Lure of the North

Over the years I've done a number of workshops and expeditions with Lure of the North, and like many others I keep finding myself coming back. It's rare to find this combination of technical skills, concrete experience, and teaching and leadership qualities all combined, so once you find it you tend not to want to let go. They are super super good at what they do. Their practical skills are the real thing, but equally the people skills (the word of encouragement that comes when you most need it, the patient explanation that finally makes something make sense, the feeling of community that is developed). I have learned so much each time I did something with them, and their expeditions are really special experiences I will remember forever. Sometimes hard work but so worth it.

We flew over from London to join the Vast Horizons training camp and expedition, and it was an incredible experience that I cannot recommend highly enough to anyone considering winter travel. Dave led our trip and he was amazing in every way. He exudes positive energy that makes him a joy to be around, his teaching style is inclusive and a tonne of fun, but he also has a way of pushing each person the right amount for them, ensuring everyone gets an experience tailored to their ability. Every day was so varied, allowing us to see so many aspects of the landscape which was great too! Prepare to work hard and challenge yourself, but if you do then the rewards will exceed all of your expectations.We then also stayed for an extra few days to do the moccasin workshop with Kie, and this was equally great! Kie demonstrated everything super clearly and allowed everyone to work at their own pace which created a lovely, relaxing environment. She was more than happy to help whenever needed but let everyone have a try first at each stage. We all left with new moccasins that we were delighted with.Throughout it all we were so well fed and taken care of by Victoria and Evan, who from the moment we arrived made us feel welcome and like no request was too much. After 10 days with these wonderful humans I am leaving feeling recharged, albeit a bit sad, to return home. Thank you all so much and I hope to join you on a longer expedition very soon!

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.

I just signed up for the summer survival course, this will be my second survival experience with Kie, as my first was back in February.She and her team offer a complete experience for anyone at any competency level, allowing yourself to push to new limits with proper guidance and assurance of safety as their number one priority. The knowledge of the land and scouting by Kie’s team provided us with an experience well beyond my expectations, our freedom to learn among the group within our lessons or on our own journeys along the way was exactly what I was hoping for. We as a group snared rabbit and beaver, caught a northern pike and successfully tracked porcupine using primitive methods and our “ten survival items”It was a total blast!! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.Now I have to go figure out my 10 summer items, cant wait.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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!