DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 20 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (JUNE 4). PRE-TRIP MEETING (MANDATORY): THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023 @ 7:00 PM (St Vital Park)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

Have you taken one of our Backpacking with Confidence courses? Then we invite you to join us as we head overnight into the backcountry for a shared experience and continuation of hands on backpacking knowledge.

This event will be an overnight Backpacking trip in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. This trip will include a MANDATORY pre trip meeting on THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023 @ 7:00 PM.

During this overnight trip we'll build on some of the skills taught in the Backpacking with Confidence course and provide more opportunities hands on with gear, all in a similar supportive environment. We want to make this trip accessible to as many as possible and aim to coordinate gear loaning among the group as much as possible. So, if you do not yet have all your gear for a backpacking trip, expect that we are going to do our best to help you join.

There are a limited number of spaces available in this event. Please keep in mind you MUST be available for the pre trip meeting on Thursday, June 8 to be able to attend. We are giving Backpacking course participants priority access to this trip using a special registration code provided once you've done the course (past participants can expect an email with this info - if you didn't receive it, please reach out). Those wanting to register will then be given a spot on a first come, first serve basis.

Spots will be opened to other Backcountry Women members later on if we do not have enough participants from the group of people who have attended our Backpacking courses.

This trip will proceed rain or shine; plans will be adjusted accordingly in the case of bad weather. We have access to outdoor shelters during this event. Full details will be provided to registered attendees.

Event leaders: Ashley Moore and Kate Rudge. Please contact with any questions!

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, any equipment you bring should have been tested previously to withstand poor weather conditions such as wind and rain. 

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!) Gear and other details will be reviewed and coordinated together during our pre-trip meeting.

Please note that this event's registration fees do not include gas, park entry/passes, meals, other misc / personal expenses. 

MANDATORY Pre-Trip Meeting: Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 PM (St Vital Park). An email will be sent to participants 1 week prior to our meeting with further details.

IMPORTANT NOTE - These trips are a true team effort and are offered to individuals who are team players. You MUST attend the mandatory pre trip meeting with no exceptions. This is required since it is where leaders and participants come together to finalize all plans and details to make this trip possible. Everyone's participation makes these trips a success! Please review the pre trip meeting date to ensure you can attend prior to registering.

Failure to do so may forfeit your registered spot and there will be no credit or refund available to you.

Please leave dogs at home.

What to expect:

• You should have enough fitness to be able to comfortably join an extended hike where we may be facing a variety of conditions and varied terrain for extended distances, while also carrying the weight of overnight packs. If you have never carried the weight of a pack we strongly recommend trying it out before hand and doing some training that strengthens your lower body, as well as cardio abilities.
  
• Day 1: Carpools will depart Winnipeg by 7:45 am.

  We will meet at the trailhead for 10 am and spend approx. 30-45 mins preparing to head out by packing and adjusting our bags. There will be small breaks for adjustments as we go, as well an extended lunch break when we arrive at "cabin 2" along the trail which is roughly 2 kms in. After lunch, we will carry on to hike the remaining 6 kms to "cabin 3" bringing us to a total of 8 km for the day. At cabin 3, we will go through the process of setting up camp: choosing tent sites and setting them up, setting up a kitchen area, collecting/chopping firewood, etc.

• Day 2: Breakfast then camp pack up. Be on the trail by 10. There will be similar lunch, adjustment and snack breaks as we head back to the parking lot. At the parking lot, we will unpack any shared gear to return it to its owner. Return to Winnipeg with an arrival of no later than 6 pm.
• Epinette trail leads through some open grasslands with a mix of forested sections. There are some great views and lots of rolling hills along the way! This trail is quite exposed to the elements so ample sun protection and water is required.
  

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 16 days before start of event (cancellations must be received in advance of our pre-trip meeting). If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.