Description
This intro to winter camping program is focused on developing the skills required to head out into the winter wilderness on your own or with a group. The program starts with a 8km snowshoe (or ski) into our remote base camp property on Golden Pond, where you will settle into one of our fixed or portable accommodations for the first 3 nights, and then put all your new skills to the test on our 4-day Vast Horizons Expedition.
Training Camp will be spent almost entirely outside, with practical lessons including:
- Selecting, felling and processing firewood;
- Use and harvesting of “green” wood for bough floors, pickets and more;
- Using traditional snowshoes with lampwick bindings;
- Packing toboggans;
- Chiseling ice holes;
- Winter cooking & baking;
- Winter navigation;
- Ice safety;
- … And much more!
Vast Horizons
The route into Mt. Ararat will begin right from the Pond and follow lakes and portage trails to into the beautiful high lakes of the Lacloche Mountains. Two day’s of travel, making and breaking camp, will bring us to the base of Mt. Ararat. Day 3 will see us leaving our toboggans and the lakes behind as we set off into the forest up the flank of Mt. Ararat. If we are successful in our summit, we hope to be rewarded with expansive views to the south over Lake Huron’s “Bay of Islands”. Our journey out takes us through a beautiful chain of creeks and wetlands which would be nearly impassable any other time of the year! We also pass through a massive deer yard in which you are almost sure to see many tracks, deer, and potentially even a kill. So don’t forget your camera!
Price Includes:
- Snowmobile shuttle of gear into remote property;
- 6 nights of tent living;
- Wine served with supper;
- All meals including snacks for the duration of the program;
- Group gear such as tent, toboggans, safety equipment, kitchen, and communication devises;
- Instruction and guidance from the Lure team!
If you’re unfamiliar with our approach to winter camping, check out our Philosophy page and our Expedition Overview page. Also see our Policies and Conditions.
Joe Simpson (verified owner) –
I did this trip in 2022. Great experience. The trip started off with 3 days of training that will forever change the way I do winter camping. Dave is a fountain of knowledge and a skilled teacher. The second half was the actual trip and it was a great experience. We learned on depend on and look out for each other. My confidence level in my winter camping skills went way up. It is exciting to no longer be limited by my previous limited skill set. And finally the trip was visually amazing. It was like walking through a Christmas card at times. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful country. Thank you Dave and Kie for sharing your adventures.
Dean Dibling (verified owner) –
*2020* Winter Camping Training Camp Plus Vast Horizons was an incredible experience. I was a little nervous, having never done a trip like this before, but Dave and Kie have everything planned so well and all the details thought out! The food was wonderful, the scenery stunning, and the adventure unforgettable! If you’re on the fence about going, get off! You won’t regret going!
Leah Ks –
Incredible experience. Expert guides, delicious food, highly recommended!
-Leah Ks
Desiree Turcotte –
Looking for a winter adventure away from the crowds and set in the beautiful, Canadian backcountry, wilderness? Then join Lure of the North.
Both owners & guides, Dave and Kielyn, share their knowledge, skills and experience with participants of all skill levels! Whether you are experienced or new to winter camping, you will gain a wealth of knowledge, enjoy good company and all in the peaceful, beautiful back country of Northern Canada!
Vous cherchez une aventure hivernale à l’écart de la foule et dans le magnifique arrière-pays canadien, en pleine nature? Ensuite, rejoignez Lure du Nord.
Les propriétaires et guides, Dave et Kielyn, partagent leurs connaissances, leurs compétences et leur expérience avec des participants de tous niveaux! Que vous soyez expérimenté ou nouveau au camping d’hiver, vous gagnerez une richesse de connaissance, apprécierez la bonne compagnie et tout dans le pays paisible, beau arrière du nord du Canada!
-Desiree Turcotte
Dave –
Dave and Kielyn set the standard for winter travel and workshops. I think I can speak on behalf of our group who took part in their 2017 Training Camp and Vast Horizons Expedition that we were constantly wowed by their enthusiasm, generosity, professionalism, warmth, food, instructions, gear, and land. You won’t be disappointed!
Michael –
Five Stars! (and Better than Cats!)
The La Cloche Mountains – Vast Horizons Trek is the ideal follow up to Lure’s Training Camp as it allows you to take all of the knowledge that you have gained during the training camp and utilize it as part of a group traveling through the La Cloche Mountains between Lure’s Golden Pond base camp and Lake Huron’s north channel. During this trek Dave and Kielyn continue to share their knowledge freely with the participants and share their infectious love for the winter landscape and environment.
Damien Duff –
Want a truly Canadian winter experience led by two wonderful people? Check out whatever Dave and Kie have to offer. It’s guaranteed enjoyment and a truly marvellous learning opportunity.
Patrick Woods –
I also did both the Training Camp and Vast Horizons 2017. Both components were fantastic experiences and I would recommend the combination to anyone.
For those with no experience of traditional winter camping: this is the ideal introduction to rediscovering a lost season. TWC is not by its nature crazy or extreme or even particularly cold, despite the weather.
For those with some experience: the course and its implementation on the trip gave me the confidence to go further on my own (of particular use to me were the firewood selection/processing and portaging components).
Kie and Dave are great people and provided our group with a challenging and educational (and fun) experience whatever our various experience levels.
Also: mad props to Tim & Louise!
msavage180 –
did this trip after having completed the training camp. An excellent introduction to Winter Camping. Dave and Kie are great teachers and leaders. The experience was tough which made it all the more rewarding. The summit of Mount Ararat would have looked impossible to me if I had not been with Dave and Kie. Definitely made me want to go on a longer expedition. The experience was all the more richer having made all my own gear from their DIY kits. I never would have thought that I could sew my own moccasins that would keep my feet warm and dry. I highly recommend making at least some of your own gear.
Malcolm –
I did this trip after having completed the training camp. An excellent introduction to Winter Camping. Dave and Kie are great teachers and leaders. The experience was tough which made it all the more rewarding. The summit of Mount Ararat would have looked impossible to me if I had not been with Dave and Kie. Definitely made me want to go on a longer expedition. The experience was all the more richer having made all my own gear from their DIY kits. I never would have thought that I could sew my own moccasins that would keep my feet warm and dry. I highly recommend making at least some of your own gear. – Malcolm
Mary Collins –
Enjoyed every minute of my winter trip. Came back feeling renewed.