Our first camping trip in our Introduction to Camping series! We're visiting Bon Echo park, famous for its crystal clear water, wildlife viewing and the stunning cliffs, covered in pictographs. This is an easy introduction to camping for those who haven't been before but also has plenty to offer for more experienced campers.
The Victoria Day weekend is a long weekend traditionally the beginning of camping season in Ontario and with luck, it should be pretty warm! We'll be leaving on Saturday morning, returning Monday afternoon.
We've reserved two adjoining front-country campsites that are accessible by car. If you're new to this, you'll learn to set up camp, start a fire, how to cook outdoors, purify water and any other skills you'll need to join our back-country trips later in the season. The campsite has hot showers and running water so you can be as rustic or as comfortable as you feel like!
During the days, we'll hike trails including the famous Abe & Essens trails and rent canoes (optional for an additional fee) to go out on the lake and explore Mazinaw Lake.
In the evenings, we'll relax by the campfire, star gaze, eat well and hang out together.
This trip is suitable for all members and extremely affordable, starting at just $40+HST Explorer and Pathfinder members! You have the option of having all meals and equipment provided or bringing your own. Those renting have the option of sharing same-gender tents or going private for an additional fee.
We'll be organizing a social beforehand to meet everyone who's coming and figure out who's sharing with whom!
Space is limited to just 12 people for this adventure so you'll want to reserve this adventure quickly.
Our first camping trip in our Introduction to Camping series! We're visiting Bon Echo park, famous for its crystal clear water, wildlife viewing and the stunning cliffs, covered in pictographs. This is an easy introduction to camping for those who haven't been before but also has plenty to offer for more experienced campers.
The Victoria Day weekend is a long weekend traditionally the beginning of camping season in Ontario and with luck, it should be pretty warm! We'll be leaving on Saturday morning, returning Monday afternoon.
We've reserved two adjoining front-country campsites that are accessible by car. If you're new to this, you'll learn to set up camp, start a fire, how to cook outdoors, purify water and any other skills you'll need to join our back-country trips later in the season. The campsite has hot showers and running water so you can be as rustic or as comfortable as you feel like!
During the days, we'll hike trails including the famous Abe & Essens trails and rent canoes (optional for an additional fee) to go out on the lake and explore Mazinaw Lake.
In the evenings, we'll relax by the campfire, star gaze, eat well and hang out together.
This trip is suitable for all members and extremely affordable, starting at just $40+HST Explorer and Pathfinder members! You have the option of having all meals and equipment provided or bringing your own. Those renting have the option of sharing same-gender tents or going private for an additional $50.
We'll be organizing a social beforehand to meet everyone who's coming and figure out who's sharing with whom!
Space is limited to just 12 people for this adventure so you'll want to reserve this adventure quickly.
Renting Camping Gear
We'll be providing full camping kits containing:
We'll do our best to pair each other up for the tents. If you'd rather go private, already have some of the camping gear or just have any other questions send a message on Discord and we'll figure it out.
Meal Option
Members without serious allergies have the option of having all meals provided. You'll get:
You'll still be making some of the provided food individually - that's all part of the learning!
Self Driving
Please note that, while you are welcome to self-drive, you will need to purchase parking permits each day in the park (approx $54 total) so it's considerably more cost effective to take a ride up in the van for this adventure.
Trip Costs
Friends: $150+HST (Add $75 for meals, $100 for camping gear rental, $60 for transport)
Explorers: $40+HST (Add $75 for meals, $100 for camping gear rental, $60 for transport)
Pathfinders: $40+HST (Add $75 for meals, $100 for camping gear rental)
Saturday 20th May
09:00 - Van leaves from Keele Station. We'll stop for lunch en route.
13:30 - Expected arrival at park
Rest of day - Set up camp, explore the park, chill at campsite for the evening
Sunday 21st May
Enjoy a cooked breakfast before setting out to hike Hike Abe & Essens, an iconic and challenging 16km trail if it's reopened, otherwise we'll hike other trails in the park.
Monday 22nd
Slow morning, take boats out on the water for a paddle, break camp and lunch before returning to Toronto
14:00 - Leave park
18:00 - Anticipated return to Toronto
To join this adventure, you'll first need to become a member of Wilderness Union. We're an Outdoor Adventure Community of 20-40 year olds dedicated to helping you get out of the city, explore more and find your outdoor friend group.
Membership gives you access to over 100 unique adventures a year, regular socials, outdoor education and our private discord all at unmatched pricing.
Sign up for a one month free trial and $25 in trip credit towards your first adventure and start seeing more of the wild.
To join this adventure, you'll first need to become a member of Wilderness Union. We're an Outdoor Adventure Community of 20-40 year olds dedicated to helping you get out of the city, explore more and find your outdoor friend group.
Membership gives you access to over 100 unique adventures a year, regular socials, outdoor education and our private discord all at unmatched pricing.
Sign up for a one month free trial and $25 in trip credit towards your first adventure and start seeing more of the wild.
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