Winter Campers Unite

Winter is just around the corner (and the first couple of snow storms are already in the books) which means it’s also time for the third annual Ontario Winter Camping Symposium! For anyone wanting to learn more about what winter camping has to offer, and how to do it safely and comfortably, this is the place to be.

Vendors!

Aside from the presentations, this is THE place to get some great deals on winter camping gear and see all the unique goods that companies have to offer. I tried to hold on to my money, but this year there were a few special items that I just had to buy.

First, I had ordered a summer moccasin kit from Lure of the North, who offered the option to pick it up at the symposium, which was a great deal since it had saved me shipping costs and I get to support a great adventure company.

My second purchase was from Scott (Scott’s Mom actually) from ManCamping and Bearded & Bourbon. I find that out in the back country, I often end up preparing meals on the ground or a piece of foil, so the Bearded & Bourbon Workspace Ground Sheet that I picked up, should work much better!

My third stop was at Outdoor Oriented where I bought a new tarp for our trips. The last tarp, if you read about the Kawartha Trip, is quite old and falling apart and needed to be replaced, so I am now the owner of a lovely new 9×12 tarp.

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I held my ground and only purchased the three items, even though I really wanted a toboggan from Whisky Jack, a new hot tent with stove, and some awesome products from Lure of the North.

Welcome!

With my new goodies in hand, it was time for the presentations to begin with one of the organizers, David Bain, welcoming everyone in the sold out theatre to the event. It was great to see so many people!

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Morning Sessions

The first presenter was John Van Barriger from The Outdoor Kind talking about his Oh Sh!t Emergency Kit. There are many items that are important to bring on trips, and he focused on adapting his kits to each season and the importance of having redundant items. For example, if your lighter doesn’t work, you must have a second option to light fire. It is always good to have options.

The second speaker of the morning was Mercede Rogers, who talked about taking toddlers and infants winter camping. This lady is amazing! She has gone camping with her kids as young as 8 days old. It just goes to show that kids are never too young to enjoy the outdoors. Mercede was then joined by the Friends of Temagami to talk about the Save Solice initiative. If you can, please follow the links to find out more information.

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The last of the morning speakers was a duo, Bill and Danielle Gardner. They are both teachers who also teach during the summer in Killarney as part of their Artist and Astronomer in Residence program. Even though they summer in Killarney, they are frequent flyers in winter as well. They have a cabin in the area where they will stay in order to create their pieces of art. Bill will take pictures of the night sky and Danielle will paint beautiful landscape photos.

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Afternoon Sessions

The first afternoon session was by Dave Marrone from Lure of the North. His presentation was about his and his wife’s homestead in the north and a trip that they took across the Temagami region. They have both walked the Temagami region in winter, but wanted to connect a route that would have them covering a huge distance in about a 2 week period. This presentations really made me wish I could take the time off in winter to go on one of their amazing trips. He even mentioned about how they like to have fun on trips, which even included a life size pack man game in the snow!

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The last session of the day was by Jim Baird Adventurer who talked about his trip across a peninsula on Baffin Island from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung that he completed with his dog Buck. They endured some harsh wintry conditions and there were many days along this route where he could not travel due to the high winds. Going this long of a distance on your own is an amazing feat. Huge kudos to Jim.

As always I really enjoyed this symposium as I get to hang out and chat with all my awesome outdoor people! I am truly amazed at how much knowledge comes from these symposiums and just how much it sparks that little thing inside that motivates me to actually get outside and do something in winter. I am looking forward to our many winter adventures and I hope you follow along!

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