You're joining us on one of the most incredible experiences available in Ontario, winter camping. Over the 3 days you'll see some amazing sights, experience Algonquin in a whole different way, learn a huge amount and learn that you're capable of much more than you knew.
Here's your overview for the weekend - read on to get all the detail you need:
Saturday
We start by heading to the famous Highlands Backpacking trail where we will distribute the gear and load up the sleds. We will then head off on the trail until we reach the fork at Provoking lake where we will head West and then down to the lake. We'll check ice depth and strength before crossing the lake to the other side and finding a location to camp.
Arriving at camp, we'll set up tents, a fire pit, water access and begin collecting firewood. Winter camp set up is very different to what you make be used to and takes a lot longer!
Sunday
Wake up to hot coffee, tea and a filling breakfast.
You'll have your choice of several activities on the second day with our different guides that include, hiking to a lookout with Sarah, learning to Navigate with Rob and doing a polar plunge with Rory.
Monday
We'll enjoy our last morning at site with a hot breakfast before packing up the site and heading back out. On the way back we'll stop for the best tasting celebratory meal you've ever had.
We're leaving first thing Saturday morning for the beautiful drive to Algonquin Provincial Park, getting lunch en route. Arriving at our jumping off point, we'll distribute gear between 4 sled teams and start the hike into our site.
We have 4 tents, with 4 people per tent - these will be our sled teams, all of whom are sticking together.
We'll likely camp around 6 km from where we leave the van so we'll snowshoe for a few hours, pulling our sleds before we find a suitable camping spot. First order of business will be setting up camp, collecting and processing firewood. This is hard but rewarding work that we'll share between each other. It's this work that keeps you warm so you'll soon embrace it!
After a filling breakfast on Sunday, we'll head out for a day of exploration. We have a few options including a hike to a nearby lookout, a navigation exercise led by Rob or a polar plunge. This is a particularly beautiful part of the world that's breathtakingly serene. Take a moment to enjoy how calm it is. We'll be bringing lunch with us on day two and will return to camp later to refuel both the fire and ourselves over a hot dinner.
The final day will see us pack up camp and hike back out. On the way home, we'll stop for a celebratory group dinner in a warm restaurant for one of the most satisfying meals you'll ever eat.
The Camp
We’ll find somewhere with enough space for all of our tents. Everyone will be assigned a different responsibility at camp and together, we'll set up our home for the night. This involves:
We'll aim to have dinner before the sun sets, eating around a fire before going to bed for what's likely to be an early night.
Sleeping Arrangements
We're taking 4 canvas, winter tents along with stoves and will help you set these up. The stove goes in the tent with a pipe that comes out of a heat reinforced hole in the canvas and we'll lay out our sleeping pads and bags a safe distance from the stove. We go to bed with a healthy stack of firewood with which to feed the fire throughout the night.
The tents will not be particularly warm but they'll be a lot more comfortable than if we had no heat source at all. With the appropriate clothing and sleep system you'll sleep well.
Facilities
This being backcountry, there'll be no phone reception, no electricity and no toilets.
Water
We'll likely be accessing water from a hole we cut through the ice. There's a risk of water contamination with viruses like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be boiling water to purify it. N.B that you shouldn't bring pumps or filters to purify your own water - if they freeze they will get permanently ruined. Purification tablets or a UV filter are suitable.
Keep in mind that your water may freeze quickly so keep your bottle close to your body or somewhat insulated within your bag.
Pooping in the woods
This is often the biggest concern for new campers- how do I go to the toilet in the woods? Peeing is relatively simple for guys, get away from camp (but not so far you lose sight) and go as usual. Some women find a pee funnel makes their lives easier, learn more about these here.
Pooping, you dig a hole that's at least 6" deep and go in there (we may end up digging a communal latrine). You can wipe with regular TP or if you're feeling really wild, leaves. If you use a leaf, you can put that in the hole. We'll be giving you all paper bags - if you're using toilet paper, that goes in the paper bag and then you'll burn the bag afterwards.
Leave no Trace extends to our most basic bodily functions!
Camping on your period
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. Pay particular attention to the section about the Party Bag because you'll need to pack everything out that you take in.
Campsite responsibilities
This trip is an opportunity to build your skills so we'll all be mucking in to make the trip a success. We'll divide up responsibilities on the campsite so you learn how to set up a tent, collect firewood, purify water etc. We'll also share in the work to cook and keep things clean. Is there something you really want to learn while we're out? Do you have skills you could share with the group? PM us on Discord and let's work it in.
Sled/Tent Groups
We will update sled teams when we have accurate numbers
Saturday - February 15th
06:00 - Those getting a ride meet up at the Petro Canada gas station next to Keele Subway. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on time and don't wait for latecomers so please be on time!
09:00 - Rendez-vous at Algonquin Outfitters on Oxtongue late to pick up gear.
10:00 - Park up at Highland Backpacking Trail. Last minute gear checks and packing gear onto sleds.
11:00 - Hit the trail and begin making our way to camp
14:30 - Set up camp
18:00 - Dinner
Evening - Campfire hangs, stargazing, smore eating
Sunday - February 16th
07:30 - Breakfast and prepare packed lunch
08:30 - Navigation lesson
09:00 - 15:00 - A day on the trails, exploring the area and navigating by map and compass
Evening - Dinner and fun at camp. Camp fire reflection.
Monday - February 17th
08:00 - Breakfast
09:00 - Break camp and pack up
12:30 - Arrive back at vehicles
13:30 - Visit local restaurant for celebratory meal
Evening - Return to Toronto sometime that evening
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Gear:
Clothing:
Winter clothing
The key for winter hiking is to have breathable layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as you start to heat up or cool down. The biggest problem you're likely to encounter is actually getting too hot - the amount of exercise you're doing means you'll warm up quickly and it's important that you vent your clothes before you start sweating because that will only make you colder once you stop.
Pay attention to your fabrics - there's a saying that cotton kills because it keeps moisture and makes you colder. Instead, go for breathable fabrics, like athletic wear or wool. Wool has the advantage of keeping you warm when it's wet but cheap polyester running gear is just fine. We've put together a simple guide to layering on our instagram.
A common mistake is to bring your heavy winter coat that you'd wear in the city - this will become very uncomfortable very quickly. If you'd like advice on what coat is suitable, we'll give you recommendations no matter your budget.
Because clothing becomes a safety issue in winter, it's particularly important that you're dressed appropriately and follow these guidelines. If you turn up in clothes that could put you at risk we may have to turn you away. As always, ask us in advance if you'd like any advice, we'll be delighted to help!
You have spares of most things - this is to ensure you always have dry clothes to change into.
Clothing list:
Recommended Personal Stuff:
Please ensure that your dietary requirements are up to date in the my account section of the website.
On top of the meals, you should bring plenty of personal snacks according to your own appetite!
15th February
Breakfast - BYO breakfast/pick up en route
Lunch - BYO Packed lunch/pick up en route
Dinner - Hot dinner and dessert around the campfire
16th February
Breakfast - Hot breakfast
Lunch - Provided cold lunch
Dinner - Hot dinner and dessert around the campfire
17th February
Breakfast - Hot breakfast
Lunch - Stop in for late lunch and celebratory meal (cost is not covered by Wilderness Union)
Additional gear is available for rent - please get in touch with us if you need something and didn't purchase at checkout.
Self-drivers will need to purchase an additional parking permit for $12.50/night. Please message us in Discord if you plan to do this so we can coordinate with you.
Please ensure that any health issues we should know about are up to date in the my account section of the website.
Algonquin Park has a rich indigenous history that predates the establishment of the park itself. The park is situated on the traditional territories of several Algonquian-speaking First Nations, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat peoples.
For thousands of years, these indigenous communities relied on the land and its resources for sustenance, trade, and cultural practices. They engaged in hunting, fishing, gathering, and agriculture, establishing seasonal camps and villages throughout the region. The lakes, rivers, and forests provided them with a diverse range of food, such as fish, game, berries, and medicinal plants.
The Algonquin people, in particular, have a deep connection to the land that encompasses Algonquin Park. They refer to themselves as Anishinaabe, which translates to "the people" in their language. Their traditional territories extended across a vast area in present-day Ontario and Quebec.
Algonquin Park, as we know it today, was established in 1893 as the first provincial park in Canada. The creation of the park disrupted the traditional way of life for indigenous communities in the area. Many were displaced from their ancestral lands, and their access to resources and sacred sites within the park was restricted.
Despite these challenges, indigenous peoples have maintained their cultural connections to the region. They continue to assert their rights and engage in land stewardship initiatives, collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to protect and preserve their cultural heritage within Algonquin Park.
