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 3 months before the trip date to give everybody a chance to sign-up and exact trip costs will follow shortly. Mark the dates in your calendar now!
Sleeping Giant is one of Ontario’s most iconic destinations. The trail to the top leads to a breathtaking lookout, where a 250-meter cliff plunges into the vast expanse of Lake Superior.
What makes this trip truly special is the journey itself. We’ll take you on an epic road trip nearly 1,500 km from Toronto, where you’ll be closer to Manitoba than home. Traveling along the shores of Lake Superior, we’ll camp in some of Ontario’s most spectacular parks, hike the legendary Lake Superior Coastal Trail, and explore the remote wilderness of Pukaskwa National Park. This adventure will immerse you in a level of beauty and wilderness unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
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.
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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?
This through-hike is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets. Imagine a trail as breathtaking as anything in Canada, yet practically unknown and rarely traveled. It's so special that you’ll have to sign an NDA just to join the first guided trip to the area.
We’ll hike across a remote mountain range, deep in one of Ontario’s most untouched wilderness landscapes. This is a land of stark quartzite ridges, hidden lakes, and untamed forests, rewarding those who venture here with some of the most beautiful views in the province.
This 40 km through-hike is a serious challenge but achievable with decent fitness and a willingness to push yourself beyond the ordinary.
