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Backcountry Camping

Western Uplands Backcountry Camping

Cost:  
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Optional Transport:  
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Join a Wilderness Union Adventure
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Event Date
October 25, 2025
Destination
Kawarthas
Duration
2 Days
Highlights
Our Last Camping Trip of '25!
Trip eligible for credit -  
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Guest passes can be used -  
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Your Registration Details

Transport
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AdditIonal Add Ons
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Guests
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Difficulty Rating
★★★
Beauty Rating
★★★★★
Solitude Rating
★★★★★

Description

Members kept asking for one more camping trip, and we’re delivering. This time, we’re heading into Algonquin’s backcountry for a quick overnight hike to Islet Lake — a stunning section of the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail that’s perfect for a weekend escape.

This isn’t your ordinary camping trip. You’ll hike 10 km through classic Algonquin terrain - pine forests, rocky ridges, and quiet lakeshores - before reaching a remote campsite on the edge of Islet Lake. It’s a real backcountry experience: no modern conveniences, no cell service, just the sounds of loons, wind, and water.

What to Expect

Expect a challenging but rewarding hike with full packs, clear water for swimming, and a beautiful place to unwind for the night. We’ll set up camp, cook dinner over the fire, fall alseep to the sounds of howling wolves and with a bit of luck, see the Milky Way reflected on the lake.

On Sunday, we’ll pack up and hike out, finishing the weekend with tired legs, clear minds, and that deep sense of reset that only Algonquin can offer.

What's included

This trip is professionally guided and includes all camp meals and cooking equipment, along with tents. We have cheap equipment rental for those who need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.

Meals

We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for each meal

Saturday Lunch - BYO packed lunch

Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire

Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea

Sunday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches

Members kept asking for one more camping trip, and we’re delivering. This time, we’re heading into Algonquin’s backcountry for a quick overnight hike to Islet Lake — a stunning section of the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail that’s perfect for a weekend escape.

This isn’t your ordinary camping trip. You’ll hike 10 km through classic Algonquin terrain - pine forests, rocky ridges, and quiet lakeshores - before reaching a remote campsite on the edge of Islet Lake. It’s a real backcountry experience: no modern conveniences, no cell service, just the sounds of loons, wind, and water.

What to Expect

Expect a challenging but rewarding hike with full packs, clear water for swimming, and a beautiful place to unwind for the night. We’ll set up camp, cook dinner over the fire, fall alseep to the sounds of howling wolves and with a bit of luck, see the Milky Way reflected on the lake.

On Sunday, we’ll pack up and hike out, finishing the weekend with tired legs, clear minds, and that deep sense of reset that only Algonquin can offer.

What's included

This trip is professionally guided and includes all camp meals and cooking equipment, along with tents. We have cheap equipment rental for those who need a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Before the trip we'll be sharing a detailed packing list telling you absolutely everything you need to think about and pack so you can turn up feeling totally prepared, ready to have an amazing time with the WU crew.

Meals

We'll have vegan/veg and meat options for each meal

Saturday Lunch - BYO packed lunch

Saturday Dinner - Hot dinner around the campfire

Sunday Breakfast - Hot Breakfast and coffee/tea

Sunday Lunch - Wraps/sandwiches

Getting There

Self drivers, please note that to get to this trip you'll have to drive for almost an hour up a rough dirt road. You're recommended to take WU transport if you're not comfortable with these conditions!

Highlights

Spectacular Wilderness

Step into a landscape that feels frozen in time—wild and wonderfully remote. Just you, the forest, and the sound of your boots on the trail.

Camp Skills

Learn skills like fire building, finding shelter and keeping a bear safe campsite from our expert guides

Wildlife

Bears, moose, beavers and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter.

Saturday 25th October

07:00 - Depart from Toronto, close to Keele Station

10:30 – 13:30 – Hike to campsite

Afternoon - Set up camp. Hang out at the campsite. Learn camp skills, swim, or just relax in a hammock

Evening – Diner, fireside hangs and stargazing

Sunday 26th October

Morning – Breakfast, pack up camp and begin hike out.

15:00 - Arrive back at the trail head

19:00 – Return to Toronto feeling utterly reset and refreshed

Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.

Please read and understand this before registering

Cancellations made:

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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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What to Expect on a WU Trip

Is a Wilderness Union Trip Right for You?
We offer a unique alternative to commercial tours. We don't just show you incredible natural wonders, we teach you to become confident in nature so you can discover the life changing magic of the outdoors. You'll love it here if:
- You want to make real friends, not just small talk with strangers
- You prefer "off the beaten path" over "all-inclusive resort"
- You're happy to pitch in and learn new skills (e.g., helping with camp setup or group tasks)
- You value the journey and the company as much as the destination

Who Else Will Be There
WU is aimed at a younger generation of outdoor lovers who don't see themselves represented in traditional hiking clubs and our members are typically 20-40 years old. Whether you're brand new to the outdoors or have plenty of experience, you'll find something for you.

Our Guides
All of our guides are highly qualified, passionate outdoor lovers, just like you. They love to share their knowledge and will help you see our destinations in another light, often teaching you something along the trail.

Q&A

Got questions? Checkout our FAQ for answers to pretty much anything you can think of.

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