Our first through-hike trip on the LaCloche Silhouette Trail in Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario (July 2013; 78 km, 3 days) left us yearning for more adventure. We wanted to plan a more involved trip, test out more gear, and have the opportunity to enjoy a longer time in the beauty of all that is the backcountry of northern Ontario. Fast forward to May 2014. After two additional 3 day trips on the Uplands Trail at Algonquin Provincial Park, and another 3 day trip in Killarney, we felt confident in our abilities, knowledge, skills, and gear.
The time had come for a longer adventure! Our first choice was the Coastal trail at Pukwaska National Park on the rugged beautiful northern shores of Lake Superior. Due to logistic issues and costs (the return boat ride was going to cost $700) and timing, we decided instead to postpone Pukwaska for next season when we could give the demanding trail more research and attention (the average speed on this trail tops out at an exhausting 1 mile per hour!) Our next choice became the Lake Superior Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park, also on the northern shore of Lake Superior but lying slightly more south than Pukwaska.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- THE TIME HAD COME
- THE PLAN
- GETTING THERE
- THE SUNRISE
- TIME STOOD STILL
- THE TRAIL
- THE SIDE TRAIL
- THE SUNSETS
- THE WEATHER
- SMALL PACKS AND OTHER HIKERS
- TOGETHERNESS
- BEAUTY
- WILDLIFE
- THE PROBLEM AND THE FEAR
- JOURNEY'S END
- Leanne Hennessy with Stephen Bradshaw
# WORDS: 3800
# PHOTOS: 36
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Discussion
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Thanks Steve! Yes we definately need to do a better job to promote Ontario trails around the world. Our wilderness areas are unparalelled!
Our plans for this summer include Pukwaska, the Georgian Bay Coastal Trail, and some Temagami trails.
Also excited because we have ordered packrafts from the Canadian distributor in Chilliwack of Alpacka Pack Rafts. They should be here within a week or two and we can't wait!!! This will take our hiking to a whole new level as we can combine hiking trails with some canoe routes and criss cross through lakes and trails! Come on warm weather!
Have you done any Temagami trails, do you have any recommendations? And what are your plans this summer?
Souds awesome. I did Pukaskwa last summer. Its a super fun trail and very scenic. Busier than I expected though.
I wasnt aware of the GBCT, but I am now! I looked it up and that looks like a winner. I may be wrong but is it open already?
You have my attention on the Alpacka…I look at them all the time but never pull the trigger. That opens up a whole new world. Very excited for you and look forward to seeing what you guys do with them.
I have been to Temagami a few times but never for more than an overnighter. I was looking at the OTHT as an option for this summer but not sure if I will have the time….sorry excuse.
As for recomendations, I have plenty. Heres a link to the trails I have done.
http://www.suluk46.com/adventure
Not all are in Ontario or even Canada but a good portion are. Anyway, keep us posted on your trips, love reading about local hotspots!
Steve, about a 20km loop of the GBCT will be open after Canada Day, July 1st this summer. We plan on going up for a weekend to check it out. It is a multi year collaborative project with many First Nations bands so it will be a few years yet before the whole trail is up and running. Exciting! Thanks for your suggestions!
Hey Leanne it's Jenn Cockcroft (Hi Steve!)
If you guys ever head up Temagami way, let me know – I've done some hiking on the OTHT but would like to do more. Neb would enjoy it to I'm sure, he hasn't been since he was 16 weeks old!
Hey Jenn! I didn't know you were a member here! Yes we are planning to get to temagami this summer but haven't nailed down a day yet. would love some company! what are your plans for the summer?
A few weekend trips this summer! And Toby and I are getting married towards the end of June. Keep me posted and maybe I can join for part.
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