further. Sure there are many campgrounds that rent spots but the beauty of a canoe trip is that you are truly escaping the busy city without having to worry about neighbours blasting loud music at the next campsite. We take you to a serene campsite on a quiet lake where the loudest neighbours are the loons singing in the morning.
Our adventures are truly a unique experience that you can provide for your children. All too often our summers are spent at amusement parks where we spend more time waiting in line than we do enjoying a laugh with our kids. On our trips your children will spend quality time with you canoeing, hiking, laughing by the campfire and just having good old fashion fun. There is nothing more wonderful than sharing mother nature with your children and experiencing their joy as they learn what the great outdoors has to offer. The memories truly last a lifetime!
My child(ren) have never been in a canoe before, how do I know he/she will be comfortable and safe in the boat?
In many cases these trips will be a childs first experience in a canoe and one they will always remember! Safety is key on our trips starting with our canoes which are among the most stable boats on the market, and once you load a few packs into them they become nearly impossible to tip. We also provide cozy creeks (comfy camping chairs which they can sit right in while in the canoe). Lifejackets are also a must and come with a handle on the back which is very handy. On our family trips distance is not our primary goal so we spend the first morning teaching key paddling skills to Mom and Dad to get them comfortable with paddling with kids. Also, we paddle relatively small lakes and stay near shore, which allows us to hop out of our canoes whenever the kids (or the parents!) need to stretch our legs. All of these precautions and preperations quickly add up to a comfortable and fun experience for your entire family.
What do we need to bring on a canoe trip?
We provide all of the gear that your family need for a canoe trip. We provide a waterproof canoe pack, tents, canoes, paddles, lifejackets thermarests and more. We provide full instruction and deliciously prepared meals (that are yummy for the adults & kids) . All you have to bring are your clothes and we take care of the rest. We also send you a detailed suggestion list of what to pack for your clothes and extras for your adventure.
What is included in the price?
All of our adventures are fully outfitted with the gear and equipment you and your family need. We provide waterproof backpacks, paddles, lifejackets, canoes, tents, thermarests and camping chairs for the boat and by the campfire plus much more. We also provide a paddling lesson at the beginning of our adventure (and throughout the trip) as well as deliciously prepared meals and the services of a wilderness guide. Everything is taken care of for you so that your family can truly enjoy a wonderful adventure together without any worries of what to pack!
Can I come along with just me and my child?
Of course! Our trips are always a wonderful blend of singles, families and friends who decided to come along together. Everyone has one common bond, and that is the desire to enjoy an outdoor experience with their little ones! The interesting mix of people on each trip makes for a dynamic experience of more than just fun, but learning from and meeting new people all the time.
What is a portage?
Portages are over-land trails that connect the waterways that we are traveling on. Lakes are only so big and then we must carry our gear over land to the next lake. Portages vary in length and difficulty but everyone in your group assists with carrying canoes and packs. Rain Lake Algonquin park location does NOT have a portage. At Family Paddling Adventures we realize that you may not have any experience with portaging and our guides provide individual support and fosters a sense of group effort for each portage. We have selected routes that do not have portages that are too difficult for the average beginner canoeist. The portages are also a terrific way to let your children burn off some energy and enjoy a great hike (and maybe we can even convince a few of them to help carry some of their own gear).
Are there washroom facilities on trip?
On trip we have solar showers that can be used for a quick shower in the woods and always available to wash up in the morning ,at night and after meals etc. Toilet facilities on trip are basic. The parks have what we call 'thunder boxes'. Think of them as an outhouse with no walls. Although basic they are located in a private area in the woods and are quite comfy for a camping experience.
What are the sleeping accommodations like?
We provide comfortable 2 and 4 person family style tents that are fully equipped with 2 vestibules, lots of windows and theramrests for sleeping on. Depending on how many children you have will determine the size of the tent we use.
What is a typical 3 day trip like?
Our 3 day weekend trips are a wonderful way to get out of the city and really immerse your family into nature! Our 3 day adventures begin usually on a Friday morning where the group meets and greets by the Lake. We then re pack all your clothes into our waterproofed canoe packs. After our meet and greet and pack up we get our kids and ourselves suited up in our lifejackets , get our paddles and hop in the boats. We begin with a full paddling lesson to help your family get used to the boats and paddling. We then set out on the open lake and enjoy a wonderful paddle to our destination (some locations include a nice hike over the portage) We stop a few times to let everyone get some play time and swimming time in and to have a quick snack as well. Then we carry on, enjoy the views and make our way to our site. Once we arrive at our campsite we unpack, help you set up your tents and get your family all settled. The rest of the day is free time to enjoy swimming, relaxing and deliciously prepared meals. (see our Meal Description below).
Our evenings are spent with a glass of wine and juice by the campfire roasting marshmellows and enjoying the company of fellow families and our very sleepy little ones! The 2nd day of our adventure is always a day trip. Day trips include a variety of options depending on the location such as a hiking location, visit to a beach or waterfall or out onto the bay for a paddle and an island picnic lunch. Each day outing is special and unique. Our final day of the trip includes a lovely buffet lunch, a morning swim or some free time to just enjoy the lake before we have to start packing up and paddling out back to our cars.
What types of meals are provided?
At Family Paddling Adventures we take pride in our delicious meals! A meal cooked on the open fire always tastes better and we are not talking just burgers and dogs. Our goal is to provide healthy, varied menus based on familiar, easy to prepare home-style foods with quantities to satisfy the hungriest of family paddlers. You won't find tasteless freeze dried foods here. Our food continues to get rave reviews year after year. Many of our clients are very surprised at what can be accomplished over a campfire or stove. As with other aspects of our trips everyone is welcome to take part in the preparation of the meals.
Most dietary concerns (of both you and your children) can be accommodated with prior notice. Be sure to let us know your requirements on your personal information form.
Here are some typical Family Paddling Menu items.
BREAKFAST is always a great way to start the day so you have to enjoy a nice hearty meal some of the typical items you will enjoy are: Bacon and eggs with English muffins , Pancakes with fresh seasonal berries and maple syrup , Granola, Oatmeal with dried fruit, muffins, buffet of fresh fruit, tea & Coffee.
LUNCH: Most often we head onshore at a scenic spot for lunch breaks during our outings: Here is a sample of our lunches.
Fresh pitas & wraps with salami and cheeses
Tuna -Cabbage salad served in a pita
Warm Quesadillas
Sandwiches with fresh toppings such as tomatoes, cucumber and a variety of cheeses and breads
Old stand-bys such as peanut butter and jam and nutella, Grilled Cheese
In cooler weather soups are served with lunches
On longer trips, fresh bean sprouts Tabouli and Hummous etc.
DINNER: Dinners are the highlight of the day's menu. Evenings afford us more time to devote to preparation and presentation. Cooking the meal over a campfire becomes an event where everyone has something to contribute. All trips are outfitted with a spice kit which features a variety of seasonings to create a theme or to simply provide enhancement. Cooking outdoors over a fire, on a stove, in a reflector oven or in a Dutch oven is an art form. Timing, orchestration and creativity are as essential as the ingredients. You will be surprised with the variety of dinners and desserts that can be created! Here is a sample of our dinner menu. Dinners always end with a yummy dessert including make your own smores, rice krispie squares, upside down cake or apple crisp!
Fettuccine Alfredo served with snow peas & Mushrooms, salad & garlic bread
Pasta with red sauce and fresh veggies
Chicken and fresh vegetable stir-fry with rice or Cous Cous: Green peppers, broccoli, snow peas, zucchini, carrots and onions are the ingredients in this fresh favorite. Try it curried, sweet and sour, or let your imagination work with our abundant spice kit.
Pizza: Imagine enjoying a pizza on a camping trip. A popular meal with our guides and clients alike this meal will surprise you with how easy it is to prepare and savour a home-cooked pizza in the wilderness.
Home made macaroni and cheese
Vegetarian Shepherd's pie: Another favorite made with red lentils, yams, potatoes and our secret spices. Simple and fast to prepare this meal is often saved for the end of the trip as it is light and uses spoil free vegetables.
BBQ - Everyone loves a yummy bbq dinner made on the campfire. An assortment of hamburgers, hot dogs and sausauges along with corn and choice of coleslaw or salad.
Pea soup with bannock dumplings: Pea soup was a staple for the voyagers but we dress it up with spices, smoked ham (optional), and fresh bannock dumplings. This hearty, tradition soup is always a welcome meal after a day of paddling
We always have extras on hand for those little ones who prefer something simple like grilled cheese, pb & jam etc.
