Description
There is something incredibly satisfying about building a cozy home in the winter wilderness each night, only to break it down the next morning and strike off for parts unknown. Team work is essential, challenges are numerous, the rewards are fantastic and the elation of a hard day’s work and a comfortable camp well earned are feelings that never cease to please! Not everyone is lucky enough to get 2 or 3 weeks off in the winter, so this is your opportunity to experience a travel trip in a more manageable week-long chunk!
North Channel Explorations!
We will be leaving right from our property on Golden Pond and will head through the hills to reach the magically stunning Bay of Islands on the North Channel of Lake Huron. The shallow waters of the North Channel are some of the first waters to freeze anywhere on all of the Great Lakes, so this route was maneagable even in the incredibly mild winter of 2024.
The route takes us under the Lacloche Hills of the north shore and through the incredible islands of the North Channel. This area is a sea kayaker’s paradise, and is no less stunning and incredible in the winter! As we venture further west, there are areas where lake current keeps the ice thin, which provides interesting route finding challenges and adventures island hopping.
We will be aiming to finish in the town of Spanish, and a shuttle will be provided back to our vehicles. A great opportunity for a linear, one-way trip with us taking care of the shuttle logistics for you in an incredible environment not many people get to experience in the winter!
DJ Schaus –
So far I have been lucky enough to go on two trips with Dave and Kie. My first experience with them was the Training camp and Vast Horizons in 2019 and loved every minute of it. The knowledge they shared and guidance they provided was amazing. If you are interested in trying winter camping for the first time I would highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone.
The second trip was the 8 day expedition “Killarney Bound†in January of 2020. We started just outside of their home base in Espanola and traveled though Killarney National Park, which gave me my first taste of being out on big water (Lake Huron). This was by far the most exhilarating trip I have ever been on. We were lead by Dave and Adam on this expedition and every step of the way was a new experience. They are both so knowledgeable in bushcraft and winter survival in a way that leaves no room for doubt. I will definitely be back!!!
Sandra Kumka –
Lure of the North has brought a completely new aspect of pleasure into my life. I am proudly a repeat team member – having done an excursion in both 2019 & 2020 (and I have already reserved my spot for 2021 woohoo!). Not once did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe with the guidance of the incredible journey Dave, Kie & Adam lead me on. Every trip is challenging and has pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally and physically, but I always leave the excursions anticipating the next one I will endure! Dave & Kie have taught me so many skills I never knew I was capable of- like falling my first tree! The members of the groups almost immediately form a bond and are very much team players ready to lend a helping hand if the course gets tough. I highly recommend Lure of the North to anybody! I consistently walk away with an incredibly heightened sense of self and appreciation for beautiful northern Ontario. I am forever deeply thankful to Dave and Kie for bringing these adventures into my life!
You’ve gotta try it!
Harold Kinsley (verified owner) –
Another slam dunk! Although the weather barely cooperated, with un-seasonably warm temps, it turned out to be a wonderful experience for all.
With special thanks to Adam who shared his Bush-crafting skills for all to appreciate, and Dave and Kie whose energy and spirit keeps bringing me back year after year after year…..
Oh, and an hounourable mention to the support staff back at the Pond who put everything together and never hear the praise heaped upon them. NO SOUP FOR YOU!