Snowshoe camping, Maggie Lake, Algonquin

Due to demand for winter camping with snowshoes, give a round of applause for Maggie Lake, the star of Algonquin Park's Western Uplands Hiking Trail.

Itinerary:

Friday, Feb. 10, 5:30 pm, leave from Tim Horton's, Weber and Northfield, Waterloo. Carpool to the Econolodge, Huntsville.

Saturday, early breakfast at the motel, purchase backcountry permits at Algonquin Park's west gate on Hwy 60, 9:00 am. Proceed to hiking trail parking lot, 9:30 am, and set out clockwise on the blue blazed loop.

Hike with snowshoes for 9 km to Maggie Lake and setup camp for the night.

Cost:

$25 (accommodation) + $11.75 (backcountry permit/person/night) + $30 (shared gas) = $66.75

Gear:

This is typically the coldest time of the year so a -20 C sleeping bag is in order. Well insulated sleeping pad. Liquid gas stove to melt snow. Thermos/flask to keep melted snow melted. Tent. Snowshoes (when you need them you need them bad). Hiking poles a plus. If renting please reserve ahead of time, as early as possible.

Links:

Snowshoe and sleeping bag rentals (http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com/rental/5.html) (Algonquin Outfitters, Oxetongue Lake) 1-800-469-4948

Snowshoe rentals (MEC, Barrie) 705-792-4675

Difficulty:

Not your average walk in the park but reasonably fit, well prepared, first time winter campers welcome.

Inspiration:

Photos from one of last year's winter trips (http://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/1248200/) to Maggie Lake.

Notes:

MEC Barrie rents MSR snowshoes such as the EVO model. These are far superior to most rental snowshoes.