Wilderness Canoe Trips

Minnesing Swamp Canoe Trip April 23-24th 2011

2011-03-28T19:18:00.002-04:00

Our Canoe trip into the beautiful Minnesing Swamp is coming up in about three weeks time. I'm getting really excited to put the boats in the water and explore this vast and provincially-significant wetland. For more information please visit our website or contact us directly.
www.earthtracks.ca

Minesing Swamp Overnight Canoe Trip April 23rd – 24th 2011

Minesing Swamp Overnight Canoe Trip April 23rd – 24th 2011.

Come and join us as we embrace the spring on this overnight canoe trip through the beautiful Minesing Swamp.

After a frozen winter the swamp teams with aquatic, avian and mammal life. Not to mention the re-emergence of the many wild plants who are beginning to sprout and grow towards the warm rays of the sun. This area is a naturalists paradise just waiting to reveal some of its many secrets to the curious observer. Join our naturalist team as we ‘track’ our way through the swamp.

Please register in advance by contacting Earth Tracks at 519 217 4921 or earthtracks@gmail.com

Price: $150 (price includes guiding, instruction, equipment, food & camping permits)

Tracking Workshop this Weekend

2010-11-24T17:31:00.002-05:00

Title: Tracking – Another Tool for the Naturalist – Identifying & Interpreting Animal Tracks Date: November 27, 2010 Time: 10 : 00 AM - 5 : 00 PM

Location: rare Administration Centre, 1679 Blair Road City: Cambridge ...

Contact Info Contact Name: Brenda Pearce Email: blpearce@raresites.org

Phone: 519-650-9336 ext.125

Web: http://www.raresites.org/

Join Alexis Burnett, a Naturalist, Tracker, Wilderness Skills Practitioner and Canoe Guide and Jason Bracey, a local teacher and rare volunteer for this combination event of a presentation and a hike. Alexis will share his knowledge and passion in teaching you how to identify and track animals as well as interpreting the story that the tracks tell you about the behaviour of the animal. After the talk, Jason will lead the group on a hike and Alexis will help participants put their new skills to use. It is recommended that you dress appropriately for the weather and bring the following items: proper footwear for hiking over uneven terrain, water bottle, lunch, notebook, pen, small measuring tape or ruler and a camera.

NOTE: This event is limited to a maximum of 20 participants.COST: $25.00 (rare Event Discount Card invalid for this event)

Encounters with the Wildlife of Central Ontario

2010-11-21T14:13:00.002-05:00

One of the best things about a canoe is its ability to glide silently across the water. This helps us in many ways while trying to locate and observe the many mammals, birds, reptiles and Amphibians that make their home in central Ontario. One of the most memorable and exciting times on one of our canoe trips is being able to observe these wild creatures in their natural setting. Imagine watching a bull moose feeding on aquatic plants next to a meandering stream, a mature Bald Eagle as it soars gracefully over an open lake or the ‘haunting’ call of a loon as it echoes across an unnamed lake before dawn. Seeing these animals and many others in the wild creates memories and emotions within us that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Here’s a short list of some of our wildlife observations so far this paddling season:

Black Duck, Mallard duck, Buffleheads, common Loon, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Northern Goshawk, Coopers Hawk, Merlin, Broad Wing Hawk, Barred Owl, Common Yellow throat, Balckburnian warbler, Raven, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Gray Jay, Winter Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Canada Warbler, Canada Geese, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Moose, Eastern Wolf, Red Fox, Black Bear, White-Footed Mouse, Meadow Vole, Northern Flying Squirrel, Red Squirrel, Chipmunk, raccoon. Snapping Turtle, Painted Turtle, Pickerel Frog, Bull Frog, Spring Peeper, Gray Tree frog, Green frog, Wood Frog, American Toad, Garter Snake, Northern Water Snake.

Happy Paddling

Paddling Experiences

2010-11-21T14:07:00.003-05:00

Here's an entry I wrote while guiding a trip in Algonquin this past summer.

Our canoe tripping season is in full-swing and we have had many great experiences in Algonquin Park. As I write this (in my notebook), I am currently sitting next to a crackling campfire under a grove of old hemlock trees beside a secluded Algonquin lake. Later I counted the growth rings on an old grandfather hemlock and it was around 276 years old! This is one of our ‘base-camp’ days and we have been relaxing all morning, taking the beauty and serenity of this place into our being. After a couple days in the park your body begins to beat in sync with the natural rhythms of Creation. I awoke this morning to the call of the loon as its surreal voice echoed off of the hillside across the lake. Walking down to the waters edge I looked south and spotted a bull moose feeding hungrily in the shallow wetland where a small creek empties into this lake. Our group sipped our morning coffee and kept an eye on this stately animal for over an hour. As the birds sing and flirt through the trees, I am reminded of our connection to all things. The invisible threads that link us altogether. There is a power and sacredness to this land that touches us all in many ways. On each of these trips it sinks further into the core of all of us and strengthens each of those ‘threads’ with each new experience.

Happy Paddling

Where did the Season Go?

2010-11-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

Well, looks like I haven't wrote here since last winter and now the deer 'rut' is coming to a close and snow is drifting through the air. Hmmmm..... Well let's reflect on a few photos from this past paddling season and re-visit some of the unique experiences that continue to build and shape our relationship to not only the water, but all aspects of the natural world. May your paddles flow freely.

Alexis

In the Stillness of the North Moon

2010-02-04T12:11:00.001-05:00

As the heart of winter beats with each snowflake that falls from the sky I cannot help but feel the inner stillness and peace that this season brings. A time to slow down and search within ourselves for those things that truly make our heart sing. What is it in our lives that fuel that sacred fire that burns deep at our core? Are we tending and feeding that fire with ‘wood’ that is nourishing and makes the flame grow brighter and stronger? In this time of introspection we can contemplate the past year while getting ready for the new beginnings that lie ahead. I like to envision myself as a seed lying dormant beneath the protection of the frozen snow. Waiting for the just the right time to sprout and grow towards the sun as the seasons turn. Inside of these seeds is the knowledge and wisdom of countless generations that have come before. We too hold this vastness of ancient knowledge within each of us. It is waiting in dormancy for just the right time to sprout and grow as long as we provide the right environment and conditions for that seed to flourish.

As I ski across the frozen lake under the glistening stars away from the Edge I am overwhelmed by the feeling of gratitude and thankfulness. Gratitude for all those that have come before and so very thankful to be alive and healthy inside this moment. The ice groans and echoes under my feet as I glide across the frozen water that has ‘cradled’ our canoes so many times. My mind flashes to the countless trips that have come and gone from this place into the beautiful landscapes of Algonquin Park. I think ahead to the many adventures that will come this year and the many new faces that will forever be etched in my mind and heart. An owl calls from the distance and brings me back into this special moment in the middle of this frozen landscape. At this time of year I find myself dreaming ahead to the coming paddling season as we prepare and plan for each of our unique trips. Who will come with us, what will we see and experience and how will our lives change from our interaction with the natural world? Each time I venture into the wilderness I learn a little more not only about the natural world, but also about myself and how I can affect a positive change in this world we live in. It is said that in the purity of the wilderness we will find all that we search for. Right now, in the solitude and serenity of this moment, my heart beats in unison with that of the Earth. My fire burns bright as a smile curls across my face and the words ‘Thank You’ flow from my whole being.

In Light

Alexis Burnett

Seeking Solitude Canoe Trip

2009-07-14T18:38:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone

Just wanted to let you know that our Algonquin canoe trips are in full swing and we have many exciting trips planned for the rest of the summer. Call Wendy in our Northern Edge office or check out the website for more details.

I have just returned home from a week in the park on the Seeking Solitude trip and it was a truly magical experience. The beauty of the park at this time of year is unparalled, so many shades of green in the forest. Our trip coincided with the full moon and we watched her rise above the Algonquin hills each night before going to sleep under the stars. We got the chance to see lots of the local wildlife including; moose, muskrat, beaver, great-blue herons, american bitterns, loons snapping turtles and many other species. For the two nights we spent on Biggar lake we were the only people there and had the chance to experience the solitude and serenity that comes with spending multiple days in a wilderness setting.

We shared a lot of great food, amazing stories and laughter around the camp fire at night and grew into a 'tight-knit' family by the end of the week. I'm thankful to the land and the waters that we paddled together as well as to all those who joined us on this Algonquin wilderness adventure. Until next time....

Happy paddling

Alexis

Wilderness Canoe Tripping Schedule 2009

2009-02-06T09:19:00.004-05:00

Well.....Here's is the Earth Tracks Wilderness Canoe Tripping Schedule for 2009!

All of these trips I will be guiding personally. Earth Tracks has partnered with Northern Edge Algonquin in running these trips and we are excited to further this relationship. For more info please visit thier website http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com/ or the Earth Tracks site at http://www.earthtracks.ca/

Nipissing River Trip: May 2nd - 9th

Waterfalls, Watercolours and Wanderings: June 11th - 16th

Waterfalls, Watercolours and Wanderings: June 25th - 30th

Seeking Solitude: July 2nd - 8th

Morning Tea with Moose/Wilderness Awareness: July 9th - 12th

The Way of the Naturalist: July 16th - 21st

Morning Tea with Moose/Wilderness Awareness: July 23rd - 26th

Wolf Howl: July 31st - August 3rd

Tracking the Wildlife of Algonquin Park: August 27th - 31st

Wolf Howl: September 24th - 27th

Following is a list of Canoe Trips that I am organizing for Northern Edge Algonquin. These trips will be facilitated by very competant and experienced guides other than myself.

Morning Tea with Moose: July 2nd - 5th

Yoga Canoe Trip: July 9th - 12th

Morning Tea with Moose: July 16th - 19th

Yoga Canoe Trip: July 31st - August 3rd

Seeking Solitude: August 6th - 12th

Wolf Howl: August 13 - 16th

Wolf Howl: August 27th - 30th

Wolf Howl (Womens Only): September 4th - 7th

Waterfalls, Watercolours and Wanderings: September 10th - 15th

Yoga Canoe Trip (Womens Only): September 17th - 20th

Heart of Gold: September 24th - 30th

I hope to see you on one of our many Canoe Trips this season. Please give us a call or email if you are interested in any of these trips. earthtracks@gmail.com 800 953 3343

Winter Time @ The Edge

2009-02-06T09:18:00.002-05:00

Things have been moving at ‘winters pace’ around here lately. Yesterday morning the mercury read -35 degrees and everything was laying pretty low waiting for the morning sun to break the deep freeze that has set in the last couple of days. Imagine being one of the many animals that live in the forests here, what would you be doing in these temperatures. It made me think of the Native Algonquin people who are the original habitants of this land. Traditionally this area including Algonquin Park was utilized by small family groups who would break from the larger villages and spread out across this bountiful land to hunt for the winter. Would they be ready for the winter to transition into spring? What kind of shelters would they be living in? What would thier daily routines be like? These people blended with the landscape and were a natural part of the eco-system. The original caretakers of this land. I was thankful for these people who went before us. How can we follow in thier footsteps? How thankful are we for the gifts and comforts that we have in this day and age? How can I be the most effective caretaker of this land? What gifts and visions do I have for the future? Just some of the questions that I asked myself as I walked across the frozen lake towards the Edge. Today is a beautiful day, a new day. May we walk our paths in a sacred manner for the future generations.
Alexis Burnett

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Memories of Summer

2008-10-01T16:12:00.005-04:00

Hey Everyone

Here's some of my favorite shots from this summer of paddling. Mostly taken from the
NW corner of Algonquin Park. I spent more time here than anywhere else this summer. I'm very thankful for the many amazing experiences that this special place shared with us. We are truly fortunate to be able to spend time here.

Morning Tea with Moose

2008-07-24T17:54:00.001-04:00

We have just returned home from the Morning Tea with Moose canoe trip in Algonquin park. The weather was spectacular and we had an amazing time paddling and viewing wildlife on North Tea lake in the NW corner of the park. We had the priviledge to see three moose early in the morning and after waiting quietly on the banks of a wetland we witnessed a beaver swimming back and forth between the dam and the lodge. Herons flew overhead and the call of the Loon put us to sleep at night under the stars and the beauty of the 'rising' moon. The days were warm and the water was calm during most of our trip. On one of the days we ventured to the waterfall between North Tea and Manitou lakes and the 'pounding' force of the waterfall was like a massage to our backs and arms. Stories and laughter were shared around the campfire at night and we were able to experience what makes this place called Algonquin to special and close to the hearts of people from around the world.

There are still a number of trips planned for the remainder of the year. Check out our website to see which ones may work for you. http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com/ or http://www.earthtracks.ca/

Until next time

Happy Paddling

Magnetawan River

2008-07-13T17:30:00.004-04:00

I just returned home from a shorth trip down the Magnetewan River where I paddled to look at a property that I have just purchased. The Mag is a beautiful river with lots of good moving water and with the 'still-high' waters many of the sets are more than navigatable by canoe. Here's a few photos of the river and and parts of my new property. There were many signs and sightings of various wildlife including Black Bear, Moose, Deer. Otter, Beaver, Great Blue Herons, etc..... I fall deeper and deeper in love with this area each time I venture through it. What a special place!

Sunset Paddle on Manitou Lake

2008-07-11T20:02:00.004-04:00

Here's a quick video of one of our sunset paddles on Manitou Lake during the Waterfalls, Wanderings and Watercolours trip offered through Northern Edge Algonquin.

Waterfalls, Wanderings & Watercolours Canoe Trip

2008-07-09T14:48:00.005-04:00

Well....Summer is finally arrived here in Algonquin Park and we are 'plunging' into the paddling season. The heavy rains have kept the water levels high and we have just returned from our first canoe trip into the park. We experienced a little bit of everything in terms of weather creating some memorable adventures and beautiful landscape photos. The star filled nights, beautiful sunrises and echo of the Loon across Manitou lake are soothing to the soul and make one feel connected to nature in a way that cannot be explained in words, but felt by the heart. We were fortunate to view a couple of Bald Eagles soaring overhead and paddle quietly pass a cow Moose and Calf as they feed contently on the edge of the river. Each experience and trip into Algonquin adds to the countless memories and stories that will be told for many years to come. I'm thankful for the ability to experience such a special place and share it with others. There's still many Canoe trips into the park for the remainder of the season, check out the Northern Edge Algonquin or Earth Tracks websites and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Happy Paddling

Alexis

Seeking Solitude Canoe Trip

2008-06-03T13:24:00.003-04:00

Are you looking to get away and spend some time in the serenity and sanctitude of a beautiful wilderness setting? Are you looking for some time to unwind and slow down to the pace of the natural world? If so than the 'Seeking Solitude' trip is for you. Take some time to paddle through one of Ontario's oldest provincial parks, swimming in pristine waters and recapturing the magic of the days paddle while sipping hot tea around the campfire at night. This trip is a great way to experience nature and the stunning beauty of Ontario's 'lakes country'.

In just over a month we will be running the first of two 'Seeking Solitude' canoe trips. The first one runs from July 4th-11th and the second trip is from August 19th-26th. Both trips will depart and return to our beautiful basecamp on the doorstep of the wild and scenic Algonquin park. This trip will travel at a liesurly pace and beginner paddlers are welcome. All meals, equiptment, park permits, guiding and instruction is included in the price. All you need to do is sign up and show up on the first day of the trip. We invite you and your friends to come paddle with us and create memories that will last a lifetime.

On a side note, there are still a few spaces left in our Waterfalls, Watercolours and Wanderings canoe trip taking place from June 27th- July 2nd. If you are looking for shorter trips please visit our 'calender of events' page to see the various weekend trips taking place throughout the summer. We hoe to se you sometime this summer at our beautiful eco-lodge on the shores of Kawawamog lake. Until then be safe and happy paddling

Alexis

Waterfalls, Watercolours and Wanderings Canoe Trip

2008-05-23T13:26:00.002-04:00

As the seasons change I am captivated by the beauty of mid spring in the north. Many birds are setting up new territories and beginning to lay eggs and raise their young fledglings hidden in the arms of trees and the cover of thickets and field edges. As each new day begins we arise to the sound of many birds singing their thanksgiving songs as the night turns into day.

It also reminds me of the approaching paddling season and the many days and nights spent exploring the many lakes and rivers of the beautiful and scenic Algonquin Park. I am already thinking ahead to our first trip of the season Waterfalls, Watercolours and Wanderings taking place from June 27th - July 2nd. This is a 6 day canoe trip in the park exploring some cascading waterfalls, paddling across majestic lakes and relaxing in the tranquility of nature. There will be time for people to paint, swim, wander or just relax beside the lake as we travel casually through this scenic part of Algonquin. What a great way to begin the summer season.

In previous years we have observed many species of wildlife including deer, moose, otters, owls, great blue herons and made countless new dicoveries as we explored and paddled through this wilderness area. As with all of our canoe trips here at NEA all food, outfitting, guiding, and park permits are included in the price of the trip. I invite you to come and join us on this adventure experience as we kick off the 2008 canoe tripping season here at Northern Edge Algonquin.
All of the information about this and other Algonquin Park canoeing experiences can be found on our website at http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com/
Looking forward to paddling with you this summer

Alexis

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2008-04-24T20:18:00.003-04:00

Here are a few photos from our paddle down the Beaver River on a Beautiful spring day a couple of weeks ago. The beginning stretches of our canoeing was done through the flooded, flowering Red Maples in the low lying areas of the beaver valley. Such an amazing experience to float under these trees at this time of year. As we continued on the river slowly picked up its pace and we experienced some moderate rapids and moving water. One of the highlights of the trip was a Great Horned Owl that flew right between our two boats! Such an awesome bird of Prey. We were able to paddle past this owl as it perched close to the trunk of a bare deciduous tree, camoflaguing into the bark pattern of the tree very nicely. All around us there were sure signs of spring from the numerous bird calls to the fresh growth many new plants. Near the end of the day we went for an unplanned swim and 'bobbed' down some of the biggest rapids of our trip beside our sub-merged canoe! One moment we were in the boat and the next we were beside it, floating. Thingas like this can happen very quickly and the water was very cold. We had brought a few changes of clothes in a dry bag and were able to get out of the water and change into warm clothes quickly. This is essential seeing as the air temp that day was not many degrees above freezing and the water temp was approx. 5 degrees celcious. You need to be prepared for the the worst case scenario and all of these experiences can be positive provided you are prepared and learn from them. We had another great day of canoeing. It has been a good spring for getting out and enjoying some of the high water on our local rivers. I'm thankful for these experiences and look forward to the many paddling adventures to come in the future. Also a special thanks to my paddling partners on these excursions.

Happy Paddling

Alexis

Bighead River Run

2008-04-07T23:12:00.003-04:00

After being inspired and having so much fun on Saturday my brother and I went out and paddled the lower section of the Bighead River and out into Georgian Bay near the Meaford Harbour. This river had more water and 'flow' then the Mad River and the waves and rapids attested to this fact. We both took on a little more water as we each paddled our own canoes down the rolling rapids. We had a great time and Simon enjoyed 'breaking' in his new canoe on its maiden voyage. What an amazing time of year to experience some moderate whitewater on one of Southern Ontario's beautiful rivers. I encourage you all to get out and experience some of these scenic places and take in the energy of the water and the spring as we enter this new and exciting season. REMEMBER that the water is VERY COLD and it's a good idea to have all of the proper gear including dry clothes, ropes, bailing buckets, etc... with you if you plan on paddling at this time of year!

Until next trip

Happy Paddling

Mad River Run

2008-04-07T22:49:00.002-04:00

Last weekend 12 of us and 6 canoes spent the afternoon paddling down the Mad River in Southern Ontario. The Mad is a tributary of the Nottawasaga River which empties into Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach. The water was cold and moving at a good pace in this beautiful River and we enjoyed one of the first warm, sunny days of Spring. Here's a few photos of our short trip.

Happy Paddling

Rivers are Rising

2008-04-01T18:44:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone

As Spring begins to emerge and winter retreats for another year we are blessed with the rising waters of the melting snows. As I drive through the country side here on the southern edge of Georgian Bay I can see the rising levels of the many creeks and rivers that flow towards the clear waters of Lake Huron. I cannot help but feel thankful to live and play in such a beautiful part of the world. Already I am planning short paddles on these rushing currents and look forward to dipping my paddle in the icey waters of the spring runoff.
This is a time of year that I remember what it feels like to move swiftly down a river while constantly looking ahead and reading the story of the ripples, ebbs and flows of the water. It makes me truly come alive and feel a connection to nature that only comes with canoeing. We can connect with nature in many ways, this is just one of the ways that I enjoy immersing myself in the spring season and the re-birth of Creation.
In the coming weeks I would like to post some of my paddling experiences here. I'm not planning any extended trips, but do plan on getting out as much as possible to explore the many paddling experiences available here in Grey County.

Until next time

Happy Paddling

Guided Canoe Trips at Northern Edge Algonquin

2008-02-28T14:54:00.004-05:00

Hello Everyone

I have recently taken over the the role of 'Canoe Tripping Manager' at Northern Edge Algonquin and have finalized our summer tripping schedule in Algonquin Park.

All of the information regarding pricing, availability, registration, descriptions, etc.... can be found on thier website. http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com/

We have an exciting summer of trips planned including some new ones. Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions that you may have. earthtracks@gmail.com

I hope that you will consider paddling with us this summer.

Alexis Burnett

Northern Edge Algonquin Canoe Tripping Schedule 2008

Waterfalls, watercolors and Wanderings:

June 27th - July 2nd. $715 0r $1287 (for two) + Tax

Morning Tea With Moose/Wilderness Awareness:

July 3rd - 6th. $525 or $997 (for two) + Tax

Seeking Solitude:

July 4th - 11th. $875 or $1575 (for two) + Tax

The Way of the Naturalist Canoe Trip:

July 8th - 12th. $600 or $1075 (for two) + Tax

Morning Tea with Moose/Wilderness Awareness:

July 17 - 20th. $525 or $997 (for two) + Tax

Morning Tea with Moose/Wilderness Awareness:

July 25 - 27th. $525 or $997 (for two) + Tax

Wolf Howl (women's only):

August 1 - 4th. $525 or $975 (for two) + Tax

Wolf Howl:

August 14 - 17th. $525 or $975 (for two) + Tax

Seeking Solitude:

August 19 -26th. $875 or 1575 (for two) + Tax

Tracking the Wildlife of Algonquin Park:

August 21 - 24th. $525 or $875 (for two) + Tax

Wolf Howl:

August 29 - Sept 1st. $525 or $975 (for two) + Tax

Wolf Howl Fall Colours Womens's Yoga Trip:

Sept. 27th - 30th. $525 or $975 (for two)

Heart of Gold:

Sept. 24th - 30th. $875 or $1575 (for two) + Tax

Wolf Howl Fall Colours:

Sept. 27 -30th. $525 or $975 (for two) + Tax

*Price includes food, guiding, park permits, all outfitting and instruction.

Bow-Drill Fire-Making Method

2008-02-25T14:41:00.001-05:00

Here's a video describing how to create fire using the bow-drill method. Just one of the ways that we light fires on some of our Wilderness Canoe Trips

Sunrise on North Tea Lake -- Algonquin Park

2008-02-14T14:35:00.001-05:00

Last summer I guided many trips in the NW corner of Algonquin Park. On many of these trips we would get up before the sun and head out on the water. Here is a photo of one of those magical moments

Wilderness Canoe Trips

2008-02-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

We will be adding a schedule soon for the 2008 summer season.

Trips will be posted here as well as on our website:

http://www.earthtracks.ca/

&

www.northernedgealgonquin.com

Please check back soon.