Freezing Woman 7
Workshops and Activities
Freezing Woman is an annual winter festival held in Algonquin Park. Hundreds participate in a choose your own adventure menu of activities, workshops, group meals, and more. This is the schedule for Freezing Woman 7 (2025).
Participating in any of our activities means you agree to follow our code of conduct, and agree to our liability terms.
While Freezing Woman is “Free” (you still pay for your travel, food, share of the campsite you camp on), many activities will fill up fast. Ripples and Leaves members receive early access.
Thursday, November 20th
When: Thursday, 12:00pm
Where: Site 19
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 15 to 20
Hike Bat Lake or Hemlock Bluff Trails
By: Carla Rienzo
Let's explore one of Algonquin's beautiful and moderately challenging loop trails. We'll find serenity among the snow-covered trees and enjoy the crisp winter air on this invigorating hike. This is a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and connect with the park's quieter side. Our pace will be steady and social—we hike together and leave no one behind. Please be confident in your fitness for a moderately hilly trail.
Please be self-sufficient. A backpack with your winter essentials is a must: water, snacks, extra warm layers, a first aid kit, and boot traction (e.g., microspikes).
When: Thursday, 3:00pm
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
Dehydrated Meals Don’t Have to be Boring
By: Anita Vanderdonk
Think dehydrated food is boring? Think again! In this workshop, you'll learn how to create lightweight, delicious, and satisfying meals for your next adventure. I'll share three of my favourite trail-tested recipes and all the essential tips you need to master the art of dehydrating at home.
When: Thursday, 5:30pm
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 30
Fireside Stew and Newcomer Welcome
By: Andrea Ross
Arriving at Freezing Woman? Your warm welcome awaits! A Freezing Woman tradition - Andrea’s hearty fish stew, simmered over the open fire. It's the perfect way to warm your hands and fill your belly after your journey.
While you eat, we'll hold an informal orientation for anyone new to the event. Get the lay of the land, ask questions, learn some tips for a great weekend, and meet some friendly faces. For many, this has become the essential first stop to kick off their Freezing Woman experience.
Heads-Up: We'll start serving as folks arrive and go until the pot is empty (serves about 30). First come, first welcomed!
Friday, November 21st
When: Friday, 9:00am
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
Shelter from the Storm: Essential Knots & Tarp Skills
By: Kelly Barta
A taut tarp over your head is one of the most satisfying things in the backcountry. This hands-on workshop covers the essentials of creating sturdy, weather-resistant shelters using tarps and cordage. You'll learn a handful of the most reliable and useful knots—the ones you'll actually remember under pressure—and practice the principles of a good pitch. Come learn a fundamental skill that will boost your confidence and competence on any trip.
When: Friday, 10:00am
Where: Comfort Station Parking lot with your car
Level: Intermediate
Capacity: 10 to 15
Hike Centennial Ridges Trail
By: Carla Rienzo
Ready for a challenge with a spectacular payoff? We'll tackle the rolling climbs of the Centennial Ridges trail for some of the most stunning winter views in Algonquin Park.
It is a rewarding 10km hike; Warning: it is a strenuous effort. You must be in good shape to complete this hike. We'll hike at a moderate, social pace and stick together. This is NOT a beginner friendly activity.
A backpack with water, snacks, extra layers, a first aid kit, and mandatory boot traction (microspikes, etc.) is essential.
This hike is conditional on the gate being up and clear road access to the trailhead. In the event the gate is down, we will do the Track and Tower trail instead.
When: Friday, 10:00am
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
No Bad Weather: Staying Warm & Dry in any weather
By: Samantha Auger
You've heard the saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices." This workshop turns that philosophy into a practical skill. We'll dive deep into the art and science of layering for all four seasons, covering the best materials, when to add or shed layers, how to manage wet gear in winter, and even how to apply these principles to your sleep system.
This is an open Q&A and a gear show-and-tell. Bring your questions about your own system, and I’ll bring a collection of my go-to gear—and some spectacular flops—to show what really works. Leave with the confidence to stay warm, dry, and comfortable, no matter what the forecast says.
When: Friday, 11:00am
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
Little Explorers, Big Adventures: Getting Outdoors with Kids
By: Emma Fisher-Cobb
Ready to share your love of the outdoors with your little one, but feeling a bit overwhelmed? This workshop is your confidence-boosting guide to getting outside with babies and children, in any season. We’ll demystify the process and cover the practical essentials—clothing, gear, food, and safety—to make it joyful, not stressful.
Join a mom who has hiked, paddled, and skied through all four seasons with her own baby, backed by over 10 years of experience leading youth outdoors as a Girl Guide volunteer. I'll share my tried-and-true tips to get your family adventuring together.
When: Friday, 12:00pm
Where: Lester Smith Community Centre in Whitney
Level: Beginner Friendly
Freezing Woman Market
By: Andrea Ross
Your one-stop shop for outdoor adventure! Kick off the weekend by exploring this curated market featuring used gear deals, innovative regional vendors, noteworthy authors, and talented local makers. It's the perfect place to find unique treasures and gear up for the season.
AND: Some amazing authors including Kevin Callan, Jill Heinerth, Hap Wilson, and more will be doing book signings.
See more details on the Freezing Woman Market page.
The Market runs from noon until 4pm, and Ripples and Leaves Members get early access for the first hour.
When: Friday, 4:00pm
Where: Site 41 / The Cabin
The Epic Freezing Woman Potluck Feast!
By: The Soo Crew
It’s the culinary heart of the weekend! Join us for our most beloved tradition: the Friday night potluck. Witness the magic as we all come together to create a sprawling banquet with dozens of delicious, homemade dishes. From hearty mains and warming stews to creative salads and decadent desserts, it’s a true testament to the talent and generosity of this community.
Bringing a dish, come by at 4pm
Only eating, come by at 5pm
If you contribute a dish to share, please be sure to label it with all ingredients so our friends with dietary needs can feast safely and happily.
With everyone's contribution, we'll create an incredible spread with something for every palate!
Saturday, November 22nd
When: Saturday, 8:30am
Where: Mew Lake Campground Beach
Level: Caution advised
The Awe Inspiring Polar Bear Plunge!
Join 50+ of your fellow fearless campers for a plunge into the very cold waters of Mew Lake. It's a moment of wild joy, collective screaming, and pure, unadulterated aliveness.
Whether you're a seasoned dipper or a nervous first-timer, the incredible energy of the group will carry you through. It’s more than just a cold dip—it’s a celebration of our strength, resilience, and spirit.
Warning: Please do not feel pressure to participate. Participate at your own risk. Consult your doctor.
Meet at Mew Lake Beach. Bring a towel, warm, dry clothes for immediately after, and your loudest cheer. We go in together, we get out together!
When: Saturday, 10:00am
Where: Mew Lake Campground Comfort Station Parking Lot
The Freezing Woman 7 Group Picture!
By: Andrea Ross
It's more than a picture—it's a piece of our history! Each year, our group photo serves as a stunning visual testament to a wonderful community that keeps growing. This is the one moment we all come together to create a snapshot that captures the incredible energy and scale of Freezing Woman.
Be a part of this fun tradition. Your face belongs in this moment!
When: Saturday, 10:30 am Where: The comfort station, right after the group picture
Level: Intermediate
Capacity: 10 to 20
The Grand Finale Hike: Track & Tower Trail
By: Carla Rienzo
Let's end an incredible weekend on a high note—literally! Join us for one last adventure on the scenic Track and Tower Trail. We'll start with a gentle walk along a historic abandoned railway before tackling the main event: a challenging climb up to one of Algonquin's most spectacular lookouts.
The panoramic view over Cache Lake is a breathtaking reward and the perfect way to say farewell to the park. It's a tough climb, but absolutely worth the effort. Our pace will be steady and supportive, and no one will be left behind.
Warning: This is a strenuous hike. You must be in good shape. A backpack with water, snacks, layers, and proper footwear with plenty of traction is required. This is NOT a beginner friendly hike.
When: Saturday, 12:00pm
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
Plan Your Next Adventure: An Ontario Parks Showcase
By: Mana Scott
Dreaming of your next camping trip? Come get inspired! Join us for a casual mix-and-mingle exploring Ontario's incredible year-round campgrounds. This showcase is built on first-hand experiences, featuring photos and candid reviews from both myself and fellow Freezing Women.
Browse the displays, read real-world tips, and let's chat about hidden gems and must-visit parks. It's the perfect way to discover new destinations for your adventure bucket list. Fresh coffee will be brewing, so grab your favourite mug and come talk trip-planning!
When: Saturday, 13:00pm
Where: Algonquin Visitor Centre Theatre
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 100
Legends of the Water: Keynotes by Jill Heinerth & Becky Mason
By: Andrea Ross
Join us at the iconic Algonquin Park Visitor Centre for the marquee event of the weekend: a powerful afternoon with two of Canada's most celebrated adventurers.
We begin on the surface with Becky Mason, a master canoeist, artist, and guardian of a Canadian legacy. Through her stories, Becky reveals the profound connection between paddler and water, exploring the wilderness with a grace and skill that transforms the canoe into an art form.
Then, we journey from the surface into the abyss with Jill Heinerth, one of the world's most accomplished underwater explorers. Jill takes us to the edges of our planet—deep inside submerged caves and Antarctic icebergs—sharing breathtaking stories of discovery, risk, and resilience in the unseen world beneath our feet.
This is a rare opportunity to hear from two distinct but equally powerful voices who have dedicated their lives to exploring and understanding water. Prepare to be deeply inspired.
NOTE: These talks will fill to capacity! Ripples and Leaves Members get in first.
When: Saturday, 2:00pm
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10 to 20
Mapping Our Place in the Natural World
By: Devin Mutic
Presented by Headwaters Wilderness Program, in this workshop we will discover a new way of getting-to-know nature that goes beyond our regular perception. Working together, we will create unique collaborative maps of a place. No ordinary maps, ours will focus on time and relationships rather than space and abstraction. Join this workshop, and you will never look at the natural world the same way again.
Meet at the Warming Tent, and we’ll walk to the Airfield together
When: Saturday, 4:00pm
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
The Game-Changing Pulley Bear Hang
By: Jennifer Minnie
Struggling with heavy food packs? Let physics do the work for you! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to build and use a simple, lightweight pulley system that makes hanging your food pack a breeze. This clever setup is a game-changer for backcountry independence, giving you the confidence to get a perfect, critter-proof hang every time, even on solo trips.
When: Saturday, 5:00pm
Where: Warming Tent on Site 7
Level: Beginner Friendly
Capacity: 10
Cast Iron Campfire Pizza!
By: Brenda Stinson
Gather 'round the fire and learn the magic of turning a cast iron pan into a rustic pizza oven. In this hands-on workshop, we'll stretch the dough, load it with toppings, and bake it right in the coals until the crust is perfect and the cheese is bubbling. Come hungry and ready to create the best pizza you've ever had in the backcountry.
Capacity is limited to 10 people, and those who participate will be fed as part of this workshop.