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| Barron
Canyon, Algonquin Park |
Barron Canyon
Information
This 7 km-long route is one of the most popular
and awe-inspiring of the 1,600 kilometres of established canoe routes
in Algonquin Park. A one-way excursion is to drive one vehicle to Brigham
Access, then canoe down river to a second (shuttle) vehicle left at Squirrel
Rapids. Look out for Barn Swallows and Eastern Phoebes nesting on the
canyon walls and rare relict plants of glacial times, such as the Encrusted
Saxifrage and Fragrant Cliff Fern. The Canoe Routes of Algonquin Park
map brochure, obtained at the Sand Lake Gate, is an essential aid to a
successful trip.
How
to get there
From the intersection
of Hwys 17 and 58 west of Pembroke, drive eight kilometers north-west
along Hwy 17, pass the Forest Lea Road turnoff and take the next left
turn onto Doran Rd (Cty Rd 26). Travel 300 metres, and then turn right
onto the Barron Canyon Road. Drive 26 km on pavement, then gravel, to
the Sand Lake Gate at the Park boundary, where you can buy a day-use vehicle
permit and excellent publications by The Friends of Algonquin Park. Continue
west for another 11 km, past the sign-posted Barron Canyon parking lot,
on to Brigham Access on your left.
Directions
- Park and leave your shuttle vehicle at
Squirrel Rapids and drive on to Brigham Access. Unload your canoes and
portage 200 m to the Barron River.
- Set off down river and take a 100 m followed
bya 400 m portage. In the Barron Canyon the cliffs rise 100m above.
Ten thousand years ago water from Lake Algonquin, formed by melting
glaciers, thundered through.
- Carry on down the river and take a 420
m portage to squirrel rapids.
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