Snowshoe camping, Bruce Peninsula National Park

All great landscapes demand an encounter in all four seasons to truly appreciate. This national treasure, Bruce Peninsula National Park, is no exception.

Hiking its full extent in the winter is a two day challenge, so bring out the snowshoes, stuff that ultra warm sleeping bag in the pack, and lets get it done. Don't forget piping hot tea in the thermos.

How about a roaring campfire at Cyprus Lake Friday night to get pumped for this epic?

Itinerary:

Option 1: Friday, Jan. 24, 5:30 pm, drive three hours to Bruce Peninsula National Park, Cyprus Lake Campground, Tobermory. Setup camp and get a fire going.

Last year the road to Cyprus Lake was impassible Friday night due to a monster snow storm. The Princess Hotel in Tobermory has reasonable off season rates ($65 including breakfast). Split between two or more its an affordable option in the event of inclement weather or late night arrivals.

Option 2: Join the rest of the group en route, or at Cyprus Lake 8:00 am, Saturday.

Both options: Saturday, 8:00 am, start for High Dump campground. It will take the remaining 9 hours of daylight to get there, so no sleeping in.

Sunday, return arriving at Cyprus Lake late afternoon. Head for home anticipating a 9:30 pm arrival in KW.

Cost:

$30 (shared gas) + $8 (shared tent site Friday $24 / 4 ) + $9.80 (backcountry Saturday night) + $8 (shared parking 2 x $11.75 / 3) = $53.80 (something like that, National Parks keeps changing rates)

Logistics:

See the Google shared document to assist with ride and gear sharing https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtI1mHVqaf-jdDhucFlyTDhlMXRsZ19DVFp3elA4UXc#gid=0

All camping permits, front country and backcountry, are available from a self-serve kiosk at Cyprus Lake upon arrival.

Difficulty:

First time winter campers are welcome but you'll want to take preparation seriously, there is little latitude for error this time of year. Winter hiking is physically more demanding due to heavier backpacks so being in excellent shape is advisable. There are no monster hills along this stretch but a constant bobbing up and down.

Gear:

Snowshoes and traction devices for boots (for example Micro Spikes). Genuine winter boots. - 20 C sleeping bag. Well insulated camp mat. Tent. White gas stove (for example MSR Simmerlite) for melting snow to drink. Thermos/flask for keeping snow melted. The usual clothing layers for high output winter activity. A dry set of inner layers for the night is well worth the weight on an over-nighter. After hike booties are deluxe along with a serious down jacket for star gazing. Hiking poles make carrying heavy packs muck easier.

Inspiration:

Slideshow from last winter's excellent adventure http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/12836552/199972992/#199995212

(photo no longer available on Meetup)