Smoothwater Outfitters & Lodge

Smoothwater took care of the trip planning, gear, guide, and food, and every part was five-star. The camp meals were shockingly good and plentiful. Staff were so friendly and made us feel welcome right away. What an adventure, I’d highly recommend this outfitter.

Coming back to Smooth Water Outfitters for a second year was a wonderful experience. Staying there before and after our canoe trips into Temagami is a real treat. After a week sleeping outdoors, the clean, welcoming rooms are especially nice. The food is fresh and beautifully prepared, and Johanna and Francis have created a magical place. We’d highly recommend it.

Loons, good meals, and hummingbirds flitting about made for such a lovely stay. The food, cooked by one of the owners, was fantastic, and they made a huge effort to work around food intolerances. You can buy a packed lunch for canoeing, and there are lots of rentals. There’s an outdoor sauna for chilly evenings, plus a little gathering lodge with books and games. The rooms are quiet, cozy, and super clean, with a big fluffy duvet. The staff are great, including three of the lodge’s pups who are happy to give cuddles. I’m hoping to come back and do a trip with their outfitting expertise.

The canoe trip around Lady Evelyn Lake was unforgettable, and Smoothwater Outfitters’ preparation made a big difference. Their gear was solid, the tents and pads looked new, and we had plenty of delicious meals and snacks, whatever the weather. Most days were sunny and warm. The area is a canoe-tripping paradise, and the team was knowledgeable and thorough. Eight of us, all high school classmates, went for five days and four nights, and some of us hadn’t seen each other in over 35 years. With guidance from Johanna, Francis, and John, we paddled 82 km, hiked up Maple Mountain, and got back without incident. We saw bald eagles, loons, mergansers, and other birds amid breathtaking scenery. The lodge was warm, clean, and welcoming for our comfortable first night, and dinner was excellent. We couldn’t have had a better time. Strongly recommend it for a classic Canadian canoe experience.