Islet Lake Loop

Map provided courtesy of Toporama which contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. I have marked my route in blue and portages in red. 

 In the spring of 2025, I had been keeping a vigilant eye online for the Algonquin Park ice-out to be reported. It happened on April 27th, which was later than it had been in the previous few years.

I enjoy heading to Algonquin just after ice-out for a few reasons. First and foremost, it isn't too busy.  Algonquin Park is an absolute gem, and Southern Ontario residents are so lucky to have this large swath of wilderness in our backyard. 

Its proximity to the GTA area comes at a price, though. For me, canoe tripping in the Algonquin high season is not enjoyable. I choose to go into the backcountry for a little solitude and to enjoy nature without a plethora of other people milling about. In the Canoe Lake area of Algonquin in August,  I have actually had to line up to portage before. No joke. If I wanted to spend my recreation time lining up, I'd go to Disneyland or the Eiffel Tower (spent 3 hours in a line up there, once!). On a canoe trip? No way! Those who have read some of my blogs know that I have never been accused of being a man of queue words. 

In my experience, however, Algonquin is very pleasant just after the thaw. The weather and water are still too cold for many, and those who do head out at that time are usually people after trout, i.e., not the types to be hooting and hollering it up at campsites.

Another reason to head out immediately after ice-out is that the black flies and mosquitoes aren't out yet. It's a great time to sit out and warm one's cold bones next to a fire when the sun sets and the temperature dips close to the freezing point at night. It's not for everyone, but I find that cozy. By the end of May, however, enjoying a nighttime campfire is impossible for those who like to keep their blood inside their veins.

The other reason, and maybe the biggest reason for many, is that Algonquin Park has trout. Just after ice-out is when trout are in the shallows and feeding along the shorelines. A few weeks later, when the water warms up, trout fishermen would need to send their lures into the depths of the lakes to reach them. I'm not a complete madman about fishing and don't live for the hobby, and to be honest, I'm not the most patient and skilled angler; however, I do enjoy dropping a line on a canoe trip in the anticipation of earning a shore lunch or dinner. I love the taste of freshly caught fish fried in oil with batter over an open fire. And trout is delicious! It's just easier to catch trout when the water is still very cold. 

On Friday, May 2, 2025, I headed north from Peterborough after work, my car loaded with my gear and canoe, to the Rain Lake put-in on the west side of the park. It was one area of the park that I had yet to paddle, and I do like exploring lakes for the first time. I have always been a wanderer and love to see new places. And what better way to do that than on a cheeky little solo outing in early spring? 

Day 1 - Rain Lake

Day 2 - Rain Lake to Islet Lake

Day 3 - Islet Lake to Rain Lake

Trip Chronology