# Algonquin Outfitters

> Algonquin Outfitters is a three-generation Ontario family business that makes wilderness travel easier to buy, plan and execute. What began in 1961 with 40 cedar-canvas canoes at Oxtongue Lake now combines canoe and camping rentals, complete outfitting, custom guided trips, water taxis, campground delivery, restaurants, four-season retail and ecommerce across 11 locations. Its durable advantage is not one product but local knowledge packaged with the equipment and logistics needed to reach Algonquin Park's backcountry.

- **Founded:** 1961
- **Headquarters:** Huntsville, Canada
- **Founders:** Bill Swift Sr. (Co-founder), Dave Wainman (Co-founder)
- **Team size:** Approximately 61 employees according to supplied company data; seasonal staffing may vary.
- **Products:** Canoe and kayak rentals, Complete canoe trip outfitting, Custom guided canoe trips, Outdoor retail and ecommerce, Lake Opeongo water taxi
- **Notable:** Expanded from one seasonal Oxtongue Lake base and 40 canoes to a reported 11 locations., Among the first Algonquin Park outfitters to introduce lightweight Kevlar rental canoes., Won the Lake Opeongo concession in 1989 and has operated it since.

## Products & services

- **Canoe and kayak rentals** — A large fleet of lightweight watercraft for day use and multi-day Algonquin Park trips, with multi-day discounts and delivery at selected access points.
- **Complete canoe trip outfitting** — Packages combine canoes, camping equipment, food and planning help; the Ultimate package adds route planning, permit booking and lodging around the trip.
- **Custom guided canoe trips** — Private trips pair complete outfitting with an experienced guide, aimed at first-timers, families and groups seeking skills or a more ambitious route.
- **Outdoor retail and ecommerce** — Canoes, kayaks, bikes, camping equipment, technical clothing, footwear, paddlesports and seasonal winter gear sold in stores and online.
- **Lake Opeongo water taxi** — Motorized transport across Algonquin Park's largest lake for trip starts, campsite access and day experiences.
- **Restaurants and park stores** — The Canoe Lake and Lake of Two Rivers operations add food, groceries, souvenirs and camp supplies to rental and outfitting services.
- **Bike, ski and snowshoe rentals** — Four-season equipment rentals extend the outdoor relationship beyond summer canoe trips.

## Achievements

- Expanded from one seasonal Oxtongue Lake base and 40 canoes to a reported 11 locations.
- Among the first Algonquin Park outfitters to introduce lightweight Kevlar rental canoes.
- Won the Lake Opeongo concession in 1989 and has operated it since.
- Selected through an open tender to operate the Canoe Lake Store concession beginning in 2023.
- The Paddle Art and Canoe Mural Auction had raised C$104,600 cumulatively by the conclusion of its 2025 edition.
- Founder Bill Swift Sr. received The Friends of Algonquin Park Director's Award in 1997.

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — The Pack It Out campaign continued with a 2026 badge, a prize draw and Leave No Trace Canada partnership messaging.
- **2025-11** — The 2025 Paddle Art and Canoe Mural Auction concluded after taking more than 100 paddle submissions and six canoe murals; the company reported C$104,600 raised over the program's life.
- **2025-10** — The annual community coat drive returned across four year-round stores after collecting more than 250 coats the prior year.
- **2023-04** — Algonquin Outfitters began operating the historic Canoe Lake Store concession after selection by Ontario Parks.

## Links

- Website: https://algonquinoutfitters.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/algonquin-outfitters
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/algonquinoutfit
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlgonquinOutfitters
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/algonquinoutfitters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlgonquinOutfitters

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/algonquin-outfitters
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-23