This is my third trip XC skiing from the base of Ski Callaghan to Conflict Lake with a two-night stay at Journeyman Lodge. Each time I have been fortunate to have nice weather with blue skies. The XC Ski trail starts at the Ski Callaghan base centre. The route takes you along the 8.5 km Callaghan Lake FSR which is named Mainline trail in the winter. The views of Black Tusk and other area mountains are gorgeous along this trail. The first 3 kms of the trail is an incline and requires some work but after that it becomes easier. When you arrive at the snow-covered Callaghan Lake, take some time to have a snack or eat your lunch because the 5-km trek to conflict lake from here is not easy. The trail from here, Parkway trail, is in a more forested area which causes slicker conditions and is up and down. It then links to Upper Wild Spirit and continues until you arrive at Meadows Loop junction. Maybe it was me that was just tired but the ski from Callaghan Lake to the lodge was a challenge.
At the Meadows Loop junction, either direction takes you to Conflict Lake, but we chose to go left as it was a shorter and quicker route to the lodge.
The stay at Journeyman Lodge is a nice way to end the day as dinner is prepared by a chef and the accommodations are lovely. Always great to have a hot shower after a day of skiing.
Instead of XC skiing back to our car we chose to snowshoe. This allowed us to take a different route back. Instead of the Mainline trail, you take Wild Spirit and Real Life trails. Both trails are used by the lodge to snowmobile in and out so not as well groomed as Mainline and nowhere near the scenic mountain views.