Barron Canyon trip journal.

The Barron Canyon

The adventure begins with a departure from Esprit rafting at 7:00 am with an arrival in the Eastern section of Algonquin Park at the Achray campground which doubles as an old railroad station located on Grand Lake. The lake is aptly named and is home to hearty oak trees, a rarity in the Park and a boon to wintering animals of all kind, including bear. Tom Thompson the inspiration for the group of seven spent two summers on Grand Lake and painted some of his most haunting visions including the melancholy Jack Pine in 1916.

Day One

The first day is a skip hop and a paddle through four small lakes to reach St. Andrews Lake, a dark green body of water glows green and sparkles
late sunny afternoons. The day will give a chance for all to renew ones paddling skills, or learn them for the first time, and of course try your hand at some short portages.

Day Two
High Falls

Now that your water-worthy, day two provides an opportunity to explore the forest which surround the silent water. We will hike the impressive High Falls and Jackson Lake Trail, home to natural water slides and cool inviting pools. The hike is 15 km and will take most of the day.

Day Three
Barren Canyon

10 000 years ago the Great Lakes drained through the Barren Canyon. One geologist suggests that at its peak the canyon carried as much water as one thousand Niagara Falls; happily today is the day we get to soak in the results of such awesome power with a paddle that will take us though the 300 foot high canyon.

Day Four
Lazy Paddle Home

Today we finish our journey though the canyon where as recently as the 1930's lumberjacks floated thousands of logs through each year to market. We will also make a side trip to the Barron Canyon Trail to get a glimpse of the canyon from the landlubbers perspective. We will return to Esprit rafting for approximately 5pm.
(Take out at Squirrel Rapids)

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