- Video
- Location. Island.
- Getting ready
- Accommodation
- Food
- Activities
- Way home with rain
Video
Location. Island.
Our first canoe camping happened to have on September 2020 in Frontenac national park. And this was absolutely awesome! While camping, we had noticed a beautiful island where they offer very few spots for camping. So since then we were determined to book it for the next time 😀 And we got it!
Getting ready
We have had a very thorough preparation for our first canoe camping: because you have pretty limited space in your boat where you have to place yourselves and your stuff: tents, sleeping bags, clothes, food, kitchen utensils, etc. On top of that, you have to carry woods to your place by yourself. So, it is up to you: grab it on your way, passing by a small visitor center, or do another ride after dropping off all your stuff. Also, remembering our flip over, now we use waterproof bags and attach literally everything to the boat to not have it lost in the worst-case scenario 😉
Accommodation
Balbuzar Island has only 3 places, and we had 3B. For the next time, we will try to book 1B. It is near the water and has waterfront views.
The weather had promised rain for at least one day of our stay on the island. So when we arrived, we set up not only a tent but put a tarp above the table as well.
We’ve had 2 neighbor couples and they were in the same mode as we were: quiet, respectful to others, with a “leave no traces” approach to nature. So we had a good opportunity to enjoy nature sounds, silence, and purity. What we are very grateful for!
Food
As I mentioned above, literally, every gram matters 😀 So we made a menu and brought some canned, packed food according to it. And took the opportunity to try a few new recipes (you will find the links in the video). And we have to say – there are plenty of very yummy options 😋
Activities
As you can guess the main activity is the water one 😀 To reach the island and paddle during your stay there, you can rent one of the park’s canoes or bring your own boat, as we did. We’ve had morning and evening outings, fishing, just paddling, watching a loon, chilling on the shore 😀
Watching incredible colors sunsets
Also, we got to know all mushrooms on the island and watched them growing every day 🍄🍄🍄
Enjoying a campfire and starry night sky you would never see in a city ⭐⭐⭐
The last night the rain finally started. We were in cozy sleeping bags listening to how outside the rain is tapping on the tent.
The next morning, we made yummy lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast
Packed our stuff, thanked this beautiful place, and headed back home. A light intermittent rain was around all the way. As far as it was no wind, we liked it 😊