Canoe Trips

canoeist on open water looking from behind

Experience some of the most beautiful areas in Lake of the Woods, Ontario. Senior trippers with extensive camp, canoe, counselling and first-aid experience will lead campers on a variety of routes through many remote areas of Ontario's wilderness. Trips will vary in length and difficulty, according to age and experience, some will include remote travel and white water paddling.

Participants will camp overnight in tents, cook their meals by campfire and paddle from campsite to campsite each day.

Five Day Canoe Trip (12-14 yrs): This 5-day canoe trip offers an adventurous introduction to the great outdoors. Perfect for first-time campers or those new to canoeing, it provides a supportive environment to explore nature, learn paddling skills, and enjoy the thrill of the open water.

One Week Paddlers (12-15 yrs): This introductory wilderness canoe tripping program offers ample time for participants to learn and practice a range of essential skills. Paddling on the pristine waters of Lake of the Woods, campers will immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors while building both technical abilities and self-confidence. With each stroke, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for nature, all while developing the resilience and independence that come with outdoor adventure. 

Two Week Explorers (13-14 yrs): Building on the 1-week program, this 2-week wilderness canoe trip allows participants to develop key outdoor skills. Campers will experience portages, paddle serene waters, and learn wilderness skills such as navigation, map reading, and campcraft (practice/skills needed for outdoor camping). The trip fosters teamwork, endurance, and self-confidence, all while deepening their appreciation for nature and enhancing their resilience. 

Three Week Pathfinders (14-15 yrs): This trip is for participants who have completed a 2-week Explorer Trip and are ready to further enhance their wilderness tripping skills. It includes an introduction to basic whitewater paddling and a review of advanced flatwater techniques. The route is carefully planned to incorporate remote travel, offering a true wilderness experience. Campers will gain invaluable skills while navigating more challenging terrain and waters.

Four Week Trailblazers (15-16 yrs): This trip is for campers who have completed the 3-Week Pathfinder or the Leadership Development Program. It serves as the culmination of everything participants have learned throughout the trail program, allowing them to refine whitewater skills, practice advanced paddling techniques, and gain experience soloing a canoe. Campers will take on significant leadership roles, putting their skills into practice with the guidance of knowledgeable staff, further enhancing their outdoor expertise and confidence. 

 

The Parent Handbook and packing list will serve as your complete guide on everything Camp Stephens. Inside you will find information on camp policies, travel arrangements, health and wellness, program overviews, camp mail, food and nutrition, tips on preparing for camp and so much more!  

Wilderness Canoe Handbook Packing List

Girls Kneeling to Show Art on Paddles

Voyageur and Serendipity Six-Week Canoe Trip

Six-week participants are selected by application only, based on previous Camp Stephens Island and Wilderness experience. These young leaders will travel through remote northern areas accessible by paddle or plane only. Groups will learn intermediate white-water paddling manoeuvres, explore current issues facing Canada's Indigenous population and experience life within Northern Indigenous Communities. Campers will be fully involved in every aspect of the planning, implementation and completion of the trip. Campers must be a minimum of 16 years of age at application.