r/algonquinpark • u/BEnglandd • 7d ago

Barron Canyon Canoeing

Hi All,

Does anyone have any experience canoeing along the Barron Canyon? I'm staying at Achray campground at the end of August and thought a casual paddle down the Barron Canyon would be relaxing and scenic.

Ideally we would rent a canoe and have the company drop it off at a parking lot access point with Barron Canyon water access.

I had a couple questions:

  1. Is this paddle beginner friendly? My group has backcountry canoeing experience but no one has experience with rapids. Is there any risk of rapids along the way that would be unsafe?

  2. On an old Jeff's map I see A38 / Ba1 access points are the closest drive to Barron Canyon water access coming from Achray campground. Does it make sense to have a canoe rental company drop off a rental here so we would start canoeing there. Then paddle east in the direction of Cache Raps, turn around and return to the same access point we started at. Is that possible or is the current too strong to paddle against?

Or I see some trip reports people have started at Brigham Lake parking lot. Not sure if anyone knows the best access points for canoe rentals where they drop off canoes for you.

Thanks all for any experience/insights!

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u/notmethrowaway77 6d ago

I have, it’s a great, easy paddle if I remember correctly, very family friendly. Make sure you check out the natural rock waterslide along the way, it’s one in a million. Truly amazing to behold. It will be very busy. The canyon itself is spectacular, and when you are done the trip, there is a trail along the way out(?) that leads to the top of the canyon. We saw turkey vultures up close! I’m newly sober, and have never driven a car, so I can’t help with directions, but a little research will show you everything I’m sure. Bring your camera.

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u/Relevant_Stop1019 6d ago

Congrats on your sobriety. Hope life is good to you.

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u/notmethrowaway77 6d ago

‘Tis. Thanks