Backpacking, Victoria Lake, Queen Elizabeth Wildlands
Details
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The nice thing about the Queen Elizabeth Wildlands is, surprise, they are wild. Maintenance on the Ganaraska Trail which runs through this section is minimal.
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Beaver damns serve as bridges.
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Trail markings are sparse. There is little to distract from the essentials of trail blazing.
Speaking of blazing, put on your sunglasses. This place vibrates with color under full sunlight and fall colors. Last year we caught the oaks with their earthy browns and oranges. This year anticipate the maples showing off their fiery reds and yellows.
Get out your hiking poles, you'll need them on this challenging section of Ganaraska trail between Devils Lake and Victoria Lake.
Itinerary:
Friday, Oct. 2, head north as early as possible after work to the Minden Wild Water Preserve. Car camp for the night.
Saturday, proceed to Devils Lake parking lot after breakfast in Minden. Pick up the Ganaraska trail there and don't look back until Victoria Lake. Set up camp, collect firewood. Let campfire festivities begin.
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Sunday, Oct. 4, return reaching the Devils Lake parking lot at 5:00 pm., no sooner no later. Commence the three and a half hour drive back to KW.
Cost:
$20 shared gas + $17 Friday camping = $37
Difficulty:
Beginning backpackers welcome. This isn't an easy trail but who better than you to judge whether you are in reasonable aerobic shape. I'm guessing the distance at only 15 km one way but rest assured it will be a full day's work and you'll be happy to see the last kilometer.
Pack light is the best advice. Bring hiking poles ranks a close second.
Inspiration:
Photos from last 2014's combined hike and canoe trip. https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/25308642/
Photos from 2012's Ganaraska hike https://www.meetup.com/KW-Backcountry/photos/11386142/
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http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/ontario/minden