Location: Only 45min north of Barrie, with a meeting location immediately off Highway 400. We will be paddling the McDonald River, McCrae Lake and Georgian Bay (conditions permitting) in the District of Muskoka. Timings: Weekend workshop. What to Bring: All camping equipment, food and canoe will be provided. You will be required to bring your personal items, such as clothing and toiletries. Knowledge & skills that will Taught and Practiced: 1. Packing: How and what to pack. 2. Food: Food options and preparation in the back country. 3. Gear Selection: Buying tripping gear can be overwhelming and unnecessarily expensive. We are here to help you navigate this, giving you the opportunity to experience various types of equipment such as: sleeping systems, tents, water filtration, and camp stoves; and discussing the pros and cons of each. 4. Selecting and setting up your campsite: How to be bear wise and ensure you are safe when bad weather hits. 5. Paddling: Five basic canoeing strokes and portaging skills. 6. Hiking: Any campers interested in learning some hiking trip skills will be given the option to hike in/out on Friday and Sunday and gain hiking specific gear/packing knowledge. 7. Map Reading & Trip Planning: We will cover basic map reading and trip planning skills. Itinerary: Online info session: - Will be scheduled before the workshop weekend. Friday Afternoon/Evening (Optional): - Meet guide at the McCrae Lake parking lot between 12pm & 9pm - Paddle into campsite - Meet and greet with the guiding team and other campers - Free time to enjoy and explore - Dinner and a campfire Saturday: - Meet guide at the McCrae Lake parking lot by 10:30am (Sat. arrivals) - Paddle into campsite - Practical paddling & portaging session - Portage into McCrae Lake - Paddle to 2nd campsite - Free time to enjoy and explore - Dinner and a campfire Sunday: - Pack up camp - Portage into Georgian Bay (water-weather conditions permitting); or - Further exploration of McCrae Lake - Free time to enjoy and explore, before returning to parking lot Sunday night/Monday (Optional): - Campers have the option to stay an additional night either with the guiding team on the main campsite or test out all that they have learned by going solo on a neighbouring site. - Return to the parking lot at noon on Monday. (Note: It is an additional $150 for this option).