Doesn't Hurt to Try a Yurt (Algonquin) (4/21/2017)

• Beginners: "roofed accommodations" (cabins or yurts),
• Intermediate: "car camping" (in a tent but your car is very close by), or
• Advanced: "backcountry" (by backpacking or canoe).

Mew Lake campgrounds in Algonquin park is home to several Yurts, and many car camp sites. In addition to our first-hand beginners' experience, we will explore the camp grounds on foot to get an idea of various car camping styles. Finally (if the trails are not flooded) we'll hike to the nearby Highland Backpacking trail, where we will explore backcountry backpacking trails, and visit a backpacking site! (Approx distance there and back will be 10-12 km over some rugged terrain.) Weather permitting, we’ll even demonstrate some basic camping skills, e.g.: setting up a tent; hanging food (to keep the bears from getting to it), locate the thunder box.

We booked 2 yurts for the weekend. They are like large heated 'tents' that we don't have to carry or put up ourselves! Each one has two bunk beds, so we'll have four people per yurt. This does mean that a yurt could be co-ed, but you will have your own bed. The yurts are very close (2 min walk) to the comfort stations, which have heated bathrooms, and private shower areas.

Food:

We've found in the past that people prefer to bring their own food and eat when it's best for them. Breakfast especially is tricky if someone is an early riser and doesn't want to wait for everyone else! To that end, we're trying this year for 'bring your own food' for all meals.

We are going to bring a coleman stove and an electric kettle. We suggest you consider options like instant oatmeal or "add boiling water" type meals. More on this in the follow up emails to those signed up.

The itinerary for the weekend will be:

Friday:

Car pool to the yurts
Settle in
Tour around the car camp sites
Dinner, socialize
Weather permitting, we'll get a fire going.

Saturday:

Breakfast
If no trail flooding - Hike to Highland Backpacking trail and visit a site at Provoking Lake (Note: trails are rugged and may be icy at that time of year - icers are mandatory to bring)
If there is trail flooding, then we will decide as a group - either go to the visitor centre on Saturday instead of Sunday, or perhaps hike one of the day hiking trails.
Trail lunch while out
Return to yurts
Dinner
Weather permitting, we'll have a fire.

Sunday

Breakfast
Drive to and tour the Algonquin Visitors' Centre (if we didnt' do it on Saturday)
Day hike in Algonquin (trail TBD)
Back to the city. Arrive in Toronto approx. 8 PM

Here are a few need to know before you sign up:

• The yurts may be co-ed, depending on who signs up. Be prepared.
• Cost per person is based on 6 people signing up. If 7 or more sign up, cash refunds at the event will be issued.
• Hikes are rain or shine, and everyone who signs up is expected to go as a group.
• Conditions are unpredictable in early spring. Expect mud, snow, ice, and everything in between!!
• This is a group event! Everyone will be expected to chip in with duties like cleaning the yurts at the end of the event. Also, we will all be hiking together, going to the visitors' centre etc.
• Car pool is 1 PM on Friday. Please only sign up if you can make it there on time!

Although the registration opens on paper at 9 PM, it's sometimes out by an hour due to the location of the server. However, daylight savings time starts this weekend, and I don't know if this will affect the real registration open time or not!

Photo credit: Stacy

- Registration is NOT COMPLETE until you've signed up and paid by the registration cut off date. The money must be in the TOC's possession by that date. No exceptions.
- When a minimum group size appears, this is to let you know that the event will be cancelled with full refunds to those who have already paid, if the minimum number of registered participants is not met. For any events where TOC needs a minimum number of participants, there will be absolutely no refund of money if you cancel.
- We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.