Our Duke of Edinburgh winter expedition skis frozen lakes and snowshoes deep snow at Algonquin, at Bronze, Silver or Gold level.
Participate in an Algonquin winter Duke of Edinburgh expedition at Algonquin’s northwest corner. This adventure builds true grit as participants ski across frozen lakes and snowshoe through waist-deep snow. Using our Algonquin Log Cabin as a home base, travel with seasoned guides and learn to lead groups, winter camp, travel and cook. Participants will also have the opportunity to rest in a heated wall tent and a wood-fired sauna after an active day. Start and end the trip in our comfortable and unique log cabin.
A truly authentic off-the-beaten path adventure, winter expeditions focus on back-country travel skills, taking participants out of their comfort zones. This trip qualifies for the Algonquin Winter Duke of Edinburgh expedition. These trips include the practice and adventurous journey for bronze, silver or gold award.
Algonquin Duke of Edinburgh winter expeditions focus on personal growth. Learn new winter travel skills and practice goal setting. Participate as part of a team.
Everything including accommodation, meals, equipment and wilderness instruction
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is intended to be a challenge to help foster personal growth. These winter expeditions are fun and offer the right amount of challenge.
No winter experience is necessary, although these trips present unique challenges that may be better-suited to active people who have some outdoor experience. It is recommended that you can be active at a walking pace for up to 4 hours at a time.
Whether cooked over a fire in the heart of Algonquin or served at the massive dining table in the Log Cabin, our meals will impress you.
Skis, snowshoes, tents, sleeping pads, food and cooking equipment, plus lots more. You bring all your personal items such as clothing, toiletries and a notebook.
2026-2027 Winter Departures
Bronze Trip (Practice and Qualifying Expedition)
March 13-15, 2027
Silver Trip (Practice and Qualifying Expedition)
Dec 19-23, 2026
March 13-17, 2027
Gold Trip (Practice and Qualifying Expedition)
March 13- 18, 2027
Please call our office for private dates.
Private DOE practice and expeditions for groups of 4 to 8.
“My daughter just did her duke of Edinburgh bronze adventurous journey…she really loved it. She learned so much from her assessor Laramie she was wonderful. Claire was amazing she help me last minute in booking the camp and bus for her.
I will definitely recommend this trip for anyone who would like to complete their Duke of Edinburgh program. Very educational and fun! You learn stuff that you don’t learn In class. Again, definitely worth it. “
Bernita
“Wow! What a winter adventure the girls had!! Emma had such a good time and also thought the guides were amazing!! Emma especially enjoyed making the Winter Green tea out of fern leaves! The girls are now thinking about their silver expedition in Spring!”
Kristy
Yes this trip does meet the requirements for the Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. Voyageur Quest is a R.A.P for the Duke of Edinburgh.
No! Our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys are designed to be a learning experience for all students. The practice journey allows students the opportunity to learn, ask questions and set goals for their Qualifying Journey.
Absolutely! Most of the students on our scheduled adventures are solo travellers. It is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and meet new friends.
There is! Due to the early start of our Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey’s students who require transportation can arrive the night before on the Ontario Northland Bus, stay at our Algonquin base and have dinner and breakfast on site before beginning the practice and qualifying journey!
Yes! All of our scheduled adventurous journeys include the necessary practice, night off and adventurous journey, along with the proper time period based on the level the student is working towards.
All meals, park permits, equipment, accommodation and services of a wilderness guide/supervisor and assessor is included in the price. Students are required to bring their own clothing and sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are available for rent and transportation can be arranged for an additional cost.
The specific clothing suggestions do vary based on the trip and time of year, however each student will be sent a detailed packing list upon their booking.
Each expedition group has 4–8 students, as the Award requires. Bigger school groups (up to 24) run as several expedition groups at the same time. Each trip is co-ed and students are typically between 14-21.
We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirement. We are able to accommodate vegetarian and most allergies at no additional cost. For more speciality diets such as vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free there is an additional cost. Please be sure to describe your requirement in detail when making your booking. For guests who have an anaphylactic allergy, it is required they bring 2 EPI Pens.
Following the guidelines and recommendations from the Duke of Edinburgh Award office, it is highly discouraged and often does not meet the requirements of the adventurous journey for parents to join the trip.
Due to our remote location students and guides will complete the report in person at the end of the trip and take a picture of it. Students then upload a scanned copy or picture of their report and send it to the Duke of Edinburgh Online Reporting Form. This form should show our VQ email info@voyageurquest.com as the assessment authorizing email with the Director’s name, John Langford, noted on the form (NOT THE GUIDE’S EMAIL). The Duke of Edinburgh office will then send the Director at info@voyageurquest.com an automatic notification requiring him to electronically sign off on the student’s successful completion of both the practice and qualifying journeys.
All of our Instructors are trained and experienced professionals. They are mature wilderness Instructors with a minimum of 40 hours wilderness first aid training, and many have completed post-secondary degrees in this field.
Yes definitely! There is a minimum 4 people required for a group and a max of 8 people – the price will range based on how many people you have in your group.
See all our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and winter trips.
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