Embracing the Solitude and Beauty of a Northern Winter
It’s late November, and you wonder where the last ten plus months went? The sun sets sooner and rises later as late fall transcends into December. Snow squalls become a daily weather event. For the winter enthusiast, the outdoors beckons. Algoma and the Superior coast have no shortage of an amazing array of winter landscapes to be experienced. Is it cross-country skis, downhill or snowshoes? Whatever the mode of travel is, there are trails suited for you.
A.Y. Jackson, the legendary Group of Seven painter from the last century, was affectionately known as “Pere Raquette” (father snowshoeing) by his Quebecois friend and artist, Clarence Gagnon. He was seen many times during the winter months exploring the landscape on his snowshoes. The Group’s winter and late fall paintings of Algoma captured the essence of the landscape. There is that sense of solitude that comes over the land in winter.
One cannot go to Algoma in the winter without exploring Stokely Creek in Goulais River. Stokely is located in the Algoma Highlands, about a 30-minute drive from the Sault. Stunning views of Lake Superior and with its great snow conditions, it has the perfect terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 100 km of trails provide the visitor with something for all skill levels. You can trek your way up to King Mountain, rising 1900 feet above the Goulais River Valley. Stokely is more than just a winter sports centre; it is a resort with great dining and cabins to keep you there for a few days or longer.
A New View of Lake Superior’s Shoreline
Another favourite place is Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Most only experience this iconic location in the summer, but winter brings a whole new flavour here. The image posted, the lake was frozen, but at the same time, the winds drove the brash ice up onto the beach, creating this gravel pile of ice fragments. There are a number of trails in the Park suited for more snowshoeing than cross-country skiing. Caution is required if the parking lots have not been cleared, and you need to park on the shoulder of the highway.
Lake Superior is fickle, and when it comes to winter, you never know what she will serve up. Some years, you can leave the comfort of the shore and head out onto the ice, while other times, you are best advised to stay on terra firma. I highly recommend you talk with people who know, and if in doubt, don’t go. Falling into a lake during the winter months can be disastrous.
Dressing for the Cold, Capturing the Light
Winter is a time to leave the comfort of home and get outside. Yes, it is cold, but you will be surprised how fast your body will acclimatize to the temperature. I always layer when cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Before you know it, you are losing water, aka sweating. Never wear cotton as it will pull warmth away from your body and could cause hypothermia. Get yourself an underlayer which will “wick” the sweat away from your skin. Check out your local outdoor stores for different types that are available.
Don’t forget to take your camera or sketch pad with you. The light during winter is ephemeral moments a splash of light on a tree or a snow-covered hillside might last only minutes. After a fresh snowfall, get out there, try and capture the soul of Algoma in the least liked season. There is a silence in the backcountry, hardly a sound, unless it is minus 30 and the trees crack like a rifle shot.
Warming Up: Accommodations and Amenities
As for accommodation, your best bet is Sault Ste. Marie or Wawa if you are exploring Lake Superior Provincial Park. Further north, White River, Marathon and Terrace Bay are your choices. Want to try something different with accommodations? Hot camping might be just the ticket. Sleeping in a tent that’s heated by a portable wood-burning stove in sub-zero temps is an experience.
Whatever you decide, get outdoors in winter, it is a great tonic for beating the winter blues and another way to experience the land.
Remember safety first. Going snowshoeing or any winter outdoor activities in unsupervised areas, i.e. Provincial Parks, make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Carry water, matches, some power bars, an extra layer and a headlamp as days are shorter. Be careful of parking lots that are not maintained in winter. Call the MTO (Ministry of Transportation) and find out which ones are ploughed or go to https://511on.ca/
Get outside and enjoy winter.
