Welcome to The Epics!
Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.
Background
The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail is widely considered the premier hiking challenge in Algonquin Provincial Park. While the area is now a recovering hardwood forest, these paths once served the industrial logging operations that preceded the park's establishment. Today, the trail is famous for its solitude and wildlife; you’re likely to meet grouse that aggressively defend their territory and see constant signs of the moose population that calls the area home.
What You Need to Know
We’re hiking the northern most loop of the trail, entering at the beautiful Rain Lake access point. We’ll have 45km of hiking ahead of us, a significant challenge when you’re carrying all of your gear on your back.
This access point feels like finding a secret back door to the park's most remote reaches, starting with a gentle stretch along an old logging railway bed. It starts as a flat, historic stroll that lets us find our rhythm before the real work begins as we climb into the rugged heart of Algonquin. We'll trade the flat path for a steady rhythm of roots and ridges, pushing into the lush hardwood forests that define the park's western highlands. The rewards come in the form of solitude, like the deep, clear waters of Islet Lake - the perfect mid hike swimming spot.
Day 2, we push on for a massive 18km day, making our way to Brown Lake. It's a world of total silence and dark skies where the only sounds are the wind in the hemlocks and our own footsteps on the trail. This is a tough, honest trek through a landscape carved by ancient glaciers, offering a sense of pure wilderness that few others ever get to see.
We can guarantee that this trail will test you. Because there is no bailout option mid-route, we move as a tight crew, supporting each other through every climb. For those willing to put in the work and find out what they are made of, the Western Uplands offers some of the most raw and rewarding backpacking in the province.
What's Included:
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.
Background
The Western Uplands Backpacking Trail is widely considered the premier hiking challenge in Algonquin Provincial Park. While the area is now a recovering hardwood forest, these paths once served the industrial logging operations that preceded the park's establishment. Today, the trail is famous for its solitude and wildlife; you’re likely to meet grouse that aggressively defend their territory and see constant signs of the moose population that calls the area home.
What You Need to Know
We’re hiking the northern most loop of the trail, entering at the beautiful Rain Lake access point. We’ll have 45km of hiking ahead of us, a significant challenge when you’re carrying all of your gear on your back.
This access point feels like finding a secret back door to the park's most remote reaches, starting with a gentle stretch along an old logging railway bed. It starts as a flat, historic stroll that lets us find our rhythm before the real work begins as we climb into the rugged heart of Algonquin. We'll trade the flat path for a steady rhythm of roots and ridges, pushing into the lush hardwood forests that define the park's western highlands. The rewards come in the form of solitude, like the deep, clear waters of Islet Lake - the perfect mid hike swimming spot.
Day 2, we push on for a massive 18km day, making our way to Brown Lake. It's a world of total silence and dark skies where the only sounds are the wind in the hemlocks and our own footsteps on the trail. This is a tough, honest trek through a landscape carved by ancient glaciers, offering a sense of pure wilderness that few others ever get to see.
We can guarantee that this trail will test you. Because there is no bailout option mid-route, we move as a tight crew, supporting each other through every climb. For those willing to put in the work and find out what they are made of, the Western Uplands offers some of the most raw and rewarding backpacking in the province.
What's Included:
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 - Our shortest epic packs a serious punch. Conquering this 45km loop with packs on our backs will be an incredibly rewarding challenge.
Moose Spotting - There are a huge number of moose in this part of the park and there’s a good chance we’ll come across them during our journey.
Uninterrupted Wilderness - Deep in the woods, with no roads or cell service, this adventure gives you the ultimate opportunity for nature immersion
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Friday, August 21st
06:30 - Early start as we leave from Keele Station towards the access point
10:00 Expected arrival. We begin our journey.
Distance covered - 13km
Saturday, August 22nd
Our toughest day as we continue the hike
Distance covered - 18km
Sunday, August 23rd
We’ll go for a celebratory group meal once we’re finished (additional to trip cost) before heading home to Toronto for a late return
Distance covered - 13km
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!
