HIGHLAND

BACKPACKING

TRAIL

3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS
~35 km

Dates: Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17, 2026
Early Bird Pricing (Until March 31, 2026): $299 (incl. tax) per person
Regular Pricing (April 1, 2026 Onwards): $349 (incl. tax) per person
Skill Level: Advanced
Ages: 18+
Max Group Size: 6 + Guide
Start/Finish: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Notes: This trip has a mandatory 1 hr pre-trip virtual information session from 7-8 PM ET on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Trip distance may vary by a few kilometres depending on whether detour is still required in 2026 due to Provoking Falls bridge closure.

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ITINERARY

  • 📍 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.

    Morning

    11:00 am – Arrive at Highland Backpacking Trailhead for team safety briefing.

    11:30 am– 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.

    Afternoon

    1:30 pm – Arrive at Provoking Lake East and enjoy lunch by the lake.

    2:30 pm – Set up camp.

    Evening

    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

  • 📍 Start: Provoking Lake East
    📍 Finish: Harness Lake
    📏 Distance: ~13 km
    ⏳ Time: 4-5 hours

    Morning

    7:00 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.

    Afternoon

    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.

    Evening

    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

  • 📍 Start: Harness Lake
    📍 Finish: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead (Mew Lake Campground)
    📏 Distance: ~17 km
    ⏳ Time: 5-6 hours

    Morning

    7:00 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.

    Afternoon

    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 1:6 Ratio
    Certified Wilderness First Responder

  • Essential gear and backpack fitting
    Water treatment and purification
    Food preparation and storage
    Bear safety and camp set-up
    Hands-on gear demonstration

  • Backcountry camping permit (~$13 pp/day paid to Ontario Parks)

  • Tarp
    Stove
    Kitchen utensils
    SOS satellite device/GPS
    Signalling devices
    Bear spray
    Camp saw
    First aid kit
    Water purification system
    Adjustable declination compass
    Physical waterproof map
    Fire starter
    Biodegradable soap
    Polycord

what’s excluded

  • Transportation to/from the trailhead

  • Lightweight tent (Can be rented for $35-55 for entire trip duration).
    Backpack, 45-60 L (Can be rented for $45 for entire trip duration).

    Campers can bring their own 1 person tent if preferred, however, this must be cleared with the guide prior to the trip to ensure that the group does not exceed the number of allowable shelters on the site.

  • Breakfast on days 2 and 3
    Lunch on days 1-3
    Dinner on days 1 and 2
    Coffee
    Tea
    Snacks

    *An optional all-inclusive meal-plan can be added for $99 (incl. tax).

  • Vehicle permit and registration for trip length (~$15 pp/day, payable to Ontario Parks).

    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).

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 pre-trip virtual information session.

A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded if 2+ people have not registered by the pre-trip information session.

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