Heaven’s Gate Trail / Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem Trail (4 days / 48 km)

The Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem Trail is a rugged 48 km trail through the La Cloche mountains that rivals the nearby La Cloche Silhouette trail.

Trip Completed: October 2021

Trip Summary

Starting Point: Willisville Hiking Trail parking lot off Highway 6

Ending Point: Willisville Hiking Trail

Note: The trail continues past what is described in this report, ending in Fort La Cloche. Although the trail ends in Fort La Cloche, to access this end of the trail with a car, you have to pass through Sagamok Anishnawbek reserve land. Hikers should contact and get permission from the community before entering their territory. Otherwise, you can hike this to Fort La Cloche and back. 

Total Distance: 48 km 

Elevation Gain: 1400 m. Lots of up and down

Duration: 4 days

Difficulty: Intermediate

Location

Willisville, Ontario

Traditional Territory: This route takes place on the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki and Mississauga (source).

Maps & Resources

Map: Heaven's Gate Trail. Highly recommended that you download the GPS track from AllTrails. The trail, while marked, is not always clear. I’ve done this trail multiple times and the marking is improving with the new landowners. 

Campsite Reservations: None, all campsites are on crownland. 

Safety: Downloading the GPX track is highly recommended.

Outfitters & Shuttles

Shuttle: I completed this as an out and back so no shuttle was required. If permission is given from Sagamok First Nation this could be completed as an end-to-end.  

Trip Report

Day 1: Trailhead to Alexander Lake Island Camp

With a 5 hour drive ahead of me, I left bright and early Friday morning to get a nice early start on the trail. This trail starts at the small Willisville Hiking Trail parking lot. From here, you need to cross the road, and walk north 100 meters or so and you will see a small sign for the trail. The trail starts out in typical...