Adventure on Lovesick: Paddling to Wolf Island
We are big fans of day trip adventures with the kids, especially when it involves packing and paddling our Novacraft 16 ft prospector!
One of our favourite routes to paddle is Lovesick Lake (via Burleigh Falls Lock 28 access) to Wolf Island Provincial Park (non-operating). It's approximately 3km to the island which makes it a relatively easy voyage with kids in tow. A 6km round trip. On calm water it's a quick paddle (45 min) but on this specific trip we were faced with strong headwinds which added to the adventure and time on the water (1hr 15min).
This classic canoe route is only 30min from Peterborough, ON. A hidden gem for outdoor lovers looking for a unique spot to set up camp & relax.
I always enjoy the challenge of packing for a day trip with the kids. It's a great way to get them involved in the experience and it helps them ease into the idea of longer canoe trips with small discomforts and big rewards. We have our day trip gear dialled into the following:
- Small Canoe Pack with lightweight gear for pop-up camp & cooking gear
- Small Dry Bag with fast drying towels and a set of dry clothes for the kids
- Yeti Hopper with cold drinks, healthy snacks and sandwiches
- Waterproof Picnic Blanket & DIY seat cushions for the kids
- Fishing Gear
Lovesick Lake is on the Trent Severn Waterway. Burleigh Falls is always buzzing with tourists, locals and boaters. Thankfully the main channel for motor boats can be avoided with a less busy paddle along the shoreline and through beautiful islands before making it to the big bay crossing. On this specific trip the wind was against us, but with strong strokes and a growing hunger we were happy to find a vacant campsite waiting for us on the other side.
Wolf Island Provincial Park is non-operating which means that it is only maintained by the people that visit. It's free to stay, but there are no facilities, which means that you need to be prepared! Thankfully our girls are used to impromptu washroom breaks with the backdrop of nature. Campsites are first come, first serve. With that being said, we have never paddled here without finding camp, but we were very nervous because we were paddling on a long weekend and didn't know what to expect. Thank goodness the universe was on our side. The early bird gets the worm!
The island is quite large, with campsites extending into the interior. While there are a few scattered sites along the shoreline, you'll find even more beyond Lovesick Dam, in Lower Buckhorn Lake. Reaching them would require a short portage (something we've never had to do), but it's reassuring to know that if all the nearby sites were taken, we could venture further to find a place to camp.
Houseboats often pull up to shoreline campsites. We had one neighbour beside us with their family and one neighbour across from us pulled up to an island. This is a hot spot for fishing. It's not private by any means, but it does feel like a slice of your own paradise to enjoy. There were lots of friendly waves from the few fisherman that did pass by.
After a refreshing dip in the lake, Tyler rigged up the kids fishing rods. They caught approximately 15 fish all together which made for great entertainment. All small bass, perch and panfish. Lovesick is a very shallow lake with good cover. There were people fishing for muskie, but everyone that we communicated with said that the big fish were taking a long weekend break too! Our oldest daughter Izzy practiced fish handling for the first time. With more practice she will be a natural. Dad showed her how to hold fish for the camera!
We took this day trip opportunity to use the CAMPKITCHEN Original Twig Stove. Tyler boiled water for two portions of freeze dried Jambalaya. The very first recipe that went into research and development for our line of camp meals set to launch in 2026. This batch was the second round of testing and it didn't disappoint! 
CAMPKITCHEN Freeze Dried Jambalaya Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Pork, Shrimp, Sweet Onion, Green Pepper, Celery, Garlic, Long Grain Rice, Chicken Stock, Whole Tomato, Tomato Paste, Olive Oil, Hot Sauce, Thyme, Oregano, Bay Leaf, Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper and Sea Salt.
With two portions of this freeze dried meal we fed four adults a hearty lunch. Personally, what I think sets our freeze dried meals apart from the rest, is that our meat protein is the star of the meal. Whole pieces of shrimp, plenty of shredded chicken and pork. The bright acidity of the tomato was perfectly balanced with the warm spices. A comforting meal that hits the spot. CAMPKITCHEN Jambalaya is approved to #FuelYourAdventure and will be one of the core meal offerings when we launch in 2026.
Tyler had the chance to test out his new UPF sunshirt from The Cure Is Outdoors. He absolutely loves the fit and style, especially to use while paddling! The hood works great to pull up for protection from the sun or fending off bugs. We love this brand and the movement that they stand for. $1 from every item sold gets donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association. This style is called "The Outlier" and will be launched soon on their website.
After a delicious lunch we cracked open some tasty brews! Muskoka Brewery Hazy IPA Veer. One of their awesome non-alcohol options that we love to pair with our CAMPKITCHEN meals. You can't beat the feeling of a cold drink on a hot summer day.
We enjoyed more swimming and fishing off the shore before packing it all in for the bittersweet paddle back. The moment where you catch yourself thinking, "If only we could have stayed the night", but all great day trips must come to an end and the silver lining is that there is always time to plan a return.
We faced a crosswind for the majority of our journey back, but often took breaks to enjoy our surroundings. We watched a loon family teach their baby to fish and we also spotted an otter swimming to the shoreline. I didn't expect to see a lot of wildlife on this route with it being so popular, but was happily surprised and very grateful to witness these sightings from the comfort of our canoe.
As we caught our first tailwind of the day paddling through the last set of islands on our route, I fantasized about what it would be like to have a small cabin there to enjoy. It's hard to say which one was my favourite when they all had so much charm.
Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just out to soak in the beauty of nature, this day trip offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. The gentle rhythm of the paddle, the magical call of the loons and the unique beauty of the islands make every stroke worth it. So, grab your canoe, pack some food, and set out on a fun adventure with the family—Wolf Island is waiting, and Lovesick Lake is calling!