Get ready to channel your inner 18th-century explorer and follow the literal wake of the La Vérendrye brothers on an authentic wilderness paddling adventure. Inspired by the voyageurs who once travelled these waterways, this trip celebrates canoeing as it was meant to be: deep in the wild, navigating interconnected lakes, and mastering the art of the portage. After a few nights of camping under the stars and listening to the local loons, you’ll trade the tent for a lakeside hotel to reflect on a truly Canadian experience shaped by exploration, adventure, and the timeless freedom of the canoe.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Camping
Physical Grading
4 - Demanding
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Four day canoe circuit in La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve. Canoes and Paddles. Self-inflating mattresses and dome tents. Free time in Saint-Hippolyte. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Canoe through pristine lakes and waterways once travelled by Canada’s early explorers, Experience true backcountry camping beneath the stars in remote wilderness settings, Disconnect and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Canadian wild, Relax and reflect with a stay at a scenic lakeside hotel after your canoe adventure
How large will the group be?
Max 12, Avg. 8.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, canoe
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (2 nts), participation wilderness camping (5 nts)
Itinerary
Montreal/Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, depart for La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve. Upon arrival, settle into your rustic lakeside camp, where you will prepare and pack equipment for tomorrow's departure. In the evening, gather for dinner around the campfire, sharing a memorable first meal together under the open sky.
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
After breakfast, break down your campsite and get ready for the day ahead. Your CEO will guide you through essential canoeing techniques and safety procedures. In the afternoon, set off on your thrilling 4-day adventure, canoeing across lakes and experiencing the beauty of wild camping along the way.
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, starting the day with breakfast by the water before breaking down camp and loading the canoes. Journey deeper into the reserve, moving through quiet waterways framed by forest and open lakes. Along the way, pause for lunch either on a peaceful lakeshore or in the canoe while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as moose standing in the shallows, beavers slipping silently across the water, and bald eagles circling overhead, with the occasional black bear spotted along the shore. Arrive at a new remote lakeside campsite, where evenings are spent cooking by the water, gathering around a campfire, and ending the day stargazing beneath open skies, creating a true backcountry experience in the heart of the wilderness.
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, starting the day with breakfast by the water before breaking down camp and loading the canoes. Journey deeper into the reserve, moving through quiet waterways framed by forest and open lakes. Along the way, pause for lunch either on a peaceful lakeshore or in the canoe while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as moose standing in the shallows, beavers slipping silently across the water, and bald eagles circling overhead, with the occasional black bear spotted along the shore. Arrive at a new remote lakeside campsite, where evenings are spent cooking by the water, gathering around a campfire, and ending the day stargazing beneath open skies, creating a true backcountry experience in the heart of the wilderness.
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, starting the day with breakfast by the water before breaking down camp and loading the canoes. Journey deeper into the reserve, moving through quiet waterways framed by forest and open lakes. Along the way, pause for lunch either on a peaceful lakeshore or in the canoe while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as moose standing in the shallows, beavers slipping silently across the water, and bald eagles circling overhead, with the occasional black bear spotted along the shore. Arrive at a new remote lakeside campsite, where evenings are spent cooking by the water, gathering around a campfire, and ending the day stargazing beneath open skies, creating a true backcountry experience in the heart of the wilderness.
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye/Saint-Hippolyte
After breakfast, breakdown camp and paddle the final stretch, if needed. Then transfer to St-Hippolyte, stopping en route to enjoy a well-earned poutine. Upon arrival, settle into a lakeside hotel to relax and take in the memories from your canoeing venture.
Saint-Hippolyte
Enjoy breakfast at the inn, followed by a full day at leisure to take advantage of on-site amenities and nearby experiences.
Saint-Hippolyte/Montreal
After breakfast at the hotel, journey back to Montreal from Saint-Hippolyte where the tour ends on arrival.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
