Camping is a proud Canadian tradition. Though living in the North means you can head into the bush without much fuss, there is something to be said for waking up in the middle of the trees, to begin your day with the sun, having spent the night under the stars.
However, unless you have a camp or cottage, sleeping in woods in the depths of winter is not the most appealing of prospects.
But it can be. It’s about who you know, where to go, and what to bring. Luckily, you’re about to meet Kris Puhvel, the executive director of Friends of Killarney Park, and he’ll explain the rest.
First question: why?
“With few people around, winter camping is a great opportunity to experience solitude and connect with nature. If conditions are good, it is easier to get to explore areas that are only accessible by water in the summer,” Puhvel said. “There is a stillness in the air, night sky viewing is amazing and there is a good chance of hearing the wolves. Plus, there are no bugs!”
If that sounds irresistible to you, don’t feel like you have to invest in all new equipment. While warm winter clothing is paramount to any trip outside, there are roofed accommodations in Killarney Provincial Park, and many other parks are well.
You could rent a cabin, one of two at the park that will sleep five people each, or try one of the yurts available for rent. No, that wasn’t a sneeze. A yurt is a collapsible structure covered with heavy fabric or hide. There are six of them available in Killarney Park. The cabins are a little less rustic than the yurts – they feature a microwave, a small refrigerator, and, blessing of all blessings, a coffee maker – but both have the advantage of heat and a comfortable bed.
“It is great to come back to a nice warm structure after playing outside all day,” Puhvel said.
While the cabins and yurts may take a little more work to get to in the winter – you’ll have to park at the main office where you’ll be provided with a toboggan to haul your gear – there are still outhouses and potable water available to you.
If you would like to stay in your own tent — and Puhvel says several do —he has seen an increase in the number of campers bringing ‘hot tents.’ Picture a tent fashioned from treated canvas, not flimsy nylon, that comes with a small portable fireplace. Though the idea of placing a fire in the middle of a fabric structure can seem off-putting, these tents have been around for years, and new manufacturers are subject to rigorous testing. If you choose either a cold or a hot tent, a winter-rated sleeping bag will be your best friend.
You will also need to be as prepared for risk as you are in the summer, if not more. A map, matches and a first aid kit should always be on your person, and an awareness of the additional hazards of winter should be on your mind.
“Winter campers and those staying in the roofed accommodations must be prudent about the weather conditions and ice safety, if crossing water bodies. Winter is a beautiful time, but you need to be prepared and aware.”
But for all the extra preparation, winter camping gives you the opportunity to explore what you might not be able to in other seasons – particularly in the summer when the park is crawling with people. In Killarney, you could more easily reach what is only accessible by canoe in the warm weather (by trekking across the ice), and the many trails are open for you to explore in solitude.
“In Killarney Park, we have ample opportunities for snowshoeing along our extensive trail system,” Puhvel said.
These range from the two-km Granite Ridge Trail to the seven-km Crack Trail. In addition, the park also offers 30 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, ranging from beginner to more advanced levels.
Intrigued? Good! Because there is an opportunity to head to the park and have a look for yourself this Family Day weekend. (February 17-18, 2018). The Friends of Killarney Park are hosting their annual Winter Weekend, a chance to check out a wide variety of events – and even the yurts. Gesundheit!
You can find more information about the park and Winter Weekend here.
Jenny Lamothe is a freelance writer, proof-reader and editor in Greater Sudbury. Contact her through her website, JennytheWriter.wordpress.com.
