Canoe Lake The Portage Store

Overview

Canoe Lake’s Portage Store is the park’s classic hub for getting on the water and grabbing a bite after. It’s a one‑stop spot right on the shore: rent a canoe or kayak, join a guided paddle, pick up camping supplies, and sit down at the lakeside grill with a view of the bay.

What They Offer

• Rentals and complete outfitting for backcountry trips, plus guided half‑day paddles that leave from the dock.
• A general store with camping staples, souvenirs, and apparel.
• The Portage Grill, a fully licensed restaurant with indoor seating and an expanded patio overlooking Canoe Lake.

Season, Hours, and Location

Operations run roughly late April to mid‑October, typically seven days a week, with in‑season hours around 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It sits just off Highway 60 at km 14.1 on Canoe Lake, beside the Canoe Lake Access Point office and parking.

What to Expect

This place is popular—peak summer weekends and holidays draw crowds. Midday (about 11 a.m.–3 p.m.) is the crunch for both rentals and the restaurant, so plan around it if you can. Washrooms (and showers) are available at the Canoe Lake Access Point facilities a short walk away. Dogs are welcome on site but not inside the restaurant.

Wildlife

Canoe Lake often delivers the soundtrack of common loons. Keep an eye on quiet shorelines at dawn or dusk and you might spot a moose. If you’re heading into the backcountry, be bear‑smart with food and trash.

Best Time to Visit

Aim for early morning: calmer water for paddling, easier parking, and softer light for photos. Midweek is mellower than weekends. For the grill, eat before noon or after mid‑afternoon to dodge lines. Late spring and early fall are sweet spots for fewer people and great paddling conditions.

A Bit of Backstory

The concession here has served paddlers since the 1930s and, starting in 2023, Algonquin Outfitters took over operations, carrying the torch with rentals, outfitting, and an emphasis on good service and education.