Hello Reader,

Welcome to the first day of May! Now that paddling season is upon us, I'm resuming my weekly newsletter showcasing lesser-known destinations - and lesser-known routes in popular destinations - for backcountry camping.

We'll start this series with the Nipissing River. Although it stretches some ~100 km through Algonquin Park, the Nipissing River contains some of the park's least frequently travelled sections. So if you want Algonquin, but want to avoid the craziness of Hwy 60, read on.

​Nipissing River: Tim River to Cedar Lake (4 days / 97 km)​

Quick Facts​
🛶 97 km over 4–7 days
🥾 22 portages (13.25 km total)
📍 Starts at Tim River Access, ends at Cedar Lake
⛺ Reservations required per lake

Starting at Tim River Access Point and finishing at Cedar Lake, this 97 km route follows the meandering Nipissing River through one of the most remote sections of Algonquin Park. It’s a great spring or fall route, especially if you’re hoping to land a Brook Trout or two. Although this specific route was completed in 4 days, most people will feel more comfortable with 6–7 days for a more relaxed pace.

This route requires a shuttle or two vehicles and includes a few long portages—so it’s best for paddlers with some backcountry experience. But if you’re up for a challenge, this one really delivers: wildlife sightings, winding marshland, and campsites that feel truly off the beaten path.

Highlights from the report:

• Overnight at the historic (and dusty) Highview Falls Ranger Cabin
• Monster 2.1 km portage past Allen Rapids
• Brook Trout dinner at a wild site dubbed “The Boneyard”
• Wildlife sightings: moose, eagle, and a full moose skeleton
• Pizza and cake at the Cedar Lake takeout

This report was written by Isaiah, a new contributor to the site. He does a lot of tripping, so I'm sure we'll see a few more reports from him in the not-so-distant future.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and, as always, happy adventuring!

Mikaela

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