Winter backpacking in Bruce National Park

For those who have visited Bruce National Park in the summer you know that it can be a beautiful area. Startlingly blue water, imposing cliffs, and dense forest.

The winter presents a whole new way to see the park. Less crowds for sure. The blue water turns to a bleak horizon of ice. The cliff softens with pillows of white powder. They are joined by a frequent icy winds.

If this sounds like fun then read on.

The mode of transport will be on snowshoes.

This trip is suitable for experienced backpackers who are new winter campers who take the time to be well prepared. The demands of snowshoeing are much more tiring so good conditioning is important.

Photos of this trip in past years can be found here.

https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/25905543/

https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/20429582/

Itinerary:

Friday Night:

The plan is to camp out at the Cyprus Lake Campground.

Saturday:

We will hike to Stormhaven via the Bruce trail. There will likely be some side hikes as conditions permit.

Sunday:

We will hike back.

Gear hints:

• You need a burly sleeping bag. You should be prepared for very cold winter conditions. I have hear multiple stories of temperatures plunging below -20C.

• Multiple sleeping pads. You are looking for at least a couple 5-10 CM of insulation below (after you lay down on it).

• Snowshoes are required gear.

• You should be dressing a layers because not only is it important to keep warm, it is important to cool off to keep from freezing sweat in your clothing.

• Water will come from boiled snow melt. You should have water containers with wide openings (i.e. Nalgine style). This is not only safer for filling with boiling water (see above) but also easier to deal with if frozen.

• Do not bring hydration pouches or anything with a hose!

• You should have a stove system compatible with low temperatures (i.e. white gas or inverted canister). Be sure to budget much more fuel to cope with melting snow.

• Also for your water container you will want to make sure you can insulate them from freezing, they make insulation sleeves for such tings.

• Warm winter boots (even better ones with removable liners).

• High Gaiters (or you will certainly fill your boots with snow)

• For the coastal areas you should be able to fully cover your face (googles and face mask) to prevent frostbite if windy.

• Trekking poles are very useful.

Logistics:

All participants MUST fill out the following spreadsheet. This can be used to arrange gear sharing and carpooling.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zqYvoHmti3jo49C1RD_e--_x6HMnN1sQVC9tjw0gSB8/edit?usp=sharing

Some gear can be rented from Adventure Guide or MEC.

Costs:

Gas
Shared evenly within each car.

Friday night
Front Country Campsite
15.70 per site (shared, likely will need two)
Firewood
5.00 per parson (a guess)

Saturday
Backcountry Campsite
9.80 per person
Parking
11.70 per car unless you get a FREE discovery pass.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/bruce/visit/tarifs_fees_e.asp?park=130

Deposit is based on 12 participants, you may need to contribute more of those numbers are not met.

31.40 (2 Front country campsites) + 60.00 (Firewood) + 12×9.80 (Backcountry campsite = 209 (http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/on/bruce/visit/tarifs_fees_e.asp?park=130)

17.42 per person + 0.83 PayPal fee = $18.25 deposit

Note, for the safety of the group, participants may be asked to stay behind if if unprepared.