Epic #5 - The Lavielle Loop

Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on our website.

Welcome to The Epics!

Through this series, we will embark together on five of the most legendary and challenging adventures anywhere in Ontario.

History
Deep in the interior of Algonquin Park lies a chain of lakes that remains a bucket list trip for serious paddlers. The Lavieille Loop is a high-endurance expedition named after one of the most beautiful lakes in a park full of incredible scenery.

This is a route of extremes: from the crystal-clear expanse of Lake Lavieille to the winding, moose-heavy waters of the Crow River, culminating in the legendary 5.5km Dickson-Bonfield portage, this is a true test of grit.

This expedition is inspired by the Meanest Link, a legendary challenge created by our friends and partners at Algonquin Outfitters.

Designed by Alex Hurley and Gord Baker as a tribute to AO’s founder, Bill Swift Sr., the Link was built to push the limits of exploration and self-reliance. While our loop covers a specific, scenic section of this historic network, we’ve designed this Epic to channel that same spirit of adventure and respect for the park’s heritage.

Learn more about the history and the original route of the Meanest Link on the Algonquin Outfitters website.
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What You Need to Know
This journey is a true ode to Algonquin Park. We’ve carved out a nearly 100km route, taking us from the massive waters of Lake Opeongo, along the winding Crow River, and into the remote reaches of Lake Lavieille before heading back down to Opeongo. By doing this in early September, we catch the park at its absolute best: the bugs are gone, the weather is beautiful, and the wildlife is active along the riverbanks.

Awaiting us in the second half of our journey is the notorious Dickson-Bonfield portage. At over 5km,this is the longest single portage in Algonquin Park. It’s relatively flat but a huge challenge and, once you set your canoe down at Bonfield Lake, you’ll have earned your place among the most dedicated paddlers in the province.

This trip requires a high level of fitness and a genuine willingness to embrace the challenge of a 5km trek with a canoe on your shoulders. For those willing to take on the challenge, this offers the most rewarding sense of accomplishment you can find on the water.

What's Included:

• 2 expert guides with advanced wilderness skills and medical training
• Rentals for lightweight canoes, PFDs and paddles
• All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits
• All safety equipment (including first aid kits and water purification)
• Tents and all the camping equipment you'll need (sleeping bags and pads are available for rent)
• All permits and campsite bookings for the whole trip
• A preparatory information session
• Detailed trip plan with packing lists, maps and the indigenous history of the route we're following
• Extensive planning to ensure your safety throughout the adventure
• A custom, iron-on patch to immortalize your unforgettable adventure

Epics are mentally and physically demanding adventures, and participation isn’t automatically guaranteed. These expeditions require skill, determination and teamwork to get through.

To help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for all, anyone who has not previously completed an Epic will need to fill out a short questionnaire so we can assess readiness together.

Your level of fitness and outdoors experience will play a role in this process. Having certain adventures under your belt will ensure you have the right skills and preparation for these kinds of experiences. These include:

• Any Wilder Series adventure, including the upcoming Wilder Loop
• Any Survivalist Series adventure, including Introduction to Navigation or Cold Exposure
• Canoe Foundations Clinic
• Hilton Falls Mega
• Any other adventure with 4 or 5 star difficulty

If you register for an Epic and are not approved, you will receive a refund in full.

Highlights
An Epic Challenge - Our longest and most ambitious epic will be the ultimate reward.
Dickson-Bonfield Portage - The legendary portage spans 5.4km and is the longest single carry in the park.
‍Secret Lake Sanctuaries - True crown jewels of the Algonquin interior, there are no easy routes to the lakes we will be seeing, which keep them incredibly quiet and pristine.

Event cost: $1185+HST. $50 optional transport also available. Please register here.

About Wilderness Union
Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people.

Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad.

Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming!

Learn more at our website www.wildernessunion.com