Adult Wilderness COURSES
wilderness leadership expedition (WLE)
AGEs 18+
The Wilderness Leadership Expedition (WLE) is our cornerstone wilderness course. WLE is designed for people who are serious about their faith and want to explore leadership, community and service through the challenges and risks of the wilderness classroom. During WLE you will travel through some incredibly beautiful yet challenging northern wilderness. Spiritual disciplines, wilderness solitude and opportunities to lead are all core to this program. Within a community of peers, you will spend time thinking about God’s work of restoration, your personal direction and intentional community living. WLE will let you explore how you can use your gifts, education, passions, career and choices to make a Kingdom impact. Come join us on this life-changing wilderness adventure!
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This course is an immersion into wilderness leadership. During this expedition, you will learn valuable interpersonal skills and become a valued member of a purposeful and intentional community. You can expect to gain experience with backpacking, flatwater canoeing, map and compass navigation, shelter building, campcraft, Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, risk management and backcountry meal preparation. These technical program elements are paired with intentional reflective components, leading to new learning, transferable insights and significant life growth.
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Dates: May 10–30, 2025
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
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Cost: $1911
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​Arrival and departure info will be emailed to participants closer to the program's start date.
WOmen's canoe trip
AGEs 18+
Our Women’s Trip is led by women for women and is open to all ages and experience levels. This trip will be rooted in spiritual growth and community sharing. On your trip, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, challenge yourself and experience God in the natural beauty of the wilderness. Whether you are feeling adventurous, burnt out, in need of restoration or are hungry for community, then this trip is for you! Gear is available to borrow and no experience is required. Now is your chance to join us on an adventure to help you thrive!
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Session 1: August 2–6, 2025
Session 2: August 20–24, 2025
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
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Cost: $410
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Arrival: Between 8:30–9:00 AM with the program beginning at 9:30 AM
Departure: Between 10:00–10:30 AM
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**NEW for 2025: We have bumped up the start time for our Woman’s Trips to allow for trip preparations and travel to the wilderness course area on the first day of the program. If you are interested in arriving the night before, we have accommodations available on site. Rates are $40/person, which includes lodging and breakfast before your trip. To secure pre-trip accommodations, select the ‘overnight stay’ option on your registration form or contact programs@coldwatercanada.org to reserve a room at Camp Norland.
Men's Canoe Trip
aGEs 18+
Our Men’s Trip is an opportunity for guys to step away from the busyness and complexities of life by giving themselves the gift of an adventure. On this trip you will paddle remote lakes, cook food over a fire and portage rugged trails. You will have time to reflect on your season of life, engage in meaningful conversation and deepen your relationship with God. You will get wet, muddy and most likely sweaty. You will laugh, be challenged and feel accomplished. We are confident you will head home feeling refreshed and renewed. Join us for a life-giving adventure this summer!
Date: August 2–6, 2025
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
Cost: $410
Arrival: 8:30–9:00 AM with the program
beginning at 9:30 AM
Departure: Between 10:00–10:30 AM
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**NEW for 2025: We have bumped up the start time for our Men’s Trip to allow for trip preparations and travel to the wilderness course area on the first day of the program. If you are interested in arriving the night before, we have accommodations available on site. Rates are $40/person, which includes lodging and breakfast before your trip. To secure pre-trip accommodations, select the ‘overnight stay’ option on your registration form or contact programs@coldwatercanada.org to reserve a room at Camp Norland.
Moving Water Skills Weekend
aGEs 18+
Our Moving Water Skills Weekend is an opportunity for those who want to learn how to paddle and navigate drop and pool rivers. This program will begin at our Camp Norland basecamp where we will complete an intro to moving water skills and river features. We will then head to Thistle Lake before entering the Lower Temagami River. As we travel you will be taught everything you need to know to safely enjoy a river experience. You will develop skills including how to read a river, perform rescue techniques, safely swim through rapids and execute tandem canoe maneuvers. This extended weekend is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, grow your confidence and discover the joy of paddling moving water!
Dates: June 12–15, 2025
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Location: Lower Temagami River, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
Cost: $325
Arrival: Between 2:00–2:30 PM (program begins at 3:00pm)
Departure: After 3:00 PM
Missinaibi Expedition 2025
aGEs 18+
Imagine this: A far north wilderness canoe adventure set against the rugged, pristine backdrop of the Lower Missinaibi River; drop and pool rapids flowing into gravel flats, epic fishing, untouched wilderness, fresh water meeting salt water, rugged portages, days of unbroken paddling, canoeing into James Bay and a train ride on the Polar Bear Express back into civilization; all of this in God's pristine wilderness with a group of people committed to stepping outside their comfort zones to learn and grow together.
Missinaibi 2025 is an experience for men and women who are in need of a life-giving adventure. This opportunity is for those who want to challenge themselves by journeying out longer and further than our Men’s and Women's trips and discover the growth that comes with this kind of adventure. This expedition will help you gain fresh perspective, deepen your faith, experience community and reevaluate the ways you engage in life back home. We are confident that Missinaibi 2025 will bring a deepened sense of restoration, rekindled hope and a renewed sense of purpose in your life. This is the trip you have been waiting for!
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Date: June 27–July 13, 2025
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Location: Lower Missinaibi River: Mattice, ON to Moosonee, ON (Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
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Cost: $3375
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Arrival: Between 1:00–1:30 PM (program begins at 2:00pm)
Departure: After 11:00 AM (Once the celebration service is concluded)
WABAKIMI Expedition 2026
aGEs 18+
Embark on a transformative wilderness expedition in Wabakimi Provincial Park, the reaches of northwestern Ontario, where God's creation restores and transforms. Paddle through pristine lakes, trek through untamed forests, camp under the stars and embrace the stillness as you disconnect from daily life and reconnect with God, yourself and others. This journey offers a chance for physical challenge, personal restoration and developing a fresh perspective, all while building lasting bonds and deepening your faith in the awe-inspiring beauty of God's expansive creation.
If you are interested in our 2026 Wabakimi Expedition, please fill out the linked form to join the waitlist.
