About Haliburton Highlands Family Canoe Trips Program
Experience an unforgettable introduction to backcountry camping and wilderness paddling with this 3-day family-oriented canoe adventure in Ontario's stunning Haliburton Highlands. This beginner-friendly trip takes place in the Frost Center Area, part of southern Ontario's most accessible paddling region and home to the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails—a beautiful network of large and small lakes, rivers, and maintained portage trails perfect for families with young children and first-time paddlers.
During your three days on the water, you'll paddle 3-4 hours daily across spectacular lakes while staying at amazing campsites nestled beneath towering pine trees. The trip begins with paddling instruction to build your confidence, followed by scenic lake crossings and one or two portages on well-maintained trails as you make your way to camp. The relaxed pace is deliberately designed to welcome newcomers while building genuine paddling skills. You'll learn to control your canoe, navigate across pristine backcountry waters, and discover a deeper connection with nature.
Your professional guides handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience. They'll teach you paddling techniques, help set up tents, and prepare gourmet meals cooked over the campfire while you enjoy swimming, relaxing, and exploring the shoreline. All group equipment is provided—canoes, paddles, personal flotation devices, tents, thermarests, and waterproof barrels for gear storage. The trip includes comprehensive safety equipment (satellite phone, first aid kits, rescue gear) and interior camping permits, ensuring you're well-supported throughout.
By the end of this journey, you'll feel a genuine sense of accomplishment for mastering a new skill and experiencing true backcountry wilderness. The physical challenge—involving daily paddling and portaging with a pack—is manageable for families and suits all fitness levels willing to embrace a relaxed adventure. This is the ideal gateway to outdoor camping, offering the perfect balance of guidance, comfort, and wilderness immersion.
The trip acknowledges its location on the traditional territories of the Anishinabek Nation and is covered by the Williams Treaty (1923). All meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3 are included, with sleeping bags available for rental if needed.