Wonderful opportunity and so glad you are grabbing the bull by the horns!  Enjoy the journey!

Beautiful!  Nothing gives me the itch more than these pre-season threads!

I don't want to be the fuddy-duddy and I recognize we all mean well in 'improving' canoe access thru the creek but please be aware the cutting of live flora not only is contradicted by the leave no trace principles, it also damages the riparian environment and is forbidden according to the backcountry regulations of AP. 

We all know the 'damage' will barely be noticeable within a couple years of the crazy fast growth of the alders but we shouldn't be promoting those behaviors in any way in an open forum or afield.  Removing that cover foliage can increase the amount of sunlight and warm the water as well...which could reduce its suitability for some fish and animal species.

I don't see anything specifically outlawing flamethrowers though, so that should be fine.  ;-)

Trippy, that's one of the funniest lines I've read on this forum...and I've been on here since 2007 or so under the 'old' format.

Can't wait!  They look great and I love the double-sided functionality.  You've taken a good product and continually made it better and better through constant critical analysis...kudos to you!

Beautiful trip ahead of you.  I love the route, days and destinations - I think you'll get a great feel for the lakes and rivers with the schedule you've outlined.

Both the lakes and the rivers can be productive.  I've camped on Burntroot, Red Pine and in the narrows between; the narrows have limited views but do guarantee access regardless of weather.  Red Pine has a cozier feel and is generally better protected than the big lake, but you're a good distance from those northern destinations like Robinson so I'd probably lean towards camping on Burntroot Lake if the conditions are amenable.

Typical stuff to see includes the Barnet Depot, Anchor Island and the root cellar near Portal Rapids.  I really enjoyed the pool below the 40m portage above Red Pine - dark, deep swirls of tannin-stained water reflecting the confiers surrounding it.  Hopefully you'll get some clear mornings/evenings to see some great dawn and dusk colors as well.  Perfect time of year to paddle...cool nights and comfortable days with relatively low threat of severe weather.  Keep an eye/ear out for bull moose...they can be a bit erratic with the rut!

Robinson and Whiskey Jack felt like we were very deep into the interior and, as beautiful as Burntroot is, they were both breathtaking as well.

@Bampot - I didn't call you naïve, I referred to 'those who are naïve' which I understand could be misinterpreted as directly applying to you but you were NOT personally identified.  If I had singled you out individually, I would not consider it 'bizarre and unnecessary' since you identified it was your first experience in that part of the park.  A 'first-timer', 'neophyte', 'newbie', 'naïve', or 'ignorant' would all be potentially accurate descriptions of someone who doesn't have experience in an activity, subject or area.  

We all don't have to like the same things and that's perfectly OK.  For instance, I happen to like a mature White Pine for hanging our food bag; I find their large, horizontal lower branches are easy targets for my hanging pulley rope.  If you prefer a big Oak, great!  The matter I find challenging is that you presented a negative proposition, which I answered your question of "what am I missing" with a half-dozen or so positive aspects I've experienced from multiple trips in that region and nights spent on Cork Lake specifically...but you object to the manner in which it was served.  It was, admittedly, passive aggressive in response to the negative proposition. I am sorry if I offended you, but I find that part of the park, like every other square meter I have experienced since my first visit in the 1970's, to be beautiful, diverse, unique and fulfilling. 

It's unfortunate that you came away with a different experience from your trip.  Perhaps if you visited at a different time of year (early June insects can make the most popular and beautiful Algonquin destination challenging to enjoy) or spent more time exploring the area (we typically do week-long trips since we have to drive 9 or 10 hours to get to the park) or experienced it with a different group of people, you might come away with a different point of view.  On the flip side, you could look at it as a blessing that you don't have to visit again...you've checked that bo

Before today, I hadn't heard of the St. John's school tragedy from years ago.  Some brief reading on the matter showed the primary conclusion of a lack of skill, knowledge, preparation and virtually no safety precautions were taken.  I don't believe for most circumstances that the guidance should be 'paddle on the furthest windward location' to facilitate less time spent in the water after inundation.  I believe the proper guidance should be - take all precautions to prepare for and avoid inundation...which would include paddling in protected leeward areas where possible.