Canoeing our lakes

Thanks to Randy from Algonquin Outfitters for telling us about the big sale coming up this weekend on Saturday, June 14. Jim and I are sure to stop by for a browse since we're on the lookout for a used canoe (kevlar, 16 or 17 foot, Jim says green, I say red... just to put the word out there). If you're in the market for a canoe or kayak too, come on up and check out the sale.

But maybe you already have a canoe hanging up at the back of the garage or tucked back behind the shed. If you think canoes are only for camping trips, think again. Strap your canoe to your roof for your next visit to the inn and we'll direct you to some great lakes and rivers where you can paddle for a couple hours or even make a whole day of it.

If you don't have a canoe or kayak, you can rent them for the day from the Algonquin Outfitters Huntsville store or their Oxtongue Lake location, or from Canoe Algonquin in Kearney. Arrowhead Park rents canoes for use on-site for as short a time as two hours in case you want to start with a shorter excursion.

There are so many lakes and rivers in the Almaguin Highlands and Muskoka, the choices are nearly endless when planning an outing on the water. Nearby, we have public boat access on Round Lake, just 5 km down Fern Glen Rd. There's also Long Lake (also a great swimming spot) just 6 km away. Randy tells me the Big East River near Arrowhead Park makes for a great day-paddle all the way into town (best if you have a group and two cars so you don't have to paddle back upstream).

The water is still a little cool for swimming, but it's the perfect time for a paddle. The lakes are cool, blue and beckoning!