Our Story

Celebrating 50 Years of Adventure and Service

This year marks a special milestone for us. —our 50th anniversary of serving the Algonquin Provincial Park community. For half a century, we’ve been dedicated to helping adventurers explore the beauty and wonder of Algonquin Provincial Park, and our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

For 47 of those years, between 1976 to 2023, our family proudly operated The Portage Store under contract with Ontario Parks, becoming an integral part of the Algonquin Park experience.

Our time operating, The Portage Store was more than just a business to us, it is where we shaped our identity and learned the values of creating a hub for adventurers, a gateway for exploration, and a community where memories were made.

In 2023 our family-owned outfitting operation moved to a gateway destination adjacent to Algonquin Park’s West Gate entry on Highway 60 and thus, The Portage Outpost was born.

A Legacy of Connecting with Adventure Seekers

Throughout our time serving as Algonquin Parks best and most established camping outfitter we have had the privilege of serving countless paddlers and campers, each with their own unique story. From families embarking on their first backcountry journey to seasoned explorers chasing the serenity of Algonquin Park’s pristine lakes, we cherished every connection.

Our mission at The Portage Outpost remains simple: to ensure that every visitor is equipped not only with the right gear but also with the confidence, knowledge and most importantly, excitement to embrace the Algonquin Park experience.

Milestones and Memories

Over the years, we celebrated many milestones—expanding our fleet of canoes, introducing new backcountry packages, and growing alongside the Algonquin Park community. Operating The Portage Outpost allows us the gift of expanding on fondest memories like the moments shared with you—hearing tales of wildlife encounters, swapping tips about favorite campsites, and watching generations of families return year after year. The Portage Outpost continues on this cherished legacy that was founded by our family in 1976.

We continue to take pride in offering competitive prices, ensuring that the wonders of Algonquin Park are accessible to novice and experienced campers alike. Beyond transactions, we aimed to provide a heartfelt, personal touch—whether it is a last-minute suggestion, a warm smile on a chilly morning, or tips on packing the perfect portage pack.

Our New Chapter

Our dedication to serving Algonquin Park’s visitors has never wavered. Today, The Portage Outpost carries forward the same values that guided us for 50 years. We continue to provide top-quality canoe rentals, expertly curated backcountry camping packages, and, most importantly, a genuine commitment to helping you create unforgettable experiences in the park we all love.

As we celebrate this incredible 50-year milestone, we remain grateful for the trust and loyalty of our customers, both past and present. Our chapter operating The Portage Store may have closed, but the spirit of adventure, connection, and service that defined it lives on at The Portage Outpost.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We are honored to continue serving you and look forward to many more years of helping you explore the beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park.