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• Backpacking with Confidence Course

  • When
    Sat, June 10, 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Birds Hill Provincial Park
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  

  DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (JUNE 8)

  PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

  Looking to get out multi-day backpacking but not sure where to start? Backpacking with Confidence empowers you to learn all about getting into the backcountry safely and responsibly, while in a welcoming environment with other like minded individuals from the Backcountry Women community through a full day course. For newer backpackers and also those who want to upgrade their foundation of skills, our courses offer the opportunity to build up essential knowledge for your journey into self-sufficiency in the outdoors.

  Backcountry Women is here to support your journey starting where you're at so that you can build towards being be the most prepared and confident hiker you can be. Our course is being delivered by Backcountry Women's Founder Ashley Moore (an Outdoor Council of Canada certified Field Leader) and members of our Advocate team! We are excited to offer this course to be able to share our wealth of hiking and backcountry experience with everyone. 

  This course will dive into topics including preparedness, planning, safety, goals and motivations, leaving no trace, gear choices and selection, as well as provide our own tips and tricks. It provides the opportunity for engaging discussions where participants can share their personal experiences. We provide a variety of hands-on learning opportunities (such as packing your bag, basic map use, backcountry stoves, water purification, sleep systems and set up; note that topics covered are based on available timeframe). Expect to go on a short hike to round out the day.

  Course note - some overlapping topics are involved in our Hiking and Backpacking courses. We recommend you take one or the other, depending on your interests and experience level relative to the outdoors. Reach out if you would like to discuss!

  Participants joining our Backpacking with Confidence course may have the opportunity to register for our Overnight event this summer*. *BE SURE TO CHECK THAT EVENT'S REGISTRATION DEADLINE AND PRE-TRIP MEETING DATES WHICH TAKE PLACE PRIOR TO THIS COURSE - REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS / INTEREST IN TAKING PART!

  Please read on for full details!

  Time & location:

  • The course begins promptly at 8:00 am. The duration is approximately 9-10 hours - but it's important to note that the time allocated needs to be flexible in order to cover course content, and can be unpredictable due to factors such as weather and group dynamics. 
  • Birds Hill Provincial Park - check your emails for confirmation of exact location details.

  Further instructions and important information will be emailed out to participants. Check your confirmation and reminder emails.

  Participant Expectations: Students are expected to participate 100% in this course. Students are responsible for their transportation, and personal items including food, park pass and equipment throughout the course.

  NOTE: You do not need to own the best gear so all you're required to bring is what you have. We do not encourage you go out and buy stuff unnecessarily (new or used). We will discuss a variety of options that you can try and ask about. This information will be useful to inform any of your potential future purchasing decisions related to gear.

  Students must be able to hike comfortably for a short distance to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

  What is Provided: Students receive a pre-course email with a packing list to prepare you for the day, and any other relevant details. We also provide our Guidebook in print form which is a wealth of information for your reference. Your course instructors includes an Outdoor Council of Canada certified Field Leader (with Hiking, Winter, Paddling, and Overnight certifications). For education purposes during the course, we use a diverse set of equipment you can become familiar with (including tarps, fire starting materials, water filters, backcountry stoves, etc.).

  We very much look forward to spending the day together at our course! 
  

  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-mail prior to an event.

  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.

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• Hiking with Confidence Course

  • When
    Sun, June 11, 2023
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Birds Hill Provincial Park
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (JUNE 9)

  PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

  Hiking with Confidence empowers you to learn all about hiking safely and responsibly, while in a welcoming environment with other like minded individuals from the Backcountry Women community through a full day course. For newer hikers and also those who want to upgrade their foundation of skills, our courses offer the opportunity to build up essential knowledge for your journey into self-sufficiency in the outdoors.

  Backcountry Women is here to support your journey starting where you're at so that you can build towards being be the most prepared and confident hiker you can be. Our course is being delivered by Backcountry Women's Founder Ashley Moore (an Outdoor Council of Canada certified Field Leader) and members of our Advocate team! We are excited to offer this course to be able to share our wealth of hiking and backcountry experience with everyone. 

  This course will dive into topics including preparedness, planning, safety, goals and motivations, gear choices and selection, as well as provide our own tips and tricks. It provides the opportunity for engaging discussions where participants can share their personal experiences. We provide a variety of hands-on learning opportunities (such as basic map use, fire building, water purification, shelter set up; note that topics covered are based on available timeframe). Expect to go on a short hike to round out the day.

  Course note - some overlapping topics are involved in our Hiking and Backpacking courses. We recommend you take one or the other, depending on your interests and experience level relative to the outdoors. Reach out if you would like to discuss!

  Please read on for full details!

  Time & location:

  • The course begins promptly at 8:30 am. The duration is approximately 8-9 hours - but it's important to note that the time allocated needs to be flexible in order to cover course content, and can be unpredictable due to factors such as weather and group dynamics. 
  • Birds Hill Provincial Park - check your emails for confirmation of exact location details.

  Further instructions and important information will be emailed out to participants. Check your confirmation and reminder emails.

  Participant Expectations: Students are expected to participate 100% in this course. Students are responsible for their transportation, and personal items including food, park pass and equipment throughout the course.

  NOTE: You do not need to own the best gear so all you're required to bring is what you have. We do not encourage you go out and buy stuff unnecessarily (new or used). We will discuss a variety of options that you can try and ask about. This information will be useful to inform any of your potential future purchasing decisions related to gear.

  Students must be able to hike comfortably for a short distance to participate. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

  What is Provided: Students receive a pre-course email with a packing list to prepare you for the day, and any other relevant details. We also provide our Guidebook in print form which is a wealth of information for your reference. Your course instructors includes an Outdoor Council of Canada certified Field Leader (with Hiking, Winter, Paddling, and Overnight certifications). For education purposes during the course, we use a diverse set of equipment you can become familiar with (including tarps, fire starting materials, water filters, backcountry stoves, etc.).

  We very much look forward to spending the day together at our course! 
  

  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-mail prior to an event.

  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.

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• Happy Trails Hike

  • When
    Thu, June 15, 2023
  •  
    6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Bunn's Creek Trail
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

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

  PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

  DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (JUNE 13) 

  Join us for a walk on beautiful Bunn's Creek trail. Feel free to carry your backpacking weight as a training hike!

  Happy Trails Hikes are about movement, connection, and getting out on the trails in or around Winnipeg during the week. This series of hikes, happening on select weeknight evenings is open to all levels and is designed to connect with like-minded individuals from the Backcountry Women community.
  

  Event leaders: Lara Stregger Click for more information

  Arrival Time: by 6:15 PM. We will begin the hike no later than 6:30 PM. The time arranged allows for you to have time to attend to personal needs such as organizing your gear and for the leader to share information with the group. 

  Location: Bunn's Creek. Exact meeting location will be shared with registered participants. 

  In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the ancestral lands of the Ininiw, Anishinaabe, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Metis Nation.  Our organization, Backcountry Women, is based on Treaty No. 1 Territory, and we appreciate that this event takes place on Treaty No 1. Territory.
  

  Overall Difficulty Rating: Due to the factors mentioned below, this activity is rated a 1/5. This rating is subject to change based on prevailing conditions at the time of the activity, including but not limited to weather.

  

  Activity Category: Happy Trails
  Duration/Distance: Approximately 2 hours and 6KM. 
  Experience: All skill levels welcome. You should have the ability to walk with the group at a moderate, steady pace for the duration of the activity. Appropriate footwear and layered clothing is required.
  Terrain: Gravel. Trail is generally level. 

  Pace: This activity will be at a steady, moderate pace.

  Please leave your dog(s) at home. 

  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-mail prior to an event.
  

  Registering for this event secures you a spot and fees are non-refundable and no credits will be issued, unless under exceptional circumstances. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

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• Confidence on the Water Workshop

  • When
    Tue, June 20, 2023
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    La Salle, Manitoba
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

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

  DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 1 DAY BEFORE THE EVENT (JUNE 19)

  PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

  Do you own your own paddle board but are unsure how to set it up or how to paddle confidently? Raquel from Allstoke Outdoor Company wants to help you learn how to get on the water while using your own gear. Confidence on the Water is a two-hour session on flat water that will cover skills from setting up your own gear, water safety, paddle techniques, turns, and more.

  Raquel’s goal is to ensure you leave well-equipped on how to use your own equipment so that you can get out paddling! Open to beginners and novice paddlers, this is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn practical SUP knowledge and practice technique as we develop your confidence.

  If you do not own your own board but are interested in this session, we have limited rentals available so that you can still join before investing in your own board purchase.

  Event leaders: Raquel from All Stoke and Ashley Moore from Backcountry Women.

  Arrival Time: Your clinic will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. To avoid any congestion, aim to arrive no more than 10 minutes early. Please do not be late, otherwise you forfeit your spot.

  Upon arrival please begin organizing your personal gear to prepare yourself for the event. To allow the instructors sufficient time to prepare and set up for the event, the instructors will greet you when it's time to begin introductions and lessons.

  Thanks for doing your part to help us run a smooth event for all!

  Location: We will meet at the boat launch in La Salle. Parking is available on site.

  NOTE: Restrooms are not available at the boat launch; please prepare accordingly. 
  

  Participant Expectations: You are expected to fully participate and show up prepared and on time. Participants must be comfortable in water, though we wear mandatory PFD’s & may not actually get wet. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

  What to bring: Please bring water, bug repellent, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing for a variety of conditions (such as capris pants, t-shirt/long sleeve shirt, some extra layers).

  What is Provided:  Participants receive a pre-trip email with a suggested personal gear list. We provide certified Paddle Canada & Outdoor Council of Canada instructors to facilitate the lesson. We also provide the paddle boards, paddles, PFD’s, and Transport Canada approved safety equipment to anyone registering to rent their equipment. IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO REGISTER WITH YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT: You must have your own SUP board in good working condition, a pump, paddle, a leash, and lifejacket. These items are mandatory or you will forfeit your participation.

  Workshop Format:
  

  On Land Component
  6:00 - 6:30
  1)    Meet at launch to start setting up your SUP equipment
  2)    Assisting everyone in setting up their board

  6:30 – 7:00
  1)    Safety
  2)    Boards
  3)    Paddle 
  4)    Turns
  5)    Efficient Forward Stroke

  On the Water Component
  7:00 – 7:50
  1)    Sitting
  2)    Turns
  3)    Standing
  4)    Practice Skills

  Wrap Up
  7:50 - 8:00
  1)    Get off water
  2)    Deflate boards
  3)    Gear pack up

  Overall Average Difficulty Rating: due to the factors mentioned below, this activity is rated a 2/5.
  This rating is subject to change based on prevailing conditions at the time of the activity, including but not limited to weather.
  

  

  Experience: No experience necessary! You have the option of paddling from your knees or sitting down - standing up isn't a requirement.

  Terrain: The water we are paddling on is sheltered and typically very calm. 

  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-mail prior to an event.

  This event allows cancellation no less than 7 days before start of event. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy. A special note regarding this event: weather can be a reason for us to cancel - we will notify participants of any cancellations by 3 pm via email; be sure to check for updates.

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• Happy Trails Hike

  • When
    Wed, June 21, 2023
  •  
    6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Waterfront Drive and Tache Ave
  • Spaces left
    12

  Register

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

  PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

  DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (June 19th) 
  

  Welcome to the first official day of Summer! Join us for a lovely stroll along Waterfront Drive and Tache Ave while we check out the beautiful gardens and views of downtown. Optional socializing after the event - let's enjoy our wonderful and historic downtown oasis! 
  

  Happy Trails Hikes are about movement, connection, and getting out on to the trails in or around Winnipeg during the week. This series of hikes, happening on select weeknight evenings is open to all levels and is designed to connect with like-minded individuals from the Backcountry Women community. 

  Event leaders: Ainsley Balcewich - click for more information!

  Arrival Time: by 6:15 PM. We will begin the hike no later than 6:30 PM. The time arranged allows for you to have time to attend to personal needs such as organizing your gear and for the leader to share information with the group. 

  Location: Waterfront Drive (Steven Juba Park). Exact meeting location will be shared with registered participants. 
  
  

  In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the ancestral lands of the Ininiw, Anishinaabe, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Metis Nation.  Our organization, Backcountry Women, is based on Treaty No. 1 Territory, and we appreciate that this event takes place on Treaty No 1. Territory.

  Overall Difficulty Rating: Due to the factors mentioned below, this activity is rated a 1/5. This rating is subject to change based on prevailing conditions at the time of the activity, including but not limited to weather.

  

  Activity Category: Happy Trails
  Duration/Distance: Approximately 2 hours and 6KM. 
  Experience: All skill levels welcome. You should have the ability to walk with the group at a moderate, steady pace for the duration of the activity. Appropriate footwear and layered clothing is required. 
  Terrain: Gravel and paved paths. Potential street crossing depending on river levels. Trail is generally level.  

  Pace: This activity will be at a steady, moderate pace.

  Please leave your dog(s) at home. 

  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-mail prior to an event.
  

  Registering for this event secures you a spot and fees are non-refundable and no credits will be issued, unless under exceptional circumstances. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

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• Backcountry Women Overnight - Backpacking Course Alumni

  • Start
    Sat, June 24, 2023
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    Sun, June 25, 2023
  •  
    6:00 PM
  • Location
    Spruce Woods Provincial Park
  • Spaces left
    6

  Register

  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.

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• Self Defense Workshop

  • When
    Wed, August 30, 2023
  •  
    6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online on Zoom (RECORDING PROVIDED!)
  • Spaces left
    43

  Register

  DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY AUGUST 30

  PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

  Join our first ever Self Defense workshop taught by Nicole Snell from Girls Fight Back!

  This workshop will be an interactive virtual session (via Zoom) where self-defense expert and experienced adventurer Nicole Snell discusses safety in the context of solo hiking/backpacking and addresses topics such as: intuition, awareness, tools of manipulation, solo hiking tips, verbal strategies and physical skills. They also share some personal hiking and outdoor stories.

  These simple self-defense strategies empower you to feel more confident about exploring the outdoors!

  NOTE: When you support this workshop not only are you supporting 2 women owned small businesses, but you are also supporting a Black woman owned business.

  For more information be sure to check out @adventuresofnik on Instagram. Here is an excellent clip from Nicole if you want to learn more about what she teaches!

  Also, you can check out Nicole's Outdoor Defense series on YouTube 

  Note: You can still consider registering even if the live event date and time won't work for you! A recording will be accessible via a secure website that is password protected for 1 week after the live event for everyone who registers to be able to watch the recording of the event post-workshop for up to a week after.  (allow for processing time after the event and be sure you check your spam).

  FORMAT / TOPICS

  This is an interactive virtual class and you’ll be encouraged to have your video on! You’ll have a chance to interact with the instructor, use your voice and practice your physical skills. Come ready to learn, move and unleash your inner badass for all your outdoor adventures!

  Topics include:

  • intuition
  • awareness
  • identifying tools of manipulation
  • animal safety
  • Solo hiking tips
  • verbal skills
  • physical skills

  
  MATERIALS

  • Room to safely move in your space

  • water

  • comfortable clothing & shoes
    

  
  Time & location:
  The workshop begins promptly at 6:30 PM CST so please be logged in beforehand and ready to start by this time.

  Participants will need a free Zoom account to participate. Please check your email close to the event date for the Zoom link for attending the class.

  Access to the recording after the class will be provided with details afterwards.

  Further details will be provided to registered participants. Participants are responsible for having a valid e-mail address, and for checking e-mail prior to an event.

  Registering for this event secures you a spot and fees are non-refundable and no credits will be issued, unless under exceptional circumstances. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

  Show details