Heaven's Gate Adventure 2022
In 2022, travel abroad was still a little risky and so the decision was made to stay here in Ontario for this year's expedition. After some searching, NAC learned of a little known and very challenging trail hidden in Central Ontario just North of Manitoulin Island. The Heaven's Gate Trail travels up and down the mountains of the Canadian Shield. 4000 feet of elevation change, over 4 days on the slick granite of the Shield proved to one of the most challenging trails we have ever completed. But this amazing group of 10 did not back down and pushed themselves hard each day to finished what seemed like a never ending journey. All the while, they were laughing and smiling.
Thanks to all the various companies and people who made this trip possible, including Chi Cheemaun Ferry, Mariana LaFrance of Honey House AirBnb, and Ray Doucette of Espanola Taxi. These local businesses made it possible to complete this amazing expedition.
DAY ONE - September 24, 2022
On day one, the group met in Tobermory where we had a good hearty lunch at Shipwreck Lee's before boarding the Chi Cheemaun ferry to take us over to Manitoulin Island. Once on the Island, we headed North for about an hour to Little Current, Ontario where we checked into the Honey House AirBnB which would serve as our basecamp for the duration of our trip.
DAY TWO - September 25, 2022
After a good nights rest, we woke and prepared a large filling breakfast. After which, we packed up our day packs and headed out to spend the day hiking the Cup & Saucer Trail of Manitoulin Island. Once completed, we took a short drive to Bridal Veil Falls and spent some time hiking to the base of the falls and the trails that head out to the North Channel.
DAY THREE - September 26, 2022
On this morning, we woke bright and early, had a very quick breakfast and then prepared for our 2 hour journey North. We headed off the Island and towards the end of the Heaven's Gate Trail where we would leave our vehicles behind so that we may find our way back in four days. Ray Doucette of Espanola Taxi was kind enough to drive us and our gear over an hour to get to Fort La Cloche where we would begin our journey. After all the travel time, we began our hike a bit late, and were then forced to hike in the rain and late into the evening, scrambling through the dark until we found our campsite. After pitching the tents and a very quick dinner, we all quickly crashed.
DAY FOUR - September 27, 2022
We woke up to wet tents and gear. Made breakfast and hot beverages to warm us, packed up and headed out for the day. The weather, although cloudy, was much better than the day before, making for a nicer hike even though we lost the trail numerous times due to the poor trail markings. Luckily, we were able to use GPS to get us back on track each time and made it quickly to our second camp, where we set up, had a great dinner and relaxed.
DAY FIVE - September 28, 2022
After a very chilly nights sleep, we once again had our breakfast, packed camp and headed out for the day on the trail. Today's weather was a little nicer, dry and moments of sunshine, but today's trail was a little more challenging as well. Steeper and higher climbs offered incredible scenery. We were able to see far across the North Channel clear to Manitoulin Island. The day ended at the most beautiful camp site yet! After setting up camp, we had a well deserved meal around the camp fire and stayed out to enjoy some of the most beautiful stars we've ever seen before heading to bed for the night.
DAY SIX - September 29, 2022
Again the night temperatures dropped into the negatives, but we were prepared and slept well. We awoke to a bright sunny morning. The sun glistened on the lake, and we enjoyed our breakfast while we watched the fog roll by and even had the pleasure of a Canadian Beaver joining us. Once our bellies were full, we packed camp and began our final day on the Heaven's Gate Trail. Of course, the trail did not disappoint, and the final day was just as beautiful as the three before. We finally reached our vehicles, and drove an hour back to Little Current where we enjoyed hot showers, and a large meal of pizza and wings at the Honey House. We prepared for our check out the next morning before a well deserved sleep.
DAY SEVEN - September 30, 2022
The final day. After having breakfast, cleaning and packing up the Honey House and packing the cars, we began our journey home. With a little time to kill before our ferry, we made a few stops along the way to enjoy the Island. We once again boarded the Chi Cheemaun Ferry where we all enjoyed a final dinner together in the ship's galley. Some new friendships had been formed, old friendships strengthened and many new memories formed.
