The Brent Run Canoe Trip

Tackle one of the greatest Algonquin canoeing challenges, canoeing the length of Algonquin in the legendary Brent Run.
You'll travel from the top of Algonquin Park all the way down to Highway 60 in this incredible test of endurance and determination. Covering roughly 80 km with 11km of portages, this journey takes you through the heart of Algonquin Park’s rugged wilderness, combining long paddling stretches with challenging portages that require strength, patience, and planning.
Traditionally, the Brent Run involves travelling the 160km from Canoe Lake to Cedar Lake, right at the top of the park then back down again in less that 24 hours. This is a superhuman feat that very few have accomplished - to put into perspective just how challenging that is, we'll be doing half of the run over 5 days. Don't let that fool you into thinking this will be more relaxed...
We'll be getting up early each day and putting in long hours (up to 12 hours a day!) to make it to our next campsite each night. Along the way, you'll begin to understand how special Algonquin is - covering huge distances without once coming into contact with civilization.
Expect to navigate a mix of serene lakes and winding rivers, each with its own character and obstacles, from choppy open waters to twisting, narrow channels. Portages along the route can range from manageable to gruelling, with some stretches featuring steep climbs, uneven terrain, and slippery rocks that will test both your body and your gear.
Wildlife sightings are common, with the possibility of encountering moose, beavers, and even black bears along the way. Weather conditions can shift quickly, bringing wind or rain that adds another layer of difficulty to the paddle. It’s a challenge for those seeking to push their limits while soaking in the raw, untouched landscapes of one of Ontario’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Epic canoe trips have a way of making you feel truly alive. Your WU trip mates will feel like family by the end of this trip, having conquered real obstacles and banked so many incredible experiences together. Like all of our Epics, this is a trip you'll never forget.

A Special Trip
It's no exaggeration to say that you'll be among a very small number of people who've tackled this route. We've never seen an organized trip here and that's for good reason - it's incredibly hard to pull off and will be the hardest canoe trip Wilderness Union has tackled yet. You'll be shuttled up to the top of the park with all of your gear for the week making this a hard logistical challenge. Beyond the new muscles and friendships you've acquired, you'll also have bragging rights for a long time to come.

What's Included
You can't cut corners on a trip like this and we've thought of everything. Among other things your trip registration includes:

• Return transport from Toronto to Algonquin and back again
• 2 experienced guides with advanced medical qualifications
• Lightweight canoe rental, PFDs and all safety equipment
• Shuttling of the canoes to allow for a one way trip
• All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits
• Spacious tents and all the camping equipment you'll need (sleeping bags and pads are available for rent)
• All permits and campsite bookings for the 5 days
• A preparatory information session to ensure you're prepared
• Detailed trip plan with packing lists, maps and the indigenous history of the route we're following

Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until lunch of the last morning fully catered. Please note, we may stop for a celebratory meal at a restaurant on our return that will be additional.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Fancy oatmeal, topped with nuts, dried fruits and cinnamon flakes
Lunch - Tortilla wraps with hummus, pepper, cheese and dried meat for carnivores
Dinner - Thai curry with chicken or tofu

Itinerary
Thursday July 31st
05:00 - Early start as we leave from Keele Station towards Algonquin Park
Afternoon - Hit the water, and begin our journey
Distance covered - 6km paddle, 1km portage
Friday August 1st
Our longest day with 8 portages
Distance covered - 18km paddle, 4.4km portage
Saturday August 2nd
Our day with the most paddling but least portaging
Distance covered - 21km paddle, .5km portage
Sunday August 3rd
6 portages over our second longest day
Distance covered - 17km paddle, 2.5km portage
Monday August 4th
Racing to the finish line
Distance covered - 13km paddle, .8km portage
21:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto

Please note that you will first need to become a member at www.wildernessunion.com and complete registration there for this activity. We offer a one month risk-free trial and $25 trip credit to new members to figure out if the group is right for you.
About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community of people like you who will become your new friend group. Members range from 20-40 years old and are a mix of people who've grown up here but their friends are in a different place, newcomers to Canada, and folks from out West who want that lifestyle in Toronto
Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming!