Backpacking, Algonquin, mode of travel?

Guskewau Lake

Snow conditions will determin whether this is a ski, snowshoe, or hiking event. Although we'll first attempt to ski the Minnesing Wilderness Trail, odds are, due to melting, we'll end up snowshoeing the Western Uplands Trail.

Itinerary:

Leave Friday, March 9, as soon as everyone is off work (5:30 pm?). Drive to the Minnesing Wilderness Trail parking lot, km 23, Hwy 60, Algonquin Park. Hike far enough from the lot to meet winter camping requirements, setup tents for the night.

Saturday determine whether snow conditions are suitable for skiing the trail. If so, attempt to ski the entire 23 km. If not, drive to the Western Uplands Hiking Trail and snowshoe counter clockwise. Camp Saturday night wherever we end up (Oak Lake?).

Sunday, return, arriving back in KW by 8:30 pm.

Cost:

$11.75 (backcountry permit/person/night) + shared gas ($35) = $46.75

Gear:

Cross country skis, snowshoes, waterproof hiking boots and traction devices such as Yak Tracks or Micro Spikes. Under late winter conditions; the north side of hills have knee deep snow (snowshoes); creeks in the valleys have flowing water (waterproof boots); well travelled portions of the trail have compacted ice (traction devices).

Footnotes:

For backcountry permits contact Algonquin Park’s West Gate (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/west-gate.php) at (705) 633-5583 or the Park Information (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/contact/contact-algonquin-park-info.php) at (705) 633-5572.

Algonquin Park weather (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/parksfx/caon1527?ref=topnav_weather_savedcity)

Ski trail conditions (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/current-ski-trail-conditions.php)

Minnesing Wilderness Trail Map (http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/pdf/map_minnesingskitrail.pdf)