Description
Volunteers from Let’s Hike TO and Black Canadian Hikers have teamed up to plan an unforgettable weekend of camping and adventure in the great outdoors. If you’ve been looking to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and share experiences in a safe and inclusive environment, this is the trip for you!
This event will be hosted in Point Grondine Park in Killarney. Point Grondine is owned and operated by the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory as a backcountry wilderness park. It has 18,000 acres of Park connecting you with hiking trails, canoe routes and backcountry campsites to explore. Revitalize your spirit by connecting to the land and embracing the rich Anishnaabek culture!
This camping trip is great for beginners and novices alike who are excited by new experiences and new friendships. Activities for the weekend will include; hiking, swimming Mahzewnanzing Lake, stargazing, great food, and getting to know some incredible like-minded humans.
This event is organized and operated by volunteers. It has been created to make space for folks from the Black, Indigenous, and Racialized community.
Further details (itinerary, meals, etc.) will be provided once you are registered and completed the accompanying Google Form.
All activities will be carried out in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines.
NO REFUNDS UNLESS EVENT CANCELED BY THE ORGANIZERS.
With this being said, if you purchased a ticket and are not able to attend the event, your ticket will be gifted to a community member who is experiencing financial barriers and would like to attend.
If you don’t have the necessary camping gear and are experiencing barriers in acquiring the gear, please purchase your base ticket and send an email to hellocampersto@gmail.com. We’ll try our best to accommodate the best we can!
General Trip Details:
- Location: 675 Point Grondine Park, ON-637, Killarney, ON P0M 2A0
- Duration: 2 nights, 3 days
- Departure from Toronto: Saturday September 2 at 8am
- Departure from Point Grondine: Monday September 4 at 10am
- Group size: 12
- * Departure locations will be confirmed once registration closes
What to Expect:
This will be an intro to back-country camping. Backcountry camping is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors, but it has its barriers. Our goal for this trip is to introduce you to the wonders of back-country camping by making it less daunting and more accessible.
Our campsite is a short hike from the main entrance (800m) with some elevation and will not require us to paddle in. The best part is that our campsite is right along the Mahzewnanzing Lake, so we’ll be able to enjoy the lake throughout the weekend.
This is a beginner-friendly trip, however, there are a few things we think is important for you to know:
Since this is a back-country site, there is no plumbing or running water; You’ll need to be comfortable without showers and using a thunderbox (aka - outdoor toilet with no walls).
Once we’ve gotten to our site, we’ll set up the tents. Folks who are comfortable will be asked to share a tent. If you are not comfortable sharing a tent, please make a note in the Google Form and we’ll see how we can accommodate.
What’s a Let’s Hike TO / Black Canadian Hikers event without hiking! We’ll go on a group hike with the option of either a moderate or difficult hike. Hiking shoes/boots are required as a safety precaution.
Packing light is absolutely essential as we’ll be carrying all the gear on our hike to the site. We ask that you’re able to fit all your belongings in your own pack (whether it’s a hiking backpack or traveling backpack). This includes your sleeping bag, sleeping mat + pillow, clothing, personal items, water bottle, and personal snacks (size of a granola box).
Lastly, we’ll be in the great outdoors, which means that there is risk of not-so-great weather and annoying bugs. Coming prepared with bug spray and a positive attitude are key to getting through it all!
What We Provide:
- All Meals
- Non alcoholic beverages
- Activities
- Camping permits
- Tents
- Food barrel
- Water filtration system
What You’ll Need to Bring:
- Sleeping Bag
- Inflatable Sleeping Mat + Pillow
- Toiletries
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Rain Jacket (water repellant works as well)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Undergarments
- Swim attire
- Sun & bug protection
- Non-cotton clothing for day
- Layers for the night
- Your favourite snacks (size of a granola box)
*if there is something on this list that you cannot bring, please note this in the google form
Please sign the waivers and photography consent forms that will be requested upon registration.
We capture images of our events to ensure folks can see themselves represented in different outdoor activities. If for any reason you do not wish to be photographed, please ensure this is noted on the waiver. While we aim to respect all wishes, any photos taken specifically as a group will be shared with the Let’s Hike TO and Black Canadian Hikers community but will not be used to generate any financial compensation.
Need more details? Please contact us at hellocampersto@gmail.com.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
