The Highland Trail is one of Algonquin’s most beautiful backpacking routes — and a great next step if you’re ready to try a longer hike. We’ll move at a comfortable pace through rolling forest trails, stop for plenty of breaks (and snacks!), and camp beside quiet lakes each night. You’ll learn the basics of backcountry hiking while enjoying good food, good company, and that peaceful feeling of being tucked away in nature.
Cancellations made 30+ days in advance of the departure are fully refundable, minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee. Cancellations made outside of the 30-day window are non-refundable. However, all trips are transferable to another qualified woman aged 18 or older prior to pre-trip virtual information session.
A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this trip. Registrants will be fully refunded (minus a 5% administrative and Square processing fee) if 2+ people have not registered by the pre-trip information session.
Maximum 1:6 Ratio
Essential gear and backpack fitting; Water treatment and purification; Food preparation and storage; Bear safety and camp set-up; Hands-on gear demonstration
Backcountry camping permit (~$13 pp/day paid to Ontario Parks)
Tarp, stove, kitchen utensils, SOS satellite device/GPS, signalling device, bear spray, camp saw, first aid kit, water purification system, declination compass, physical map, fire starter, rope, soap
Transportation to/from the trailhead
Lightweight tent; Backpack (45-60 L). *Optional add-ons
Vehicle permit and registration for trip length (~$15 pp/day, payable to Ontario Parks).
Breakfast on days 2 and 3; Lunch on days 1-3 (to be eaten on the trail); Snacks; Dinner on days 1 and 2; Coffee; Tea
📍 Start: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead
📍 Finish: Provoking Lake East
📏 Distance: ~5 km
⏳ Time: 2 hours
This shorter day will serve as an opportunity to get to know your fellow hikers and build skills to be used on the trip. The short distance from the trailhead allows for a hike out, should anyone determine that they are unfit to hike the trail in its entirety.
11:00 am – Arrive at Highland Backpacking Trailhead for team safety briefing.
11:30 am– Begin hike. The trail follows a gradual incline through forested terrain, offering glimpses of small lakes and streams. Take breaks as needed along the way.
1:30 pm – Arrive at Provoking Lake East and enjoy lunch by the lake.
2:30 pm – Set up camp.
4:00 pm – Fire building, water treatment, and food preparation and storage tutorials led by SHE Ventures.
6:00 pm – Cook dinner and watch the sunset over the water.
8:00 pm – Relax by the fire (if permitted) and play games.
Overnight: Provoking Lake East
📍 Start: Provoking Lake East
📍 Finish: Harness Lake
📏 Distance: ~13 km
⏳ Time: 4-5 hours
7:00 am – Wake up, enjoy sunrise over Provoking Lake.
8:00 am – Breakfast and pack up camp.
9:30 am – Begin the hike towards Harness Lake. The trail features rolling hills, scenic ridges, and occasional steep climbs.
2:00 pm – Arrive at Harness Lake and enjoy lunch.
3:00 pm – Set up camp. Enjoy a refreshing swim or relax by the lake.
5:00 pm – Cook dinner and take in the remote backcountry setting.
7:30 pm – Watch the sunset and unwind after a long day of hiking.
9:00 pm – Last night in the backcountry! Ask SHE Ventures for any tips or tricks.
Overnight: Harness Lake
📍 Start: Harness Lake
📍 Finish: Highland Backpacking Trail Trailhead (Mew Lake Campground)
📏 Distance: ~17 km
⏳ Time: 5-6 hours
7:00 am – Wake up, enjoy the peaceful morning at Harness Lake.
8:00 am – Breakfast and pack up camp.
9:00 am – Begin the return hike towards the trailhead. The route offers a mix of forested paths and gradual declines.
3:00 pm – Arrive back at the trailhead, celebrate completing the Highland Backpacking Trail, and head to your favourite fast-food joint!
