Kick off your summer with a true Pathfinder expedition–travel by cedar canvas canoe while exploring one of Canada’s most storied wilderness landscapes, Algonquin Park. Led by Pathfinder’s expert guides, groups will paddle and portage historic canoe routes, learn useful wilderness skills, and build meaningful connections with peers in a rugged, collaborative environment.
After two days of immersive trip training, outfitting, and route planning, we will set out on a 10-day canoe trip through Algonquin’s interior. Along the way participants will develop skills in group collaboration, risk management in dynamic situations, decision making, and logistics and trip planning. Launch into the summer with a full cup of adventure and an experience of personal growth that can carry forward to summer employment or future life experiences.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
JUNE 7: ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Algonquin Park
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Settle in at Pathfinder Island on Source Lake.
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Tour the island and get to know your cohort.
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JUNE 8: TRIP TRAINING
Learn, practice, and hone your canoeing and camping skills
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Canoe Skills: paddling technique, portaging, rescue, and canoe care.
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Outdoor skills like fire building, camp cooking, gear management, and shelter building.
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Maps & Navigation.
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Trip planning & Logistics: menus, food packing, risk assessments, and route design.
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Environmental stewardship: Leave No Trace and Algonquin ecology & history
JUNE 9 - 19: BACKCOUNTRY CANOE TRIP
Put your trip training and outdoor knowledge to the test!
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Traverse the stunning portages and lakes of Algonquin Park by cedar canvas canoe.
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Collaborate with trip members on schedule, navigation, campsite selection, and cooking.
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Upon return, learn how to de-outfit your trip, clean off, and reflect on your trip experience.
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JUNE 20: FAREWELL CELEBRATION
Celebrate your accomplishments
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Spend a final day together on Pathfinder island: explore island activities, swim, pack, and relish in the good times.​
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Enjoy a social hour, banquet-style dinner, and send off party.
WHY A PATHFINDER EXPEDITION
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Timing - Fits perfectly between end of semester and summer jobs, offering a meaningful adventure without a huge time commitment.
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Community - A chance to meet other students from different universities with shared interests.
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FUN - Offers a refreshing break from screens and academic stress in one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in North America.
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Personal Growth - Increase backcountry competence and gain credible, concrete leadership experience to highlight in job and internship applications.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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ADVENTURE IN THE WILD: Paddle, portage, and camp your way through Algonquin Provincial Park’s classic canoe routes, traveling by cedar-canvas canoe and living close to the land.
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EXPEDITION SKILLS: Build confidence in paddling, navigation, fire-building, cooking, and the day-to-day rhythm of life on trip.
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GROW AS A LEADER: Take part in group decision-making, learn to manage risk, and discover your personal leadership style in dynamic settings.
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WORK AS A TEAM: Share challenges, solve problems, and build strong bonds through the shared effort of canoe tripping.
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FIND YOUR CONFIDENCE: Push your comfort zone, develop resilience, and realize your growth of personal reliance and sense of self
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CONNECT WITH THE LAND: Learn the stories and traditions of Algonquin canoe tripping, and deepen your awareness of the park’s wild places and ecology.
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CARRY IT FORWARD: Return home with new skills, friendships, and experiences that strengthen your resume—and your sense of what you’re capable of.
LODGING
Camp Pathfinder Island is rustic and traditional.
Enjoy your on-island time in one of our large canvas tent platforms or simple sleeping cabins with cot-beds.
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During your canoe trip plan to sleep in a trip tent and sleeping bag! You'll pack and carry your belongings with you in a dry roll and camp pack.
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Our camp kitchen will provide three delicious meals per day including dessert after supper and fruit available throughout the day.
While there are filtered taps all throughout the island for handwashing, toothbrushing, and water filling, we are lake-bathers! Plan to rinse off in the refreshing water of Source Lake.
We are tech free and rely on minimal electricity in only the main buildings. While there is cell reception throughout most of the park, we encourage you to use this expedition as a chance to set down your devices.
WHAT TO PACK
Bring your sleeping bags, pillows, towels, and swimsuits! Add in your layers, tripping clothes, rain jackets, rugged shoes, and don't forget your toothbrush and flashlight.
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Planning exactly what to bring for your stay can be challenging. That's why we've put together a printable equipment & packing checklist.
Items marked with an asterix can be purchased or rented at Pathfinder once you arrive. You'll also find a list of items we kindly request you leave behind.​​
PROGRAM PRICING
Base Tuition: $2,875 USD / $3,940 CAD
Base tution does not include HST, Algonquin Park user fee, or incidental costs specific to your experience (trip permits, personal gear orders, etc.) Pathfinder will collect a $500 deposit towards incidentals at registration and then send a final billing statement at the end of the session with either a balance due or a refund of unused deposit.