Spanish River: All Aboard for Adventure! | 7-Day Family

Adventure Overview

All aboard for adventure! Seven days, one incredible river, and a whole lot of family memories waiting to be made.

What better way to kick off a family wilderness adventure than with a train ride into the heart of it all?

Our journey begins aboard the train as we travel deep into Spanish River Provincial Park, leaving the roads and everyday routines behind. We disembark at “The Forks,” where the river’s East and West Branches meet, load up our canoes, and set off downstream for seven days of paddling, exploring, and making memories together.

Winding more than 340 km through the rugged Canadian Shield, the Spanish River is one of Ontario’s classic canoe tripping destinations. With its rich natural and cultural history, beautiful wilderness campsites, and playful whitewater, it’s an incredible place for families to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with each other.

Over the next seven days, we’ll paddle more than 100 km through a beautiful mix of peaceful stretches, gentle swifts, and exciting, family-friendly whitewater. Our experienced guides will provide hands-on instruction along the way, helping both youth and adults develop their paddling skills, build confidence, and learn to work together as a team on the water.

But there’s so much more to a family canoe trip than paddling!

Imagine swimming in the river’s dark blue waters, casting a fishing line, spotting wildlife along the riverbanks, or simply relaxing around the campfire after a rewarding day on the water. Keep your eyes open for moose, listen for loons calling across the water, and take in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield.

Of course, every great wilderness adventure comes with a few challenges, and that’s part of the fun! Families will work together to navigate the river, carry equipment, set up camp, and take on the day-to-day responsibilities of expedition life. Along the way, young adventurers will have opportunities to develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and confidence in their own abilities.

Our 7-day itinerary offers a wonderful balance of exciting days on the river and time to slow down, explore, and simply enjoy being together. Whether it’s the thrill of navigating your first rapid, a shared laugh around the campfire, or the satisfaction of reaching camp after a big day of paddling, these are the moments that make family adventures unforgettable.

All Aboard for Adventure! is more than a canoe trip. It’s an opportunity to unplug, learn something new, challenge yourselves, and create family memories that will last a lifetime.

Is This Trip Right for Your Family?

Our 7-day Spanish River adventure is designed for active, adventurous families who are excited to explore the wilderness, experience whitewater, and take on new challenges together.

While previous canoeing experience is an asset, you don’t need to be an expert whitewater paddler to join us! Our experienced guides will provide instruction and support throughout the expedition, helping everyone build confidence and develop their skills along the way.

This is a true wilderness canoe expedition, and families should be prepared for full days on the river, occasional portaging, and the physical demands of travelling and camping in a remote wilderness environment.

Everyone will have opportunities to participate in expedition life, from paddling and carrying gear to setting up camp and helping with meals. It’s all part of the adventure, and often where some of the best learning and family bonding happens!

If your family is ready to trade screens and schedules for paddles, campfires, and seven days of adventure, all aboard — the Spanish River is calling!

We acknowledge that the Spanish River flows through the traditional territories of the Anishinabek and Mississauga Nations and is recognized under Robinson-Huron (Treaty 61, 1850) Treaties.  We recognize that we are visitors to this land. 

What's Included