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  1. #1
    New Member zhixson's Avatar
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    Great Lakes area-Canada side

    I have been invited to join a "Canadian Backpacking Adventure" with some friends. The only info I have is that we will be spending 3-4 days backpacking the Great Lakes area. What should I expect this time of year (weather, bugs, terrain, etc.)? Thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Senior Member gargoyle's Avatar
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    Where in Canada? Eastern Great Lakes vs Northern Great Lakes can be a huge difference.
    Weather can vary. Extremes would be 90's for a high, 40's for a low. For reference, last week Detroit was 93, while the Lake Superior/Isle Royale area was 43.

    Bugs can be extreme. Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin for best bug free results. Bring a head net as well. Depending on the hatch, the flies and skeeters can be incredibly bad. Long sleeves shirts and long pants (with treatment) can help prevent a miserable trip.
    Terrain will be dependent on where in Canada/Great Lakes you are.

  3. #3
    New Member zhixson's Avatar
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    As soon as I get more details I will check back.
    This is still helpful, thanks gargoyle!

  4. #4
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    Current temps in Muskoka (the main southern Ontario camping area - Algonquin Park) are 80-90F days and 60F nights. It's been very humid though which has made some days feel 95-100. If you get up north of Superior, highs are likely 10 Degrees F cooler and lows about 5 cooler. It has been a cooler and wetter summer so far than in the past while so the temps might get up.

    Bugs - yes. I always backpack in long pants and long sleeves. The bugs won't lift you up and carry you away but you will notice them. Of course it depends on your tolerance but they aren't the worst I've seen. I usually don't bother with bug juice but do have a bugnet for my head if they get too annoying.

    The terrain tends to be rocky (Precambrian igneous rock to be technical) but not too many big climbs. Can get marshy areas too but the Canadian Shield rock is what most people think of.

  5. #5
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    I'm trying to think of anywhere close to the lakes that is not more or less rocky with a thin covering of soil or sand dunes. Will have trees, few really flat places. Enough water, maybe too much. Nothing really high but sheer cliffs in spots. When one gets back a bit there are some big flattish areas but they are also farmed so not so likely hiking targets except as part of a trail system.
    YMMV

    HYOH

    Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)

  6. #6
    Senior Member Wolverine's Avatar
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    Wow, that's a lot of territory to be guessing about. I've only hiked two areas in Canada. 1st was near Tobermory "The Bruce Trail" near Cyprus Lake and the 2nd was Lake Superior Provincial Park.

    The Lake Shore Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park was a brutal challenge in both navigation as well as terrain. The Bruce was a killer Black Fly experience.

    I would love to do other trails in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

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