DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 16 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (August 19).

PRE-TRIP MEETING (MANDATORY): Monday, Aug. 24 at 6:00 pm.

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION: 

*IMPORTANT NOTE: To complete your registration and secure your spot in this event, we require a non-refundable deposit of $50 via e-transfer to ashley.backcountrywomen@gmail.com. This deposit is in addition to the registration price. Please send the deposit prior to registration to confirm your attendance, and then complete your registration once ready.

Subsidies may be available to an individual with financial barriers preventing access this trip. Contact Us for details.

Ready for a unique adventure? Get ready for an extraordinary long weekend exploring some of the unparalleled natural wonders of Northern Manitoba! After the success of our inaugural trip, we are headed back to the North to uncover more gems, including a new stop at Bakers Narrows. 

We’ll start our journey by setting up camp at picturesque, walk-in waterfront sites at Wekusko Falls. Good news for those who love comfort—these sites are conveniently located near a parking area, so no long treks with gear! For the second half of our trip, we’ll migrate further north to the beautiful Bakers Narrows to experience the rugged beauty of the Flin Flon and Clearwater Lakes area.

Join Backcountry Women for a weekend of starlit nights, stunning waterfalls, beautiful beaches, intriguing caves, and community. Enjoy optional hikes, bonfires, crafts, and games. 

Event leaders: Ashley Moore and Ainsley Balcewich. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out prior to registering! 

Additional Details - What to Expect / What We Expect from Participants:

• Carpooling coordination to share driving + gas costs
• Supportive leaders to help build your confidence
• Group hikes + optional activities
• Evening fire and social activities
• Optional crafts and lawn games
• Optional swimming and other water-based activities (weather / conditions dependent) 

• Everyone's participation makes these trips a success - it's a team effort. Participants must commit to approaching this trip with a spirit of adventure and a 'go-with-the-flow' attitude, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the group over specific itinerary or personal goals.

• This trip involves a lot of together time—from long carpools on Highway 6 to sharing campsites and cooking areas. While we foster a social and empowering environment, we also recognize the importance of personal boundaries and rest. We will establish group 'quiet hours' and communication preferences during our pre-trip meeting.

• You should have experience with hiking at a moderate pace and have some prior camping experience. Reach out with any questions / concerns!
• This event is not pet friendly.

The Itinerary*

NOTE: *Subject to change based on conditions, wildfire / natural impacts, trip leader discretion, group dynamic and safety, and time available:

Day 1: Friday, Sept 4 – The Journey North

• Morning: Depart Winnipeg in carpool groups (approx. 7:30 – 8:00 am).
• Lunch: A planned group stop at Pelican Landing to refuel and eat.
• Little Limestone Lake: Witness the dramatic color of the world’s largest marl lake. We’ve carved out time here for a swim and a wardrobe change!
• Evening: Arrive at Wekusko Falls to set up camp, followed by dinner and a bonfire.

Day 2: Saturday, Sept 5 – Wekusko Wonders

• Morning: A "chill" morning at the campground.
• Afternoon Hike: A group trek on the Wekusko Falls Trail to witness the Grass River carving through ancient rock. Cross two bridges for exceptional vantage points!
• Activities: Lawn games, crafting (rock painting or pressed flower bookmarks), beach time, or visiting the Wekusko Lodge general store.
• Special Opportunities (at Trip Leaders' Discretion):
• Yoga: Ashley will lead a session as part of her 200-hour RYT training.
• Fire Skills: Test your skills by helping start the evening bonfire with trip participants!
• Optional Sidequest: Arrange a boat tour to the Tramping Lake Native Petroglyphs (Self-organized by participants; see Wekusko Falls Lodge for details).

Day 3: Sunday, Sept 6 – Into the Caves & Beyond

• Morning: Pack up camp and head toward The Caves Self-Guiding Trail. We’ll spend time exploring the deep crevices and dolomite cliffs.
• Afternoon: Drive to Bakers Narrows to set up our new basecamp.
• Evening View: Climb the famous viewing tower at the campground for a 360-degree view of the lake and boreal forest.
• Evening: Dinner and relaxation. Optional kayak/canoe rentals may be available via the lodge for those wanting more time on the water. It is mandatory that participants partaking in paddling activities have previous experience.

Day 4: Monday, Sept 7 – The Road Home

• Morning: Enjoy a final northern breakfast before we begin the trek back to Winnipeg, with a planned lunch stop in The Pas.
  

Important Details -

Gear & Preparation:

Participants will need to bring appropriate camping gear including a tent, sleeping bag, food and water, flashlights, cooking equipment, layered clothing, appropriate gear for activities, and other items. A suggested gear and packing list will be provided upon registering so that you can adequately prepare for this weekend. (Please check the details in your registration confirmation email!) Limited gear is available through our Gear Lending Library via a gear library donation—including quality rain shells, as this trip proceeds rain or shine!

Safety & LNT:

In accordance with Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety, all food, drink, and scented items must be kept in vehicles. No scented items are permitted inside tents.

Costs not included in registration fees: non-refundable deposit, optional equipment rentals (incl. kayaks/SUPs), gas/carpool contributions, park entry fees, additional group-planned activities, shared cost of firewood, meals, other misc. / personal expenses.

MANDATORY Pre-Trip Meeting: Monday, Aug. 24 at 6:00 pm. An email will be sent to participants 1 week prior to our meeting with further details.

Important Note: This meeting is mandatory. It is where we finalize carpool groups, gear sharing, safety plans and more. Failure to attend may result in the forfeiture of your spot without a refund.

Are you ready to head North? Register now to secure your spot in the wild!

Overall Average Difficulty Rating: due to the factors mentioned above, this activity is rated a 3/5.

Further details will be provided to registered participants. Participants are responsible for having a valid e-mail address, communicating with the event organizer regarding any changes in attendance, and for checking e-mails prior to an event.

Regarding Covid-19: Please review our full Covid-19 policy and safety practices here.

This event allows cancellation no less than 14 days before start of event. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.