5 Star Reviews on Google
Year founded
200+
2018
A New Era of
Driftwood Paddle
What started off as a passion project - born from the afterglow of world travel - has grown into a trailblazing initiative focused on human empowerment and authentic connection.
Driftwood Paddle is now rooted on a simple belief: time in wild places has the power to reconnect us to nature, to each other, and to ourselves.
CK or Ella will get back to you within 48hrs
Leading With Heart
About Driftwood
Today, the company is entering a new chapter led by partners Chris (CK) and Ella, who are guiding Driftwood Paddle forward with a renewed vision for transformational wilderness experiences.
“Driftwood was always meant to evolve as the people within it do,” CK says. “Our goal is to grow alongside the people we serve, crafting experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and deeply human.”
After meeting, Chris and Ella quickly discovered their shared love for travel, deep conversations, adventure, curiosity of life, for the road less traveled, and Algonquin Park.
“Both Chris and I have prioritized travel in our lives…but nowhere compares to Algonquin. To be able to drive three hours outside of the city and be completely on your own in the most breathtaking natural setting - there’s something spiritual about it that’s difficult to put into words.” shares Ella.
With a shared vision and the perfect place to lay their roots together, the new era of Driftwood Paddle was born - and it is deeply intentional and rooted in more than adventure.
“We are so grateful to play a part in so many important memories. Crafting experiences that support true connection for families, couples, individuals, and groups is our passion. After so many trips, we have a profound trust that individuals are capable well beyond their wildest dreams and that the wilds of Algonquin Park will always leave you feeling cleansed and clear.”
Where It All Began
Our History
In 2018, Driftwood was founded by the Kelly brothers - Chris & Kieran.
The Kelly brothers didn't discover Algonquin Park - they grew up there. Summers on Kawawaymog Lake, days well spent in a canoe, learning to read the weather off the water, and evenings camped out under the stars. For Chris and Kieran, the park was never a destination. It was just home.
It was Algonquin that gave them the inspiration and courage to backpack the world. Their travels were highlighted by immersing themselves in a stranger's life, exploring their country through a local lens. They never remained strangers for long, and many have become lifelong friends.
After a few years abroad it was the world that returned the favour, sending them home with a dream “go home but keep the magic of travel alive”. So they started guiding…
For 5 years they honed their craft, leading trips for other companies - but always dreamed of having something of their own. “If we went out on our own, we could do it our way - our pace, with our values: integrity, adventure, connection, and community. We could take people to places they’ve never been before - we could be the locals giving others that feeling.”
It was in 2018 that they decided they were ready to fly. They stopped guiding part time for other businesses, took the leap and started “Driftwood Paddle” their own family company, rooted themselves in Canada, and called Algonquin their full time home.
New Land, New Horizons
Fresh Beginnings
In 2026, Driftwood Paddle took its next big step with the acquisition of lands formerly known as the historic Northern Wilderness Outfitters (NWO) - a truly special place. For decades, this land and its buildings welcomed paddlers to the wild, nurturing generations of explorers and fostering a deep love for the backcountry.
For Chris and Ella, the land was the perfect place to grow Driftwood Paddle. It’s more than a basecamp - it’s a space where families, friends, and adventurers can gather, disconnect from the everyday, and reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.
From this new home, Driftwood now launches their guided backcountry journeys and welcomes renters as well. Every trip we guide is designed with the same intention that has always guided Driftwood: to empower, inspire, connect and harmonize.
“This land has a history of bringing people together in the wild,” says Chris. “We’re humbled to continue that legacy, and excited to create new stories for a whole new generation of paddlers.”
Ella adds, “This land is a dream for us - not only is it a place for us and our business to grow into, but it’s a place where we plan to create community. A hub for connecting with other likeminded humans, to get our hands dirty and really see the impact unfold before us.”
This is more than land. It’s a playground for curiosity, a canvas for adventure, and a home for the stories we haven’t even imagined yet. Come visit, step into the wild, and be a part of the journey.
Go Deep,
CK & Ella
The people in the canoe next to you.
Meet the guides
Chris Kelly
Born and raised on Kawawaymog Lake, Chris has spent nearly every summer of his life in Algonquin. He co-founded Driftwood in 2018 after years of guiding for other companies. He's the one who designs your route, leads most group expeditions, and knows exactly when to push and when to let the lake do the talking.
Co-founder · Lead guide
Ella Lukasik
Ivey Business School graduate. Solo traveller. Women's group facilitator in Nelson, BC. Ella has paddled Algonquin since she was little and leads the Wild Woman expeditions — including the yoga and breathwork sessions that guests consistently call a highlight. Her belief: the wilderness shows you who you are when you stop performing.
Guide · Wild Woman lead
Matt
[ Matt’s bio to be added — photo and description coming. ]
Guide
Brett
[ Brett’s bio to be added — photo and description coming. ]
Guide
GuideJack Bunce
[ Jack's bio to be added — photo and description coming. ]
Wilderness First Responder (WFR) — all guides
National Lifeguard (NL) certified
Paddle Canada certified instructors
Parks Canada permitted operators
Swift Kevlar canoes — top-of-the-line gear
Based at Access Point 1, Kawawaymog Lake
Founded 2018 · 10+ years on the water
We’ve got you covered
Certifications & credentials
What group guests say
★★★★★
“I would highly recommend Driftwood Paddle for an amazing outdoor experience. Everyone in our group (ranging in age from 14-76) felt stronger and more self-confident by the end of the trip.”
– Megan M
August 2021
We focus on the transformation, not the destination.
What's included
What we really offer is space — space to unplug, slow down, and feel alive again. By guiding you into the wilderness, we guide you back to yourself.
The canoe trip is just the beginning
Without screens, conversations deepen, laughter comes easier, relationships grow stronger. You remember who you are without the noise.
Around the fire, something shifts
Every guide is WFR certified and a National Lifeguard. Every trip carries a satellite communicator and a fully stocked first aid kit. Adventure without recklessness.
Your safety is always first
What people say
The trip changes people. Every time.
★★★★★
"Our already high expectations were totally exceeded. Our small group had the freedom to choose how we wanted to spend our time — it felt like a co-creative journey rather than a tour. CK has a deep reverence for the land and for the people he guides, and that comes through in every moment. I came back more skilled in nature, but also as a person in my daily life."
Ashvin Sharma2024
★★★★★
"I went on a four-day solo trip guided by Ella — my very first backcountry camping experience. She was supportive, non-judgmental, and patient whenever I was outside of my comfort zone. She motivated me to push further than I ever thought I could. I couldn't have asked for a better first guide into the wild."
Shannan French2025
★★★★★
"My long-time paddling buddy and I went on a delightful six-day guided adventure with Jack. The physical setting in the northwest corner of Algonquin Park is gorgeous. The gear provided by Driftwood was high quality, the food was excellent, and Jack's knowledge and warmth made every day on the water a pleasure. Highly recommend."
Don Roberts2025
We donate backcountry trips to marginalized youth in Ontario. No matter your story, everyone deserves an equal opportunity to experience nature — and the transformation that comes with it.
Together we thrive.
Giving back
Book a call
Come paddle with us.
15 minutes on a call with CK or Ella. They'll answer every question, walk you through the trips, and help you choose the right one. No commitment needed.
No commitment. Just a conversation.