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Winter Camping Programs

Supported Winter Camping in Algonquin Park

Hot Tent Packages, 4-Season Tent Packages, or bring your own and learn with us.

Our program is designed as an intro to winter camping for first timers, but also allows for previous winter campers to join and further their skills or just enjoy the comradery. When you attend one of our programs the goal is for you to feel confident enough afterwards to venture out on your own. Those that attend our programs can also rent our hot tents in the future.

We believe that winter camping should be a layered approach. Designed for everyone, from families, couples, groups, solo campers, etc., our programs are a simple and safe way to learn and grow.

When booking with us, we will review your experience and develop the most appropriate plan with you. We will send you a clothing/gear list, and have a phone/zoom chat with you before the trip.

The Program

We will have a hot tent set up as a basecamp warming station/gathering area for the group and you will have your own tent and will set up in close proximity to the base tent. However, If you have some winter camping experience and want to go further from the group you can. Basecamp will be set up just a short hike in from the parking area which allows new winter campers to bring extra clothing layers and gear to experiment with and learn what works.

Our trips are not guided with a detailed itinerary, it is a supported program. What we mean by that is you get to choose your own itinerary. Participants are involved with all aspects of the work and we will be there to help. You choose how to spend your day and how much you want to learn. You will be setting up tents, gathering wood, cooking your own meals, etc., and then you can go exploring, play in the snow, or socialize with other members of the group. There will also be plenty of opportunities throughout the day to ask questions and learn new skills. We offer many opportunities throughout the weekend to learn winter camping skills and to try out gear.

learning opportunities may include:

  • Building fires and processing wood
  • Fire Starters
  • Axes and Saws (We will have a selection available for participants to try)
  • Layering and tips for staying warm
  • Shelter and sleep system options
  • Winter camping safety
  • Camping with kids
  • toboggans/pulks and pulling your gear
  • Kitchen setups, menu ideas

General Itinerary:

Day 1 – Meet and greet in Algonquin Park at the trail head. Organize gear and load sleds/pulks. Friday’s focus is setting up the basecamp and individual tents. You will learn about different sleds/pulks, how to set up the tents/stoves, sleep systems, etc.

Day 2 – Use as you wish. Explore, go snowshoeing, relax, or ask questions and participate in group activities/learning opportunities.

Day 3 – Spend the morning exploring or socializing. Pack up starts around noon with a 1-2pm departure, at which time you can head home or continue to enjoy the park. Your permit allows you to spend the day in the park, you can go hiking or go check out the Algonquin Visitors Centre.

Trip Dates and Booking Details

CHOOSE YOUR WINTER CAMPING PACKAGE

We have a cold tent (four season tent) package and a hot tent package. We will have our base camp hot tent set up for all of our programs so you can book the cold tent and still learn about hot tents. Our packages include your tent, duffel/dry bags, backpacks, snowshoes and complete sleep systems. At the basecamp tent we will have water, hot drinks and fire wood. If you have your own tent and sleep system and want to get better with your set-up and learn with us reach out for custom program pricing.

Hot Tent Package

Snowtrekker Hot Tents

Solo – $550

2 people sharing a tent – $500/person

3 people sharing a tent – $450/person

4 people sharing a tent – $400/person

Children under 12 are 1/2 price.

4-Season Tent Package

North Face Expedition Tents

Solo – $350

2 People sharing a tent – $300/person

3 People sharing a tent – $250/person

4 People sharing a tent – $200/person

Included with our package options:

TRAVEL SYSTEMS AND GEAR:

We set everyone up with snowshoes at the trailhead. (If you would like to upgrade to OAC Backcountry skis we need to know ahead of time). We will also have an assortment of pulks, toboggans and packs to choose from for each person. Saws, axes, tarps, fire starters, firewood and other gear will also be available for the groups to use and learn about.

SLEEP SYSTEMS:

We will have your sleep system packed in a duffel and ready to go. Sleep systems consist of the following gear:

  • -20 to -30 sleeping bag depending on temperatures
  • thermal liner
  • bivy or insulated overbag
  • wool blanket
  • insulated reflective ground sheet
  • closed cell pad

*Programs prices are per person/program

*Children’s prices are 12 and under

Items not included:

  • Your park permits
  • Food
  • Headlamps and batteries
  • Stove and fuel (or you can cook over the fire)
  • Pot set and cooking utensils
  • Plates, mugs and utensils
  • Bio Soap and washing supplies
  • Thermos
  • Water bottle with insulator
  • Lantern
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal items – medications, cameras, clothing, etc.

If you need the above items you can get complete outfitting which will include all of the above (except personal items, food and permits) for your group at an additional cost of $50 per group. If you only need of a couple things we can assist with partial outfitting as well.

Feel free to email with any questions!

Now lets go winter camping!

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