Path Of The Snow Walker
Snowshoe & GPS Weekend Getaway Adventures in Algonquin Park, Ontario
– a Meld of Ancient & Modern Sciences –
Imagine snowshoeing through the forest of Algonquin Park, Ontario, following fresh wolf tracks in thigh high snow. As you pass a rocky outcrop you spot a white tailed deer. Unlike you, the deer must stay on their well used trails. But, since you are wearing a modern set of snowshoes, you are free to roam wherever you please in the forest. And, since you are using a high tech global positioning system device (GPS), you have no fear of getting lost.
This self guided snowshoe adventure will teach you the basics of very ancient and very modern activities. Historians believe that snowshoes were first used about 4000-6000 years ago in Central Asia. When humans migrated across the Bering Strait they brought the ancient knowledge of snowshoes with them. The natives have been using snowshoes in the Algonquin Park region for thousands of years while, more recently, explorers and fur trappers have been using them for over 400 years.
Now snowshoeing is a quickly growing sport in Ontario. Easy to learn, and easy on the joints, it still provides a very good workout. More importantly, it provides an excellent way to get outside and enjoy the winter and explore Algonquin Park. Snowshoeing allows you to travel areas that are normally not accessible; walk across frozen marshes, make your way through thick strands of trees that are normally impassable in the summer, and easily follow animal tracks that are invisible at other times of year. Since the Algonquin Eco-Lodge is in the midst of a winter “deer yard” there are a lot of white tailed deer in the area. And, as a consequence, our resident wolf pack also spends a lot of time near the EcoLodge. So there are always quite a few interesting fresh tracks to follow.
Armed with a modern GPS you are free to stay on the marked snowshoe trails (preloaded into the GPS) or venture forth on a “bushwhacker’s adventure”. Your location relative to the snowshoe trails and to the Algonquin Eco-Lodge are clearly shown on your GPS, as is data such as your maximum speed and total travelled distance. You can follow the wolf tracks wherever they lead, safe in the knowledge that you can always find your way back to the cozy lodge and the waiting outdoor hot tub!
This self guided snowshoe package includes:
- 3 days/2 nights accommodations
- all meals (dinner first day to lunch on last day)
- use of 60 km of groomed Nordic cross country ski trails
- 3 dedicated snowshoe trails
- 1 full day rental of snowshoes (1 pair/person)
- 1 full day rental of GPS (1 unit/group)
- lessons on the use of both snowshoes and GPS
- outdoor wood-fired hot tub and sauna
- Polar Bear dip (if you’re brave enough!)
