Outdoors: A fall hiking trip to remember

As a hiking guide, I've been all over the North. And as I get older, I've learned that knowing where to stay is actually just as important as the hike itself. Staying at Norm's Cabin is a unique experience in the area: whether you’re an active hiker or a midnight stargazer, this cabin is perfect for a fun, affordable getaway.

I recently led a hiking trip to Norm's Cabin, and I wanted to share my thoughts—not just from the perspective of a satisfied guest, but as a hiker who makes it her mission every year to see the very best that the Northern Ontario autumn can offer.

Imagine hiking through the multicoloured landscape or paddling the quiet lake surrounded by the reds, oranges, and yellows of a hardwood forest in the fall.

Norm’s Cabin is located on a secluded bay of Bone Lake, and to get there you must either hike or bike at least 9 km, but to make your trek more enjoyable, my company Blaq Bear Eco Adventure Routes will be happy to transport your gear, supplies, and drinking water to your destination.

Access can only be attained by either hiking or cycling through the property owned by the Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC). Their mission is to conserve and protect the unique beauty and ecological integrity of key areas within the Algoma Highlands region, and their mission is based on four core principles—Conservation, Environmental Education and Research, Silent Sport Recreation, and Sustainable Land Management.

The AHC has rebuilt Norm’s Cabin on the northeast shore of Bone Lake as a key infrastructural element which can be used to help realize the mission and promote all four core principles. Blaq Bear has partnered with the AHC to administer the cabin rental from May 1 to Oct. 31.

Your trip can begin by exploring King Mountain with its three scenic overlooks, and a night’s stay at a warming hut, before hiking to the cabin.

Your stay at Norm’s can include relaxing by the lake for a day or more before heading out to Robertson Cliffs to enjoy the view over Goulais Bay. Your trip then continues at a local B&B, where your hosts will treat you to some excellent meals as well as some excellent hiking around Bellevue Valley.

- Carole Blaquiere

Read the full article about a fall hiking trip at Norm’s Cabin