WildAdventuresCanada

The best vacation I ever experienced was a solo 5 day privately guided summer canoe/camping trip in Algonquin Park, Ontario from Wild Adventures Canada. These guys know their stuff and deliver. I returned exhausted, but filled with a renewed sense of life and wonder at the world around me. I must say it was not made clear to me exactly what I was getting myself into but in the end the experience was a cathartic and liberating one. Sweat, bloody blisters and aching bones worn with pride and the last paddles to shore bittersweet as the trip came to an end.

It is the only trip I have taken where people were genuinely excited to hear stories and see photos from a vacation. Now Wild Adventures can't take credit for the magnificent scenery. That is Canada's, and is given freely to all. But they can take credit for planning the route and delivering what they said they would, moose, fishing, a well planned menu and a fantastic guide who delivered on my desire for solitude and abundant fishing.

George, my guide, was exceptional and I highly recommend asking for his services. He is a genuinely nice guy with a passion for what he does and has just the right mix of humour, smarts and insight to make you feel at ease and engaged. I will be forever grateful for his strength and stamina! He could lap me on a portage carrying a heavy pack and our canoe on his shoulders like he was carrying a shopping bag. He was kind and generous of spirit to other travellers and always made me feel like I was part of an experience. Respect George! Although skeptical at first his young Labradoodle sidekick Maggie also made a fine addition to our little crew.

Overall the experience was fantastic, and the scenery breathtaking... this is one for the bucket list folks!

My only criticism would be the owner's communication. I won't get into details but his lack of communication caused me some anxiety and in the end cost me money. But this was their first year I excuse their fledgling customer service as I know it will improve. It will sink them if they don't. My one piece of advice is to just take the criticism and do better, don't make excuses... oh yeah, and give George a raise!