Backcountry Women upcoming events

Warrior Women Hike - Jessica Lake / White Lake (Swim option) (Sat, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

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

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (AUG 6)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

Join us for a Backcountry Women Warrior Women hike exploring an area of the North Whiteshell around Jessica Lake / White Lake. This is a unique out / back trek connecting Jessica Lake to White lake via the North Whiteshell Trans Canada trail system and the Ooawan trail. The trek will include a picturesque view of the Whiteshell river and several opportunities to admire the wide open exposed bedrock of the Canadian shield as we take a side trail off the beaten path. This hiking adventure is a great way to test your endurance while immersed in the mixed boreal forest of the beautiful North White shell area. At the end of the hike, we will take a dip in the White Lake for a nice cooling swim!

If you wish to carpool to this event, please see details under the carpools section below.

**PLEASE NOTE: This is a WARRIOR WOMEN event, the hike runs at a higher pace compared to Adventure Women events.**

Event Leader: Joanne Keeping and Maggie Wen.

Arrival Time: Arrive by 9:30 AM We will begin the hike no later than 10:00 AM. The time arranged allows for you to attend to personal needs such as organizing your gear and for leaders to share information with the group. The finish time is estimated as it depends on group size, likely no later than 4:00pm.

Location: This adventure starts from the Jessica Lake area. 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 3. Territory.

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

Duration/Distance: Approximately 14 kms total, however total duration and distance will be adapted to the overall ability of the group participating.

Experience: This event is open to participants with a good level of fitness who have intermediate hiking experience and good endurance. You must have the ability to walk with the group at a moderate steady pace for the duration of the activity and come to the activity with appropriate outerwear and gear. Strongly recommend that you have walked, run or hiked more than 10km in the last 2-3 months.

Terrain: Single and double track over rocky surfaces, grassy and some sandy areas on the NorthWhite shell section of the trans Canada trail. there are also a couple of technical areas that involves a short climb and narrow trail along a steep cliff used by Manitoba orienteering.

Pace: This activity will be at a steady pace with breaks, and a longer break at the halfway mark.

Please leave your dog(s) at home.

Carpools: If you are interested in carpooling to this event go to the Backcountry Women - Community Forum group on Facebook. Select Chats near the top of the page (from a mobile device) or in a box on the right of the page (from a computer) and select the BCW Event Carpools chat. The Carpool Chat Guidelines are displayed as a Featured Post in the group for your convenience. Please be sure you are familiar with the guidelines prior to use of this chat!

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.

Adventure Women Hike - Brokenhead Trail (Sat, August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT (AUG 20)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

Join us for a Backcountry Women Adventure Women hike which will include a peaceful stroll on Brokenhead Trail, providing a rare glimpse into the flora and ecology of one of the rarest wetland types of North America. This wheelchair-accessible trail consists mostly of wooden boardwalk through boreal forest and along the edge of a fen wetland. Its beauty changes with the seasons and you can often spot varying interesting plants in bloom based on when you visit. Please come prepared to respect the cultural and ecological sensitivity of the natural habitats along the trail.

Backcountry Women Members: bring a non-member friend at a discounted price!

Event Leader: Joanne Keeping (a Certified Shinrin Yoku [forest therapy] guide who trained in Japan).

Arrival time: Arrive by 9 am. We will begin the hike no later than 9:30 am. 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: Brokenhead Wetland Trail. Exact location will be provided via the event reminder email to registered participants. A Manitoba Parks Pass is required.

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.

Duration/Distance: Allow for 2 - 3 hours (approx.) for hiking and breaks; as well as nature connection opportunities. Hike distance is about 3 kms.
Experience: All skill levels welcome. You should have the ability to walk or wheel with the group at a steady but relaxed pace for the duration of the activity. Appropriate footwear and layered clothing is required.

Terrain: This trail is accessible. Packed gravel trail with sections of wood-plank boardwalk.

Pace: This activity will be at a steady pace with breaks.

Please leave your dog(s) at home. This trail does not permit dogs.

Northern Manitoba Adventure (September Long Weekend) (Fri, September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 16 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (August 19).

PRE-TRIP MEETING (MANDATORY): Monday, Aug. 24 at 6:00 pm.

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION:

*IMPORTANT NOTE: To complete your registration and secure your spot in this event, we require a non-refundable deposit of $50 via e-transfer to ashley.backcountrywomen@gmail.com. This deposit is in addition to the registration price. Please send the deposit prior to registration to confirm your attendance, and then complete your registration once ready.

Subsidies may be available to an individual with financial barriers preventing access this trip. Contact Us for details.

Ready for a unique adventure? Get ready for an extraordinary long weekend exploring some of the unparalleled natural wonders of Northern Manitoba! After the success of our inaugural trip, we are headed back to the North to uncover more gems, including a new stop at Bakers Narrows.

We’ll start our journey by setting up camp at picturesque, walk-in waterfront sites at Wekusko Falls. Good news for those who love comfort—these sites are conveniently located near a parking area, so no long treks with gear! For the second half of our trip, we’ll migrate further north to the beautiful Bakers Narrows to experience the rugged beauty of the Flin Flon and Clearwater Lakes area.

Join Backcountry Women for a weekend of starlit nights, stunning waterfalls, beautiful beaches, intriguing caves, and community. Enjoy optional hikes, bonfires, crafts, and games.

Event leaders: Ashley Moore and Ainsley Balcewich. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out prior to registering!

Additional Details - What to Expect / What We Expect from Participants:

Carpooling coordination to share driving + gas costs
Supportive leaders to help build your confidence
Group hikes + optional activities
Evening fire and social activities
Optional crafts and lawn games
Optional swimming and other water-based activities (weather / conditions dependent)
Everyone's participation makes these trips a success - it's a team effort. Participants must commit to approaching this trip with a spirit of adventure and a 'go-with-the-flow' attitude, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the group over specific itinerary or personal goals.
This trip involves a lot of together time—from long carpools on Highway 6 to sharing campsites and cooking areas. While we foster a social and empowering environment, we also recognize the importance of personal boundaries and rest. We will establish group 'quiet hours' and communication preferences during our pre-trip meeting.
You should have experience with hiking at a moderate pace and have some prior camping experience. Reach out with any questions / concerns!
This event is not pet friendly.

The Itinerary*

NOTE: *Subject to change based on conditions, wildfire / natural impacts, trip leader discretion, group dynamic and safety, and time available:

Day 1: Friday, Sept 4 – The Journey North

Morning: Depart Winnipeg in carpool groups (approx. 7:30 – 8:00 am).
Lunch: A planned group stop at Pelican Landing to refuel and eat.
Little Limestone Lake: Witness the dramatic color of the world’s largest marl lake. We’ve carved out time here for a swim and a wardrobe change!
Evening: Arrive at Wekusko Falls to set up camp, followed by dinner and a bonfire.

Day 2: Saturday, Sept 5 – Wekusko Wonders

Morning: A "chill" morning at the campground.
Afternoon Hike: A group trek on the Wekusko Falls Trail to witness the Grass River carving through ancient rock. Cross two bridges for exceptional vantage points!
Activities: Lawn games, crafting (rock painting or pressed flower bookmarks), beach time, or visiting the Wekusko Lodge general store.
Special Opportunities (at Trip Leaders' Discretion):
Yoga: Ashley will lead a session as part of her 200-hour RYT training.
Fire Skills: Test your skills by helping start the evening bonfire with trip participants!
Optional Sidequest: Arrange a boat tour to the Tramping Lake Native Petroglyphs (Self-organized by participants; see Wekusko Falls Lodge for details).

Day 3: Sunday, Sept 6 – Into the Caves & Beyond

Morning: Pack up camp and head toward The Caves Self-Guiding Trail. We’ll spend time exploring the deep crevices and dolomite cliffs.
Afternoon: Drive to Bakers Narrows to set up our new basecamp.
Evening View: Climb the famous viewing tower at the campground for a 360-degree view of the lake and boreal forest.
Evening: Dinner and relaxation. Optional kayak/canoe rentals may be available via the lodge for those wanting more time on the water. It is mandatory that participants partaking in paddling activities have previous experience.

Day 4: Monday, Sept 7 – The Road Home

Morning: Enjoy a final northern breakfast before we begin the trek back to Winnipeg, with a planned lunch stop in The Pas.

Important Details -

Gear & Preparation:

Participants will need to bring appropriate camping gear including a tent, sleeping bag, food and water, flashlights, cooking equipment, layered clothing, appropriate gear for activities, and other items. 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!) Limited gear is available through our Gear Lending Library via a gear library donation—including quality rain shells, as this trip proceeds rain or shine!

Safety & LNT:

In accordance with Leave No Trace principles and wildlife safety, all food, drink, and scented items must be kept in vehicles. No scented items are permitted inside tents.

Costs not included in registration fees: non-refundable deposit, optional equipment rentals (incl. kayaks/SUPs), gas/carpool contributions, park entry fees, additional group-planned activities, shared cost of firewood, meals, other misc. / personal expenses.

MANDATORY Pre-Trip Meeting: Monday, Aug. 24 at 6:00 pm. An email will be sent to participants 1 week prior to our meeting with further details.

Important Note: This meeting is mandatory. It is where we finalize carpool groups, gear sharing, safety plans and more. Failure to attend may result in the forfeiture of your spot without a refund.

Are you ready to head North? Register now to secure your spot in the wild!

Overall Average Difficulty Rating: due to the factors mentioned above, this activity is rated a 3/5.

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

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.

The Wild Within: Lakeside Outdoor Immersion Retreat (Fri, October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

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, 7 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (SEPT 25)

Escape to the stunning Lake of the Woods region for a fun and unique retreat weekend. Tonya Beveridge Women's Wellness and Backcountry Women are thrilled to team up for our second annual partnership, bringing you a beautiful opportunity to unplug, build skills, and soak in the quiet solitude of the fall season along Lake of the Woods.

The Weekend Lineup:

Friday, October 2: Arrive in the early evening for a warm welcome activity and intention setting, followed by a lakeside evening sauna or bonfire gathering to help you ease into a restful night.
Saturday, October 3: Begin the morning with gentle yoga catering to all abilities, opening the door to alignment with our bodies, hearts, and minds. As the weekend unfolds, dive into a variety of activities designed to help you unwind and enjoy the company of fellow participants in a remote, totally private lakefront wilderness space. There will also be optional sessions to learn about outdoor topics available at designated times during this day based on interest (may include: fire building, camp meal planning, etc.).
Sunday, October 4: Enjoy a relaxed morning and continued options from the previous day. We will bring everyone together for a closing circle, offering a space for reflection on our shared and unique experiences before heading home.

Flexible Offerings: Throughout the weekend, you have the freedom to choose as many or as few activities as you’d like! We will offer flexible options based on group desires, conditions, and time available. Spend your time nature journaling with guided prompts, trying nature-inspired crafts, or relaxing in a hammock on the property with a good book. Weather permitting, we will also provide paddling opportunities, basic skills like beach fire building, and plenty of sauna and swimming time on our private sand beach.

NOTE: We also have some gear renting options available for participants who might need some camping gear! Reach out to Ashley to inquire about gear options.

Event Leaders: Ashley Moore, Tonya Beveridge
Arrival Time: The suggested arrival time is 5:00 pm - please reach out regarding options if this arrival will not work for you.

NOTE: To complete your registration and secure your spot in this event, we require a non-refundable deposit of $75 via e-transfer to ashley.backcountrywomen@gmail.com. This deposit is in addition to the registration price. Please send the deposit prior to registration to confirm your attendance, and then complete your registration once ready.

Optional expenses not included in registration:

Gas costs (we will encourage carpooling and sharing gas costs with the driver)
Personal meals / drinks (a soup will be provided Friday evening upon arrival, and we will be providing participants with a coffee / tea station each morning)
Water equipment rentals

Expenses included in registration:

Lakefront cabin accommodations and amenities (two cabins available for retreat guests: Cabin #1 with washroom and running water, Cabin #2 off grid with outhouse, no running water, woodstove); plus a Large Bell Tent (space for 4, BYO sleeping equipment or borrow from BCW gear lending library). Spaces will be assigned on a first come first served basis. If a participant is uncomfortable with an assignment in the bell tent accommodations, we will do our best to accommodate alternate arrangements.
Amenity essentials such as wood, dish soap, biodegradable washing soap, towels, TP
Kitchen facilities / fridge / bbq space
Gear lending library camping items (sleeping equipment, etc), first come first served
Water equipment to use: 2 paddle boards, 3 kayaks, 1 canoe (weather permitting) with safety equipment. Available throughout the weekend, first come first served. Experienced paddlers will be welcomed to bring their own.
A lakeside wood fired sauna with essential oils and optional cold plunging
Morning coffee / tea station
Facilitated yoga session(s) with certified instructors
Optional Sessions (TBA) which may include fire starting skills on the beach, crafting, nature journaling / journaling reflections, etc. (NOTE: offerings will be subject to change to suit our weekend retreat based on interest, conditions, available time etc.)
Free time and a chance to recharge and soak in the beauty of nature and the fall colors.
Shared evening fires and yard games
Beach games
Hammocks to enjoy
... And more!
If you wish to carpool to this event, please see details under the carpools section below.

Overall 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.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and other women who love the outdoors!

Carpools: Please indicate carpooling preferences during your registration questions.

*Please avoid registering until you can commit. 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.