Algonquin Adventures / Canoe ,Burnt Island ,Linda ,Source route

**Posted by Shayne74** 6/03/2025 7:53 pm

Planning a weekend trip in July Looping from Canoe to Source. One guy is eager to take his Kayak but concerned about portaging and wondering if this route might be OK for kayak cart. Im not familiar with this route at all. Any insight as to if a cart would be feasible here?? My instinct is no.

**Posted by PaPaddler** 6/04/2025 6:24 am

I've been up to Burnt Island and you could get there with a kayak cart, but I cannot imagine that the six portages between Burnt Island and Source would work with a cart (I've not been on those). Typically, the routes marked cart trails work with a cart and a few of the portages closest to access points are so worn that they could work...the rest would be a challenge.

That's why I have two canoes and zero kayaks. Half the paddle, twice the man. Kick this guy to the curb!!! ;-)

**Posted by Shayne74** 6/04/2025 7:18 am

PaPaddler wrote:
I've been up to Burnt Island and you could get there with a kayak cart, but I cannot imagine that the six portages between Burnt Island and Source would work with a cart (I've not been on those). Typically, the routes marked cart trails work with a cart and a few of the portages closest to access points are so worn that they could work...the rest would be a challenge.

That's why I have two canoes and zero kayaks. Half the paddle, twice the man. Kick this guy to the curb!!! ;-)

This is what I have kinda figured as well. Also not a Kayak guy. Big open water like Opeongo perhaps. Portage trip. Not a chance. I know people do it . I can't imagine the logistical hassle of loading and unloading for a portage not to mention the in and out on a river full of beaver dam lift overs. Good on those that do it. I'd just rather not. Thanks for your input.

**Posted by IanTendy** 6/04/2025 7:32 am

I've done all these portages recently over 2 different trips.

The portages to Burnt Island are basically highways and fairly easily done with a cart. Here's a brief clip of Burnt Island to Baby Joe so you have a frame of reference.

You'd definitely not get a cart through Burnt Island to Iris easier than carrying it, that portage sucks. Same goes for Iris to Linda, and all the other portages to Source. There's a good number of short boardwalk sections over mud/gloop that wouldn't be conductive to carting.

That being said, Linda -> Owl was really nice and packed down. You might be able to get a little cart through there. This picture is about as good as it gets in that area.

If they're hell-bent on paddling solo with a double-sided paddle, maybe try to convince him to rent a solo pack boat or something? Or just plan on 2x portaging the kayak with a person on each end? It's definitely do-able to carry a kayak, just kinda sucks.

**Posted by Shayne74** 6/04/2025 7:55 am

IanTendy wrote:
I've done all these portages recently over 2 different trips.

The portages to Burnt Island are basically highways and fairly easily done with a cart. Here's a brief clip of Burnt Island to Baby Joe so you have a frame of reference.

You'd definitely not get a cart through Burnt Island to Iris easier than carrying it, that portage sucks. Same goes for Iris to Linda, and all the other portages to Source. There's a good number of short boardwalk sections over mud/gloop that wouldn't be conductive to ca

That being said, Linda -> Owl was really nice and packed down. You might be able to get a little cart through there. This picture is about as good as it gets in that area.

If they're hell-bent on paddling solo with a double-sided paddle, maybe try to convince him to rent a solo pack boat or something? Or just plan on 2x portaging the kayak with a person on each end? It's definitely do-able to carry a kayak, just kinda sucks.

Good idea. Thanks. Appreciate the insight.

Last edited by Shayne74 (6/04/2025 7:59 am)