Our Best Winter Camping Trip Ever - 14 Days Hot Tenting in Quetico Provincial Park

This was definitely our best winter camping trip ever! It was also our longest winter camping trip ever! Paige and I spent 14 days living in our hot tent and exploring the remote backcountry of Quetico Provincial Park. It felt like a true adventure as we drove over 15 hours to a wilderness area we'd never been to before. Join us on this incredible journey!
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[@grounded81]

You both deserve many kudos (and more viewers!). You’ve got the right gear and knowhow and attitudes. Not many people take such long winter camping trips whilst moving camp regularly - especially in -30 and below temperatures. Quetico is my stomping grounds but haven’t been able to put together a winter trip there yet. Nice to see what it looks like through your video lens.

[@AleconAdventures]

That's so nice of you to say! Many years of experience in the outdoors have gone into this. What an incredible stomping grounds! I would love to hear any recommendations you might have for canoe routes? Quetico is about a 16 hour drive for us, but we will be back! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@jimhanson7476]

The pure beauty of winter, and no people .. so well done and Page is a machine … truly enjoyed..

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Jim, I love getting out in winter because of those reasons- beauty, silence and way less/no people! "I am the machine" is a from a comedy bit by Bert Kreischer: The Machine lol often quoted by us during tough slogs across the portage. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@dougmacrae6003]

Hardcore! That’s a lot of days pulling toboggans.

[@AleconAdventures]

Once you're into the swing of things it doesn't feel so long. It could be you! Thanks again for the toboggans.

[@FreakofNature1]

Wow guys, Hell of a trip! Some really close calls with ice fishing. Well done & Thank you for sharing 🙏🍻🛷🏕

[@AleconAdventures]

I cant even tell you how frustrated I was 🙄 we are loving the winter expeditions, looking forward to doing more next winter 👍 cheers bud hope you guys are enjoying the start of Spring! 🍻

[@blakearrowsmith7446]

Another amazing trip!

[@AleconAdventures]

Thanks Blake!

[@harrisoncraig9983]

Quetico!! Such a special place, awesome video!

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey man, glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for checking it out 🙂

[@wills5047]

Ah Fuc...udge. Spoken like a true fisherman! haha

[@AleconAdventures]

Haha you know it! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@jb1934]

I don't believe I've yet seen a winter travel trip from any of the A-list KZbinrs. After this remarkable trip I can bet at least some of them will be all over it. But will they take on the added challenge of fishing barbless? What a game changer that is! only thing I didn't quite follow was how are the guy lines staked into the snow?

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey J B, ya I think this style of trip is definitely going to gain popularity! We hope to do a longer one next winter since the 14 days went so well. Yep, mandatory to go barbless in Quetico, I still have lots to learn with ice fishing. The guy lines are staked into the snow by using the 'deadman' technique with metal sand/snow stakes. Looping the guy line around the stake and burying it horizontally in the snow, then packing down the snow to secure it in place. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@mywaterzmywoodz]

Very cool and well produced video! Good to see Quetico in the winter. Very informative. You both made minus -30 look like a walk in the park!

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey thank you very much! It was an amazing trip. We're planning on getting back to Quetico again in January! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@martincuda7947]

Retracing your steps also gave you a chance to see what you missed behind you! 😃

[@AleconAdventures]

Yep, things always look a little different on the way back!

[@jacqueline7118]

Nice toboggans, that Uncle Doug is as handy as a pocket on a shirt! lol Another wonderful adventure with lots of exercise and good food. :) You both are very ambitious to set up and take down a hot tent everyday, good on you! Looking forward to the next adventure, thanks for sharing. :) :)

[@AleconAdventures]

Handy as a pocket on a shirt, I like that lol! I will be sure to tell him next time I see him. We were feeling in shape after this one, that's for sure, and had lots of good treats to keep us satisfied for 14 days. We are headed out for an overnighter in Algonquin Park today and will have another video soon. Thanks for watching Jacqueline, see you on the next one! 🙂

[@Woodswalker1965]

That’s a real deal trip! Thanks for filming it despite the tough conditions👍

[@AleconAdventures]

It was our longest trip ever, we cant wait to go for longer next winter. Thank you for taking the time to watch my video 🙂

[@loggingroadking93]

Wow !!! Very impressed. You two are superb at this. You basically did a canoe trip on ice. You do so many things well. You are fantastic planners and very well organized. You travelled on lakes (less snow) and padded down the portages first (very wise). Best hot tent video I have seen. Spring melt has begun here in Northeastern Ontario. You likely used barbless hooks fishing. Maybe for ice fishing you have to use barbed hooks.

[@AleconAdventures]

Wow, thank you for the wonderful compliment. We have many years of outdoor experience behind us and have worked hard to become decent hot tent winter campers over that last 4 years. So your words really mean a lot..now I will work towards being a better ice fisherman lol it is mandatory to use barbless hooks in Quetico, it definitely works in the fishes favour. Oh well! Thank you for watching 🙂

[@outbound2explore119]

Awesome trip Alec and Paige. Really enjoyed it. All those fish on and nothing, that bites large! Do you think maybe hook size?

[@AleconAdventures]

Thank you, great to hear you enjoyed it! Ya, I had so many fish on, it was a bit unbelievable. It could have been the hook size, but Paige had a pretty small hook on her line and lost a couple too. Next time I ice fish for Lake Trout I want to use braided line with a leader instead of monofilament. Also, in Quetico it is mandatory to use barbless hooks, so then when turning on the camera I would get slack in my line which caused them to come off a few times. Always something new to learn! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@scotthillier1067]

Fantastic . You two are the real deal . Thank-you.

[@AleconAdventures]

Wow, thanks so much Scott!

[@Nunya_Binness]

Looks like you two work well together, a good system with each having their own tasks. Although it looked like Paige broke more trail, Alec! Inspiring adventure, thanks for sharing it. If I could only get my wife to go outside!

[@AleconAdventures]

We definitely fell into a rhythm, it makes the process faster when each person knows their task and things can get done without having to discuss them. Paige only broke trail when the cameras were on 😜 so happy you enjoyed the video and happy to share it with you! Outdoors isn't everyone's cup of tea lol

[@Nunya_Binness]

@@AleconAdventures 😆👍🏽

[@LostLakes]

Awesome trip and vid Alec & Paige! Not an easy trip and also a difficult one film in those conditions for 14 days. Many won't understand the challenge of trying to reel in a fish with thick gloves on while trying to operate cameras (and trying to take the gloves off...and especially with barbless hooks in Quetico). You two have a terrific system for winter. Is your Snowtrekker the Crew or the Shortwall and the 8x10 or 9x11.5? Any thoughts on it or anything you'd change? I'm looking for a smaller one next winter and yours is pretty much what I have in mind

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Jon, thanks for checking out the vid! I know you understand all the challenges of filming and fishing in the winter. I couldn't conquer it that time but will have to do more ice fishing next year. We've definitely worked at improving our winter system over the last four years, there's still some things to adjust but its getting pretty good. Our Snowtrekker is the crew 8x10 and we love it, we use the Kni-co Trekker stove in it. I'm not sure, but if you sized up from the Crew they might suggest you size up your stove as well. I think the crew is perfect for 2 people and could be easily managed on a solo trip as well. When we bought this tent we were looking for the smallest hot tent that would fit 2 people (we've even slept 3 people in it), be easily heated by the smaller wood stove and be portable enough for long treks- it's checked all the boxes, would definitely recommend. Cheers!

[@LostLakes]

@@AleconAdventures Much appreciated! That helps a lot :)

[@JacobPhillipsOutdoors]

Nice save at 32:55 ;) Great video as always Alec. Awesome to see the teamwork you guys have going and so impressed you were able to keep the cameras going the whole time. Sad to see the winter season coming to an end but with spring around the corner I suspect some Algonquin brook trout on camera in the near future? Stay well!

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Jacob, haha ya didn't want to upset my Mom with any 'foul' language. Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video. Most days we make a great team but I can assure you that behind the scenes there is the occasional disagreement 😜 Yep, not much snow left on the ground around here, thinking about spring fishing!! Stay tuned.

[@CanoeTheNorth]

Wow guys. What a great trip. Cannot say enough how impressive this trip was. You two make it look easy and it’s so far from being easy. Would have loved to see you catch a lake trout on Draper. (Side note- a couple years ago we found a cache with a notebook in it on Draper lake. It was filled with stories from people that had camped their and found the notebook. It was really interesting and exciting. We were hoping you two maybe would have found it to add to the amazing stories. Also in case you went to Draper to catch lake trout apparently no one had ever caught one there). Amazing work again guys.

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Keenan & Ashley! Thanks for checking out the vid. I had a good bite on Draper, not sure what it was though. It would have been really cool to stumble upon that notebook on Draper Lake, I'm sure there are some good stories in there. I always enjoy reading through logbooks. I hope I get to explore Quetico by canoe someday. Thanks again guys!

[@Bryan24k8]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for sharing! 💪🙌

[@AleconAdventures]

Thanks for your support B K 🙂

[@funnybones6131]

I cherished this vlog literally over several days. Best moments were fire side chat, it seemed so peaceful. Can’t wait to see your next vlog 👏🏼🤩

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey that's fantastic! So glad you enjoyed it. Winter is definitely a peaceful time, we were certainly relaxed on this trip. I will have another video this week! Stay tuned. Thanks for supporting my channel 🙂

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I enjoyed that very much. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Alan, so happy you enjoyed it! I will keep sharing as much as I can 🙂

[@ianmacrae4963]

You are two rugged individuals! That cold and wind must have been a challenge at times. Love some of those morning and evening skies, some special moments I'm sure. We enjoyed you taking us along with you. Keep adventuring!

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Ian! There were a few moments of discomfort but they were all easily managed with proper clothing, more calories or the thought of knowing we'd be cozy by the woodstove in no time. You're right, we had some incredible skies, moments to stop and be grateful for where we were. Thank you for coming along on our adventures!

[@davidschweig7993]

I'd been looking forward to this video coming out. I think I smiled the whole way through watching it.. So inspiring and well done! You caught a lot of amazing scenery, wild wind and beautiful sunny skies. Winter camping is truly a labor of love. Thanks for posting.

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey David, it's so cool to hear that you were looking forward to my video! I hope my adventures continue to make people smile and inspire others to explore nature. Thank you so much for your support 🙂

[@jaysway2346]

Spending the evenings in the hot tent must be so rewarding after all the hard work involved in winter camping. Well done and a much deserved pizza party.

[@AleconAdventures]

Thanks, Jay! It's the best feeling retreating to the hot tent to escape the bitter cold after a hard day's work. I think I need to make pizza on my next long backcountry trip.

[@bonpecheur4565]

Incredible journey with a toboggan the same lenght as my car in a difficult terrain . You guys are a reminiscence of the courageous voyageurs of the past . I like when you talked about the way you store your gear in crates . How long did it take to break camp each day ? I only do short winter camping trip ( cold tenting) and it takes me 2 h to break camp and have breakfeast . Its too bad for the fishing but you had a few exciting moments , fu......dge 😅 Thanks for sharing , Sylvain

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Sylvain! I never thought about it, but I guess our toboggans are the length of a car, that's interesting! Being likened to that of a voyageur is one of the best compliments, those guys were next-level tough. It took us roughly 3-4hours to break camp in the morning, we definitely could do it a bit faster if we tried and if we didn't film. By the end of the trip, we were pretty efficient and could probably do it in 2 hours. So many bites! It kept me going back for more. Thanks for watching!! See you on the next one 🙂

[@lisecarrier7533]

One word to sum up the weather, the work, the planning, the skill and the positivity is WOW! I would of hid in the tent and stuffed my belly with all the good food and then sent up a rescue flare for someone to air lift me out 😁. It was nice to see your break day be nice and sunny. Love the little tib bits on showing some of the tips you guys use. I think you could start a whole other channel on tips, planning and meal prep.

[@AleconAdventures]

Thanks so much Lise! It was an incredible trip for us. LOL I can picture you in that scenario 😅...I have a plan of expanding my channel into some gear related videos soon! So that is encouraging to hear. Thank you for supporting my videos!

[@dwrivers47]

You guys are incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The planning, organization, and work involved is impressive. I agree the barbless hooks helped the fish win this round. Thank you and happy Spring 😊

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Derek, thank you! It was an incredible trip for us and we are happy to be able to share it with you. Yep, sometimes the fish gotta win. Thanks for your support, happy spring!

[@blakearrowsmith7446]

Wow what an awesome trip! Love watching you two, I share a lot of similar interest and views, better luck on the fishing next time though I loved your persistence! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Blake, so glad you enjoyed the adventure! Happy to share it with everyone 🙂

[@smokehousehammock4481]

awesome video. I'm also plaining a 14 day trip on bwca January 2024 solo.. can't find anyone thats interested in going...

[@AleconAdventures]

It can be tough convincing friends to go on a long winter camping trip. It would still be great doing a trip like that solo, just more work. We recently got back from another long winter camping trip in Quetico. The first video from the trip will be published tonight. Thanks!

[@smokehousehammock4481]

@@AleconAdventures quick question,, snowshoes? are they 16" wide. I've got Hok skis and modern 9x30 shoes... I'm thinking that if I run into slush, maybe better to have traditional,,, at least bearpaws...

[@AleconAdventures]

@@smokehousehammock4481 Yes for sure, traditional is the way to go in the backcountry and a bearpaw style is a great all around choice. Yaa, mine are 16x30 I have a set of bearpaws and Hurons from this company www.snowshoesalesandrepairs.com/ I would highly recommend!

[@SFARCO]

Thanks Uncle Doug!

[@AleconAdventures]

What would we do without him!

[@SFARCO]

@@AleconAdventuresRight! I wish I had an Uncle Doug.

[@SFARCO]

@@AleconAdventures Another great video btw!

[@dougmacrae6003]

It’s a privilege to be a small part of Alec and Paige’s inspiring lifestyle. - Uncle Doug

[@l214laus]

Well done for dealing with the strong headwinds on day two and then also having to reset the cameras as you do the walk bys.

[@AleconAdventures]

Those headwinds were something else, a bit scary! Glad you appreciate it, thanks so much for watching 🙂

[@stephenbouchard8075]

Wow that looked like a true winter adventure. I’m going to assume you were fishing barbless.

[@AleconAdventures]

Hey Stephen, it was the first time in a while that we felt like we were really embarking on the unknown, a real winter adventure for sure. Ya, it is mandatory to fish barbless in Quetico lol oh well. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@NobleEndeavours123]

Very enjoyable video. I especially liked the segment where Alec expressed his frustration trying to catch fish. I had a similar moment in my next video that comes out next week. Those dehydrated meals especially the taco one looked quite interesting (any reference to a recipe etc?). I enjoyed the way you guys work together with one key moment being Paige showing empathy when Alec was about to get skunked and needed to fish one last time while she did the exciting camp packing up tasks. I have the admit that I wondered during the last hill climbing scene if Alec would let go too soon and we would then see Paige slowly then quickly disappear back down the hill! :) Thanks for sharing, greatly appreciated!

[@AleconAdventures]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Those fish were darn frustrating, I will check out your video and we can share each other's pain haha. I think Paige based her Taco Bowl recipe off of this recipe from Fresh Off the Grid www.freshoffthegrid.com/backpacking-quinoa-burrito-bowl/ It has to be one of my favourite dehydrated meals ever....Team work makes the dream work! Thanks so much for watching 🙂

[@NobleEndeavours123]

@@AleconAdventures Thank-you for the recipe link, I will go check it out. I've seen most of your videos so I can simply state that I already know that you are a vastly better fisherman than I! :) Maybe this year I will improve - grin. The video I am referencing comes out next Sat at 11:00 am Eastern. Thanks for the reply (and the video)

[@wills5047]

What is the make and size of tent? What make is your stove too? Thanks!

[@AleconAdventures]

Snowtrekker 8x10 Crew canvas tent, Kni-co Trekker stove (Snowtrekker's version with snow float legs)

[@jpi8237]

I can’t believe how many fish you had on and they all came off. That has to be a record lol

[@AleconAdventures]

Haha geez definitely a personal record! It was a bit painful to have to rewatch and edit 😆

[@manuelfaelnar4794]

Why aren’t you using a snowmobile?

[@AleconAdventures]

We prefer traditional style travel by snowshoe and toboggan. It might be harder work but it is very peaceful and rewarding for us. Thanks for watching!

[@alexs3447]

Does Paige get a medal after this? What a trek.

[@AleconAdventures]

Yep, she always deserves a medal lol thanks for watching Alex