Weekend Backcountry Getaway

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

A beginner-friendly, paddle-in camping adventure through the Algonquin Highlands.

St. Nora Lake sits in the heart of Algonquin Highlands, tucked away from the car-accessible campgrounds and the crowds that come with them. It is just as beautiful as its more famous neighbours in the park, and a lot easier to get into.

The adventure starts with a canoe lesson on the water before we paddle a short 2.5km to a spacious group campsite on the lake. Along the way you will pass classic Canadian Shield scenery: sandy beaches, granite rock faces, and pine-fringed shores. No portages, no prior experience required.

Once you are set up, the rest of the weekend is yours to shape. Swim off the rocks, read in a hammock, or pick up real campsite skills like hanging your food away from bears and building a proper fire. That night, the campfire and a clear sky full of stars will give you some amazing views.

On day two, we take the canoes back out to explore the lake more fully, poking around the shoreline and finding the corners of it that most people never see.

This is a two-day getaway built for people who want real backcountry experience without a gruelling multi-day commitment. We handle the gear, the food, and the logistics. You show up, load the canoe, and go. Group sizes are kept small on purpose so the site stays quiet and the experience stays personal.

By the time you paddle back out on Sunday, you will have put some genuine distance between yourself and the city. That tends to matter more than people expect.

What's included

• Professional & certified guides
• ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits
• ‍Tents
• Canoe rentals

Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or it’s your first time in a tent, this adventure has something for everyone.

Highlights
Canoe-in seclusion: Your campsite is only accessible by water. No road noise, no neighbouring RVs, just a lake, a fire ring, and genuine quiet.
The paddle in: A short, flatwater crossing past a small island, through some of the most beautiful Canadian Shield scenery in the province
Learn to camp: Our guides cover the essentials: hanging your food away from bears, building a fire, and setting up a site that works.

Event cost: $349+HST - optional transport available.
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