Did someone say snow? If anyone put an order in, it has been delivered! It is an absolute winter wonderland here in Algonquin Park.

Christmas is fast approaching and the surroundings have certainly contributed to that “Christmas Feeling.” There's so much to do here whether it be hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, dog sledding, or just relaxing by a fire. We are also hoping to have a skating area ready in the next week or so (weather dependent.) Through the holidays we are excited to be offering nature programs for children and youth with Chris Gilmour of Earthmentorship on Dec 28th and 29th. Four different sessions will be run (2 a day) with a cost of $10/session. You can find out more information on Chris Gilmour’s website http://www.earthmentorship.com. We will also be running similar programs with Chris through the March break and will provide more information pertaining to the programs soon.

With plenty of room here at the Wolf Den for individuals, couples, families/ groups, feel free to give us a call or email to spend some time with us through the holidays. If we don’t see you here, have a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for 2009!

November Algonquin

We don’t always fully realize when in the midst of it.
All morning the tasks tromped through my head with a few bucking up just to make sure I wouldn’t let dust settle on them. Winter door installed...check, rooms cleaned...check, laundry folded...check. My companion for the day, Jasmine, a wonderfully spirited dog, was prancing around playfully which she rarely does inside the main lodge. Finally, I realize she wants to take me outside for Frisbee or ball fetch. We step outside and, as soon as we do, I feel my mind chug to a full stop and my senses step forward for their time to frolic.
It is a grey, November, autumn day here in Algonquin Park, and like any of the other three seasons it has its own beauty that evokes a sense of awe within me. As I hit the dampish, cool air, I am overwhelmed by how everything around touches and plays with my senses. I feel as if I have been given smelling salts to awaken me from my sleep of busyness. The misty air dances around the pines and other naked deciduous trees that have lived here far longer than I. Tree branches seem so delicate as they reach far above me. I think of a ballet or classical Thai or Indian dancer who is particular with the movement of their fingers, it seems as if each tiny branch is holding its pose with this same grace and intent. I take some deep breaths and feel the cool, damp air travel through my nasal and other passages rushing into my lungs as if it were on a mission to remind every part it touches how vibrant and full of life it is. The scent of the earth and the leaves that are starting to break down into the soil drift past my olfactory senses in subtle presentation. Some birds go on as if in conversation and I stand still happy to listen to their voices instead of those in my head which kept me marching all morning.
Sometimes I find myself getting lost in “busy” , but such a magnificent setting as Algonquin Park has a way of grabbing hold of me and in a most loving way says “Wake up! Step outside of the “To Do” list and breathe....feel, receive the gifts that surround you.”

Blog....check. Hmmmm, well at least I was able to linger in those sensory experiences a little longer while writing this.

Kayak Lessons

Mondays and Tuesdays June - September

SK1 Flatwater Kayak Instruction - ORCKA and Paddle Canada Certified Instructor James Seabrook

Courses and Costs
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced Levels

At the Wolf Den location - By Appointment
1 Person $120
2 Per. $110 Each
3 Per. $100 Each
4 Per. $90 Each
5 Per. $80 Each

Includes all paddling, safety equipment and kayaks


We meet your needs:
Every aspect of our kayaking school is a reflection of our commitment to put the student's needs first. No other kayak school combines the best in: ideal course locations, class size limits, instructor experience, and equipment selection.
Our kayaking lessons are designed to maximize your learning. We provide you with a kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt and all necessary safety equipment.

For more info or reservations please contact James at
416 576-7332
twocre8fun@hotmail.com

Wilderness Skills Workshops

The Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat is very proud to be working with Skeet Sutherland of Sticks and Stones Wilderness School and Chris Gilmour of Chris Gilmour's Earth Mentorship Programs to bring high quality Wilderness Skills Courses and Workshops throughout the Summer. These programs deepen participant's connection with the wilderness while empowering a new perspective and set of skills.

All weekend workshops will be offered at the Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins, Algonquin area.
Cost $350, Includes dorm style accommodation, dinner and workshop materials.

Keeper of the Flame
July 11, 12, 13, 2008

Wilderness Food Skills
July 18, 19, 20, 2008

Wildlife Tracking Skills
July 25, 26, 27, 2008


Sacred Awareness
August 1, 2, 3, 2008


Empowering Ancient Ways
August 30, Sept. 6, 2008
Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins, Algonquin area
Cost $750, $300 Deposit due by July 31, 2008
Includes 3 meals/day, dorm style accommodation and materials for course.


Empowering Ancient Ways- Advanced Skills
September 7 - 13, 2008
Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins, Algonquin Area
Cost $750, $300 Deposit due by August, 7, 2008
Includes 3 meals/day, dorm style accommodation and materials for course.


Please contact Skeet through Sticks and Stones Wilderness School or Chris through Chris Gilmour's Earth Mentorship Programs for further details or to reserve your spot.

Bow Making Workshop

When: June 19 - 22, 2008

Where: The Wolf Den Hostel in Oxtongue, ON. (Hwy 60, west side of Algonquin Park)

With Who: This program will be run by Sticks & Stones Wilderness School and led by seasoned bow maker Skeet, a former Instructor at Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School, now teaching classes through his Ontario based company Sticks and Stones Wilderness School (SSWS).

For Who: Anyone interested in archery, hunting, woodworking, and/or deepening their connection to the land that supports us. No experience is required.

Price: $400 includes:

All course materials, wood and tools (bring your own tools if you have them.)
• 3 nights cabin corm style accommodation at the Wolf Den Hostel.• Dinner is provided on the 19th, 20th, & 21st,
• Bring your own Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks, Full Kitchen facilities available at the hostel, fridge/stove/wares.-Coffee/tea provided.
• $150 NON REFUNDEBLE deposit required with application by June 5th, 2008, space is limited to 10 students, apply soon.

This 4 day course will start at the very beggining, learning to harvest a stave from the woods in a sacred manner and continue right through to the completion of a wooden bow ready to release its first arrow.

Each student will be given a wooden stave to carve, instructions, and be leant tools to make thier own bow. Space is limited so book soon by contacting Skeet Sutherland @ skeetsutherland@hotmail.com or calling: 519-216-6842

Great Wilderness Clean up

The Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat is proud to announce that once again we will be participating in the Great Wilderness Clean up. On Saturday May 9th groups from North and South America, and now this year, the UK will be going out into nature and cleaning up garbage! To join a group in your area or to form your own group please visit Great Wilderness Clean Up

The Wolf Den, in partnership with Algonquin Outfitters will once again be forming The Wolf Pack to beautify interior sites in Algonquin Park. Participants will receive free day passes from Algonquin Park, free canoe rentals from Algonquin Outfitters, and ½ price accommodation from the Wolf Den. The event will begin on Friday night with organizing into groups and the distribution of gloves and bags. We will clean up all day Saturday, returning to the Wolf Den for a potluck supper and prizes provided by Algonquin Outfitters. Last year’s event was fun, social and extremely successful.

We will be keeping The Wolf Den group to a 30 person maximum for simplicity and effectiveness. Please contact The Wolf Den for further details.

Algonquin Outfitters - Photo Contest

Got some great shots? Want some great gear?
Our Friends over at Algonquin Outfitters are running a Photo Contest this spring.

Algonquin Outfitters Photo Contest Rules and Regulations
Algonquin Outfitters is holding a photo contest from March 15th to May 31st, 2008. Upload your favorite photo(s) taken in Algonquin Park or showing Algonquin Outfitters canoes or events, to enter to win prizes. A winner will be chosen June 2nd, 2008. Photos need to be at least 1024x768 in low compression JPG format and should not be any larger than 2mb each, if higher resolution.

Prizes: 1st place $100 Gift Certificate for Algonquin Outfitters
2nd place $75 Gift Certificate for Algonquin Outfitters
3rd place $50 Gift Certificate for Algonquin Outfitters

Gift cards can be picked up at any of the Algonquin Outfitters (Bracebridge, Huntsville, Oxtongue Lake or Opeongo Lake) or at Boatwerks in Haliburton or Minden. Any additional shipping (above the cost of shipping a gift card) will be the responsibility of the winner if arrangements for a product to be shipped are agreed upon.

Disclaimer
By uploading a picture, you hereby grant Algonquin Outfitters the right to publish, display, post and otherwise use the photo for their websites and other media. You agree that the photo may be cropped, edited, electronically manipulated or otherwise altered, and that whether or how the photograph is used is entirely for Algonquin Outfitters to decide.

You certify that you are the photographer and sole copyright owner of this photo, and have obtained the consent of all identifiable persons shown in it for these uses. Algonquin Outfitters has the sole discretion to use or not use any photo. You also understand that all photos are subjected to a moderation process before being posted in the gallery.

To submit a photo to the contest visit the website at Photo Contest , fill out the form and email us your photo.
Winners will be announced on June 2nd.

March Break Special and Events at the Wolf Den, Algonquin Park

10% off Accommodation from Sunday March 9th – Friday March 14th

Monday at 10am: Trees of Our Forest (approx. 1.5hrs) A short talk on the function and importance of trees plus a beginner’s ID lesson on 11 local species.
Followed by a walk and look at the trees of our forest.
Monday at 7pm: Campfire. Grab a hot chocolate and gather around the fire for free marshmallows and swap your adventure stories.

Tuesday at 10am: Kids Craft Corner (approx. 1.5hrs) Learn the art of beading and make your own bracelet. For both boys and girls! $5 charge to cover supplies
Tuesday at 7pm: Nature Video Night. Grab a spot on the couch and watch a nature video. Free popcorn!

Wednesday at 10am: Animal Tracks and Signs (approx. 1.5hrs) Introduction lesson on marks left by local wildlife followed by a walk in the forest looking for animal signs
Wednesday at 7pm: Wolf Howl. There is a pack in our area we’ll try and make them talk. Short night walk included.

Thursday at 10am: Shelter Building. Learn about different types of natural shelters and what a shelter really is, followed by building a real shelter.
Thursday at 7pm: Campfire. Grab a hot chocolate and gather around the fire for free marshmallows and swap your adventure stories

All activities except for the Kids Craft Corner are free of charge. Activities are aimed at a general audience (Kids and Adults). Children must be accompanied by an adult for all activities except for the Kids Craft Corner. Activities are for Wolf Den guests only. Please indicate interest at time of booking.

Empowering Ancient Ways - Deepening our connection with nature through Ancient Wilderness Living Skills

The Wolf Den has proudly teamed up with Wilderness Educator Chris Gilmour to bring you a Traditional Skills and Bush Craft course.

When: April 27 - May 2, 2008
Where: The Wolf Den Hostel in Dwight, ON. (west side of Algonquin Park on highway 60)
With Who: Wilderness Guide and Outdoor Educator Chris Gilmour & Skeet Sutherland a former Instructor at Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School, now teaching classes through his Ontario based company Sticks and Stones
Wilderness School (SSWS)
For Who: The core skills of this course are sure to enrich the lives of the most seasoned wilderness guide to the novice nature enthusiast
Price: $ 500 before March 31st
$ 560 after March 31st
* Price includes meals and 5 nights accommodation

Course Topics Include:
● Shelter, Water, Fire, Food
● Wildlife Tracking
● The language of nature
○ concentric rings
○ base line symphony
● Stone, bone, and antler tools and usage
● World of Natural Fiber- Harvesting, Processing and Preserving,
○ Trees and plants
○ Animal skins and sinew
○ Wild Edible, Medicinal and Utilitarian applications
● Traditional hunting and trapping methods
● Stalking, Natural Movement, and Camouflage
● Caretaker Ethics Emphasized
● Empowering our ecological footprint
● Traditional cooking and food preservation
● Container making

For registration and more information please visit http://www.chris.earthmentorship.com/
Via e-mail at: chris@earthmentorship.com or by Telephone at: 705-788-1210

Igloo at Algonquin's Wolf Den

This past week, with a little help from some guests and friends, we added a new building to the Wolf Den. Unlike the rest of our buildings this new one is not built to last. Infact it probably won't last past the end of March. As you have probably guessed, due to the title, pictures and our previous post. We built an igloo!

The great people over at Algonquin Outfitters lent us their demo model of the Ice Box, made by Grand Shelters. The Ice Box is available for purchase from Algonquin Outfitters

At first the Ice Box seemed to be quite complicated. But as we built, it became simpler as we understood the whole process a bit better. We made a few flaws along the way which we would surely not do the second time.

Here is the beginning of the third course of the igloo. We weren't supposed to leave a gap for the door but it made it a lot easier to move around. We fixed the problem later by bridging the gap with a board.

The concept is simple, a series of connecting rods with one end pegged down in the middle of the igloo and the other connected to a plastic box. The diameter of the igloo is determined by the selection and placement of the rods. As the igloo goes up, the length of the rod is shortened and lengthened. During the building of each block, finely mixed snow is dumped in and packed. After each block 2 mechanisms were released and the box slid over.

Building was slow at first, until we got a feel for it. Gentle was the key. Packing too hard fractured the block causing it fall apart after the next move.

It was great to have the help of some of our friends and some of the guests who were here. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience.

As the Igloo got bigger and bigger. Everyone became more excited and were spurred on by the progress.

With a tiki torch we were able to work into the dark.

In the daylight we noticed the rod had been some how moved from the centre peg, causing some funky angles. We decided to correct the bad angles by losing the rod and taking turns supporting the box at the desired angle.

As we got higher, a ledge along the bottom was important to allow the shoveller to get the snow to the box.

As we neared the finish, the outside pannel of the box was removed to allow easier shoveling.

When completed, a person over 6 feet tall could stand straight up inside the igloo. The base was 11 feet in diameter.

Even our dog Miko was happy with the final outcome.

We plan to add a breezeway and a Balsam Fir needle floor. Other than this is the finished product.

All that is left is for you to check it out next time you visit Algonquin Park!!

Cheers!