My husband and I just got back from our first trip to Algonquin Park, the highlight of which was a canoe day trip with Stuart, the owner of Algonquin Park Canoe Trips. This was a unique experience because it enabled us to try something completely new, an activity we would have never undertaken so spontaneously on our own. We love nature and spend as much time outdoors as we can, but when it comes to dealing with equipment that's a different story. With Stuart, we were paddling within minutes (after a short but highly efficient training session), speechless at the sheer beauty of the place (we were lucky in that the season is just starting and we barely met anyone else during our 5+ hour trip). We paddled across Canoe Lake and then portaged the canoe to Joe Lake. We had a delicious dinner (included in the fare) while basking in the sunset in complete solitude, and then hiked up to the highest point on that little island to admire the view. Nothing short of a fairy tale! Stuart was great company, so patient with the numerous questions we had, and a well of information to our thirsty minds, newly awakened to the beauty of, and the possibilities offered by this park. So far, we have simply found no access to such splendor, such peace and quiet doing the more conventional things (drive, bike, hike). It turns out the places of our dreams were a canoe ride away :) This is ideal for anyone who is craving a taste of nature in its purest form but does not want to do a lot of planning, invest in the proper equipment, and take it step by step in order to acquire the necessary expertise. We felt safe at all times, the equipment was brand new, we learned a lot of new things, and the glimpses we had into Stuart's amazing life story were a bonus. We cannot wait to go back for a longer trip (and to swim in those waters!). I am also very intrigued by the idea of winter camping - another activity I'd never dare plan on my own but which I would gladly undertake with the proper guidance. One last thing - in my opinion, the price cannot be beaten. This experience is worth every penny and more - and I really don't think one hears this very often these days.