Backcountry Women upcoming events

Skills Series 2026 #2: Backcountry Skills & Beyond (Tue, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT DATE.

Get Ready To Build Skills and Get Bushcrafty!

Elevate your outdoor game! Join us for our next multi-part series designed to explore outdoor skills and topics through hands-on learning, demos, and more. This skills series isn’t just a presentation—you’ll be building hands on skills with guidance and support. Whether you are a newbie, front-country enthusiast or a budding explorer, these sessions provide the tactile skills you can apply for your next adventure.

Included Sessions:

Tue, October 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Tarp Skills.
Learn about the essentials of setting up a tarp, practice beginner tarp configurations, and put in some practical knot tying practice with this hands on, engaging session. We'll have a cozy and realistic site set up where you'll be immersed in real life tarp and knot applications for the outdoors.
Thu, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Thriving this Winter!
Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Exploring nature offers incredible benefits for your physical and mental health. Winter exploring requires a unique set of skills to stay safe and comfortable, and we'll learn to build skills and confidence to thrive this winter through activities like hiking and snowshoeing. For demos, bring along your pair of snowshoes if you have!
Sat, October 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy - Exploring Nature's Insights. Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and reap its mental and physical benefits. Gentle and soothing for the mind, body, and soul, forest therapy helps reduce anxiety and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, focus, and creativity. This session provides practical tools to help you step away from daily stress, slow down, and immerse your senses in nature—giving you a strong foundation for both future guided and solo practices.
Sat, October 24, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Maps and Navigation.
Learn how to identify key map features and terrain to pinpoint your location, practice using paper maps, and discover essential orienteering techniques. Together, we’ll put these new skills into action and use a map and compass to navigate through the landscape. Bring along a compass if you have one! Whether you're completely new to route-finding or looking to refresh the basics, you'll leave with practical experience and knowledge.

What to Expect:

A variety of engaging topics with hands on demos and practice
Opportunities for General Q+A
Resources to take home so you continue to grow skills and confidence!

Whether you are an absolute beginner looking to build a foundation and explore some fun outdoor focused topics, or a seasoned hiker wanting to refine your knowledge, our Skills Series will dive into practical, exciting topics to expand your capabilities and comfort while exploring a variety of outdoor experiences. A confidence builder for all levels!

Meet Your Facilitators:

This workshop is led by Ashley Moore, the founder of Backcountry Women. Ashley brings over 15 years of experience in hiking and backpacking—a journey that has evolved into a passion for empowering others. She is an Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) certified 4-Season Hiking Field Leader Instructor, and holds additional OCC certifications in Paddling and Overnight leadership.

Joining her is Joanne Keeping, a dedicated Backcountry Women leader and fellow OCC Instructor with a vast background of experience. Together, they provide a supportive space for connection, curiosity, and adventure, helping participants build the confidence to get outside safely and comfortably.

What's Included:
To help hone your skills so you are ready for future outdoor adventures, this workshop includes some useful takeaways such as:

Printed planning worksheets / practice resources.

Location: Winnipeg; varying locations. Specific details + important information will be sent out in reminder email(s) prior to each session. Please check your spam!

Time: Please arrive on time so we can begin promptly. Times may vary; please check your inbox and reminder email information!

If you cannot attend all of the sessions, please see the options during registration for registering for a single session, or reach out.

What to Bring to the Workshops

To get the most out of this session, please have the following ready:

A Notebook and Pen: For jotting down trail resources and planning tips.
A blank sheet of paper and some coloring pencils / markers (whatever you have).
Optional gear (if you have): Oct 22 bring along your snowshoes, Oct 24 bring a compass if you have one.
A Snack / Beverage: Get comfy and stay energized!
Your Questions: We will have dedicated time for Q&A at the end of our sessions (as time permits).

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.

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.

This event is non refundable. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

Skills Series 2026 #2: Backcountry Skills & Beyond (Thu, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT DATE.

Get Ready To Build Skills and Get Bushcrafty!

Included Sessions:

Tue, October 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Tarp Skills.
Learn about the essentials of setting up a tarp, practice beginner tarp configurations, and put in some practical knot tying practice with this hands on, engaging session. We'll have a cozy and realistic site set up where you'll be immersed in real life tarp and knot applications for the outdoors.
Thu, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Thriving this Winter!
Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Exploring nature offers incredible benefits for your physical and mental health. Winter exploring requires a unique set of skills to stay safe and comfortable, and we'll learn to build skills and confidence to thrive this winter through activities like hiking and snowshoeing. For demos, bring along your pair of snowshoes if you have!
Sat, October 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy - Exploring Nature's Insights. Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and reap its mental and physical benefits. Gentle and soothing for the mind, body, and soul, forest therapy helps reduce anxiety and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, focus, and creativity. This session provides practical tools to help you step away from daily stress, slow down, and immerse your senses in nature—giving you a strong foundation for both future guided and solo practices.
Sat, October 24, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Maps and Navigation.
Learn how to identify key map features and terrain to pinpoint your location, practice using paper maps, and discover essential orienteering techniques. Together, we’ll put these new skills into action and use a map and compass to navigate through the landscape. Bring along a compass if you have one! Whether you're completely new to route-finding or looking to refresh the basics, you'll leave with practical experience and knowledge.

What to Expect:

A variety of engaging topics with hands on demos and practice
Opportunities for General Q+A
Resources to take home so you continue to grow skills and confidence!

Meet Your Facilitators:

What's Included:
To help hone your skills so you are ready for future outdoor adventures, this workshop includes some useful takeaways such as:

Printed planning worksheets / practice resources.

Location: Winnipeg; varying locations. Specific details + important information will be sent out in reminder email(s) prior to each session. Please check your spam!

Time: Please arrive on time so we can begin promptly. Times may vary; please check your inbox and reminder email information!

If you cannot attend all of the sessions, please see the options during registration for registering for a single session, or reach out.

What to Bring to the Workshops

To get the most out of this session, please have the following ready:

A Notebook and Pen: For jotting down trail resources and planning tips.
A blank sheet of paper and some coloring pencils / markers (whatever you have).
Optional gear (if you have): Oct 22 bring along your snowshoes, Oct 24 bring a compass if you have one.
A Snack / Beverage: Get comfy and stay energized!
Your Questions: We will have dedicated time for Q&A at the end of our sessions (as time permits).

This event is non refundable. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

Skills Series 2026 #2: Backcountry Skills & Beyond (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT DATE.

Get Ready To Build Skills and Get Bushcrafty!

Included Sessions:

Tue, October 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Tarp Skills.
Learn about the essentials of setting up a tarp, practice beginner tarp configurations, and put in some practical knot tying practice with this hands on, engaging session. We'll have a cozy and realistic site set up where you'll be immersed in real life tarp and knot applications for the outdoors.
Thu, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Thriving this Winter!
Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Exploring nature offers incredible benefits for your physical and mental health. Winter exploring requires a unique set of skills to stay safe and comfortable, and we'll learn to build skills and confidence to thrive this winter through activities like hiking and snowshoeing. For demos, bring along your pair of snowshoes if you have!
Sat, October 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy - Exploring Nature's Insights. Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and reap its mental and physical benefits. Gentle and soothing for the mind, body, and soul, forest therapy helps reduce anxiety and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, focus, and creativity. This session provides practical tools to help you step away from daily stress, slow down, and immerse your senses in nature—giving you a strong foundation for both future guided and solo practices.
Sat, October 24, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Maps and Navigation.
Learn how to identify key map features and terrain to pinpoint your location, practice using paper maps, and discover essential orienteering techniques. Together, we’ll put these new skills into action and use a map and compass to navigate through the landscape. Bring along a compass if you have one! Whether you're completely new to route-finding or looking to refresh the basics, you'll leave with practical experience and knowledge.

What to Expect:

A variety of engaging topics with hands on demos and practice
Opportunities for General Q+A
Resources to take home so you continue to grow skills and confidence!

Meet Your Facilitators:

What's Included:
To help hone your skills so you are ready for future outdoor adventures, this workshop includes some useful takeaways such as:

Printed planning worksheets / practice resources.

Location: Winnipeg; varying locations. Specific details + important information will be sent out in reminder email(s) prior to each session. Please check your spam!

Time: Please arrive on time so we can begin promptly. Times may vary; please check your inbox and reminder email information!

If you cannot attend all of the sessions, please see the options during registration for registering for a single session, or reach out.

What to Bring to the Workshops

To get the most out of this session, please have the following ready:

A Notebook and Pen: For jotting down trail resources and planning tips.
A blank sheet of paper and some coloring pencils / markers (whatever you have).
Optional gear (if you have): Oct 22 bring along your snowshoes, Oct 24 bring a compass if you have one.
A Snack / Beverage: Get comfy and stay energized!
Your Questions: We will have dedicated time for Q&A at the end of our sessions (as time permits).

This event is non refundable. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

Skills Series 2026 #2: Backcountry Skills & Beyond (Sat, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT DATE.

Get Ready To Build Skills and Get Bushcrafty!

Included Sessions:

Tue, October 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Tarp Skills.
Learn about the essentials of setting up a tarp, practice beginner tarp configurations, and put in some practical knot tying practice with this hands on, engaging session. We'll have a cozy and realistic site set up where you'll be immersed in real life tarp and knot applications for the outdoors.
Thu, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Thriving this Winter!
Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Exploring nature offers incredible benefits for your physical and mental health. Winter exploring requires a unique set of skills to stay safe and comfortable, and we'll learn to build skills and confidence to thrive this winter through activities like hiking and snowshoeing. For demos, bring along your pair of snowshoes if you have!
Sat, October 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy - Exploring Nature's Insights. Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and reap its mental and physical benefits. Gentle and soothing for the mind, body, and soul, forest therapy helps reduce anxiety and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, focus, and creativity. This session provides practical tools to help you step away from daily stress, slow down, and immerse your senses in nature—giving you a strong foundation for both future guided and solo practices.
Sat, October 24, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Maps and Navigation.
Learn how to identify key map features and terrain to pinpoint your location, practice using paper maps, and discover essential orienteering techniques. Together, we’ll put these new skills into action and use a map and compass to navigate through the landscape. Bring along a compass if you have one! Whether you're completely new to route-finding or looking to refresh the basics, you'll leave with practical experience and knowledge.

What to Expect:

A variety of engaging topics with hands on demos and practice
Opportunities for General Q+A
Resources to take home so you continue to grow skills and confidence!

Meet Your Facilitators:

What's Included:
To help hone your skills so you are ready for future outdoor adventures, this workshop includes some useful takeaways such as:

Printed planning worksheets / practice resources.

Location: Winnipeg; varying locations. Specific details + important information will be sent out in reminder email(s) prior to each session. Please check your spam!

Time: Please arrive on time so we can begin promptly. Times may vary; please check your inbox and reminder email information!

If you cannot attend all of the sessions, please see the options during registration for registering for a single session, or reach out.

What to Bring to the Workshops

To get the most out of this session, please have the following ready:

A Notebook and Pen: For jotting down trail resources and planning tips.
A blank sheet of paper and some coloring pencils / markers (whatever you have).
Optional gear (if you have): Oct 22 bring along your snowshoes, Oct 24 bring a compass if you have one.
A Snack / Beverage: Get comfy and stay energized!
Your Questions: We will have dedicated time for Q&A at the end of our sessions (as time permits).

This event is non refundable. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun! Halloween Moonlight Hike (Fri, October 30, 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT (Oct 29)

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun! Immerse yourself in the magic of spooky season with our Backcountry Women Halloween Moonlight Hike! Join a community of adventurous women as we explore the beautiful and slightly eerie Cedar Bog trail under the light of the moon on Halloween night. This is your chance to turn a hike into a thrilling, festive experience—it's sure to be a scream!

Event Highlights:

Costume Contest: Come dressed up (safely!) and show off your creativity! We'll have a prize for the participant voted Best Dressed.
Treats: Enjoy some Halloween candy along the trail.
Community: Connect with other women who love the outdoors while enjoying a unique night adventure.

A Note on Costumes:

Safety First: Remember to dress warmly and appropriately for the weather and trail conditions under your costume. Your costume must not impede your movement or visibility.
Respect & Appropriateness: Please keep costumes appropriate and respectful. To ensure an inclusive environment for all, costumes that appropriate another culture are strictly not allowed.

We require that everyone carry their own light source, whether a headlamp or flashlight (mandatory).

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

Event Leader: Ashley Moore, Founder of Backcountry Women.

Arrival Time: By 6:00pm. We will begin the hike no later than 6:15pm. 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: Cedar Bog Trail. Exact meeting location will be shared with registered participants.

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: Full Moon Series (special series)
Duration/Distance: Approximately 4 km or 1.5 hours of hiking.
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: The trail is mostly flat with boardwalks, grass or dirt surfaces. It may be ice or snow covered at this time of year.

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

Please leave dogs at home.

Carpools: If you are interested in carpooling to this event, please go to the dedicated Chat on Facebook for Backcountry Women Carpooling. NOTE: The Carpool Chat Guidelines are displayed as a Featured Post in the Backcountry Women - Community Forum Facebook group for your convenience, as well as a Pinned Post in the Chat. Please be sure you are familiar with the guidelines prior to use of this chat!

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.

OCC Field Leader Hiking Certification Course (Sat, November 21, 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, 2 DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT (Nov 19)

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

OCC Course: Level Up Your Leadership with Backcountry Women

At Backcountry Women, we believe that "knowledge is power." We are thrilled to host the Outdoor Council of Canada’s Field Leader (Hiking) certification—a 16-hour, two-day intensive course designed to turn experienced hikers into confident outdoor leaders.

Why Take This Course?

This isn’t just about trail navigation; it’s about the "human" side of leadership. You will learn the systematic "Event Cycle" used by professionals across Canada to plan, manage, and execute safe, meaningful outdoor experiences. Whether you are looking to lead for a club, a school, or simply want to ensure your own friends and family are in good hands, this certification provides the peace of mind that you are using industry-accepted practices.

What You’ll Learn:

Visioning & Planning: How to design a hike that matches your participants' needs and abilities.
Risk Management: Identification and mitigation of hazards before they become problems.
Mindful Leadership: Strategies for group management, effective communication, and creating an inclusive environment.
The Event Cycle: A step-by-step framework for pre-trip planning, last-minute checks, and post-trip debriefing.

Course Schedule:

Day 1 (Classroom): Diving into the OCC manual, theory, and the systematic approach to leadership.
Day 2 (Field): Putting theory into practice on the trails! You’ll practice leading, decision-making, and managing real-world scenarios in a supportive, judgement-free environment.

Who is this for?

This course is perfect for any woman or marginalized gender (age 18 +) who has some hiking experience and a passion for sharing the outdoors with others. You should be comfortable hiking on trails with roots/rocks while carrying a day pack.

Prerequisites: 18+ years old, some hiking experience, and completion of pre-course reading (manual provided).

What’s Included:

National OCC Field Leader (Hiking) Certification (upon successful completion).
A one-year membership to the Outdoor Council of Canada.
The OCC Field Leader Student Manual (digital copy, you must print your own).
Instruction from two certified OCC Instructors, Ashley and Joanne, in a supportive community setting.

Join us on November 21-22 and gain the confidence to lead the way!

Dates: Nov 21-22, 2026
Duration: 2 Days (approx. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Location: Exact location details will be provided via email closer to the course date. Further instructions, important information, and a course packing list will be emailed out to participants. Check your confirmation and reminder emails.
What to Bring: Standard day-hiking gear, lunch/snacks, and your "growth mindset"!
Please come prepared to participate fully, and hike a short distance during the course.

Contact us with any questions or to learn more. We look forward to supporting your outdoor leadership!

This event allows cancellation no less than 8 days before start of event. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.