This is a one-of-kind experience. Winter travel expert, Craig MacDonald, has THE largest collection of heritage snowshoes – no less than 40 different styles used for diverse purposes in different regions of North America. Craig has stories to tell about traditional winter travel and the use of these snowshoes. After seeing this amazing collection and the storytelling you will don snowshoes and go for a 2-4 km walk on nearby scenic trails on Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation’s Marsh’s Falls property. The snowshoe walk will focus on the cultural and historical aspects of snowshoeing.
If you don’t have snowshoes, they can provide them. If you have moccasins or soft soled footwear you may wish to try traditional wooden shoes with babiche lacing and lamp wick bindings – the ultimate snowshoe experience.
Craig MacDonald worked 47 years for the Ontario Government and for the past 24 years as Recreation Specialist in Algonquin Park. Prior to that he was the Recreation Specialist at the Frost Centre and responsible for the development of the Centre’s canoe routes and ski trails. Craig is also known as the Map Man of Temagami. He researched and created a full-color map depicting traditional snowshoe and canoe routes of the Temagami region as they were in 1900. This is the most comprehensive map of traditional routes ever produced in Canada. Craig has gone on yearly snowshoe expeditions for the past 38 years. These have taken him through many wilderness areas in Eastern Canada including a three-week trip across Algonquin Park. In his spare time, he manufactures winter camping equipment and loves to be in the woods at all times of the year.
All COVID precautions are in place, and upon registration all participants will be required to complete a waiver, and medical form with COVID-related questions.
Snowshoe rentals are available for an additional fee.