Backcountry camping in Algonquin Park's untouched wilderness offers a truly unforgettable experience. We'll be immersed in a stunning landscape of pristine lakes and dense forests. The solitude and tranquility of the backcountry allow you to connect deeply with nature, away from the distractions of modern life while also testing yourself and learning new skills.
We'll hike in everything that we need for a camping trip before tackling the first loop of the Highland Backpacking trail. This is a more challenging adventure that will require some endurance but you'll be rewarded with a huge sense of accomplishment when we're finished!
We'll leave early Saturday Morning, stopping at an On Route along the way to pick up lunch.
Arriving at Algonquin, we've got an easy hike the first day of 5km that takes us to an incredible undeveloped campsite on the shore of Lake Provoking where we'll set up camp for the night. We'll cook on a stove, roast food on the camp fire, swim in the warm June weather and sleep under the most incredible night skies.
The following day, we'll wake up, pack up our site and hike the 14km first loop of the Highland Backpacking Trail, a challenging but manageable trail that will take us all around Lake Provoking. Keep in mind that we'll have our backpacks on for this so we'll go slowly and help each other out.
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be staying in Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure, separated by gender. Please note that you will not be able to bring your personal tent due to space limitations.
Facilities
This being backcountry, the only facilities we'll have are a Thunderbox (a wooden box over a hole as a toilet) and a fireplace. This means we'll be purifying our own water, bringing our own toilet paper and surviving without internet or electricity! If you want to shower, you jump in the lake. Learn all about pooping in the woods here.
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, how to hang a tarp and how to get a campfire going. 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 me on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
It's bug season! This means you're going to want to bring bug spray. Natural stuff won't cut it, get high percentage DEET or Icaridin. Keep in mind that DEET melts plastic so, while it's safe on your skin, keep it away from your gear. A bug net or bug jacket is also recommended. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Saturday 3rd June
07:45 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 08:00. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
08:00 - Head off to Algonquin. We'll stop at a rest-stop along the way to pick up lunch
12:00 - Anticipated start from the trail head
14:00 - Arrive at site, set up camp
Afternoon of exploring and chilling out on the campsite.
We'll eat together in the evening, hang out around the campsite and find a spot for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Sunday 4th June
07:00 - Breakfast/Break camp/Make lunch
09:00 - Begin the Highland backpacking trail
15:00 - Anticipated return back to vehicle
19:00 - Anticipated return to Keele station
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.
Check back here to see how the weather is developing. Despite what it says, it should be 20 degrees during the day!
Clothing:
As we're hiking our gear in you'll want to pack as lightly as possible. Only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
If you have asked for rentals, we'll pack the stuff you bring into the rented backpack.
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
If you're not getting the gear rental, make sure you bring your own cookware, dining set and a method for cleaning them.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
If you asked for food: We'll be packing lightweight, dehydrated meals on Saturday, a hot breakfast Sunday morning and a cold lunch for the hike on Sunday. We will provide cutlery and crockery for anyone on the meal plan which you'll be responsible for keeping clean. We'll also be providing Coffee, Tea and creamer.
If you didn't ask for food: You'll need to bring your own cook kit.
Rented camping kits contain the following:
Currently, we're all going in the van. If any one ends up self-driving, you'll need to purchase 2 day passes for the park which should cost approx $42.
Water based danger: If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Sunburn: It's looking like it might be very sunny. Make sure you bring suncream.
Hiking injuries: There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help.
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.
Backcountry camping in Algonquin Park's untouched wilderness offers a truly unforgettable experience. We'll be immersed in a stunning landscape of pristine lakes and dense forests. The solitude and tranquility of the backcountry allow you to connect deeply with nature, away from the distractions of modern life while also testing yourself and learning new skills.
We'll hike in everything that we need for a camping trip before tackling the first loop of the Highland Backpacking trail. This is a more challenging adventure that will require some endurance but you'll be rewarded with a huge sense of accomplishment when we're finished!
We'll leave early Saturday Morning, stopping at an On Route along the way to pick up lunch.
Arriving at Algonquin, we've got an easy hike the first day of 5km that takes us to an incredible undeveloped campsite on the shore of Lake Provoking where we'll set up camp for the night. We'll cook on a stove, roast food on the camp fire, swim in the warm June weather and sleep under the most incredible night skies.
The following day, we'll wake up, pack up our site and hike the 14km first loop of the Highland Backpacking Trail, a challenging but manageable trail that will take us all around Lake Provoking. Keep in mind that we'll have our backpacks on for this so we'll go slowly and help each other out.
Sleeping Arrangements
We'll be staying in Wilderness Union provided tents for this adventure, separated by gender. Please note that you will not be able to bring your personal tent due to space limitations.
Facilities
This being backcountry, the only facilities we'll have are a Thunderbox (a wooden box over a hole as a toilet) and a fireplace. This means we'll be purifying our own water, bringing our own toilet paper and surviving without internet or electricity! If you want to shower, you jump in the lake. Learn all about pooping in the woods here.
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, how to hang a tarp and how to get a campfire going. 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 me on Discord and let's work it in.
Bugs
It's bug season! This means you're going to want to bring bug spray. Natural stuff won't cut it, get high percentage DEET or Icaridin. Keep in mind that DEET melts plastic so, while it's safe on your skin, keep it away from your gear. A bug net or bug jacket is also recommended. These can be bought cheaply at Dollarama.
Saturday 3rd June
07:45 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. We leave at 08:00. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast.
08:00 - Head off to Algonquin. We'll stop at a rest-stop along the way to pick up lunch
12:00 - Anticipated start from the trail head
14:00 - Arrive at site, set up camp
Afternoon of exploring and chilling out on the campsite.
We'll eat together in the evening, hang out around the campsite and find a spot for stargazing if the skies are clear.
Sunday 4th June
07:00 - Breakfast/Break camp/Make lunch
09:00 - Begin the Highland backpacking trail
15:00 - Anticipated return back to vehicle
19:00 - Anticipated return to Keele station
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.
Check back here to see how the weather is developing. Despite what it says, it should be 20 degrees during the day!
Clothing:
As we're hiking our gear in you'll want to pack as lightly as possible. Only take what is absolutely necessary and only bring one bag!
If you have asked for rentals, we'll pack the stuff you bring into the rented backpack.
Pack according to the weather. This is a suggested list:
Gear:
Personal Stuff:
Cooking
If you're not getting the gear rental, make sure you bring your own cookware, dining set and a method for cleaning them.
Random Stuff:
Got light-weight games? Bring em!
If you asked for food: We'll be packing lightweight, dehydrated meals on Saturday, a hot breakfast Sunday morning and a cold lunch for the hike on Sunday. We will provide cutlery and crockery for anyone on the meal plan which you'll be responsible for keeping clean. We'll also be providing Coffee, Tea and creamer.
If you didn't ask for food: You'll need to bring your own cook kit.
Rented camping kits contain the following:
Currently, we're all going in the van. If any one ends up self-driving, you'll need to purchase 2 day passes for the park which should cost approx $42.
Water based danger: If you can't swim, keep out of the water.
Sunburn: It's looking like it might be very sunny. Make sure you bring suncream.
Hiking injuries: There are a lot of rocks on the trail and it's easy to roll an ankle. Be careful when walking and bring poles if helpful.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help.
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.
