A Fall Hiking Trip to Remember

As a hiking guide, I've been all over the North. And as I get older, I've learned that knowing where to stay is actually just as important as the hike itself. Staying at Norm's Cabin is a unique experience in the area: whether you’re an active hiker or a midnight stargazer, this cabin is perfect for a fun, affordable getaway. Having travelled frequently to Norm's in the fall as well as in summer, I wanted to share my thoughts—not just from the perspective of a guide, but as a hiker who makes it her mission every year to see the very best that the Northern Ontario autumn can offer.

Imagine hiking through the multi-coloured landscape or paddling the quiet lake surrounded by the reds, oranges, and yellows of a hardwood forest in the fall. Norm’s Cabin is located on a secluded bay of Bone Lake, and to get there you must hike or bike at least 9 km through the property owned by the Stokely Creek Lodge and the Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC).

The AHC’s mission is to conserve and protect the unique beauty and ecological integrity of key areas within the Algoma Highlands region, and its mission is based on four core principles—Conservation, Environmental Education and Research, Silent Sports Recreation, and Sustainable Land Management. The AHC rebuilt Norm’s Cabin on the northeast shore of Bone Lake as a key infrastructural element that can be used to help realize the mission and promote all four core principles. 

Your experience can begin by exploring King Mountain with its three scenic overlooks, and a night’s stay at a warming hut, before hiking to the cabin or your stay at Norm’s can include relaxing by the lake for a day or more before heading out to Robertson Cliffs to enjoy the view over Goulais Bay. 

Booking some time at Norm’s Cabin can also be the getaway that you are looking for to inspire creativity or to truly relax. Turn off the phone, disconnect, and enjoy the outdoors. The remote location is an ideal spot to set up an easel, do some yoga, or pick up a pen. Distractions come in the form of butterflies and hummingbirds or the sound of loons on the lake. There is no light pollution to mask the stars at night, and if you are lucky the northern lights will make an appearance.

At Blaq Bear, we will take care of all your needs to make this a trip to remember. We will make sure that you are comfortable and safe to hike to the cabin or huts by providing maps, and clear directions during an online or in-person orientation meeting before your hike in. We can recommend an outfitter to transport your gear and supplies and where you can rent a canoe. Fishing is allowed on Bone Lake in season and we can help facilitate your permit. In short, we want to make your trip as carefree as possible.

Visit Northern Ontario

Blaq Bear Eco Adventure Routes is certified by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, so you know you can trust us to make your trip an awesome experience.

Edited Body Text

As a hiking guide, I've been all over the North. And as I get older, I've learned that knowing where to stay is actually just as important as the hike itself. Staying at Norm's Cabin is a unique experience in the area: whether you’re an active hiker or a midnight stargazer, this cabin is perfect for a fun, affordable getaway. I recently led a hiking trip to Norm's Cabin, and I wanted to share my thoughts—not just from the perspective of a satisfied guest, but as a hiker who makes it her mission every year to see the very best that the Northern Ontario autumn can offer.

Imagine hiking through the multi-coloured landscape or paddling the quiet lake surrounded by the reds, oranges, and yellows of a hardwood forest in the fall. Norm’s Cabin is located on a secluded bay of Bone Lake, and to get there you must either hike or bike at least 9 km, but to make your trek more enjoyable, Blaq Bear Eco Adventure Routes will be happy to transport your gear, supplies, and drinking water to your destination.

Access can only be attained by either hiking or cycling through the property owned by the Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC). Its mission is to conserve and protect the unique beauty and ecological integrity of key areas within the Algoma Highlands region, and its mission is based on four core principles—Conservation, Environmental Education and Research, Silent Sports Recreation, and Sustainable Land Management.

The AHC rebuilt Norm’s Cabin on the northeast shore of Bone Lake as a key infrastructural element that can be used to help realize the mission and promote all four core principles. Blaq Bear partners with the AHC to administer the cabin rental from May 1 to October 31.

Your trip can begin by exploring King Mountain with its three scenic overlooks, and a night’s stay at a warming hut, before hiking to the cabin. Your stay at Norm’s can include relaxing by the lake for a day or more before heading out to Robertson Cliffs to enjoy the view over Goulais Bay. Your trip then continues at a local B&B, where your hosts will treat you to some excellent meals as well as some excellent hiking around Bellevue Valley.

Booking some time at Norm’s Cabin can also be the getaway that you are looking for to inspire creativity or to truly relax. Turn off the phone, disconnect, and enjoy the outdoors. The remote location is an ideal spot to set up an easel, do some yoga, or pick up a pen. Distractions come in the form of butterflies and hummingbirds or the sound of loons on the lake. There is no light pollution to mask the stars at night, and if you are lucky the northern lights will make an appearance.

At Blaq Bear, we will take care of all your needs to make this a trip to remember. When you book an Algoma Wilderness Package, we will ensure that all your gear and supplies are at your destination when you get there. We also want to make sure that you are comfortable and safe to hike to the cabin or huts by providing maps, clear directions, and personal safety equipment. Food and canoes can also be provided to make your stay more interesting. Fishing is allowed on Bone Lake in season and we can help facilitate your permit. In short, we want to make your trip as carefree as possible.

Visit Northern Ontario

Want to experience more Northern Ontario culture? Try the Quintessential Northern Ontario Package, where you can hike the Voyageur Trail and experience fishing at a lodge or sleep in a lighthouse. You will follow trails through experimental forests or through mining towns.

Group of Seven in Algoma 

The Lake Superior and Group of Seven Route Package highlights trails that lead to Group of Seven painting locations, many of which are along the Lake Superior Coast. Accommodations, shuttles to and from trails, some meals, as well as trail maps, safety equipment, and detailed instructions are all included with all our packages.

Blaq Bear Eco Adventure Routes is certified by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, so you know you can trust us to make your trip an awesome experience.