Annual Canoe Camp – Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists

2019 MVFN Canoe Camp, Whitefish Lake, Algonquin Park

“Seeing Nature together from the Waters’ Edge”

We are pleased to announce our 12th annual MVFN Canoe Camp, set this year for Whitefish Lake in Algonquin Park. Please see all the details below!

MVFN Canoe Camp, photo September 2016 by B. Boyd

When: Friday, September 6 to Monday, September 9, 2019

Where: Whitefish Lake Group Campground, Algonquin Park, 36 km into the Park on Highway 60

For: All current MVFN members who enjoy canoe/kayak/hiking/camping, with a maximum of 25 people.

Cost: $75 per person. This covers site registration, per person payment; parking; firewood and program planning. If there is a surplus from registration fees, money will go to the MVFN Cliff Bennett Nature Bursary Program. If there is a deficit, additional money will be requested from each camper. Some people may only wish to attend for part of the camp, which is fine, but the set fee is the same for everyone, as MVFN has to pay for everything ahead of time.

Program: We paddle for 4-5 hours/day, stopping to observe any interesting flora and fauna along the way. We divide the paddle up between morning and afternoon sessions, with a leisurely lunch on shore in between. The paddles are designed for people of all paddling abilities – no white water paddling!! Alternately, you may choose to hike one of the beautiful trails nearby, or go for a 1/2 day paddle. Leaders will be assigned for each activity.

You are responsible for bringing and cooking your own meals and beverages of choice (including alcoholic beverages), except for Saturday dinner, which is a group potluck (with leftovers Sunday evening!). We do cook and eat together in a communal kitchen area, with our own equipment. We eat dinner together at a set time, but breakfast is on your own time.

I’m sure some people wonder why we so often return to Algonquin Park at either Whitefish Lake or Achray Group campgrounds. Firstly, they have lovely large campsites. Secondly, there are several options of day paddles and hikes at each campground that are not available at other provincial parks with group campsites. Thirdly, the Park is within reasonable driving distance. And finally, there is something magical and mystical about Algonquin Park that calls to all of us, and everyone seems to be totally happy to be back in our favourite area for camping, enjoying each other’s company, and paddling pristine lakes and rivers in lovely, almost bugless early September weather.

Preliminary Registration: To pre-register (which will hold your spot), please send your name, email address and phone # to Brenda Boyd at: or call Brenda at 613-256-2706 with any questions.

NOTE: Registration is limited to 25 people, and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must be a current MVFN member in order to attend this camp. In early August, you will be asked to formally register and pay the fee online.

We look forward to a relaxing, fun weekend with you! Bring your musical instruments and campfire singing voice.

MVFN September Canoe or Hiking Camp Algonquin Park

MVFN’s 11th Annual Canoe Camp, Achray Campground, East Algonquin Park

We are looking forward to another great MVFN Canoe Camp this year! Spaces are still availalbe. “Enjoy nature from the water’s edge on our annual canoe camp”

When: Friday, September 7 to Monday, September 10, 2018

Where: Achray Campground, East Algonquin Park (west of Petawawa)

For: All current MVFN members who enjoy paddling/hiking/camping

Cost: approx. $80 per person. This covers site registration, parking, firewood and programming. Note: surplus registration fees will go to the MVFN Cliff Bennett Nature Bursary Program. If there is a deficit, additional fees will be requested from each camper.

We paddle for 4 – 5 hours/day, divided between morning and afternoon, and along the shoreline when possible. Alternatively, you may choose to hike one of the lovely trails nearby (including the stunning Barron Canyon Trail). Even if you are not a paddler, you are welcome to come along and camp with us, hike, or stay at the campground and enjoy a relaxing day. You will also enjoy socializing at our Saturday potluck dinner and campfires each night.

You may opt not to stay for all 4 days of the camp, which is fine, however, the cost of $80 per person remains the same, because many expenses for site rentals, extra parking and firewood, programming and contingency are fixed and paid in advance.

Pre-registration: To register, please send your name and email address to Brenda Boyd at: You may bring guests, but they must become MVFN members (at the reasonable cost of $20 or $25/person) for MVFN insurance coverage purposes. Membership form & payment is available on the MVFN website at: http://www.mvfn.ca/membership

Registration is limited to 25 and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must be a current MVFN member to attend this camp.

For further information, contact Brenda at the above email address, or phone 613-256-2706.

We look forward to another great MVFN Canoe Camp in magical, mystical Algonquin Park. It should be a relaxing, fun weekend. Bring your musical instruments and campfire singing voices!

The magnificent Barron River Canyon near Achray Campgrounds in Algonquin Park. photos Brenda Boyd

Finally, sunny days for an annual MVFN canoe camp

By Cliff Bennett

At last, a canoe camp without adverse rains and wind storms. MVFN’s annual canoe camp for 2017 took place at Algonquin Park’s group campsite on Whitefish Lake, September 8 to 11 and the whole four days held perfect weather. The Saturday paddle saw the group travel south on Whitefish into the Madawaska River and on to Rock Lake, where lunch was enjoyed. Mirror-like water conditions allowed paddlers to really enjoy nature from the water’s edge. On the return journey, the wind came up somewhat but didn’t hamper progress. Water levels were high all over making for a strong current on the narrow river between lakes. Many warblers were spotted and a lake shore beaver house drew much interest.

The Sunday paddle saw the group leave the camp beach and follow the meandering Madawaska River north through Pog Lake and into the Lake of Two Rivers. This river section was well lined with rows of alder, mountain holly, dogwood and Northern wild raisin bushes, drawing many cedar waxwings and robins in for lunch. Yellow-rumped warblers continued to be plentiful and ravens constantly called out their presence throughout the day. Saturday’s pot luck dinner was well enjoyed.

Temperatures plunged down to only two degrees Celsius at night making the evening campfires more than welcome. Two enterprising young women even heated large stones for their sleeping bags. During the day, when not paddling, several members enjoyed non-water activities by hiking the various trails and visiting the several park attractions. Although numbers were down this year, all agreed that MVFN should continue this annual event.

The camp was organized this year by Pam Hickman, assisted by Howard and Mary Robinson and Doug Younger-Lewis. Photos for the photo story below were provided by Pam Hickman and Elizabeth Veninga.

Whitefish Lake View. photo Elizabeth Veninga

Waiting for the show to begin. photo Elizabeth Veninga

Safety instructions from the leader. photo Pam Hickman

Doug shows Elizabeth the way. photo Pam Hickman

Canoes at rest. photo Pam Hickman

An interrupted observer. photo Pam Hickman

MVFN 4-day Algonquin Park Canoe/Hiking Camp

September 8-11, 2017

Experience the splendor and peace of Algonquin Park in late summer!

MVFN’s Annual September 4-day Canoe Camp will take place this year at Whitefish Lake Group Campground, Algonquin Park (just off Highway 60), from Friday, Sept. 8 – Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.

Even if you are not a paddler, you are welcome to participate in this 4-day canoe camp, to hike on one or more of the beautiful trails in the area, visit the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre nearby, or stay at the campground and enjoy a relaxing day by yourself. You may also wish to take part in the group pot-luck dinners and campfires.

Some people cannot attend for all four days, which is fine, too; however, the cost of $70 per person is the same, regardless of the number of days of camping. This is because many of the costs to offer the group camping program are fixed costs that are paid in advance.

Current, non-MVFN members may attend as your guest(s), but for MVFN insurance coverage reasons, they must become MVFN member/s. Individual membership is only $25 or $20 (senior rate). NOTE: Membership Forms are available here on the website at “Contact Us – Become a member”.

The number of participants is limited to 25. If you are interested in attending please reserve your space immediately by contacting Howard & Mary Robinson at:

, or 613-256-0817

Howard or Mary will send you the registration forms once you are signed up.

Looking forward to another great MVFN Canoe Camp in magical Algonquin Park!

photo B. Boyd

Mark your calendars!

9th Annual MVFN Canoe Camp

Algonquin Park

“Seeing Nature from the Water’s Edge”

Dates: Friday, September 9 to Monday, September 12, 2016

Where: Achray Campsite – Grand Lake, Stratton Lake and Barron River Canyon

For: All current MVFN members who are canoe/kayak enthusiasts

Cost: Approximately $70.00 per person.This covers site registration, parking, firewood and program planning. Note: If there is extra money from registration fees, it will go to the MVFN Program Committee. If there is a deficit, additional money will be requested from each camper.

We paddle for 4 – 5 hours/day, divided between morning and afternoon, along the shoreline as much as possible. There are one or two short portages on the day trips.

Preliminary Registration: Please register as soon as possible by sending your name and email address to Brenda at:

Registration is limited to 36 and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications and further details will then be sent to you by mid-August.

For further information, contact Cliff Bennett at: or

613-256-5013, or Brenda Boyd at: or 613-256-2706.

Hope to see many of you there!

Beautiful group campsites Achray overlooking the beach and lake. Photo Brenda Boyd

The magnificent Barron River Canyon near Achray Campgrounds in Algonquin Park. Photo Brenda Boyd