Once Around Algonquin: An epic canoe journey

by Kevin Callan

Kevin Callan's Once Around Algonquin is an exciting tale of misadventure on the toughest route in Ontario's most well-loved wilderness. While sharing his love of this paddling paradise, Callan details some of the park's history and evolution, interweaving stories from the voyage. Chuckle along with the tales behind the blisters and bruises in this bromance adventure tale, all told with Callan's trademark humor. With a storytelling vibe, 30 chapters share insights and describe some of the challenges of canoe tripping for both the uninitiated as well as for the seasoned canoeist.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2019

About the author

Kevin (aka The Happy Camper) is the author of 19 books; his latest being Another Bend in the River: The Happy Camper's Memoir. He is an award winning writer and a keynote speaker at outdoor events across North America. Kevin is also a regular guest on several television morning shows and CBC Radio. He has won several film awards, writes a column for Paddling Magazine and Explore Magazine. Kevin was listed one of the top 100 modern day explorers by the Canadian Geographical Society. He was also made Patron Paddler for Paddle Canada. Check out his web site at www.kevincallan.com and YouTube channel KCHappyCamper.

Reviews

[John B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kevin Callan is not a gifted writer and could have used more help with his prose. Thankfully, the book is short enough and the material light enough for it not to matter a lot. If you’d like a first hand view of what it is like to travel around Algonquin Park in one of the most punishing loops that exist, then you will get it here along with some useful advice (e.g. what to do in a lightning storm, where not to defecate in the back country and what to do about bears swimming toward your island campsite). One of the biggest disappointments, though, with this book is that there are hardly any maps and very few photos. So many places are mentioned without any way to even situate them roughly. I like to put my phone away when I read, so Google Maps wasn’t an option. Aside from his account of tough paddling and portaging there is a fair bit of history in this book and commentary on outdoor education. I loved Kevin’s honesty, too. While bemoaning the decline of young people’s ability to manage in the outdoors, he also wonders aloud whether his concern is just a typical generational tendency. Also interesting are his pragmatic attitude toward issues such as use of technology and logging in the park. Kevin is clearly an outstanding outdoor pedagogue with interesting views on nature and useful advice.

[John Geary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. It details the author’s trip around the “Meanest Link” -essentially a circumnavigation of Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario with his pal Andy. But it’s not just a “we did this and went here” type of story. There are all kinds of anecdotes in the book - some funny some poignant, as well as several observations about the changing face of wilderness canoeing in a place like the park. Very easy to read, hard to put down, and inspiring – I wanted to book a flight and fly to Ontario just to go canoeing in APP after reading it.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a big fan of Kevin’s guide books for years. This was part history, part memoir and part trip log. I’d watched the YouTube series on his and Andy’s trip and there were many incidents not mentioned in the videos. I found it interesting, humorous and motivating. If the Meanest Link hadn’t already been on my bucket list, it would be after reading this book.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Kevin Callan speak before reading this book. It was really enjoyable, a nice light read, but gave lots of history of Algonquin Park. Kevin is a humorous writer, and gave lots of insight into back country camping etiquette.
It helped fill my longing void for camping a bit.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had the pleasure of seeing him speak in Huntsville promoting the book! It was an informative, fun and intriguing book that will make anyone get the itch to go on a canoe trip or even just camping!

[John Thousand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fast read

Excellent book. The writer's personality shine through as he describes the trip and life in the Algonquin. I'm planning a trip now because of this book.

[Jennifer LeeAnn Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book and adds to my desire to get to Algonquin someday.

[Isaac Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history, fun adventure, cool authur

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as always.