McCrae Lake is a beautiful part of crown land near Port Severn, tucked into the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Just a couple of hours from Toronto, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful summer day surrounded by nature.
We’ll begin with a 3.5 km hike through the forest, ending at a scenic lookout where we’ll stop for lunch and enjoy wide-open views of the lake and landscape. After lunch, we’ll head down to the water for a couple of hours to swim, relax, and take in the quiet atmosphere. Once we’ve had our fill of sunshine and lake time, we’ll hike the same trail back out.
This trip offers the perfect mix of movement, rest, and connection with nature, ideal for anyone looking for a calm but adventurous summer day!
Hike Length: 7km total, tackled as two 3.5km hikes with a swim break in between.
Terrain: There's relatively little elevation gain on this trail making it an easy hike but there are a couple of steeper hills. If we get rain the days before, the trail may be muddy so you'll want to watch your footing.
At 2km on the map there's the incredible Eagle's Nest lookout where we'll stop briefly to take in the view. We'll then make our way another 1.5km down to the water for some lunch and summer fun in this incredible lake before hiking the same path out.
NOTE: this map only shows a one-way trip to the swimming location
07:20 - Meet the bus just outside of Keele Station, on the right when you come out of the station on Keele Street. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 07:30 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the washroom before meeting us!
07:30 - Bus leaves
09:15 - Meet self drivers at the McCrae Lake Car Park. We can't wait for self drivers so please be on time.
N.B. This parking lot often gets full and they'll tow cars parked illegally so make sure you read the parking restrictions very carefully - YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED. If the area is full, we'll park the bus at the overflow car parking here.
9:30 - Hike to wilderness lake
11:00 - Swimming at McCrae Lake and picnic lunch
14:30 - Return hike
18:30 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord!
Grab breakfast before you go. There's a Tims around the corner from our meet-up point.
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a 2 litres of water for the hike. We also reccomend electolyte drinks for hot days!
No Reservation is required for parking but please note that the main parking lot often gets full and they'll tow cars parked illegally so make sure you read the parking restrictions very carefully - YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED. If the area is full, we'll park the bus at the overflow car parking here.
You should read all of the instructions in here carefully and make sure you've downloaded and installed the map! It's important that you listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.
Hiking injuries: Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help. If you have a whistle, bring it.
Trail conditions: Trails may be muddy, ensure you're wearing proper footwear with tread and ankle support.
Falling from heights: There are some steep cliffs on this trail, don't get too close to any.
Wildlife: Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group.
Rattlesnakes are also relatively common in this area. They are shy and avoid humans, but may bite if stepped on or surprised. Stay on trails, watch where you place your hands and feet, and never try to touch or move a snake. If you hear a rattle, stop, back away slowly, and give the snake space.
Water danger - Stay away from fast moving water and only swim where guides have explicitly said is safe. Swimming is only allowed under supervision and if you can't swim, you should keep out of the water.
Ticks - Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on.
McCrae Lake and the surrounding lands are part of the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishnabek and Mississauga Nations. These communities have lived on and cared for this land for countless generations, with deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological connections to the forests, lakes, and rocky shores of the Georgian Bay region.
This region has always been a place of movement, gathering, and exchange for Indigenous peoples. Today, these Nations continue to assert their rights and connections to the land, working to protect their heritage and share their knowledge of these territories.
McCrae Lake lies within these traditional territories, recognized under Treaty 61 (Robinson-Huron, 1850) and the Williams Treaties (1923).
McCrae Lake is a beautiful part of crown land near Port Severn, tucked into the southern edge of the Canadian Shield. Just a couple of hours from Toronto, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful summer day surrounded by nature.
We’ll begin with a 3.5 km hike through the forest, ending at a scenic lookout where we’ll stop for lunch and enjoy wide-open views of the lake and landscape. After lunch, we’ll head down to the water for a couple of hours to swim, relax, and take in the quiet atmosphere. Once we’ve had our fill of sunshine and lake time, we’ll hike the same trail back out.
This trip offers the perfect mix of movement, rest, and connection with nature, ideal for anyone looking for a calm but adventurous summer day!
Hike Length: 7km total, tackled as two 3.5km hikes with a swim break in between.
Terrain: There's relatively little elevation gain on this trail making it an easy hike but there are a couple of steeper hills. If we get rain the days before, the trail may be muddy so you'll want to watch your footing.
At 2km on the map there's the incredible Eagle's Nest lookout where we'll stop briefly to take in the view. We'll then make our way another 1.5km down to the water for some lunch and summer fun in this incredible lake before hiking the same path out.
NOTE: this map only shows a one-way trip to the swimming location
07:20 - Meet the bus just outside of Keele Station, on the right when you come out of the station on Keele Street. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 07:30 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the washroom before meeting us!
07:30 - Bus leaves
09:15 - Meet self drivers at the McCrae Lake Car Park. We can't wait for self drivers so please be on time.
N.B. This parking lot often gets full and they'll tow cars parked illegally so make sure you read the parking restrictions very carefully - YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED. If the area is full, we'll park the bus at the overflow car parking here.
9:30 - Hike to wilderness lake
11:00 - Swimming at McCrae Lake and picnic lunch
14:30 - Return hike
18:30 - Anticipated return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord!
Grab breakfast before you go. There's a Tims around the corner from our meet-up point.
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a 2 litres of water for the hike. We also reccomend electolyte drinks for hot days!
No Reservation is required for parking but please note that the main parking lot often gets full and they'll tow cars parked illegally so make sure you read the parking restrictions very carefully - YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED. If the area is full, we'll park the bus at the overflow car parking here.
You should read all of the instructions in here carefully and make sure you've downloaded and installed the map! It's important that you listen to the guides and follow their instructions at all times.
Hiking injuries: Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost: All hikers must remain with the group at all times. If you do find yourself lost at any point, stay where you are and call for help. If you have a whistle, bring it.
Trail conditions: Trails may be muddy, ensure you're wearing proper footwear with tread and ankle support.
Falling from heights: There are some steep cliffs on this trail, don't get too close to any.
Wildlife: Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group.
Rattlesnakes are also relatively common in this area. They are shy and avoid humans, but may bite if stepped on or surprised. Stay on trails, watch where you place your hands and feet, and never try to touch or move a snake. If you hear a rattle, stop, back away slowly, and give the snake space.
Water danger - Stay away from fast moving water and only swim where guides have explicitly said is safe. Swimming is only allowed under supervision and if you can't swim, you should keep out of the water.
Ticks - Tick season has started again and they're active in the area we're visiting. Black Legged Ticks have the risk of carrying Lyme disease so it's important that you check yourself thoroughly after each hike. You're also recommended to have your legs covered so it's harder for them to latch on.
McCrae Lake and the surrounding lands are part of the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishnabek and Mississauga Nations. These communities have lived on and cared for this land for countless generations, with deep cultural, spiritual, and ecological connections to the forests, lakes, and rocky shores of the Georgian Bay region.
This region has always been a place of movement, gathering, and exchange for Indigenous peoples. Today, these Nations continue to assert their rights and connections to the land, working to protect their heritage and share their knowledge of these territories.
McCrae Lake lies within these traditional territories, recognized under Treaty 61 (Robinson-Huron, 1850) and the Williams Treaties (1923).
