Imagine the world painted in red and gold, the air crisp and clean, and the water a perfect mirror. The only sound is the gentle rhythm of paddles as a winding line of boats glides across a calm lake. This is the magic of autumn paddling.

Welcome to Snakes and Lakes, our annual group backcountry trip celebrating the beauty of the fall season. We’re named for the "snake," the friendly, meandering line of canoes and kayaks we form as we explore a new, gorgeous corner of the wilderness together each year

Is This Trip For You?

This is an intermediate-level trip, perfect for those who are comfortable with the basics of canoeing, camping, and are looking for a spectacular fall adventure. This trip is for you if:

• You have some previous camping experience and are comfortable in cooler weather.

• You love the idea of a relaxed-pace paddling trip on flatwater (this is not a whitewater trip).

• You are a confident swimmer. This is a required for safety.

• You enjoy the camaraderie of a group and are happy to help on short, approachable portage trails.

• You want to find a "paddle buddy" to share a canoe with, or you prefer to paddle solo in your own kayak or pack boat.

What to Expect

Snakes and Lakes is a weekend of shared effort and serene moments.

Our trips are a "choose your own adventure." After we paddle to our campsite, you might spend the afternoon exploring hidden bays by boat, reading a book on a sun-warmed rock, or learning new skills like tying knots or practicing setting up a tarp. In the evenings, we gather for warm food and conversation around the campfire.

It’s all about teamwork, enjoying the serenity of the lake, and soaking in the fleeting beauty of autumn with a fantastic group of people.

Key Details

• Annual Weekend Trip: Friday arrival to Sunday departure.

• New Location Each Year: We explore a different beautiful flat water region every fall.

• Intermediate Level: Designed for those with some camping and canoeing experience.

• Safety First: Participants must be able to swim.

• Backcountry Paddling: We travel on calm lakes with short, manageable portages.

• Bring or Rent: Bring your own boat, rent a boat, and optionally find a paddle buddy to share a boat in our community forum.

• Community Vibe: We are peers who treat each other with mutual respect. We enthusiastically include people who aren’t always treated that way! 🏳️‍🌈✊🏿✡️ ☪️

• Affordable: Costs for permits and campsites are shared among participants.

• Get Ready: We provide checklists, gear recommendations, and help with carpooling.

Ready to paddle into the vivid colours? 🛶🍁🐍