Winter Activities

Wintercamping in Temagami

We will travel in the Temagami wilderness area on snowshoes with sleds, moving camp every day. We We will cover about 8km each day taking turns breaking trail with a group of 4 to 6 of us. Our route follows the water ways and portage trails in between them. We will camp by about 3pm, set up tents, prepare firewood for our stoves for cooking and to keep us warm at night. Good fitness level and previous winter camping experience is required.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Temagami
Date(s) & Time: 
Monday, February 24, 2025 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
January 24th, 2025
Event Duration: 
16 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
6
Minimum Group Size: 
2
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Iva Kinclova
Phone: 
4164616000

Solo paddlers indoor practice - Aurora - February 2nd 4-6pm

Kayakers and solo boaters can practice manoeuvring and rolling in preparation for spring paddling. Bring your boat to the Stronach Recreation Complex, located just off highway 404 on Aurora Sideroad. Meet just before 4pm on Sunday February 2nd. Cost is $30. Location is: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QWH7Dq3crwYdF3ri8 Whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSSWkEqAgFx8eHD8afVGej

The Basics
Event Location: 
1400 Wellington St E, Aurora, ON L4G 7B6
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, February 2, 2025 - 16:00
Registration Cut Off: 
January 27th - max 10 participants
Event Duration: 
2 hours
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Solo paddlers
Maximum Group Size: 
10 paddlers/boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Bring boat through the front entrance and meet in the recreation complex lobby. Entry to the pool will be on your left as you enter the building. Clean boat before bringing it. There will be a hose to clean boats before putting them in the water. There are showers and changing rooms (old style sex-specific). Avoid touching paddles against the pool liner as it can puncture.

Required Items to Bring: 

Boat, paddle, PFD. (No sea kayaks) Clean mud and leaves off your boat before bringing inside the rec complex.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Bathing suit, towel, goggles, earplugs, nose plug. If you have feet pegs neoprene socks or water shoes to protect feet. Water clothing to prevent participants becoming chilled. Water bottles (no glass).

How to Get There
Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Pay within three days before even - forfeit $30 if you don't show up.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Tom Beakbane
Phone: 
4168169665
Email: 

Ice Safety and Rescue (ISR) 2 day course

Do you enjoy paddling during the winter, hot tenting, snow shoeing across frozen lakes and other winter activities that might benefit from an ice safety course? I certainly do and sometimes wonder if I am properly trained to handle an emergency or even have proper practice to avoid an unwanted incident.

This winter I am looking forward to participating in an ice safety course with Boreal River Rescue in the Peterborough area.  This is a two day course with 4-6 hours online to be completed beforehand.

https://rescue.borealriver.com/courses/ice/ice-rescue-safety-certification/#foogallery-8457/i:8459

WCA members are welcome to use the promo code WCA10 to receive 10% off.

Please contact me and I can forward you a PDF with instructions if needed.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Peterborough area TBD
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, January 6, 2024 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
When the course has reached capacity
Event Duration: 
2 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Open to anyone but a certain amount of stamina is needed!
Maximum Group Size: 
12 people
Minimum Group Size: 
6 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

The whole course is outdoors and the location is to be decided.

Be punctual and prepared.
I have found Boreal courses demanding and very rewarding!

Required Items to Bring: 

Please see the Boreal website. Rentals available for immersion suits.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Again on the Boreal website but remember the necessary calories to keep you energized and warm enough to participate.
Have appropriate clothing!

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Peterborough, exact location to be determined

Carpool Info: 

Please contact me if you join. I will put together a group email so people are able to make arrangements for carpooling and accommodation if it’s advantageous.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
As per Boreal River Rescue policy
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Christopher Mayberry
Phone: 
519-878-9358

Winter Camping 102 (Hot Tenting): CANCELLED DUE TO WARM WEATHER

Join me for an overnight winter camping (Hot Tenting) trip exploring the back country of Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park near Minden. We start at the Devil’s Lake access point and snowshoe in about 5 km (pending snowfall accumulations). Once we make basecamp, we will explore the area further. This trip is open to anyone wanting to learn more about winter camping (hot tenting).You will need to be able to walk in deep snow while pulling a sled in adverse weather conditions. You will also need to be comfortable crossing frozen ponds and lakes.

Outing: January 11-12th, 2020
1 night

The Basics
Event Location: 
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands: Devil's Lake access point
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, January 11, 2020 - 08:00
Registration Cut Off: 
January 5th, 2020
Event Duration: 
2 days, 1 night
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Anyone interested
Maximum Group Size: 
2 people
Minimum Group Size: 
1 person
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Planning will be coordinated through email, phone and text messaging. A winter camping gear list will be emailed to participants attending the outing. A telephone meeting will occur to make sure that you are suitable for this outing. I will provide the winter camping hot tent (3 person)

Everyone will need to have safety ice pikes, a whistle, a first aid kit and access to a sled/pulk.

Everyone participating will have to arrange their own transportation.

We meet at the Devil's Lake access point at 8:00 AM sharp.

Required Items to Bring: 

-Winter sleeping bag rated to -30C.
-winter clothes (hat, boots, long johns, socks, toque, pants, base layers, parka, etc.)
-snowshoes
-sunglasses
-duffle bag for personal gear
-sleeping pad/air mattress
-change of complete clothes
-insulating mug
-water bottle
-cutlery
-your own food/snacks
****NO COTTON CLOTHING****

MOST OF THESE ITEMS CAN BE RENTED AT MEC

Recommended Items to Bring: 

-Camera
-Sun block
-GPS
-Lip balm

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

QUEEN ELIZABETH II WILDLANDS: DEVIL'S LAKE ACCESS POINT (SOUTH OF MINDEN)

-400 North to Orillia
-Orillia to Hiway 12 east to Atherley road
-Rama road to Monk road east
-Monk road to Norland
-Hiway 35 north to Deep Bay road
-access point on Deep Bay road (new access point)

Carpool Info: 

N/A

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Luigi Salerno
Phone: 
6476696904

KOLAPOPORE UPLANDS SKI TRAILS

WCA ‘ers are welcome to join a cross country ski group planning a longer (+ 4 ish hour) cross-country ski outing on the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness bush trails on Friday January 14th. Depart Grey Road 2 at 10.30 am. Route and details to be decided by Wed January 12th depending on weather and snow conditions. For info on Kolapore go to www.kolaporeuplands.org The area is suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers- no snowshoes or family pets, please. Kolapore is about 20 minutes drive SW of Collingwood. For info call or E mail Bob Fisher info@upthebay.com or 416 487 2950 as soon as possible.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Kolapore Uplands Ski Trails, SW of Collingwood
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, January 14, 2011 - 10:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bob Fisher
Phone: 
416-487-2950

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN THE OWEN SOUND AREA- ALL WINTER

In the Owen Sound area there are good to great cross country skiing areas offering opportunities for all level of skiing skills. There are lots of trails for novice and intermediate levels. All trails are groomed regularly. One area is classic only and the other is groomed for classic and skating. Here are websites for the local areas:
http://www.bruceskiclub.ca/
http://www.brucegreytrails.com/trail.php?Trail=48

From Toronto to Owen Sound usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours driving time. It's pretty straightforward to get here. Local accomodations and restaurants are abundant. If you would like a guide(me) to show you around, please send me an email jim_diane2004@yahoo.ca or call 519-371-4096. I'm retired, so I'm available pretty well any day, if I know in advance.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Owen Sound Area
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, January 15, 2011 (All day)
Event Duration: 
Day trips any time during the winter
Difficulty Rating: 
Beginner
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Jim Hastie
Phone: 
519-371--4096

KOLAPORE UPLANDS SKI TRAILS

WCA ‘ers are welcome to join a cross-country ski group planning a longer + 4 ish hour tour, probably Northwest Passage, on the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness bush trails on Monday February 21st – Family Day. Depart Grey Road 2 at 10.00 am. Route and details to be decided by Thursday February 17th depending on weather and snow conditions. For info on Kolapore go to www.kolaporeuplands.org. The area is suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers- no snowshoes or family pets, please. Kolapore is about 20 minutes drive SW of Collingwood. For info call or email Bob Fisher at info@upthebay.com or 416-487-2950.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Collingwood
Date(s) & Time: 
Monday, February 21, 2011 (All day)
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bob Fisher
Phone: 
416-487-2950

cross country ski day and potluck dinner

It's hard to think of skiing with all the warm weather we've been enjoying. Please join us; Barb and Dave, Bruce and Beth and Rick and Diane for a day of cross country skiing at Mansfield Outdoor Centre and potluck dinner and sauna afterwards at Rick's. Please email lucasde@yahoo.com

The Basics
Event Location: 
Mansfield Outdoor Centre
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, January 14, 2012 - 22:00
Registration Cut Off: 
Jan 6th, 2012
Event Duration: 
day trip
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
14
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Diane Lucas
Phone: 
905-826-0875

Winter Camping - Long Lake - Severn Bridge Area

Join me for a weekend of winter camping.

We will be snowshoeing hiking across classic Canadian Shield territory which will include bushwhacking, frozen lakes, ponds and marshes.

We will be going places that are not accessible in the summer months.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Long Lake - Severn Bridge Area
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, March 10, 2012 - 08:00
Registration Cut Off: 
3/3/2012
Event Duration: 
2 days, 1 night
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Intermediate/advance winter camping club members and friends
Maximum Group Size: 
9
Minimum Group Size: 
3
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

This trip is an intermediate to advanced winter camping trip. It is 2 full days and 1 night trip. The plan is to cover about 10-15 km or about 5 hours of actual hiking per day.
Some people find it easier to bring a light weight sled. The sleds help a lot on the flat lakes and ponds. The sled can be converted from SLED MODE to BACKPACK MODE when we are traversing rougher terrain.

If you want to learn how to build your own winter camping sled I have a Winter Camping - Sled Design 101 guide on the subject..

Cooking will be done on an open fire. This may seem to be a challenging adventure, and it is; but, if you have decent winter clothing and equipment, you could find yourself being pleasantly comfortable throughout.

Planning will be coordinated via emails (spreadsheet), winter camping 101 guides and phone calls. A planning spreadsheet will be sent out and needs to be filled in and returned to the coordinator in a tImely manner to solidify your spot on the trip.

In additon, if you are new to the coordinator a series of questions will be asked to determine your experience and fitness level. This will allow the coordinator to create balanced shelter teams and keep everyone safe and happy.

Everyone will need to have a pair of safety ice picks and a whistle, and a small first aid kit.

Required Items to Bring: 

Winter camping clothing and equipment (eg. sleeping bag or bags rated to -20C, sleeping pad, small tarp or retangular tent fly or tent, insulated winter boots with removable felt liners, dress in layers, snowshoes + poles, backpack, insulated sleeve & water bottle, food, cooking gear, etc.

Maniditory Safety ice picks (Buy or make your own. See me for design powerpoint)

1/4"" x 50' rope for food tie up and rescue (a few in the group)

Whistle

Your own food or team up with others

Cash for share of carpool and parking cost

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Camera, sun glasses, lipseal, sun tan lotion

NO cotton clothes.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Contact event coordinator

Carpool Info: 

$66.70/car shared equally with all participants.

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
Carpool and shelter teammates are counting on your commitment to the event
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary Ataman
Phone: 
905-922-1434

Winter Camping - Algonquin Park

Join us for warm winter camping on one of the February weekends and see a bug free Algonquin Park covered in a snow blanket! We have a 9' x 12' wall tent with a wood burning stove which we use for heat as well as cooking. The tent actually gets hot enough to dry clothes and allows us to sit around and enjoy nice meals while discussing the events of the day, future plans, etc. etc. You'll still need a good warm sleeping bag for the overnight hours after we let the fire burn down. We use rigged up toboggans to slide things in and out to the campsite. For further info call 905-840-4566 or email brian.corcoran@rogers.com

The Basics
Event Location: 
Algonquin Park
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, February 3, 2012 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
January 14, 2012
Event Duration: 
3 day weekends in February 2012
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
4 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We drive up and hike in on a Friday usually and spend the rest of the day around the tent site.

Saturday is a local day hike, eating lunch somewhere along the way.

Sunday morning is again spent around the campsite area.

Required Items to Bring: 

Wood or plastic tobaggan, snowshoes, sleeping bag & personal gear

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Brian Corcoran
Phone: 
905-840-4566
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