3 Exciting Outdoor Adventures in Canada
Agawa Canyon Ice Climbing Expedition, ON
Ride the rails from Sault Ste. Marie to your base, a prospector’s camp in Agawa Canyon. This four-day canyon ice expedition is suitable for beginners and intermediates. Practice climbing techniques on Trestle’s or Don’s falls and learn knot-tying, rappels and more. As you progress, attempt hanging belays and multi-pitch climbing. Evenings around the fire are spent relaxing and discussing the next day’s destination.
The Skinny: The prospector’s tent comes equipped with cots, a propane stove, oil heater and lights. Instruction and technical ice equipment is included. Bring your own food, drinks and personal gear.
More Info: Rates vary; superior-exploration.ca
Hut-to-Hut Skiing in the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve, QC
Approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Montreal, you will find the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve. With more than 100 km of marked trails catering to beginner and intermediate backcountry skiers, it’s an exceptional adventure for those willing to work for it. There are 10 basic huts along the route. Each has a propane stove and is wooded and heated. You must be self-sufficient.
The Skinny: Reservations required, minimum two-night rental. Trips start at the Gagnon Registration Centre in Duhamel. Hut accommodations vary between four to 15 people. Baggage transport service is available.
More Info:$28.75/night; sepaq.com
Touring the Tetrahedrons, BC
If you have the passion and skills for a self-guided wilderness snowshoe/ski trip, consider the lesser-known Tetrahedron Provincial Park on BC’s Sunshine Coast. This special area boasts 60-sq-km of diverse wilderness terrain, mountain lakes, four alpine huts (accommodates 12 people) and stunning views of the Strait of Georgia and beyond. (Keep an eye out for bobcats known to inhabit the park.)
The Skinny: The trailhead is a 45-minute drive from the Langdale Ferry Terminal, accessed by Gray Creek logging road in Tuwanek (Sechelt). Bring your own cooking equipment. Maps are available from the Tetrahedron Outdoor Club.
More Info: $10/night; tetoutdoor.weebly.com
This article originally appeared in our Winter 2014 issue.
