Barron Canyon Camping

Please note that you MUST sign up and pay for this event on our website, individuals who sign up on meetup only will not be permitted to join us.

Join us for a weekend exploring the iconic Barron Canyon, one of the most beautiful spots not just in Algonquin Park but in the whole of the province. This canyon stands out due to its towering granite cliffs, rising sharply over 100 metres above the Barron River, creating dramatic views that are unlike anywhere else in Ontario. The best way of experiencing the canyon? By canoe, paddling under its vertiginous walls.

On the 1st day, we'll set off early, arriving by midday to load our canoes and enjoy a relaxed lunch. We'll paddle through calm waters that serve as an introduction to the area, arriving at our campsite by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of daylight to comfortably set up camp and soak in the peacefulness of this secluded spot. The evening is yours to unwind at camp under clear skies, take a swim or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.

Day 2 is dedicated to the highlight of the trip: paddling the Barron Canyon itself. We'll journey a gentle 10km round-trip, floating beneath cliffs that showcase remarkable geological formations, sculpted over thousands of years. We'll pause halfway at Brigham Chute, a beautiful waterfall perfect for lunch and a break from paddling. Early to mid-afternoon, we'll return to camp, allowing time to relax or explore nearby.

On the final day, we'll pack up camp and hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail—a short but breathtaking hike that provides spectacular panoramic views of the winding river and towering cliffs we've paddled past. The overlook gives a different perspective of the impressive landscape and makes for excellent photographs. After this hike, we'll celebrate the weekend with a group lunch on our way back, arriving in Toronto by evening.

This trip blends peaceful paddling with scenic hikes, giving you a full experience of what makes Barron Canyon such a standout destination. Its rugged beauty, impressive cliffs, and clear river waters make it a bucket list experience for many Canadians.
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What's included
This trip is professionally guided and includes all of the following:

• Experienced guides with advanced medical qualifications
• Lightweight canoe rental along with all necessary equipment
• All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits
• Tents
• An experience you'll never forget

Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack, as well as a dedicated info session to ask any outstanding questions so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.

Meals
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until breakfast of the last morning fully catered.
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
Friday - September 5th
06:00 - 12:30 - Drive to Barron Canyon
12:30 - 13:30 - Load canoes, eat lunch
15:00 - Arrive at site. Set up camp
Evening at campsite
Saturday - September 6th
Paddle Barron Canyon (10km) return
Lunch at Brigham Chute
Return to campsite early/mid-afternoon
Sunday - September 7th
Morning - Break camp, hike the Barron Canyon Lookout trail
Celebratory Lunch on way home
20:00 - Anticipated arrival back in Toronto

The cost of this event is $495 for Wilderness Union Members.

This adventure is NOT open to non-members, 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!