Snowshoeing Algonquin, Guskewau Lake

Bésame el culo el Niño...Vamos raquetas de nieve!

Kiss my butt el Niño...we're going snowshoeing!

A short notice, short trip with my friend, Jenn, to get our snowshoeing season started...finally.

Almost a year ago to the exact date, we marched into Guskewau. What an adventure. Blinding snowstorm, frigid temperatures, unbroken trail of freshly fallen snow past our knees. (thanks Meng for your trailblazing)

The snow has arrived just in time for us to revisit this beautiful lake. I (Jenn) have new gear to try and a very energetic German Shepherd ready for some action.

Itinerary:

Friday January 8th, head north to Algonquin Park and stay at Mew Lake campground for the night. Because I live in Orillia, I can be there early to get a roaring fire started.

Saturday morning have breakfast, break camp and head back to the West Gate for 9am to pick up back country permits and possibly meet other backpackers who could not make it up Friday night.

Head to Western Uplands Trail parking lot, located at km 3 past the West Gate on left hand side and begin hiking into Guskewau (approx 5km), set up camp, gather firewood and then day hike further if time allows.

Sunday return to parking lot by mid afternoon and head home. Weather and time permitting we may be able to stop in Huntsville for something to eat.

Cost:

$12.43 (back country permit) +$40 (shared gas) = $52 approx

Actual costs will vary per car depending on how many carpooling

If staying in Mew Lake campground Friday night $44.35 for the night with 3 tents allowed per campsite and 1 vehicle on site. $13 per each additional vehicle. The cost of campsites and vehicle permits will be divided equally among all campers staying Friday night. The more who make it up Friday, the cheaper it is :)

Snowshoe rentals approx. $20

Rentals:

MEC in Barrie has snowshoes - open Friday night until 9pm closed Sunday at 5pm

Algonquin outfitters and Oxtongue lake rent snowshoes as well as winter camping gear.

Adventure Guide in Waterloo also rents and provides a Friday to Monday time frame.

Gear and Difficulty:

It is a short distance (5km) with some hills but depending on weather and trail conditions can be a lengthy snowshoe in.

It is winter camping and you need to be prepared to tent in temperatures of -20 or colder.

NO COTTON should be worn.

Use the shared Sheet to make ride and tent sharing arrangements. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14cAtig6VW09TmYCFCBvireZbUFCLpf4fqPFATksfCJ0/edit?usp=sharing

When you RSVP please remember to answer questions. A logistics email will be sent out after the RSVP closes.

As with all KW Backcountry Travel meetups, you are responsible for your own transportation, food, gear and personal safety.