Being only 1.5km from the car, it didn’t take long before I arrived at the island and checked out the site. ‘Yup!’ I liked what I saw and began unloading the canoe and setting up camp – but not before a rye and whiskey – WITH ICE!
Day 1: Basin Access Point to Basin Lake Island
After over four years since my previous solo trip, I was really looking forward to getting back in the wild on my own. Of course, I love to trip with family and friends, but part of me will always love the ultimate freedom that comes with solo canoe tripping. I didn’t have a lot of time for this trip (3 nights) and I was looking for a more relaxed pace, so I decided base-camping would be perfect. I picked Basin Lake because I had never been there before and I wanted to cross it off my list. Then I figured since I was already in the area, I’d spend my 3rd day exploring the trails and sights along Basin Depot Road up to the hydro line, then backtrack a bit and spend my final night on Buck Lake.
Dinner prep
Only car in the 'Parking Lot' at Basin Lake Access Point
Steak with red pepper & zucchini was on the menu tonight! I sat around the fire listening to the logs crackling & the random sounds of the forest. By 10:30pm I was in the tent and asleep in no time. I swear my best sleeps are when I’m solo in Algonquin.
Hung up the string lights because... why not?
Dead calm on Basin Lake
Ready to launch!
By 4pm camp was set up and with the lake being so calm, it was time for an evening paddle. I didn’t go far, just around the island – but it was very peaceful and exactly what I needed. An hour later and I was back at camp ready for dinner.
North-west bay of Basin Lake
The drive up was decent and around 1pm I was at the turnoff to Basin Lake. Now a heads up for anyone going here – the final 1km of road is pretty damn rough. Not what you would expect for an ‘Official Access Point’ but you’re basically driving over very large roots & through deep ruts. Go slow!
Parking lot to island campsite
Too glassy - MUST paddle!
The hammock: Another portage-free canoe trip perk
Approaching the island on Basin Lake
One of the perks of a portage-free canoe trip! Ice ice baby!
Steak on the grill!
A mix of red & white pines dominate the eastern half of Algonquin Park
Island campsite on Basin Lake
TOURduPARK
Crown 'n Ginger... and did I mention ICE? aw yesssss!
By 1pm I had arrived at the access point and started unloading the car. Since portaging wasn’t on the menu for this trip, I brought a cooler full of ice and some food options that I couldn’t otherwise bring – this was going to be a bit of a luxury trip, as far as food and drink were concerned. It was overcast, but dead calm. I launch my canoe and took my time paddling up the east shore of Basin Lake. My target campsite was the island, and since I was the only one booked on the lake there was no rush to get there.
Sautéed bell pepper, zucchini, onion with garlic & lemon pepper.
A different view of the island campsite on Basin Lake
tr 102: Basin & Buck
Headed back to my campsite for dinner & a campfire