1. Purpose of the trip
Start with why. A leadership-building trip for scouts calls for different planning than a family recreational paddle or a certification course. Your purpose shapes every other decision.
2. Time available
How many days do you have? Build in at least one buffer day for weather. Rushed trips lead to bad decisions.
3. Participants
- Number of participants
- Physical and mental condition
- Experience level
- Interests and goals
- Affordability
4. Transportation
- Type of watercraft and number available — need to rent?
- Logistics of getting to the access point
- Mode of tripping: canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard
- Vehicles to pull boat trailer and transport people and gear
- Municipal permit to park trailer on a residential street if needed
5. Location and Route
- Proximity to location
- Desirability — research route options online, in books, by word of mouth
- Special features: wildlife, Indigenous history, settler history, logging history
- Maximum people per campsite (e.g., 6, 9 or more in provincial parks)
- Preferred hours of paddling per day
- Emergency egress route and nearest hospital with emergency room
- Reserve campsites 5 months in advance on ontarioparks.com
- Canoe paddling rate: approximately 4 km/h (depends on wind, waves, breaks, group)
- Navigation: map, compass, GPS skills
6. Terrain
- Portages — examine topo maps, guidebooks; talk to experienced paddlers
- Campsites — size, flatness, access to water and firewood, thunderboxes, shelter trees
7. Leadership
- Minimum 3 leaders, experienced and first-aid certified
- Complete all required paperwork
- Ensure all group gear is accounted for
- Pre-trip practice: swim test, stove lighting, menu planning, navigation, paddling skills
8. Weather
- Monitor for 3 days prior to the trip
- Check precipitation, wind, and temperatures (Environment Canada, Weather Network)
- Be flexible — revise plans if conditions are unsafe
9. Portages
- Walking rate: approximately 10 minutes per 500m on good trails
- Account for obstacles, elevation, and trail markings
- Recommended: 3 trips per portage (2 loaded, 1 return)
- Consolidate gear into few, large packs
10. Safety
- Emergency devices: SPOT, InReach, satellite or cell phones
- First aid kits and manuals for multiple casualties
- Water purification methods and hand hygiene
- Wilderness first aid-trained leaders
- Share emergency contact info with home contacts
- Assess participant medical and dietary issues in advance
- PFD policy — all participants wear one near or in water
11. Trip Costs
Include mileage, food, gear rental, campsite fees, and consumables: fuel, soap, toilet paper, bug spray.
12. On-Land Activities
Plan for cards, art, music, campfire stories, journaling, bannock over the fire. The time between paddling is part of the experience.
Good luck on your trip.
Lewis Williams, 2025