Wed, Aug 11 - Fri, Aug 13, 2027
Early Bird Pricing (Until Apr 30, 2027): $449 +HST | Reg. Pricing: $499 +HST
Start/Finish: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead, Algonquin Provincial ParkHIGHLAND BACKPACKING TRAIL
The Highland Trail is one of Algonquin’s most beautiful backpacking routes — and a great next step if you’re ready to try a longer hike for the first time. We’ll move at a comfortable pace and stop for plenty of breaks (and snacks!), and camp beside quiet lakes each night. You’ll learn the basics of backcountry hiking while enjoying good food and good company.
SCHEDULE
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📍 Start: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead
📍 Finish: Provoking Lake East
📏 Distance: ~5 km
⏳ Time: 2 hours
This shorter day will serve as an opportunity to get to know your fellow hikers and build skills to be used on the trip. The short distance from the trailhead allows for a hike out, should anyone determine that they are unfit to hike the trail in its entirety.12:00 pm– Arrive at Highland Backpacking Trailhead for team safety briefing.
12:30 pm– Begin hike. The trail follows a gradual incline through forested terrain, offering glimpses of small lakes and streams. Take breaks as needed along the way.
2:30 pm – Arrive at Provoking Lake East and enjoy lunch by the lake.
3:00 pm – Set up camp.
4:00 pm – Fire building, water treatment, and food preparation and storage tutorials led by SHE Ventures.
6:00 pm – Cook dinner and watch the sunset over the water.
8:00 pm – Relax by the fire (if permitted) and play games.
Overnight: Provoking Lake East
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📍 Start: Provoking Lake East
📍 Finish: Harness Lake
📏 Distance: ~13 km
⏳ Time: 4-5 hours7:00 am – Wake up, enjoy sunrise over Provoking Lake.
8:00 am – Breakfast and pack up camp.
9:30 am – Begin the hike towards Harness Lake. The trail features rolling hills, scenic ridges, and occasional steep climbs.
2:00 pm – Arrive at Harness Lake and enjoy lunch.
3:00 pm – Set up camp. Enjoy a refreshing swim or relax by the lake.
5:00 pm – Cook dinner and take in the remote backcountry setting.
7:30 pm – Watch the sunset and unwind after a long day of hiking.
9:00 pm – Last night in the backcountry! Ask SHE Ventures for any tips or tricks.
Overnight: Harness Lake
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📍 Start: Harness Lake
📍 Finish: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead (Mew Lake Campground)
📏 Distance: ~20 km
⏳ Time: 5-6 hours7:00 am – Wake up, enjoy the peaceful morning at Harness Lake.
8:00 am – Breakfast and pack up camp.
9:00 am – Begin the return hike towards the trailhead. The route offers a mix of forested paths and gradual declines.
3:00 pm – Arrive back at the trailhead, celebrate completing the Highland Backpacking Trail, and head to your favourite fast-food joint!
what’s included
Download the gear checklist below to see what you need to bring. Checked boxes will be supplied by SHE Ventures.
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Maximum 6:1 guide ratio
Certified Wilderness First Responder
Commercial guiding and liability insurance
Search and rescue coverage
Satellite communication and emergency equipment
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Water treatment and purification
Food preparation and storage
Bear safety and camp set-up
Hands-on gear demonstration
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Backcountry camping permits (Wed, Aug 11 – Fri, Aug 13, 2027))
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See checked boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Full coordination of trip logistics from pre-departure through trail completion
Route planning and daily itinerary development
Pre-trip participant communication, packing guidance and trip preparation
Monitoring of weather and trail conditions leading up to departure
Coordination of alternate plans or route adjustments where required due to weather, trail conditions or safety considerations
Coordination of required camping permits, registrations and access requirements
what’s excluded
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Ground transportation to/from Highland Trail trailhead in Algonquin Provincial Park
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See blank boxes on downloadable packing checklist for this trip
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Breakfasts, lunches, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea while on trail.
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Daily vehicle permit from Aug 11-13 payable to Ontario Parks upon arrival.
SHE Ventures can add vehicles to the reservation online prior to trip departure, so long as license plate numbers are provided and applicable fees are sent via e-transfer (or the add-on package is included at checkout).
MEET YOUR GUIDE
A passionate backcountry enthusiast and mother of two amazing kids, Chelsea is happiest when on the trail or water. Whether she’s paddling, hiking, or winter camping, she is constantly drawn to the outdoors.
Her trekking resume includes completing both the Fundy Footpath and the full Ganaraska Trail, with plans already in motion to tackle the Bruce Trail next year. Always seeking new adventures and connections with nature, Chelsea is excited to hit the trails, share stories around the campfire, and explore the wild alongside like-minded adventurers.
cancellation policy
Cancellations made 30+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to departure.
A minimum of 4 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded (minus a 5% administrative fee) if 4+ people have not registered within 14 days of departure.