In 1992, my partner and I wrecked our (Jake's) canoe upriver of the railway bridge over the Pet on day two of an eleven day loop. A memorable near death experience. We bushwhacked our way, with our gear,  to the south shore below the bridge, humped up the bank to the tracks and walked back to Brent to buy Jake's canoe. The trains were still running then. It was a nice walk. The rail bed was littered with lots of bones (moose/deer/bear) and food containers, likely from rail workers. All that to say the corridor looked to be in pretty good condition back then. It would be an awesome public trail but I'm sure much easier to bike or walk on now if the railway ties have all been lifted. 

Thank you, Racoon, for your words of wisdom and inspiration. Hopefully, Bo will get some time to relax and regale those willing to listen with all of his strokes of experience while sitting around the campfire of a shoreline that will cherish him. I am off to #1 in the NW next week in search of the Call of the Wild and to see through the tea stained waters in case my tea leaves are ready to give in and spill the beans about what's next (not nearly as insightful as the Swede). All the best to those quick to the paddle. Be safe. 

I can always find something at Value Village for about $7. Usually some high tech, well insulated ski gloves or  leather mittens do the trick and never pre-occupied with whether they will get wrecked or burned. Value Village has become one of my favourite stores for outdoor camp wear. 

I have never paddled Opeongo for all the same reasons I would never walk a long distance on a street that has a bus going in my direction every 30 minutes. Not to mention that starting your trip with a paddle that could end your plan never appealed to me. Try shorter distances, smaller lakes and shorter days. It's way more fun. Good for you for getting out and putting another trip and more learning behind you. 

I was staying at the Kitty Lake Cabin and a summer student rolled up in a Park pickup with his girlfriend but I think they were hoping no one was staying there. He stopped long enough to wish us a good day and was on his way.. 

Great spot. Nice beach on the side. Nice hike down the road at the back. Swim over to the running water. Bring a ton of mouse traps. The mice will get into your food if you don't store it carefully in the cabin. Consider hanging food from the rafters or from a tree outside. 

As a beginner travelling with a small child, who is unlikely to be of much help paddling, I would not recommend starting on Canoe Lake. It can be windy, rough and very busy. You may have chosen Canoe Lake because of the outfitting services available but there are other access points that are similarly developed that would be a much better option. You might consider a smaller lake where no portages are required to get to a site and you can explore a portage out of that lake as a day hike to get a sense of what it might be like to portage all of your gear on your next trip. If you would like more specific feedback provide more details about the reasons you are considering those routes and perhaps we can provide other options. Staying away/off of Canoe Lake appears to be a consistent theme. Good for you for taking the first step getting your daughter into the canoeing experience in Algonquin. It is a beautiful place for young people. 

From the Act FYI:
Smoking prohibited

28 No person shall smoke while walking or working in a forest area during the fire season.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.24, s. 28; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 22, s. 3 (9).


Smoking material, etc.

29 No person shall throw or drop, in or within 300 metres of a forest area,(a) a lighted match, cigarette, cigar or other smoking material;(b) live coals; or(c) hot ashes.  R.S.O. 1990, c. F.24, s. 29; 2009, c. 33, Sched. 22, s. 3 (10).

This is a very personal observation. I would do fifty other trips before I travelled the Tim River again between Tim Lake and Rosebary. It is shallow, narrow, choked with beaver dams and has few, if any, redeeming features. Sections of the Tim are 'ditch like' and with the low water this year it's hard to know what conditions will be like. It is easily manageable but mind numbingly tedious. Having said that, it might just be the adventure you are looking for.