Lure of the North - Espanola, Ontario

V J

I have participated in several (3) expedition and courses with Lure of the North so I guess I can give some opinion.

Kielyn and Dave are very knowledgeable and super competent regarding their field of expertise. They are friendly and humble, while always remaining effective and professional.

Activities are run in a positive atmosphere, they try to accommodate various skill/fitness levels with patience and pedagogy while giving some challenges to elevate everyone.

Locations chosen offer great opportunities to enjoy nature and practice freely outdoor skills. Logistics are very good.

Also guest leaders/instructors bring in broader perspectives.

Having had experience with other similar outfits, my experience with Lure of the North has been very positive and I would gladly recommend them.

Chloe Ayers

Vast Horizons Training Camp with Lure of the North was a bucket-list worthy experience. Dave and Kielyn are such passionate and hardworking people-you can't help but leave the trip inspired for life. The way that they impart their valuable knowledge and skills is kind and humble, and makes you feel right at home, like you are part of their team. That's the thing-you ARE part of the team. It is not a passive experience. Each camper/student works together to ensure the safety and comfort of the entire group and leaves with skills that they can immediately apply in their own lives. I had dabbled in winter camping prior to the trip but certainly left more confident and ready to tackle hot-tenting on my own. Thank you!

Julie Wehbe

The 7 day Temagami trip (Laura Lake loop) was my first trip with Kie and Dave and also my first experience with winter travelling via snowshoe. I don’t even have the words to express how beautiful of an experience this trip was for me - between the amazing group of people it brought together, the perfect balance of hard work and playful moments, and the uniqueness of the wild in the winter months. The group setting makes winter camping a much more enjoyable feat, and it was so encouraging to see everyone come together, naturally collaborating and helping each other out along the way. Even with other participants on trip there was plenty of time for solitude and quiet enjoyment of the wilderness. I would 100% trip with Kie and Dave and absolutely encourage you to do the same if you are on the fence. I felt safe under their leadership and very much appreciated all the knowledge and skills they shared with us. Both of them have infectious smiles and are a true joy to be around!

M S

Trying to put into words a trip with Lure of the North is almost impossible. I hesitate to write this good review because I don't want these trips to have super long waitlists but they deserve all the accolades and more.
I had never been snowshoeing but thought it sounded like something I might like. I had no idea what I was getting into. The first day of my two week trip was terrible. I was falling into the snow left and right and doubting myself. The second day was even more challenging but when I got into my sleeping bag that night I felt a little better. After that every day got better and better.
If you want to meet some of the coolest people out there, go on a trip. If you want to see things you have probably never seen before, go on a trip. If you feel like your life has been too stagnant and you want to do something kind of crazy and kind of amazing, go on a trip. Waking up in the cold and walking under the stars and northern lights is truly indescribable. You gotta do it for yourself! If I was dying I would think back on my trip and feel fulfilled. Do it.

lee spiteri

LOTN what an absolute incredible place! We took part in the vast horizons experience and the moccasin workshop and I cannot say how wonderful every second of it was. The snow covered environment is incredibly spectacular and made all the more amazing by hot tent camping, ice dipping through a freshly cut hole, hot tub under the clear starry night. Then the expedition that was physically strenuous but infinitely rewarding, dragging tabogans over frozen lakes, over portages and beaver ponds and the vast open north channel.
Dave and Kie are just incredible human beings with a love of life and the outdoors that is truest inspiring. They welcomed us into their lives and their homes with a warmth of close family.
All of the food and preparation of each day is meticulous taken care of by the lovely Victoria and Evan that made the trip completely carefree.

I would recommend LOTN to everyone I know, and I cannot wait to go back!!

Also Hank the dog is massive softy!

Love you guys!
Lee

david Doucette

I recently took the Life on the trapline and Brain tanning course with LOTN. I honestly cannot say enough great things about this 2 week 2 course adventure. You will be pushed to limits you did not think you had. You will make great friends on the way, you will be treated like family and come home with memories the likes you will never forget. Thank you Dave and Kielyn for such a wonderful adventure.

Stephanie Finn

My husband and I recently rented a hot tent and sleeping bags and base camped on the LOTN property. Kie and Dave were extremely helpful communicating back and fourth for booking/getting to the property. This was a great intro to hot tenting. Their staff Evan and Victoria helped us learn how to set up the tent and run the stove. They came to check on us during a snowstorm. We were able to chat with Kie, Dave, Victoria and Evan. They were all very helpful and friendly throughout our stay. Their dog Hank even guided us on a 9km hike and their cat Lenny visited us as well. Overall awesome experience. We want to go back next winter! Thanks!

Brian Johnson

I recently participated in Winter Wonderland, A Slow and Steady Adventure. I’ve done outings with Lure Of The North where we broke camp and travelled every day, and also outings in base camp with daily snowshoe walks. This trip was a perfect blending of the two. We travelled every other day and alternate days were base camp days. Travel days were as challenging as ever: tearing down camp, travel through a variety of conditions (including slush and deep snow), and setting up camp. Base camp days were spent exploring and photographing the area, resting, and playing games. As always, the food, gear, and leadership were top notch. If you desire a blend of challenge and the chance to bask in Ontario’s winter wonderland, I would highly recommend this trip.