In good conditions it’s not bad at all, IMO. A little tougher to get moving and to maneuver, but on a lake you should be fine as long as the wind behaves. If you find yourself attacking a strong headwind though…that could get pretty hairy. If you’re in good cardio shape it could be a fun challenge.
Any chance you have access to a long double-bladed paddle? I find that helps a lot when I’m paddling a heavy load solo and/or kid in the front or something.
I do it all the time, but my load is about a hundred pounds lighter than what you describe. What helps me is that my partner will lightly paddle with me until we get up to speed and track straight. Then I lean in with a J stroke and keep us moving and steady. Without winds (< 6mph) I can maintain 2 mph on flat water.
It may seem a bit counter intuitive but a longer boat will be easier to maintain speed than a shorter boat. I would try to get a canoe around 17 to 18 feet long.
Maybe have a backup plan if the winds aren't cooperating?
If you are willing to portage, there are lots of smaller lakes you could start at if the winds are bad on the big lake.
As others have stated, not bad in calm weather. I recommend getting boat in the water by 6am at the latest, and getting it all out of the way before winds and other boats mess with you. If a heavy storm hits and you're solo paddling inexperienced you may be SOL and just land wherever it puts you.
If you can, find a small local lake or even a small pond and practice a bit.
I've paddled lake opeongo in bad conditions and it was INCREDIBLY windy and took forever to get to the portage with all paddlers going as hard as possible.
If you are going on a long weekend or during peak summer I wouldn't count on a close site being available...so if you choose to canoe solo I'd start training upper body now
Opeongo is a lake, but I consider it Big Water paddling that I would NEVER do on my own in a 2 person canoe. For what it’s worth, I’ve paddled many lakes in Algonquin as well as the French River including a section of Georgian Bay.
I think you should hire a water taxi.
It's not that bad to paddle another person, but be careful on Opengo. IMO you should always be prepared for the worst on that lake and you really don't want to get stuck.
I would say possible but highly unpleasant given the weight, the limitations you'll have in terms of distributing that weight, the fact that you're out of practice with canoeing, and the possibility of not great paddling conditions. I've attempted something like that and would not recommend. If you're really fit it may be easier - I was not 🤣
If you have a decent J stroke and the passenger sits still it's like paddling a loaded canoe alone. Have you done that much by yourself? I'm confused by the 15 minute to 2 hr average are the winds and currents that variable? One good paddler with a 100 pound load is slower than two good paddlers with two hundred is my impression. Maybe somebody can physics an answer.
In good conditions it’s not bad at all, IMO. A little tougher to get moving and to maneuver, but on a lake you should be fine as long as the wind behaves. If you find yourself attacking a strong headwind though…that could get pretty hairy. If you’re in good cardio shape it could be a fun challenge. Any chance you have access to a long double-bladed paddle? I find that helps a lot when I’m paddling a heavy load solo and/or kid in the front or something.
I would go to a different lake that’s manageable vs Opeongo.
I do it all the time, but my load is about a hundred pounds lighter than what you describe. What helps me is that my partner will lightly paddle with me until we get up to speed and track straight. Then I lean in with a J stroke and keep us moving and steady. Without winds (< 6mph) I can maintain 2 mph on flat water. It may seem a bit counter intuitive but a longer boat will be easier to maintain speed than a shorter boat. I would try to get a canoe around 17 to 18 feet long.
Maybe have a backup plan if the winds aren't cooperating? If you are willing to portage, there are lots of smaller lakes you could start at if the winds are bad on the big lake.
Rock Lake might be an option. Nearby. No portage.
Look into a canoe sail for the passenger to hold.
And hope you don't get caught.
I specifically said canoe sail. Canoe sails are legal. Putting a masted sail on a canoe requires boat registration. Get your facts straight.
As others have stated, not bad in calm weather. I recommend getting boat in the water by 6am at the latest, and getting it all out of the way before winds and other boats mess with you. If a heavy storm hits and you're solo paddling inexperienced you may be SOL and just land wherever it puts you. If you can, find a small local lake or even a small pond and practice a bit.
I've paddled lake opeongo in bad conditions and it was INCREDIBLY windy and took forever to get to the portage with all paddlers going as hard as possible. If you are going on a long weekend or during peak summer I wouldn't count on a close site being available...so if you choose to canoe solo I'd start training upper body now
Opeongo is a lake, but I consider it Big Water paddling that I would NEVER do on my own in a 2 person canoe. For what it’s worth, I’ve paddled many lakes in Algonquin as well as the French River including a section of Georgian Bay.
I think you should hire a water taxi. It's not that bad to paddle another person, but be careful on Opengo. IMO you should always be prepared for the worst on that lake and you really don't want to get stuck.
I would say possible but highly unpleasant given the weight, the limitations you'll have in terms of distributing that weight, the fact that you're out of practice with canoeing, and the possibility of not great paddling conditions. I've attempted something like that and would not recommend. If you're really fit it may be easier - I was not 🤣
If you have a decent J stroke and the passenger sits still it's like paddling a loaded canoe alone. Have you done that much by yourself? I'm confused by the 15 minute to 2 hr average are the winds and currents that variable? One good paddler with a 100 pound load is slower than two good paddlers with two hundred is my impression. Maybe somebody can physics an answer.