Paddling Ontario: Best Routes and Dry Bag Essentials for Canoe Trips
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Ontario is a paddler’s dream... thousands of lakes, winding rivers, and more backcountry water routes than you could explore in a lifetime. From multi-day canoe trips through Algonquin to rugged kayaking along Lake Superior’s coast, it’s a province that rewards those who travel by water.
But as every seasoned paddler knows, Ontario’s beauty comes with its challenges. Long portages, sudden storms, and remote camps demand preparation—and gear that won’t let you down when you're miles from a road.
At Seattle Sports Co., we build dry storage, transport tools, and paddling accessories designed for these exact conditions.
Here’s a closer look at paddling in Ontario and the gear that makes the journey smoother, safer, and a whole lot drier.
Top Paddling Destinations in Ontario
1. Algonquin Provincial Park
Famous for good reason. Algonquin offers classic canoe tripping: misty lakes, portage trails worn by generations, and a deep sense of stillness. You’ll paddle through maple forests, spot moose, and test your gear on long carries between lakes.
2. Georgian Bay (Lake Huron)
Ideal for sea kayakers. Expect granite islands, strong winds, and clear water that looks more like the coast of Maine than inland Canada. Campsites are remote, the scenery is wild, and gear failure isn’t an option.
3. Lake Superior Provincial Park
This is big water—cold, powerful, and unpredictable. For experienced paddlers only, Superior rewards the bold with remote camps, dramatic cliffs, and true solitude. Be ready for wind, waves, and rapid weather shifts.
4. French River & The Massasauga
Great for weekend trips and less technical paddling. These routes combine slow-moving water, scenic inlets, and easier portages—perfect for newer paddlers or those looking for a lighter trip with serious natural beauty.
Essential Canoe and Kayak Gear for Ontario Trips
Ontario paddling means adapting to wet conditions, rough landings, and long days under load. Here's what we bring every time:
Explorer Dry Bags
A reliable dry bag is non-negotiable in Ontario. The Explorer series offers heavy-duty waterproof protection with welded seams and a roll-top closure. Ideal for your sleeping bag, food barrel liner, or spare clothes when rain is in the forecast—and it usually is.
Sherpak Boat Roller
Perfect for solo paddlers or tricky landings. The Sherpak helps you load and unload your kayak or canoe without scratching your vehicle or wrecking your back. Especially helpful on rocky, uneven Ontario launches.
Outfitter Camp Bucket
Whether you're hauling water from shore, cleaning up after dinner, or rinsing off your boots, a collapsible camp bucket is one of those items that earns its keep fast. Folds flat in your pack, holds strong when you need it.
Trash Dry Bag
A clean campsite is part of the deal. This waterproof dry bag mounts to your boat and gives you an easy way to pack out garbage—or even haul wet clothes and dishwater between camps.
Lessons from Ontario’s Waterways
After a few backcountry paddling trips in Ontario, some patterns start to emerge:
Portage smart. Every ounce matters when you’re carrying both your boat and your pack. Use structured, balanced storage systems.
Double-layer dry storage. Your sleeping gear and clothes deserve a second dry bag inside your main one.
Start early. Mornings are calm, the light is magic, and you’ll beat the wind that tends to rise by mid-afternoon.
Expect weather. Rain can move in fast—often without warning. Stay packed and protected at all times.
Final Word: Paddling Here Is a Privilege
Ontario’s waterways invite us to slow down and travel deliberately. That means fewer distractions, more intention, and a deeper respect for the natural spaces we move through. Whether you're skimming across glassy lakes at dawn or waiting out a storm under a tarp, it's these small moments that make the journey memorable.
At Seattle Sports Co., we don’t chase trends. We build gear that earns its place on trips like these—year after year.
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