Our most legendary hike returns...
Only a handful of people attempt this little-known through-hike each year—and for good reason. It feels utterly untouched, and you're more likely to encounter a moose, bear, or beaver than another human being. Preserved by its sheer inaccessibility, this trail is defined by the animals who inhabit it, transitioning seamlessly from game trails to beaver dams, through dense blackberry thickets into knee-deep marshland.
There's only a short, perfect window when the bugs have faded, the trails have dried, and the lakes are warm. This is when we take on what may be Ontario's toughest hike: The Devil's Gauntlet.
The Devil’s Gauntlet follows the Wilderness Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail—a challenging 35 km route through some of Ontario’s most remote terrain. Remarkably, this relatively short trail with minimal elevation change is so demanding it takes four full days to complete.
Prepare to traverse wild landscapes, often navigating by faint remnants of trail markers, becoming intimately connected to the wilderness around you. Even finding the trail doesn't make things easier—expect to climb over fallen trees, scramble across boulders, push through thorny brambles, and carefully balance across countless beaver dams. Water crossings that appear impassable will test your determination, and wet feet are guaranteed.
Yet, amidst the challenges, you'll discover breathtaking moments: swimming beside beavers in secluded lakes, resting under the brilliant Milky Way, and experiencing the profound peace that follows genuine exertion.
Those who rose to the challenge in 2024 describe it as one of their most extraordinary and bonding adventures. Are you ready to discover your limits—and surpass them?
You'll be led by guides who know the area well, have advanced wilderness first aid qualifications to keep you safe and have the experience to ensure you have an incredible time. They'll not only help you accomplish more than you knew you were capable of but also have real fun while you're doing it.
This is a particularly difficult trip to arrange and almost impossible to do solo. We're taking care of everything to allow you to accomplish something extraordinary
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until lunch of the last morning fully catered. Please note, we may stop for a celebratory meal at a restaurant on our return that will be additional.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Fancy oatmeal, topped with nuts, dried fruits and cinnamon flakes
Lunch - Tortilla wraps with hummus, pepper, cheese and dried meat for carnivores
Dinner - Thai curry with chicken or tofu
We’re taking on the grueling 35 km journey through the Wilderness Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. Don’t let the distance fool you: this remote, rugged route will be a huge adventure and, in case it wasn't already clear, a significant challenge. While some of our trips are about relaxing on campsites, this is about the accomplishment and enjoyment of powering yourself in the wild like our ancestors did.
You’ll be carrying everything on your back, so even a short day feels a whole lot harder with a heavy pack. Smart packing, light gear, and a well-fitted backpack will make all the difference.
You’ll be led by Sarah and Sierra, experienced guides who know this area well and are here to keep you safe, strong, and laughing through the mud.
Camping
We'll be travelling to reserved campsites each day which means we'll have cover a certain amount of distance daily. Everyone will be assigned a different responsibility at camp and together, we'll set up our home for the night each day. This involves:
Sleeping Arrangements
There's limited space on campsites so we're sharing WU provided tents separated by gender. If you'd like to bring your own hammock to sleep in, please let us know on Discord asap. You should be very comfortable setting it up, working with tarps and have tested your sleep system in advance.
Backcountry considerations and using the toilet
This being remote backcountry, you'll have no phone reception, there's no electricity or running water. There may or may not be thunderboxes (wooden toilets) on site, so you may also be digging catholes to go to the toilet. This is a great guide to pooping in the woods!
Water
There's a risk of water contamination with protozoa like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be purifying water on site. We'll be providing all necessary equipment for water purification but feel free to bring your chosen method in addition.
Fire
There's no fire ban so we'll be able to have a campfire at night.
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, do a bear hang, 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.
Maps
Please ensure you download the maps in advance
Prep Meeting
If you missed the trip briefing, please watch this youtube video.
Friday August 29th
05:50 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:00 - Van leaves
09:00 - Arrive at Victoria Falls Trailhead
10:00 - Repack and begin hike
We'll go as far as we can on the first day, aiming for Loon Lake 15km in
Saturday August 30th and Sunday August 31th
Continue hike
Monday September 1st
Emerge on the other side of the trail, triumphant. We'll stop for a celebratory meal at the Rockcliffe in Minden on the way back and get back to Toronto some time in the early 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.
You’ll be carrying everything on your back, so even a short day feels a whole lot harder with a heavy pack. Smart packing, light gear, and a well-fitted backpack will make all the difference. This is a suggested list:
Clothing
Gear
Camping Gear / Sleep System
(Tents are provided.)
Personal Stuff
Random & Nice-to-Haves
Period Products
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. If you still have questions, Marie K has offered to answer any questions - you can message her privately on Discord.
We'll be providing most meals (either vegan or meaty according to your dietary requirements) for this adventure along with tea and coffee but no milk.
You should pack plenty of snacks to tide you over between meals but don't go crazy, everything you bring you must carry and will need to be hung at night away from wildlife.
You're responsible for your own breakfast (before we meet) and a packed lunch on day 1. On the way out, we will stop at a restaurant on the way back where you can purchase a meal.
We've really upped the quality of our meals this year and you can look forward to improved food options, even on backcountry trips! Don't forget to update your profile and notify us if your dietary restrictions have changed.
We'll provide the following:
Please check your member profile and ensure all information is up to date. Contact your guides directly if you have developed any health issues or allergies that we should be aware of - these will be treated in strictest confidence.
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - It could be very hot with heat exhaustion and sunburn a real possibility. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Getting lost - This is a wilderness location, away from help so it's imperative that we stay together at all times. If you get separated from the group, stop and call for help. It's unlikely that you'll have reception during this adventure. YOU MUST STAY WITH THE GROUP AT ALL TIMES. No breaking off without first discussing it with the hike leader!
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. Any injuries? Let us know in advance of the hike.
Ticks - Black legged ticks are in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here.
Water danger - Only swim in places where you've been told it's safe to do so and only under the supervision of one of our guides. If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Wildlife - Bears are active in the area. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert. We'll provide all equipment necessary for a bear hang.
It's extremely important that no food is left unattended at the campsite (we've had meals stolen by raccoons before!) and at night, we'll take everything smelly out of bags and hang them in a tree, safe from wildlife.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park and the surrounding Minden area have a deep Indigenous history that long predates the creation of the park. This region lies within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Mississauga, and is also associated with Iroquoian-speaking nations such as the Huron-Wendat. These Indigenous communities relied on the area's lakes, rivers, and forests for hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural practices for thousands of years.
The land falls within the bounds of Treaty 20 and is part of the broader Williams Treaties territory. Canoe routes and trails through this landscape connected communities and formed part of extensive trade networks across the Great Lakes. The Anishinaabeg maintain a strong cultural and spiritual relationship with these lands.
The establishment of parks and settler communities in the 19th and 20th centuries disrupted Indigenous lifeways and restricted access to ancestral lands. Nevertheless, Indigenous nations continue to maintain cultural ties to the region and are actively involved in land stewardship and efforts to preserve their heritage throughout Haliburton County and beyond.
Our most legendary hike returns...
Only a handful of people attempt this little-known through-hike each year—and for good reason. It feels utterly untouched, and you're more likely to encounter a moose, bear, or beaver than another human being. Preserved by its sheer inaccessibility, this trail is defined by the animals who inhabit it, transitioning seamlessly from game trails to beaver dams, through dense blackberry thickets into knee-deep marshland.
There's only a short, perfect window when the bugs have faded, the trails have dried, and the lakes are warm. This is when we take on what may be Ontario's toughest hike: The Devil's Gauntlet.
The Devil’s Gauntlet follows the Wilderness Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail—a challenging 35 km route through some of Ontario’s most remote terrain. Remarkably, this relatively short trail with minimal elevation change is so demanding it takes four full days to complete.
Prepare to traverse wild landscapes, often navigating by faint remnants of trail markers, becoming intimately connected to the wilderness around you. Even finding the trail doesn't make things easier—expect to climb over fallen trees, scramble across boulders, push through thorny brambles, and carefully balance across countless beaver dams. Water crossings that appear impassable will test your determination, and wet feet are guaranteed.
Yet, amidst the challenges, you'll discover breathtaking moments: swimming beside beavers in secluded lakes, resting under the brilliant Milky Way, and experiencing the profound peace that follows genuine exertion.
Those who rose to the challenge in 2024 describe it as one of their most extraordinary and bonding adventures. Are you ready to discover your limits—and surpass them?
You'll be led by guides who know the area well, have advanced wilderness first aid qualifications to keep you safe and have the experience to ensure you have an incredible time. They'll not only help you accomplish more than you knew you were capable of but also have real fun while you're doing it.
This is a particularly difficult trip to arrange and almost impossible to do solo. We're taking care of everything to allow you to accomplish something extraordinary
We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for meals with everything from dinner on the first night until lunch of the last morning fully catered. Please note, we may stop for a celebratory meal at a restaurant on our return that will be additional.
Sample menu
Breakfast - Fancy oatmeal, topped with nuts, dried fruits and cinnamon flakes
Lunch - Tortilla wraps with hummus, pepper, cheese and dried meat for carnivores
Dinner - Thai curry with chicken or tofu
We’re taking on the grueling 35 km journey through the Wilderness Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. Don’t let the distance fool you: this remote, rugged route will be a huge adventure and, in case it wasn't already clear, a significant challenge. While some of our trips are about relaxing on campsites, this is about the accomplishment and enjoyment of powering yourself in the wild like our ancestors did.
You’ll be carrying everything on your back, so even a short day feels a whole lot harder with a heavy pack. Smart packing, light gear, and a well-fitted backpack will make all the difference.
You’ll be led by Sarah and Sierra, experienced guides who know this area well and are here to keep you safe, strong, and laughing through the mud.
Camping
We'll be travelling to reserved campsites each day which means we'll have cover a certain amount of distance daily. Everyone will be assigned a different responsibility at camp and together, we'll set up our home for the night each day. This involves:
Sleeping Arrangements
There's limited space on campsites so we're sharing WU provided tents separated by gender. If you'd like to bring your own hammock to sleep in, please let us know on Discord asap. You should be very comfortable setting it up, working with tarps and have tested your sleep system in advance.
Backcountry considerations and using the toilet
This being remote backcountry, you'll have no phone reception, there's no electricity or running water. There may or may not be thunderboxes (wooden toilets) on site, so you may also be digging catholes to go to the toilet. This is a great guide to pooping in the woods!
Water
There's a risk of water contamination with protozoa like Giardia (beaver fever!) and bacteria so we'll be purifying water on site. We'll be providing all necessary equipment for water purification but feel free to bring your chosen method in addition.
Fire
There's no fire ban so we'll be able to have a campfire at night.
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, do a bear hang, 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.
Maps
Please ensure you download the maps in advance
Prep Meeting
If you missed the trip briefing, please watch this youtube video.
Friday August 29th
05:50 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:00 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:00 - Van leaves
09:00 - Arrive at Victoria Falls Trailhead
10:00 - Repack and begin hike
We'll go as far as we can on the first day, aiming for Loon Lake 15km in
Saturday August 30th and Sunday August 31th
Continue hike
Monday September 1st
Emerge on the other side of the trail, triumphant. We'll stop for a celebratory meal at the Rockcliffe in Minden on the way back and get back to Toronto some time in the early 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.
You’ll be carrying everything on your back, so even a short day feels a whole lot harder with a heavy pack. Smart packing, light gear, and a well-fitted backpack will make all the difference. This is a suggested list:
Clothing
Gear
Camping Gear / Sleep System
(Tents are provided.)
Personal Stuff
Random & Nice-to-Haves
Period Products
Wondering how to handle camping on your period? Here's a great resource with everything you could need to know. If you still have questions, Marie K has offered to answer any questions - you can message her privately on Discord.
We'll be providing most meals (either vegan or meaty according to your dietary requirements) for this adventure along with tea and coffee but no milk.
You should pack plenty of snacks to tide you over between meals but don't go crazy, everything you bring you must carry and will need to be hung at night away from wildlife.
You're responsible for your own breakfast (before we meet) and a packed lunch on day 1. On the way out, we will stop at a restaurant on the way back where you can purchase a meal.
We've really upped the quality of our meals this year and you can look forward to improved food options, even on backcountry trips! Don't forget to update your profile and notify us if your dietary restrictions have changed.
We'll provide the following:
Please check your member profile and ensure all information is up to date. Contact your guides directly if you have developed any health issues or allergies that we should be aware of - these will be treated in strictest confidence.
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - It could be very hot with heat exhaustion and sunburn a real possibility. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Getting lost - This is a wilderness location, away from help so it's imperative that we stay together at all times. If you get separated from the group, stop and call for help. It's unlikely that you'll have reception during this adventure. YOU MUST STAY WITH THE GROUP AT ALL TIMES. No breaking off without first discussing it with the hike leader!
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. Any injuries? Let us know in advance of the hike.
Ticks - Black legged ticks are in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here.
Water danger - Only swim in places where you've been told it's safe to do so and only under the supervision of one of our guides. If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Wildlife - Bears are active in the area. We'll give you a full briefing on bear safety but rest assured that they pose very little threat to us. Want to learn more about wildlife safety? Watch the recording from our session with Ontario Park's bear expert. We'll provide all equipment necessary for a bear hang.
It's extremely important that no food is left unattended at the campsite (we've had meals stolen by raccoons before!) and at night, we'll take everything smelly out of bags and hang them in a tree, safe from wildlife.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park and the surrounding Minden area have a deep Indigenous history that long predates the creation of the park. This region lies within the traditional territories of the Anishinaabeg peoples, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Mississauga, and is also associated with Iroquoian-speaking nations such as the Huron-Wendat. These Indigenous communities relied on the area's lakes, rivers, and forests for hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural practices for thousands of years.
The land falls within the bounds of Treaty 20 and is part of the broader Williams Treaties territory. Canoe routes and trails through this landscape connected communities and formed part of extensive trade networks across the Great Lakes. The Anishinaabeg maintain a strong cultural and spiritual relationship with these lands.
The establishment of parks and settler communities in the 19th and 20th centuries disrupted Indigenous lifeways and restricted access to ancestral lands. Nevertheless, Indigenous nations continue to maintain cultural ties to the region and are actively involved in land stewardship and efforts to preserve their heritage throughout Haliburton County and beyond.
