CANOE TRIPPING
The Heart of Pathfinder
Pathfinder trippers in our trademark red canoes explore the 3,000 square mile Algonquin Park backcountry. Older boys trace the northern rivers of Ontario and Quebec, reaching as far as James and Hudson bays.
Learn how different age groups enjoy 2-day to 40-day adventures in pure wilderness.
IN CAMP LIFE
A Place to Recharge & Grow
Summer at Pathfinder is all about enjoying the rhythms of North Woods camp life. Mornings focus on core activities like swimming, paddling, and camping skills, while afternoons offer "optionals" such as archery, kayaking, art, biking, fishing, and climbing.
Swimming is a key focus, with Red Cross instruction, optional Polar Bear dips before breakfast, and free-swim periods each afternoon and evening.
Campers and staff gather for meals and evening programs, fostering a strong community. Unique Pathfinder experiences include canoe shop work, fishing, park ecology, and woodsmanship. Other favorites are arts & crafts, council fires, regattas, FTOW, biking, capture the flag, and legendary games like Treasure Hunt.
Learn more about each activity by hovering over the image!
FACILITIES & PATHFINDER'S ISLAND HOME
Lovingly maintained since 1914, Pathfinder Island’s 17 acres offer a rustic retreat beneath towering pines. Traditional cabins and tent lodges blend into the natural surroundings, with limited electric amenities to preserve camp’s simplicity. Without cell phones, campers fully immerse in Algonquin’s beauty. Cedar docks serve a fleet of over 90 canoes, kayaks, and sailboats, while the Dining Hall and Rec Lodge host meals and gatherings. Shaded trails lead to sports courts and a ropes course woven into the forest.
Campers and staff help maintain Pathfinder, from repairing canoes to stacking firewood. Weekly gatherings at council fires and The Chapel bring the community together with stories, games, and trip reports. Whether paddling, competing in tournaments, or enjoying camp’s quiet rhythms, Pathfinder fosters a deep connection to nature, tradition, and friendship.
See some of Pathfinder's iconic island staples...
LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Born out of a time of challenge and change, the Leaders in Training (LIT) Program was created by influential Pathfinder leaders to help guide young men on the path to becoming confident, capable staff members. Designed for 16-year-olds, this immersive summer experience is more than just preparation for a future role—it’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and leadership.
Throughout the season, LITs embark on extended canoe trips, learning firsthand what it takes to guide in the wilderness. Under the mentorship of skilled program directors, they master essential backcountry skills—chopping wood, building fires, cooking over an open flame, carrying canoes across rugged portages, and navigating whitewater. Just as importantly, they gain experience working with younger campers, developing the patience, confidence, and responsibility that define great leaders.
The LIT program is a bridge between camper and staff life at Pathfinder, offering a summer of challenge, growth, and deep connection to the traditions of the island. For those who are invited take part, it’s not just about learning the skills—it’s about stepping into the role of a leader, both on the trail and beyond.