Ontario Hike, Bike & Canoe

Meet your group bright and early with a 9am start at the hotel in Toronto, before departing on your 3-hour drive to Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County. Sandbanks is considered one of the best sand beaches in Ontario and is also home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation. You’ll explore it all as you tackle the Dunes Trail, which loops through a unique and fragile dune habitat and rare wetlands on the shores of Lake Ontario. Discover a world of giant sand dunes and white, sandy beaches dotted with plants such as cornflower and milkweed. Afterwards, transfer by private vehicle to nearby Belleville (approximately 35 minutes), where you’re free to unwind at your hotel, or head out and explore town.

Saddle up for a bike ride along the Millennium Trail, a 46-km route that weaves past farmers’ fields and vineyards and is the perfect way to experience the tranquility of The County. We won't do the entire trail!

Be sure to bring some spending money, as your ride will include several stops for tastings at local wineries, microbreweries and cideries – such as a small-batch beer in the Gillingham Brewery beer garden, a glass of wild yeast fermented wine at Trail Estate Winery, and a dry, traditional cider at the award-winning Loch Mor. Your leader may have some other personal favourites to recommend. And don’t forget your bathing suit, so you can swim in the waves at the popular Wellington Beach. (B)

It’s an early morning start today around 7am, as you drive to Algonquin Provincial Park (approximately 4.5 hours), for an adventure in backcountry camping. For 2 days and 2 nights, unwind in this area of rocky ridges and lakes, where the canoe is the only means of transport, and your only neighbours will be the native wildlife of moose, deer, beavers and wolves. Your trip starts on Canoe Lake, an important access point into the park. After crossing the channel between the Gilmour, Wapomeo and Cook islands, you’ll reach your first portage, into Joe Lake (295 m). From Joe Lake, you’ll paddle north and then east. Depending on water level you’ll have the option of portaging or following a shallow creek around the portage route towards Baby Joe Lake. After a short paddle on the glass-like waters of Baby Joe Lake, you’ll arrive at the last portage, into Burnt Island Lake (200 m). This is where you’ll set up camp. Don’t worry if you’ve never wilderness camped before – your leader will teach all you need to know about responsible backcountry camping. (B/L/D)

Wake up to nature in your backcountry campsite and enjoy the tranquillity of Ontario’s oldest provincial park. In your empty canoe, paddle out to the massive Burnt Island Lake, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Algonquin. For lunch, head back to your campsite, then tear down and pack up for your next camping experience. Paddle back to Joe Lake and set up for your second night in backcountry. (B/L/D)

Today you’ll paddle out from the backcountry and hop back in the vehicle for a drive along Georgian Bay. This 5. 5-hour drive will take you to the charming harbour town of Tobermory, at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The peninsula is a natural wonder, with the famous Niagara Escarpment – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – as its backbone. Hiking trails wind through the cedar forests and along its rocky shores, including part of the 782-km Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest footpath. One of the largest protected areas in southern Ontario, this is the place to explore jagged cliffs, waterfalls, thousand-year-old pine trees and sea stacks shaped like flowerpots. Marvel at the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay that are so crystal-clear they look more like a tropical sea than a Canadian waterway (although admittedly not quite as warm!). Upon arrival your afternoon is free to explore Tobermory at your leisure. (B/L)

Today, head out on a hike to explore the gorgeous Georgian Bay Marr Lake Trail. This trail is the quickest path to the park’s scenic cliffs and shoreline, where it meets up with the Bruce Trail. At Halfway Rock Point, take in the excellent vista, with Flowerpot and Bear's Rump islands on the horizon – part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park. From here, the trail enters Indian Head Cove, favoured by both swimmers and SCUBA divers for its crystal-clear waters. West of the cove are two sea caves, the Natural Arch, and further along, the Grotto, both carved from the rock face by centuries of waves beating on the porous dolomite of the cliffs. You’ll return to Tobermory via Marr Lake’s cobble beach. You’ll need to put in some work for this portion, as the route is challenging, crossing over boulders along the shore between the Grotto and Marr Lake. Your afternoon is free to further explore the peninsula, with the option to head out in a kayak on those oh-so-blue waters. (B)

Today you’ll have your last moments to enjoy the Bruce Peninsula before hitting the road and heading back to Toronto (approximately 4 hours). Your trip will end upon arrival in the early afternoon. (B)