Water Sports · Ontario
A long-running family outfitter and general store in Kearney, Ontario, renting canoes, kayaks and SUPs with delivery to Algonquin's western access points. Loyal customers praise the service; a few find prices rising.
Canoe Algonquin is a family-owned outfitter and store in Kearney, and many reviewers describe it as the last good stop for supplies before Algonquin Park's western access points, including Rain Lake, the Magnetawan River and Tim Lake. Customers who have been coming for 10, even 25 years describe down-to-earth owners and a real small-town feel.
The rental side gets steady praise. Canoes are described as solid and light, including Swift tripping canoes, and the outfit also rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snowshoes. Delivery to access points costs extra but reviewers say it's reliable, even for a last-minute Friday booking. Staff help first-timers strap canoes to their cars, and one owner was seen sanitizing every life jacket as it came back. Staff also gave one paddler better information on low water levels than the park did.
The store itself is a draw. It stocks camping basics, snacks and a small grocery section, bug nets, souvenirs and Algonquin clothing, along with gifts and candles. Several cottagers use it as their go-to corner store, and you can launch across the street.
The criticism is mostly about price and policy. A couple of customers felt rental rates were high or rising, one noted paddles and PFDs weren't included in a canoe price, and a few found phone staff rigid. Hours have occasionally changed without notice. One older review warns the drive from the store to some access points is about an hour on a narrow, rough dirt road, so leave time.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 195 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Canoe Algonquin directly.
