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 life 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 11–29, 2026
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
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Cost: $2220
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​Arrival and departure info will be emailed to participants closer to the program's start date.
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 11–14, 2026
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Location: Lower Temagami River, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
Cost: $345
Arrival: Between 2:00–2:30 PM (program begins at 3:00pm)
Departure: After 3:00 PM
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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Dates: August 1–5, 2026
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
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Cost: $415
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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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*The start time for our Woman’s Trip is 9:30 AM 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!
Dates: August 1–5, 2026
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Location: Temagami Area, ON
(Beginning and ending at Camp Norland in Verner, ON)
Cost: $415
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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*The start time for our Men’s Trip is 9:00 AM 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.
WABAKIMI Expedition 2026
aGEs 18+
Embark on an epic expedition in Wabakimi Provincial Park, one of North America’s last true frontiers—a vast, untamed wilderness of boreal forest and glistening water where solitude feels infinite and nature is in its purest form. Paddle through pristine lakes, trek through expansive untouched forest, 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 gaining a fresh perspective, all while building lasting bonds and deepening your faith in the awe-inspiring beauty of God's creation.
Wabakimi 2026 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 through 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 Wabakimi 2026 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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Dates: August 16–August 29, 2026
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Location: Wabakimi Wilderness Area
(Beginning and ending in the Thunder Bay area)
Cost: $2640
Arrival: Between 1:00–1:30 PM (program begins at 2:00pm)
Departure: August 29 (Details to come after registration)
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Program Schedule: ​
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August 16: Arrival at base camp; group introductions, trip preparations, gear and food pack-out
August 17: Travel to put-in and begin wilderness journey
August 18-26: Expedition in Wabakimi Provincial Park
August 27: Morning pick-up from wilderness, service project, return to basecamp
August 28: Visit to a local heritage site, trip debrief, celebration service and program closure
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*We can provide a shuttle service to or from the Thunder Bay International Airport upon request.
2027 Expedition
aGEs 18+
Our annual adult expedition is quickly becoming a Coldwater Canada staple. These life-giving wilderness trips are designed for men and women who are ready to go longer and further than our other adventures. Through challenge, community, and extended time in the wild, you will gain fresh perspective, deepen your faith and return home with renewed hope, purpose and vision.
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If the dates do not align for this year’s expedition—or if you are hoping to save up for a future adventure—you can start looking ahead to our 2027 Expedition.
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If you are interested or would like to receive updates about trip details please fill out the linked form to join the waitlist.
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Our 2027 Expedition location will be announced in early 2026!