Welcome to The Epics!
Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.
History
Heaven’s Gate, or Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem in Anishinaabemowin, is a natural marvel and hub of spiritual and cultural significance for many local communities. This protected area is the essential link between LaCloche Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park, just north of Manitoulin Island. Known among outdoor enthusiasts as one of the province’s toughest trails, this route tests hikers with its remote setting, prolonged unmarked sections, rugged terrain, and constant elevation changes.
What You Need to Know
We’ll enter into this remote thru-hike from the Western end at Sagamok We then head east along the ancient Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem ridgeline and through the LaCloche mountains, ending this epic journey at the jagged edge of Killarney. We will cover about 40km of very technical terrain, carrying all of our gear on our backs. It’s a route that requires strength, a steady foot, good ankle support and a whole lot of mental toughness. The payoff is unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and turquoise interior lakes tucked into deep valleys that feel like they belong in another world.
Large swaths of this route extend forward without any trail markings and you can expect challenging terrain that will sometimes require scrambling. There are no formal campsites so we’ll build and break camp in full each day.
We’ll be putting in long hours on the trail to reach our final destination. Over the four days of this adventure, you’ll traverse long stretches of ancient quartzite rocks, pass through the homes of multiple endangered species and begin to understand how special this territory is.
Make no mistake, this trail is notoriously difficult. Because we’re moving along the spine of the mountains, the terrain is unforgiving, but for those willing to embrace the climb, Heaven’s Gate offers one of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the province.
What's Included:
NB: As this is a one-way adventure, self-driving will not be possible.
Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.
To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.
Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:
If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.
Welcome to The Epics!
Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.
History
Heaven’s Gate, or Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem in Anishinaabemowin, is a natural marvel and hub of spiritual and cultural significance for many local communities. This protected area is the essential link between LaCloche Provincial Park and Killarney Provincial Park, just north of Manitoulin Island. Known among outdoor enthusiasts as one of the province’s toughest trails, this route tests hikers with its remote setting, prolonged unmarked sections, rugged terrain, and constant elevation changes.
What You Need to Know
We’ll enter into this remote thru-hike from the Western end at Sagamok We then head east along the ancient Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem ridgeline and through the LaCloche mountains, ending this epic journey at the jagged edge of Killarney. We will cover about 40km of very technical terrain, carrying all of our gear on our backs. It’s a route that requires strength, a steady foot, good ankle support and a whole lot of mental toughness. The payoff is unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape and turquoise interior lakes tucked into deep valleys that feel like they belong in another world.
Large swaths of this route extend forward without any trail markings and you can expect challenging terrain that will sometimes require scrambling. There are no formal campsites so we’ll build and break camp in full each day.
We’ll be putting in long hours on the trail to reach our final destination. Over the four days of this adventure, you’ll traverse long stretches of ancient quartzite rocks, pass through the homes of multiple endangered species and begin to understand how special this territory is.
Make no mistake, this trail is notoriously difficult. Because we’re moving along the spine of the mountains, the terrain is unforgiving, but for those willing to embrace the climb, Heaven’s Gate offers one of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the province.
What's Included:
NB: As this is a one-way adventure, self-driving will not be possible.
Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.
To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.
Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:
If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.
An Epic Challenge - We're taking on 40km of technical terrain that demands teamwork, genuine grit and steady footing.
Trek the La Cloche Mountains - Traverse a billion years of history across the stark white quartzite peaks of the Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem ridgeline.
Endangered Species Refuge - Journey through a wild sanctuary that’s home to eagles, wolves, moose and bears.
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Friday, August 7th
05:00 - Early start as we leave from Keele Station towards the trailhead
Afternoon - Hit the trail and begin our journey
Saturday, August 8th
Hike towards the mid-way point
Sunday, August 9th
Continue hike
Monday, August 10th
End hike and go for celebratory meal back in civilization (meal cost separate)
Late anticipated return to Toronto
Member Organized Event Disclaimer
Member-led outings are organized by our community, not by Wilderness Union. We don’t manage the plans, staff, or safety protocols, so you join at your own risk. Please look out for yourself and one another, and have fun!
Food and Drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch and water for any of our day trips that don't explicitly say we're making a stop at a restaurant. Where we stop at restaurants, you are responsible for the purchase of any food. Full details are available at the adventure plan, shared above on registration.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Members Only
Please note that you'll need an active membership at the time of your adventure to attend. If you booked during a trial that didn't continue or your membership has lapsed, you will need a new membership to attend.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Where can I find important updates about this camping trip in the days leading up to it?
Please follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the ‘Upcoming Adventures’ channel, and reach out to us if you are having any issues.
Full details for this adventure are coming soon. Be sure to check back!
