Fall (aka shoulder season) camping brings the serene beauty of the backcountry, without the crowds and bugs.
At this time of year, Frontenac will be less busy and the trail into Big Clear Lake belongs mostly to us. It's a 9km hike to reach the site, working through root tangled trails and stretches of open granite typical of this stretch of the Canadian Shield. Only the most stubborn leaves will remain on the trees and you’ll enjoy long sightlines through bare branches where the canopy used to be. The pace is steady and moderate the whole way in, never technical but never quite letting up either.
We set up camp on the shore of Big Clear Lake as the light starts to drop, we get a fire going, and cook dinner together. Late October nights out here are serene, with a sky full of stars over the lake.
In the morning, we’ll take our time over breakfast before packing up and heading out along the other side of Big Salmon Lake: a different stretch of trail from the one we hiked in on, with its own look at the park before we're back where we started.
By the time we're back at the cars, you'll have had that sweet final night of the year in the backcountry.
What's included
Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee.
Accessibility
Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com
Fall (aka shoulder season) camping brings the serene beauty of the backcountry, without the crowds and bugs.
At this time of year, Frontenac will be less busy and the trail into Big Clear Lake belongs mostly to us. It's a 9km hike to reach the site, working through root tangled trails and stretches of open granite typical of this stretch of the Canadian Shield. Only the most stubborn leaves will remain on the trees and you’ll enjoy long sightlines through bare branches where the canopy used to be. The pace is steady and moderate the whole way in, never technical but never quite letting up either.
We set up camp on the shore of Big Clear Lake as the light starts to drop, we get a fire going, and cook dinner together. Late October nights out here are serene, with a sky full of stars over the lake.
In the morning, we’ll take our time over breakfast before packing up and heading out along the other side of Big Salmon Lake: a different stretch of trail from the one we hiked in on, with its own look at the park before we're back where we started.
By the time we're back at the cars, you'll have had that sweet final night of the year in the backcountry.
What's included
Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee.
Accessibility
Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com
Last Trip of the Season: The final overnight on the calendar before WU's backcountry program pauses for winter
Shoulder Season Solitude: Long, quiet stretches of trail, with the lake mostly to yourselves.
A Clear Night Sky: Bare branches and dry autumn air make for some of the best stargazing conditions of the year at the campsite.
Saturday October 24
06:30 - 10:00 - Pick up close to Keele Station and drive to Frontenac Provincial Park
10:00 - 14:30 - Hike to campsite, with a stop for lunch along the way
14:30 - 18:00 - Set up camp, hang out at the campsite, learn camping skills, explore the area, or just relax in a hammock
Evening - Dinner, fireside hangs and stargazing
Sunday October 25
Morning - Chill morning at campsite
09:00 - 10:00 - Pack up campsite
10:00 - 14:30 - Hike back to starting point, with a stop for lunch along the way
14:30 - 19:00 - Drive back to Toronto
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
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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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