There are certain Wilderness Union trips that take on legendary status. As guides, we sometimes sense it happening in the moment, but it’s not until we return to civilization that we’re sure. These are often the trips that push boundaries—the ones where we worry we’re taking you right to the edge of your limits. They’re the adventures where we witness something so breathtaking, it stops us all in our tracks, and we share a moment taking it all in. They’re the ones where, by the time we’re home, everyone has bonded over the experience, and a new group of friends has formed. That’s when we know: something truly special happened.
Facing challenges head-on is what shapes us. The greatest rewards are found on the other side of peaks that once felt insurmountable. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of standing on a summit you thought you couldn’t conquer, or the sense of fulfillment you find on the other side.
I’ve thought a lot about what makes these adventures so extraordinary. There’s a category of adventure that stands apart—adventures that feel different, bigger, unforgettable. They’re the ones that ascend to another level and leave you with a story that feels… epic.
In 2025, we’re introducing a new, exclusive category of events: The Epics. These trips are the culmination of everything Ontario has to offer, shaped by our deep understanding of where the line lies between challenge and reward. Some of these adventures are already legend in Wilderness Union lore. Others have never been attempted before. But for every single one, the question we asked ourselves was the same: Will this be a trip you remember for the rest of your life? I’m quite confident that will be the case for all the adventures we’re announcing today.
Many of these trips are one-offs and are likely to fill up fast. We'll be opening up registration on April 30th at 8am. Mark the dates in your calendar now!
.webp)
This three-day adventure to Manitoulin Island takes you to one of Ontario’s most unique and beautiful destinations. You'll hike the island’s most iconic trails, including the Cup and Saucer lookout and Bridal Veil Falls, and spend each night camping under an internationally recognized Dark Sky Preserve.
Returning to Toronto, we'll take the iconic Chi-Cheemaun ferry for an unforgettable cruise back across Georgian Bay and a trip to Tobermory. This trip offers all of the island's highlights in a short period of time - gorgeous hiking trails, natural beauty, and peaceful nights under the stars.
As soon as we heard about The Brent Run, we knew we had to try it. This legendary 160km canoe challenge follows a route from the top of Algonquin Park to Canoe Lake and back again.
We’ll take on this challenge in one direction over six days, covering 80 km of paddling and over 10 km of portaging. This journey takes you deep into Algonquin’s wild interior, through places few ever travel. Expect long days on the water, rugged portages that demand teamwork, and the kind of deep connection to the wilderness that only comes from a true expedition.
This is more than just a canoe trip—it’s a team challenge. We’ll work together to navigate the route, balancing efficiency, stamina, and decision-making along the way. By the end, you’ll not only have conquered one of Ontario’s most demanding paddling routes but built bonds that last a lifetime.
.webp)
We ran this canoe camping adventure for the first time last year, and it ticked every box—vast, untouched wilderness, stunning landscapes, and a serious challenge that brought our group together like never before.
Now, we’re returning to Temagami’s wild interior for a 60 km canoe route through some of its most iconic landmarks. You’ll paddle through the endangered old-growth forests of Wolf Lake, swim in a hidden lagoon, climb a mountain with breathtaking views, and even discover ancient Indigenous pictographs.
This is wilderness canoeing at its best—remote, rewarding, and unforgettable.
Our most legendary hike, The Devil's Gauntlet, returns.
Only a handful of people attempt this little-known through-hike each year—for good reason. The 40 km route crosses some of Ontario’s most rugged and remote terrain, demanding stamina, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Over four days, you'll traverse wild landscapes, often following only the faintest remnants of a trail. Expect tough climbs, rough ground, and moments of stunning beauty—whether it's swimming alongside beavers in remote lakes after a hard day's hike or watching the Milky Way shine in perfectly dark skies. Along the way, you'll experience the deep sense of calm and confidence that comes from pushing yourself beyond your limits.
Those who took on The Devil’s Gauntlet in 2024 count it among the most extraordinary adventures of their lives. Will you rise to the challenge in 2025?
.webp)
