That's what the late Canadian historian Pierre Berton claimed defines a Canadian. To practice this criteria – purely for reasons of national identity, you understand – here are seven amazing canoe trips for you and your special someone to experience.
1. Rideau Canal: Kingston to Ottawa, Ontario
Why go: Because you're paddling Canadian history. The Rideau Canal, which opened in 1832, was built so military supplies could travel between Ottawa and Kingston in case of war. Happily, the 47 locks and 24 lockstations never saw military use.
What's remarkable about it: The Rideau Canal won UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2007.
Wildlife you'll see: The Canal's Rideau and Cataraqui river stretches, plus lakes, are home to beavers, muskrats, bluebirds and loons.
Tips: Begin at Kingston so wind direction and currents work with you. In May/June and September/October the Rideau Canal is less crowded. Allow 6-10 days for the entire 202 kilometres, but smaller chunks are fun – try the afternoon paddle from Ottawa's Dow's Lake to Chateau Laurier.
Planning: Parks Canada website (pc.gc.ca); frontenac-outfitters.com
2. Grand River, Ontario
Why go: Jamie Kent of Grand Experiences Outfitters enthuses, "The Grand is a natural oasis an hour's drive west of Toronto. In an area not renowned for nature, the 300 km Grand winds through a valley of rare Carolinian forest." And he's so right.
What's remarkable about it: Kent's tours include First Nations storytelling and music or identification of wild herbs. Paddle to the Pow Wow taking place on July 25-26.
Wildlife you'll see: Home to rare Carolinian flora (Mayapples and green dragon) and mammals (badger, gray fox and Virginia opossum).
Tips: Pending water levels, paddle March-November.
Planning: Grand Experiences Outfitters: grand-experiences.com; grpowwow.com; grandriver.ca
3. Bowron River Circuit, Northern British Columbia
Why go: This internationally renowned, stunning 116 km trip courses through B.C.'s wilderness Caribou region.
What's remarkable abut it: Everything! Bowron has stirred many hearts and fed many minds with wonder at the magnificence of our natural world.
Wildlife you'll see: Moose! Be wildlife wise and keep you distance.
Tips: Reservations are mandatory. Plan six or seven days for the whole circuit. If you don't have the time, do the shorter West Side trip (Bowron to Unna lakes). Bowron is remote, so pack prudently.
Planning: For accommodations plus convenient pre-trip planning: beckerslodge.ca
4. Rivière Noire (Black River) Québec
Why go: The Noire is one of Quebec's "Three Sisters" (Noire, Dumoine and Coulonge). Depending where you start, the Noire's a rushy whitewater trip – or a lazy, wending day-paddle.
What's remarkable about it: There are gorgeous sandy embankments perfect for picnics in the lower stretches.
Wildlife you'll see: Deer, otters, kingfishers and merganser ducks.
Tips: Located in Pontiac, West Quebec, the Black River is two hours northwest of Ottawa.
Planning: Excellent local outfitters help plan trips along any of the Three Sisters: blackriveroutfitter.com, whitewater.ca
Page 1 of 2 – more great Canadian canoe trips on the next page, PLUS discover an Canadian wilderness experience.
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