As one of Algonquin's most impressive canoe routes, Barron canyon is a spectacular paddle through a variety of terrain ranging from lakes, marshes, waterfalls, and eventually the towering rock walls of the canyon itself.
All paths contained herein are approximation and are meant for planning purpose only. Do not use them for navigation. Please carry an accurate topographic map for all route finding.
Note: This is an end-to-end trip so you will either need to stash a vehicle at either end or arrange a shuttle. You can also make this trip an overnighter or even a day trip if you prefer by leaving from Squirrel Rapids, paddle the canyon, then return but in doing so you will miss out on the many waterfalls.
Begin your journey by checking in at the Sand Lake Gate to get your permits. You are also able to check-in at Archray Campground but if you do it means doing about 60km of extra driving as you have to backtrack to drop a car off.
Just past the Sand Gate, you will find the turn-off for Squirrel Rapids. This is your final destination, park one of your vehicles there with its parking permit on the dash and continue on your way.
Once at Archray Campground there is a convenient put-in with vehicle access and a massive parking lot to stash your vehicle at. Don't forget to leave your parking permit on the dash.
Begin paddling south across Grand Lake until you reach the mouth of the Barron River along the southeastern shore. After a short paddle, you will encounter a massive red sign warning of danger. This is your first portage.
After completing your portage you will find yourself in Stratton Lake and beginning the longest uninterrupted paddle of the trip. Your goal is to paddle its entire length until you reach a small channel on the far eastern shore. Do not turn and head north unless you have booked a campsite there. Towards the end of the channel, you will have another short and easy portage.
You are now in Andrews Lake. Follow the shore to your left and head north to the far tip of the Lake which is your last portage of the day. This is the longest portage of the trip but is fortunately on a well-marked trail. It is rocky but nothing crazy. Take your time and make sure that you get through it safely.
Once in High Falls Lake, your campsite will be on the east shore just north of the portage.
Note: Depending on the time of the day when you arrive, taking the side trail at the end of the last portage to go check out High Falls. Alternatively, you can paddle back and explore it before continuing your journey the following morning.
Day two is by far the most intense of the trip. Both in terms of effort and enjoyment. Even though the route is only 8.3km on the map you will be doing 7 rocky portages of varying lengths that wind through the forest. My GPS logged 16.7km traveled that day when I did the trip. (Mostly because of back and forth on portages as well as a backtrack due to a lost phone)
Begin your day by paddling to the north tip of High Falls Lake to your first portage. This portage has two trails so make sure you take the one you want. Fortunately, both lead to Barron Canyon eventually but I highly recommend taking the western trail through The Cascades as it involves waterfalls and more interesting scenery.
As you make your way northward through The Cascades you will encounter a series of portages until the right takes a sharp turn eastward towards Brigham Lake. The river flows nicely into Brigham which you will paddle the length of until you reach the final portage of the day on its eastern shore. Be careful on this portage. It is well marked but it has stretches of narrow, rocky trail with a steep drop right beside the trail. A careless slip could lead to severe injury. Take it slow and don't rush the portage to ensure that your entire team reaches the other end safely.
You are now at the mouth of Barron Canyon. Enjoy a spectacular paddle through the canyon. The route is pretty obvious which means you can sit back and enjoy. Once through the Canyon, the campsites are scattered to your left along the northern shore.
The final day is mostly a lackadaisical paddle through a wider portion of the Barron River. It feels quite like wetlands travel and is enjoyable in its own right. The only moment of note is the single portage which is much like the others on the trip.
Eventually, you will see a bridge in the distance. The take-out is just before the bridge on the left.