Paddling Level: Novice
Portages:  Multiple

The Barron Canyon is one of the most scenic paddling routes that Algonquin Park has to offer. The calm Barron River is a dream for novice paddlers; its still waters are easily navigated upstream or down. The Canyon itself is defined by jagged rock cliffs towering 100m above the glacier sculpted river system. This is a spot well worth returning to time and again creating countless photo opportunities and beautiful memories, along various trip options.

SQUIRREL RAPIDS (1-Day)

This one-day return trip from Squirrel Rapids takes approximately six hours, and is ideal for novice paddlers; it’s family suited with minimal portages.

Access the Barron River at the Squirrel Rapids parking lot. Ease your canoe into the gentle waters and leisurely paddle upstream until you reach the first well marked portage of 420m. Take time navigating the portage as it’s uneven with small rocky terrain; supportive footwear is highly recommended. Continue paddling for another 3 km until you reach the stunning Barron Canyon. Put the paddles down and take a break; jump off into the warm waters and soak in the stunning view!

To return, reverse your course and paddle downstream back to the Squirrel Rapids parking area.

Onsite amenities include:

• Parking
• Vault Toilets

BRIGHAM LAKE TO/FROM SQUIRREL RAPIDS (1-Day)

This one-day point-to-point trip from Brigham Lake to Squirrel Rapids takes approximately six hours, and is ideal for novice paddlers with moderate portages.

The Brigham Lake access point is the put-in point for paddlers who wish to head downstream through the Barron Canyon in one direction, completing their trip at the Squirrel Rapids parking lot. Tall old growth red and white pine frame the first short (but steep!) portage of 270m from the Brigham Lake parking lot, down to the Barron River.

Load your lunch and gear into your canoe and paddle downstream traversing two more portages (100m and 440m) until you float through the towering cliffs of the Barron Canyon. Let the majestic views surround you and take you back to nature’s roots. Casually paddle through the canyon, continuing down the Barron River and the final portage (420m), before reaching the Squirrel Rapids parking lot.

Onsite amenities include:

• Parking
• Vault Toilets

GRAND LAKE TO/FROM SQUIRREL RAPIDS (2 to 3-Days)

This two- to three-day overnight canoe trip from Grand Lake to Squirrel Rapids features multiple moderate portages and novice paddling.

Grand Lake has captured the essence of wilderness camping for over a century. The CN railway once dropped nature enthusiasts off at the former Achray Station, along with canoes and gear to begin the trip down river. Today, paddlers can conveniently park their car here, to depart into Algonquin Park’s natural haven. Journey along stunning old-growth shorelines, towering waterfalls and the scenic Barron Canyon.

Put in at Grand Lake and paddle to Stratton Lake, crossing a small 30m portage. From here, head over to St Andrews Lake, choosing either lake to spend your first night. If time permits, venture to High Falls a scenic and highly popular collection of pools, rock slides and a powerful waterfall located at the tail end of Stratton Lake.

On a calm day, catch a glimpse of the pointer boat lying at the bottom of the north end of St Andrews Lake, just before the portage to High Falls Lake. On day two, portage through to picturesque Opalescent Lake, or Brigham Lake where the Barron River begins. For an alternate route, paddle via the aptly named Ooze Lake.

Paddle through the stunning Barron Canyon and finish your trip at the well marked Squirrel Rapids parking lot.

Booking a car shuttle is recommended for those traveling with only one car.

BARRON CANYON HIKING TRAIL

This 1.5km breathtaking scenic loop is located along the steepest and most dangerous part of the 100m high Barron Canyon. This stunning gorge was formed during the last Ice Age by a glacial river that equaled the power of 1000 Niagara Rivers. The panoramic views in either direction are incredible and offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during the autumn colours. Many different species of birds make their home here including the Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk and Turkey Vulture.

It’s a fairly steep climb along a well worn path, so supportive footwear is highly recommended. Be sure to keep children and pets under control at all times as the edge is unguarded.  

Both the walking trail and the river paddle are equally scenic but need to be ventured separately.