Some activities you book because they seem fun. Others because you feel they are part of what makes a destination special. Our canoe trip in Algonquin Provincial Park undoubtedly belonged to that second category.

If there was one image we associated with Canada before our trip, it was a canoe gliding across a mirror-like lake, surrounded by forests stretching all the way to the horizon. No traffic. No buildings. Just water, trees, and silence.

So expectations were high. Perhaps a little too high.

The Canada We Imagined

The day gets off to a good start. For the first time on this trip, Amke and Janne are not sharing a bed. Coincidence or not, they both sleep longer than usual. Which works out perfectly, because today we have six hours on the water ahead of us.

A hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs is supposed to fuel us for the day. Unfortunately, our range hood has other plans. Before we can even sit down at the table, the smoke alarm starts blaring throughout the house. There is probably no better way to begin a peaceful morning in the Canadian wilderness.

An hour later, we arrive at Canoe Lake. Our guide introduces himself and explains how the day will unfold. Then, without delay, we are handed paddles and sent knee-deep into the lake for a crash course in canoeing.

The famous J-stroke turns out to be particularly important. It is the technique that keeps a canoe travelling in a straight line. As the oldest member of the family, I am entrusted with that responsibility.

In theory, steering sounds easy. In practice, we spend the first few minutes drifting around aimlessly. Fortunately, our guide does not seem surprised. He has probably seen this before. Gradually, we start to get the hang of it. For the next few minutes, I mainly focus on looking as though I know exactly what I am doing. But after a while, I actually do.

The Rhythm of the Water

The canoe starts gliding more effortlessly through the water. The noise from the parking lot fades away. The bustle disappears. Even conversations become less frequent.

Only the front section of our canoe still has limited faith in my steering skills and regularly calls out "left" or "right." But confidence gradually grows, and everyone begins to relax and enjoy the experience. As if the landscape itself demands it. The farther we paddle, the more beautiful Algonquin becomes.

The lakes seem endless. At times, the only sound is the gentle rhythm of paddles slicing through the water. For the first time, we truly understand why canoes are so deeply connected to Canada. This is not simply an activity. It is the way you experience this environment.

A True Canadian Portage

Halfway through the day, one of the most Canadian moments awaits us. Our guide explains that the original voyageurs used to travel between lakes this way. Whenever the water ended, they simply carried their canoes over land to the next lake.

Suddenly, a canoe is no longer a relaxing boat ride. Suddenly, it is luggage. And not particularly light luggage. Before I fully realize what is happening, the canoe is resting on my shoulders. And there we are. In the middle of a forest. With a canoe above our heads. For a brief moment, we no longer feel like tourists. We feel like explorers opening a new route through the Canadian wilderness.

That feeling lasts about three minutes. After that, all I really feel are my shoulders. An asks, "Isn't it too heavy?" "Not too bad," I reply.

Fortunately, a reward awaits us on the next lake. A small island makes the perfect lunch spot. We eat our sandwiches, enjoy the peace and quiet, and listen to our guide's stories.

No one is in a hurry. No one is checking the time.

The Perfect Ending

Later in the day, we stop for a refreshing swim.

The water is cool. Canadian cool.

Our guide takes us to a cliff. It looks fairly high, but that does not stop Amke. Quite the opposite. Before we know it, she is jumping from the rocks into the lake. Again. And again. And again.

After four jumps, she can rightfully claim the title of cliff-jumping champion of the day.

Meanwhile, we enjoy one of those moments when everything feels exactly right. Sunshine. Water. Rocks. Forest. And a family making memories together. When we eventually paddle back toward Canoe Lake, our arms grow a little heavier with every kilometre. As if that were not enough, one final portage awaits us. The canoe ends up on my shoulders once more. This time, it feels noticeably heavier than it did a few hours earlier. But I do not complain. Deep down, I know this is one of those days that will stay with us for a very long time.

Back at the starting point, one final tradition awaits: ice cream. According to Janne, we have earned it. No one dares argue with her. As it turns out, a Canadian scoop of ice cream means something quite different from a Belgian scoop. We each order one scoop. The server casually hands over what looks like half a tub of ice cream. Apparently, that is part of Canada too.

After six hours of canoeing, it may have been the best part of the day.

Has an activity ever given you that feeling of, "Yes, this is exactly why I came to this country?"

Our journey doesn’t end here. ❤️
From African wildlife to Asian adventures and the incredible landscapes of Canada, we’ve collected quite a few stories along the way.
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