Gun Lake

Introduction

The Algonquin Highlands are considered to be an ideal area for novice canoe campers. The routes are short, the portages are well maintained and since it’s in the middle of cottage country, help is often a cell phone call away. As a bonus, it’s a little closer to the GTA than Algonquin.

For this trip, my partner Judy and I decided to visit for an overnight stay since our friend Kevin was there. He was taking some friends out on a 3 day trip but we’d visit on his second day and paddle out the following morning.

Day 1 – Herb Lake put in to Gun Lake

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Knowing that this would be a short trip, my partner Judy and I left Toronto at a leisurely 9:30am for ~3 hour drive to Algonquin Highlands. The weather was perfect and quite warm.

After dropping by the Info center for a map, we promptly made it to the Herb Lake put in and started off at 1:30pm. The paddle to our campsite involved crossing Herb Lake and competing 2 short portages. I thought it’d take us maybe 90 min as I texted Kevin to tell him we’d be seeing him soon.

We promptly crossed Herb Lake, paddled to the end of Ernest Lake, got out at the portage and started our way towards our destination of Gun Lake.

Or so we thought… My first suspicion was the take out for the portage. It wasn’t very easy for a “novice” canoeing area and required some careful maneuvering. As I was carrying my canoe through a thick forest with steep sections of inclines, I decided to put my canoe down to double check our position. To no surprise, we were on the wrong portage! Instead of heading to Gun Lake, we were heading towards Ronald Lake!

Thankfully, we had lots of time so it wasn’t a big deal. However, the mosquitos were relentless as they ravaged my exposed arms during the portage when I was at their mercy. I probably paid for this mistake with 20+ bites per arm.

Once on the proper trail, we quickly did the 2 portages to Gun Lake and set up camp. The site we chose was perfect with great views and lots of space to set up tents. However, we could hear a lot of other (loud) campers further down the lake. Kevin mentioned later that a campsite across from them was playing music from a speaker the previous evening.

I guess it’s the price one pays for camping at a place that’s so easily accessible.

Day 2 – Gun Lake to Herb Lake

Monday, July 22, 2024

The second day started with a leisurely coffee and breakfast as we slowly packed up with an eye on Kevin and his group. I was anxious to get back to a stronger cell signal so that I could check the stock market but we waited around until his group departed around 11am.

The paddle back was uneventul except for one incident at the last portage where a gust of wind blew my canoe away from shore. It wasn’t a serious concern since we knew Kevin was behind us but thankfully, the canoe eventually floated back to shore.