Intro to backpacking in Algonquin - Sat, Jun 10 2017, Sun, Jun 11 2017

Intro to backpacking in Algonquin (6/10/2017)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.You will then make your payment for this event at the venue, NOT in advance to the TOC.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Overnight
Event Location: Algonquin Provincial Park
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jun 10 2017, Sun, Jun 11 2017  7:15 AM  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Mon, May 22 2017 11:00:00 PM
Event Duration:Saturday Morning - Sunday Evening
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): César
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:$19.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:1
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 6 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

If you would like to experience camping in the backcountry, but haven’t had the opportunity yet, this trip is for you. This event would give you the opportunity to experience the glory and challenges of backpacking in the backcountry.

The trip is well suited to those who have experience hiking on rough terrain and to those who have experience with car camping, as you are already familiar with some of the expected conditions, and most likely have some of the gear.

We will leave Toronto on Saturday morning, head to the Mew Campground to get our permits, and then we will hike approximately 7km to our campsite along Provoking Lake. We'll spend the evening setting camp, learning some basic skills for the backcountry, and relaxing at the end of the day. On Sunday morning, we will break camp, hike to the parking lot, and then drive back to Toronto. Please do not make plans to be back at a specific time in Toronto on Sunday, as unforeseen circumstances can contribute to a late return to the city.

Please note that this event is classified as a D3 in the Toronto Outdoor Club (TOC) Difficulty Rating Scale. For more information about what this means, please click the corresponding link on the left (blue) column on this page for details.

When the event registration opens, everybody will go to the waiting list. Names will be added to the list of attendees based on the following points, so please read them carefully, as they will affect your registration:

  • Registration priority will be given to those without any backcountry camping (backpacking) experience, but that have at least some experience "car-camping", and/or trail hiking. Those with TOC backpacking experience are also invited to register, just keeping in mind that this will be an intro level event, and that your registration will not be considered until after the pre-meeting has taken place (a couple of weeks before the event).

  • As vehicles will be needed, those willing to drive will receive priority. Drivers, please make sure to answer the question during your registration regarding your vehicle capacity. Passengers will be added subject to vehicle capacity. The total number of attendees will be capped according to park regulations.

  • For those new to backpacking, a mandatory pre-meeting will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 6:30pm at Chalkers Pub at 247 Marlee Ave., North York to discuss car-pooling arrangements, trip expectation, food planning and equipment. Please be on time, and schedule at least a couple of hours for the meeting. If you are unable to attend the pre- meeting, you will be removed from the list of attendees without further notification.

  • Those on the waiting list with backpacking experience are excused from the pre-meeting requirement; however you will be required to abide by any group decisions made during the pre- meeting.

    Other points for your consideration: Please read carefully the list below of required items to bring. Most of the trail is hilly and uneven and you can expect carrying close to 20kg (give or take) on your back, so bringing a well- fitting backpack and hiking boots/ hiking shoes goes a long way to prevent strains. Questions regarding gear will be addressed at the pre- meeting, and then you’ll have a couple of weeks to secure the required gear before the trip .


    • Required Items to Bring:

    You will carry what you bring for your personal use, so pack light! Also, keep in mind that everybody is expected to assist carrying items for common use: please ensure that there is some room in your backpack for them. If you have questions about gear or what to pack, we could discuss at the pre-meeting.

  • Backpack (at least 50-60 litter)
  • Hiking boots or hiking shoes, well broken in
  • Suitable clothing for weather (Absolutely NO COTTON!)
  • Whistle
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Toiletries + toilet paper
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Nalgene wide-mouth water bottles or hydration bladder (total capacity should be or exceed 2 litter)
  • Personal cup, bowl, eating utensils
  • Food (To be discussed at pre-meeting)
  • Dry sac to hang your food/toiletries overnight
  • Personal first-aid kit / medications
  • Tent or shelter (due to park regulations regarding maximum number of pieces of shelter allowed per campsite, participants are expected to show flexibility in case there is need to share with other participants - to be discussed at pre- meeting).
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

    At pre-meeting we will discuss who will volunteer some of the common gear.

    Suggested personal items:

  • Knife
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat
  • Garbage bag(s)
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hiking poles

    Common items (To be discussed at pre- meeting):

  • Stove + lighter
  • Saw
  • Pots + cookware
  • Water filter or treatment
  • Rope for bear bags
  • Tarp


    • How to Get There:
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):600Km
    Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 AM
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $154.80 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Friday, April 19, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

    Notes:
    Photo credit: © César Guerra
    - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
    - Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
    - Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.

    Cost & Payment:
    Member Cost:$19.00/Person
    Cost Includes:1) Backcountry permit per person for Saturday night
    2) One time, non-refundable reservation fee, slplit by number of attendees

    The cost does not include carpool cost, common meals, voluntary donation, or any other supplementary cost.

    Group expenses such as carpool, food are extra and will be calculated at the conclusion of the trip.

    Make a Payment:Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the TOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.
     
    Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
    Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!