2010 Voyageur Quest Photo Contest

There are only 8 weeks left to submit your images for the 2010 Voyageur Quest Photo Contest. Please send your pictures to us before October 31st.

There will be 3 winning entries in the following categories:
Best People and Wildlife
Best People and Site (Log Cabin or Cottage Outpost)
Best People and Landscape

Here are two submissions to this years contest:

Photo by Kerry O'Neill

Photo by Bob Dowson

Floating Sauna - Live at the Cottage Outpost!

Last week, we christened the new floating sauna located at the Cottage Outpost. We all love opening the door and diving into the cool clean water! Anyone staying at the Cottage Outpost as a rental or joining a multi-adventure such as the Eco Adventure or Adventure for Two will l get a chance to experience it!

Floating Sauna - Coming soon to the Algonquin Cottage Outpost

We are so excited to announce the addition of a floating sauna to the Algonquin Cottage Outpost this summer. Great for 4-6 people, the sauna will feature two tiered bench seating and a great place to relax before or after a swim. Stay tuned for more details!

Recipe for a Great Moose Photography Workshop

Start with 3 days of good weather at Algonquin Park

Add a group of enthusiastic photographers

Mix in Voyageur Quest guides and 1 wilderness photography expert

Slowly paddle through Algonquin Park with your camera at the ready

Photograph moose x 35

Repeat!

Photo by Tina McAuley

" I was just on the Algonquin Moose Photography Trip. It was amazing!!! I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful weekend. The guides were absolutely fantastic. The weekend couldn't have been any better."

Algonquin Park Fly-in Corporate Retreat

We had the pleasure of hosting a special planning group from the USA today who arrived to the Algonquin Log Cabin by dropping into Surprise lake by float plane and paddling to our dock in Voyageur canoes. They dined on Moose burgers and pickeral and Amy's amazing Canadian Sugar and Rhubarb pies before flying off to Georgian Bay.

Algonquin Park Canoe Trip - Staff Training

Our staff spent 3 glorious days in Algonquin Park on canoe trip training. Temperatures were over 30 degrees and we were swimming like it was the middle of July! The black flies are already gone and the mosquitoes were non existent. The moose were out in full force as we counted 25 one morning!

GET HERE SOON

June 2010 is promising to be an amazing time to be in Algonquin!

Click here to view more pictures from the training trip.

Spring Is Here

Or, "Is it?" one might ask.

Being up here in Algonquin most of the month of April I definitely flip-flopped on the idea. It all started with a hiking trip in Killarney during the beginning of the month with freezing rain that left the various rock faces as ice sheets. Then came continual back to back days of stunningly warm and rain free weather until the month wrapped up on the 27th with a day trip of sea-kayaking around Kawawaymog Lake topped with a cookout lunch on a beautiful island point. Our guests, two new friends from Dubai, went on a beautiful 19 degree excursion of canoeing the day before, and then for our cookout... SNOW??? The flip-flopping resumed with a return to normal May weather for staff spring training, only to have everyone depart and there be two inches of snow on the ground the very next day.





Well I feel safe in saying that I believe the snow is finished, summer is coming and along with it another season of fantastic memorable experiences in the beautiful Canadian wilderness of Algonquin Park.

I look forward to seeing you out there.

Happy Trails,

Matt (the end guide in the photo)

Black Bears in Algonquin Park

Our guides often receive questions about bears on our Algonquin canoe and lodge trips. The chance of seeing a bear in a pristine wilderness area like Algonquin is very rare. You are more likely to run into a black bear near a campground like highway #60 or a Cottage or lodge where there might be garbage or a nice smelling BBQ. Both our Algonquin Log Cabin and Cottage Outpost do have bears drop by so we go to great lengths to keep any garbage inside and wash and bleach our BBQ after every use.


Outdoor writer, Kevin Calla has a helpful video on what to do if you run into a bear... Click here and have a look!

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Looking forward to the Spring Paddle

It's still winter at Algonquin Park, but the warm temperatures and sunshine are definitely making us look forward to the first paddle of the season. Check out "This is Canoeing," highlighting some of Canada's notable paddlers.

Calling all Anglers - Spring Trout Fishin'

A new trip will debut this spring at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park.
Join local fishing guide (since 1942), Frank Kuiack on a canoe trip into Algonquin Park. Frank has been guiding fishing parties in Algonquin since the age of 8 when weekend fishermen would offer him money to tke them fishing. He grew up in lumber camps, gold mines, on Algonquin's rivers and lakes, and has seen the Algonquin highlands change over the years.

You will learn the tricks of the trade from Frank as we paddle into North Tea and reel in one of Algonquin's famous lake trout.

Last minute for March

Algonquin conditions could not be better for March 2010! I was out snowhoeing yesterday and the snow base was at least one metre. Both Surprise and Kawawaymog Lakes are super for skiing. The Olympic oval in front of the Outpost is still in great shape for those that are keen to strap on the blades and fly around the track.

We have space at both the Algonquin Cottage Outpost and Algonquin Log Cabin for both guided and private advesntures. Call Tracy and she can line you up with the best package

Countdown to the "Stew and Brew" Winter Men's Retreat

Calling you men who love a good winter adventure mixed with some good food and drink. We are now just weeks away from our first ever "Stew and Brew" winter men's retreat. There is still space to snowshoe, sauna, ice plunge, feast on tasty stews , enjoy craft brews and win some $ in poker.

Igloos at the Outpost

There is lots to do at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost this winter. With lots of snow there are amazing snowshoe and backcountry ski trails. Enjoy torchlit skating under the stars, or build an igloo!

Here are some great shots of the Lindsay family building igloos at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost this holiday season!

"Stew and Brew" Winter Men's Retreat

A winter stag weekend for refined gentlemen, the "Stew and Brew" promises a great weekend mix of adventure with hearty feasts matched with ales, lagers, stouts.
Bender has been testing recipes while our guide team have been testing for the ideal brew matches....an example from last weekend's tasting .. "cider braised elk sauages and mash" washed down with a glass of stout. Outstanding ! Of course, the story is not all feast and brews, Peacock will be guiding snowshoe treks and a fun ski excursion followed by sauna and ice plunge. Poker is on the agenda for the evening . Should be a blast! Call soon, as we are liniting this trip to 12 hungry/ thirsty men!

Snow for December

December arrived with snow this morning. About 4 inches or 10 cm covers the forest today at Algonquin's north west corner. This shot taken from our Oupost shows the ice forming in the bay. The soft light of early December makes for a great time to photograph winter images.

Bald Eagles on Round Lake

This fall, our canoe trips saw bald eagles on Kawawaymog lake at the mouth of the Amable du Fond. One of our Lodge guests, Tommy Vanhee sent in these pictures taken on a sunrise canoe excursion. In October, the construction team that is working on our new Kawawaymog island retreat saw these eagles daily circling above the island. Great to see these magnificent birds back in Algonquin.

Olympic month at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost

Join us at Algonquin this February to celebrate the spirit of the Winter Olympics. Experience unique winter "events" while enjoying cozy accommodation at our lakeside Outpost. For this special time, Voyageur Quest will be supplying televisions for each chalet suite so that you can catch the action and then head out, be inspired and then head out for your own winter adventure.

Snowshoe to the top of cardiac hill for a hair raising run down our home made luge run. Skate on the frozen Roudn lake or joing ina game of torchlit brooomball.

This special package is available throughout February , 2010 and features accommodation at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost!

Happy Faces of Fall

The girls of St. Clements were back exploring the waters of Algonquin for the Duke of Ed expeditions. Congratulations to all for your top notch participation and hard work on the trail.

Voyageur Quest in Lifestyle Magazine

Julia LeConte wrote a nice story about our 3 day winter trip at the Algonquin Log Cabin featuring dogsledding, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.

Have a look!

When five Siberian huskies hear another team of sled dogs off in the distance, they go nuts. (With a heightened sense of hearing, they can sense them before you do.) They’re not huge dogs, but incredibly strong – the weight of two adult humans can bounce along behind them like wedding cans on an old Chevy. And what’s the cause for excitement? To mate? To fight? The sheer joy of meeting another bunch of canines? As our musher Ed Schmidt explains to us, it’s to establish a pecking order. His team of dogs already has leaders and followers. But when they mix up with other teams, it gets confusing.

It’s dogsledding that brought my fellow traveller and me to the great outdoors in the first place. Like many foreigners visiting our native land, the idea of mushing behind a pack of huskies seemed acutely Canadian to my Irish companion — something not to be missed if one was only here for a single (albeit long) Canadian winter. And so I found myself cautiously looking forward to a three-night, three-day stay with Voyageur Quest, a tripping company based 3 ½ hours north of Toronto near the town of South River, on the doorstep of Algonquin Provincial Park.

Though I fretted about the dark cold that awaited us at 10 p.m. in a frigid log cabin with no electricity, my fears were quickly assuaged when we pulled up to a large, cozy retreat, windows glowing in the pitch black thanks to the fire roaring in the cabin’s hefty hearth. The log cabin (perhaps lodge is the better word) served as headquarters for most of our vacation, and as such was absolutely paramount to our enjoyment. We were cheerfully greeted by our fellow trippers — five vacationers from the Netherlands who swiftly handed us each a beer. (They drank Canadian, while we had brought Heineken.) We spent the first couple of days with our Dutch companions, learning (and for me, the lone Canuck, re-learning) favourite Canadian outdoor pastimes.

Chapter 1: Skiing

Day 1 started with breakfast and a quick cross-country ski lesson. One of our two guides, Matt Rothwell, instilled enough basics to get the group through a day’s worth of skiing. For someone who just recently picked up the sport, he had a knack for teaching. “I originally made fun of my mom, dad and sisters whenever they went out. I thought ‘that just looks like work,’ and they’re big, unwieldy skis,” he says. “I definitely learned the err of my ways.”

We followed a quick zip through some woods with a long ski over beautiful lakes in the afternoon, and a trickier, hillier trail ski to finish off the day. Our group was a mix of intermediate and first-time skiers, but sticking together while enjoying a workout proved easy.

“THE MORE YOU UNDERSTAND THENATURE THAT'S GOING ON AROUND YOU,THE MORE YOU CAN APPRECIATE IT”

Chapter 2: Snowshoeing

While our Dutch friends were off dogsledding on Day 2, we traded in our skis for snowshoes. I was impressed by the technological advancements that have been made in this type of footgear since my class trips to the sugar bush in the early ’90s. The awkward hardwood frame and rawhide lacings have been replaced with more compact, metal or plastic shoes.

We hiked up to stunning lookout points and crossed a running river via beaver dam. Later, as we left the log cabin for the privacy of Voyageur Quest’s cottage outpost — our private, spacious, well-furnished modern cottage — we snuck in one last snowshoe on Once-A-Day Trail — an easy and scenic track, not to be skipped.

Chapter 3: Dogsledding

Our day of mushing was finally upon us. Our leader and dog-yard owner, Schmidt, gave a surprisingly brief tutorial. He explained the commands: “gee” to turn right, “haw” for left, “let’s go” or “hike” to get them started (actually you just need to take your foot off the brake), and “whoa” or “easy” for stop (this one, we would find, the dogs take as more suggestion than command). “On by” was the decree of choice when you wanted the pups to ignore something along the road, like other dogs, or a darting squirrel. (There were plenty of both.) In truth, most of our commands would probably have fallen on deaf ears had we not had Schmidt in front of us — he drove the sled with the confident, co-ordinated relaxation that comes with experience.

There are two approaches to two-man dogsledding. In the first, one person sits in the basket, while the other stands behind, with one foot on each runner (the sled’s skis). The second option has both people standing on the runners — either side by side with each driver having his own runner, or one in front of the other. The former one-man-in-basket approach is slightly easier to master, and thus advised for first-timers.

Later, on the trail, as I flailed behind the sled after losing control of my team going downhill — my gloves wrapped in a death grip on the sled’s handlebar as my body bounced along like a bad cartoon — I realized that Schmidt’s brief instruction had purpose. He employed a hands-off teaching style. We learned as we went along, with little instruction when we didn’t need it, but lots of help when we did.

After lunch, with the sunny afternoon peaking at a temperature of 6 C, we were comfortable in our sled, cruising along with little incident. Maybe the March heat and the animals’ fatigue (sled dogs are at their peak at -15 C and below) is what made us feel so expert, prompting us to adopt the second approach to driving. By the time we came to the trailhead and helped corral the dogs, we were feeling a bond with our pooches that made it difficult to say goodbye.

Creature Comforts

Three things you need not worry about on your winter retreat

1) Food
You won’t go hungry on a trip with Voyageur Quest. Hearty and delicious meals are supplemented by surprising snacks at every turn — hot chocolate and cookies on a ski break, apple slices and brie by the fire in the late afternoon and hot apple cider on the trail. Our guides’ philosophy on meal times was also welcome. Instead of rushing out the door to the day’s activities, we were encouraged to “ease out” of breakfast and lunch, allowing time for our grub to settle in before we headed out.

2) Warmth
There’s no electricity to heat the log cabin, but a giant, two-storey stone fireplace that shoots up the middle of the lodging keeps the entirety very cozy indeed. Likewise, the sauna building in the backyard will get you downright sweaty.

3) Guides
Not only expert chefs, outdoor enthusiasts and deft at keeping the log cabin perfectly heated and lit at all times, Voyageur Quest’s guides are also expertly versed in nature knowledge. They recognize animal tracks, differentiate betwen tree types, point out moss and lichen and identify their potential uses. “The more you understand the nature that’s going on around you, the more you can appreciate it,” says Rothwell.

For a variety of winter (plus spring, summer and fall) adventures, including multi-day dogsledding trips, visit voyageurquest.com.

Duke of Edinburgh canoe trips in Algonquin

Many of our Algonquin adventures are popular with schools and camps for the expedition requirement for the Duke of Edinburgh award. 3 and 4 day Canoe trips are ideal in the spring and fall . For something out of the ordinary, bring your school or Duke of Ed club with us in winter for snowshoeing, backcountry skiing and winter camping. The Algonquin log cabin offers a great base for winter expeditions.

Uncorking Algonquin Rustic

Look out VQA! Tracy, Eva and I had fun tasting our very own 2009 Voyageur Quest vintage... Smooth and great tasting, look to sample "Algonquin Rustic" on special harvest departures this October at the Algonquin Log Cabin.

2009 Photo Contest

Our 2009 Photo Contest is coming to a finish at the end of October. Please send your pictures to us soon. We offer free trips in three categories:

1. Best People and Wildlife
2. Best People and Site (Log Cabin or Cottage Outpost)
3. Best People and Landscape
   
   Here are two submissions both from John Weatherburn:

Summer Heat - Get here soon!

With a damp July behind us, it appears Summer has finally rolled in. We have been experiencing heat and loving every second of it. It looks like it will be a late summer like last year with summer coming in August and September. For those of you who missed a summer trip to Algonquin - come in September - it will be like summer!

Georgian Bay Sea Kayaking

On August 21st an excited group of guests departed from the shores of Britt on a 3-day Georgian Bay sea kayaking trip. "Thank you for putting together a very enjoyable weekend trip. We had fun with a great group and expert guides. We really liked the location for the trip and congratulate the guides." - Karen (guest, August 21-23, 2009)

Ehud and our Israeli Friends

We had the pleasure of hosting the families of Ehud Raanani and Alon Peled who travelled all the way from Israel to experience our Algonquin canoe trip and a few days at the log cabin. With children ages 7 to 19, both families had great energy and our guide team had a blast. Thanks Ehun and Alon and hope to see you all again!

Mid Season Staff Unwind

With the busy season of summer, it is hard to find a time when many of our staff are back at base at the same time. Sunday was one such occasion and we made the most of it with drinks and dinner at the Log Cabin. Thanks to Blair and Gill for making the extra effort to be there!

Red Rock Plunge

Nothing beats a summer jump off Red Rock on Surprise Lake. That's Kate Dotsikas and John Rolland taking crazy jumps!

Log Cabin Sunsets

After an action packed Saturday filled with fishing and diving off red rock, we enjoyed Voyageur canoe cocktails and appetizers dockside! With the afternoon fading sun and warm summer breeze off Surprise Lake, the Log Cabin features wonderful summer sunsets and a great way to enjoy a summer mini vacation. Come by yourself on one of our 3 day adventures or bring a group and rent the cabin for a private retreat.

Canoeing the South River

I enjoyed a great afternoon canoeing a portion of the South River last week with naturalist Blair ( aka Dr. Baldwin). The river is so peaceful and thankfully unspoiled. With it's headwaters in Algonquin Park, the South River flows west out of Algonquin and all the way to Lake Nippising. We saw plenty of moose tracks, 2 black bear cubs climbing a tree and were accompanied by a family of Morganzers who swam with us for a few hours. Our Algonquin Outpost has a few unique adventure tours that include a river run down the South River.

Couples will like the "Algonquin Adventure for Two" while seasoned canoers might enjoy our "Algonquin Canoe Discovery" which fetaures paddling 3 different lakes / rivers in 3 days.

The South River has a few obstacles to manoevre around including this massive old growth white pine.

Oh Canada! Algonquin Log Cabin Special Departure

Where will you celebrate Canada Day this year? How about at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park following the Pathways of the Algonquin?

Voyageur Quest is offering a special Tuesday to Thursday departure on the popular Pathways of the Algonquin package. Join us as we celebrate our "home and native land" the Canadian way with canoeing, hiking, and wildlife interpretation. Stay in the rustic log cabin and enjoy delicious Canadian themed meals.

Spaces are limited to 12, so don't delay!

Super Summer Specials at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost

Voyageur Quest just announced a Super Summer Special to repeat customers, great for the whole family! From now until mid-July all repeat guests who visit the Algonquin Cottage Outpost will receive a complimentary canoe, fishing rod and as an added bonus a bottle of Ontario wine!

Explore Kawawaymog Lake from end to end. Take a picnic lunch and a fishing rod and catch your dinner! Enjoy a glass of wine on the dock in the evening hours while watching the stars overhead. Relaxing at the Cottage Outpost doesn't get much better than that.

Spaces are limited, so call today!

Moose, Moose and more Moose

The past two weekends at Algonquin Park have been amazing for moose viewing! It couldn't have been better timing as our Moose Photography workshops were held June 5-7 and June 12-14, 2009. Photographers of all ability levels from Canada and the United States joined wilderness Photography expert, Rob Stimpson and our Voyageur Quest guides on an experience to remember.

Everyone had the silent approach down perfectly; words were whispered, hand signals were used, paddles moved quietly through the water. Everyone was all smiles after seeing a combined total of 38 moose over the two weekends. Also sighted were loons, birds and some beautiful flowering flora!

We look forward to a few more weekends of moose viewing in Algonquin on our upcoming 3-day canoe trips.

Spring dining at the Log Cabin

We missed Joe this spring at the Log Cabin so our team filled in with receipes, sampled, sampled again, again and again ! Get here soon for homemade soups, breads and our famous maple bacon ! We love our cookouts at Bonfire point where the fish is grilled on the open fire.

Fields of Trout Lily

One of the many delights of spring is the abundance of trout lily which cover the forest floor in May.The light green in the above picture is all trout lily. The Trout Lily is a great addition to spring salads...The leaves are delicious as are the flowers and small onion looking roots. Also out at this time of year are Red Trillium.