I received an email notification from another blogger (Gone Camping) who posted about 2016’s highlights. I thought it was such a great idea to reflect on this year’s adventures that I’ve opted to do the same!

Since moving to Muskoka, my husband, Banjo and I have done quite a bit of exploring in the area. I’ve made numerous trips to Algonquin, explored local trails, and pushed my paddling and camping skill level. It has been an exciting year for me, so here we go:

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Drinking morning coffee at our walk-in campsite and watching beluga whales at the Fjord-du-Saguenay national park was the best wildlife experience of the year. This park in Quebec was beautiful! There was an incredible hiking trail, and many opportunities for whale watching.

The best camping experience of the year would have to be Wolf Lake-Chiniguchi loop in Temagami. This route had some incredible scenery, awesome campsites and wicked portages. It was all worth it and probably my favourite camping experience to date.

Our Misadventure in Algonquin Park was the worst camping experience of the year, but also of all time! My husband, Banjo and I paddled and portaged 4.5 hours to get from Cache Lake to Harness Lake to spend the long weekend in May, but had to turn around and paddle and portage 4.5 hours back (and a total of 16 kms of portaging) because of an emergency with Banjo. It was a traumatic day!

The best camping moment would have to be sitting high above Wolf Lake in Temagami to watch the sun set with an amazing group of friends. The Regulators Paddle Temagami was an incredible 9-day canoe trip through the wilderness northeast of Sudbury.

My biggest accomplishment of the year was getting my ORCKA Moving Water Canoeing Level 1 certification with PaddleFoot Canoe Tripping. Every year I build on my skill level whether it’s pushing further into the backcountry, or improving my paddling skills. This one was a huge deal for me!

The worst portage of the year would have to be from McCarthy Bay in Chinguchi Lake to Laura Lake in Temagami. It was about 100 meters in the middle of an 890m portage of sinking mud. While it was the worst because of the fear of losing one’s lower body to an endless swamp of mud, it was also the most fun! Some brave souls have laid logs throughout the mud, but they’re buried under swampy muck. I used a paddle to feel down where the logs were to try and make it out alive. I think my husband had to carry Banjo.

A lot of my favourites have been from Temagami. That trip was such a highlight for me! But, if you’re interested in checking out some of my other camping adventures this year (from Magnetawan to the Petawawa River in Algonquin and back, Poker Lakes loop in Haliburton, Noganosh Provincial Park, and more), check out my Backcountry Camping Trips page.

Just like you, I’m incredibly anxious to see what experiences 2017 will bring! My husband and I are planning a canoe trip in Quetico Provincial Park. What are your big plans for 2017?

Thank you for visiting and reading my best and worst camping moments of 2016. Leave me a comment if you have any to share with me 🙂 I always love hearing stories!