Due to an unexpected snowfall, our original hike will no longer be possible so we're taking on a hike in the same area but with more accessible trails.
We're going up to Bracebridge in the heart of Muskoka for a beautiful forested trail along the iconic Muskoka river. This is the typical Canadian Shield territory that typifies 'Cottage Country' so expect to see plenty of gorgeous granite rock faces and thick pine forest.
On the way back, we'll stop in at High Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Muskoka before heading home.
Hike Length: 7km
Terrain: This is a well marked trail with just under 100m of elevation. There's going to be a decent amount of snow on the ground, making it particularly beautiful but also meaning it could be slippery under foot. Ice spikes are strongly recommended.
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time.
07:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the loo before meeting us!
08:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on 8 and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
10:20 - Meet self drivers at Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. We can't wait for self drivers so please be on time.
14:30 - Return from Hike, visit High Falls
18:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
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.
Check out the upcoming weather for Bracebridge here.
Winter clothing
The key for winter hiking is to have breathable layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as you start to heat up or cool down. The biggest problem you're likely to encounter is actually getting too hot - the amount of exercise you're doing means you'll warm up quickly and it's important that you vent your clothes before you start sweating because that will only make you colder once you stop.
Pay attention to your fabrics - there's a saying that cotton kills because it keeps moisture and makes you colder. Instead, go for breathable fabrics, like athletic wear or wool. Wool has the advantage of keeping you warm when it's wet but cheap polyester running gear is just fine. We've put together a simple guide to layering on our instagram.
A common mistake is to bring your heavy winter coat that you'd wear in the city - this will become very uncomfortable very quickly. If you'd like advice on what coat is suitable, we'll give you recommendations no matter your budget.
Shoes
You should be switching to proper hiking boots once the snow has started. If the snow is really deep, you can wear a proper winter boot that goes above the ankle but this isn't essential, especially if you have gaiters. These go over your shoe to prevent snow coming in. Trainers and city boots are really not suitable because they won't have sufficient grip.
There's a good chance your feet are going to get wet, either through snow ingress or sweat so you should always pack a spare pair of socks when winter hiking.
Traction
You're going to find that you move more slowly and spend more effort hiking in the snow so we tend to hike shorter distances. From first snowfall you should always bring ice spikes with you. The Kahtoola Exospikes are a great option if you have the budget, otherwise Amazon has plenty of cheaper options. You rarely need snowshoes unless the snow is really deep and powdery and hiking with them usually requires even more energy.
Blaze/Hunter Orange
Hunting is a fact of life in winter in many of the places we visit. Most of this activity occurs far away from where we'll be hiking but out of an abundance of caution, you should alway bring some blaze or 'hunter' orange clothing with you. This ensures that you are visible and prevents any (already incredibly unlikely) accidents from occurring.
Winter Hiking packing list
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 litre of water for the hike. A hot drink is also a good idea.
Ice spikes will be provided for anyone who has requested them.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear, ice spikes and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. This is a tricky hike so you'll need to go slowly and take care not to fall or roll an ankle.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone
Hunting - Hunting is permitted in the area so you should wear an item of bright orange clothing to ensure your visibility. Red is not suitable. Dollarama sells cheap beanies and high-vis jackets.
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Bracebridge and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Missisaugas.
Due to an unexpected snowfall, our original hike will no longer be possible so we're taking on a hike in the same area but with more accessible trails.
We're going up to Bracebridge in the heart of Muskoka for a beautiful forested trail along the iconic Muskoka river. This is the typical Canadian Shield territory that typifies 'Cottage Country' so expect to see plenty of gorgeous granite rock faces and thick pine forest.
On the way back, we'll stop in at High Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Muskoka before heading home.
Hike Length: 7km
Terrain: This is a well marked trail with just under 100m of elevation. There's going to be a decent amount of snow on the ground, making it particularly beautiful but also meaning it could be slippery under foot. Ice spikes are strongly recommended.
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time.
07:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the loo before meeting us!
08:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on 8 and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
10:20 - Meet self drivers at Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. We can't wait for self drivers so please be on time.
14:30 - Return from Hike, visit High Falls
18:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
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.
Check out the upcoming weather for Bracebridge here.
Winter clothing
The key for winter hiking is to have breathable layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as you start to heat up or cool down. The biggest problem you're likely to encounter is actually getting too hot - the amount of exercise you're doing means you'll warm up quickly and it's important that you vent your clothes before you start sweating because that will only make you colder once you stop.
Pay attention to your fabrics - there's a saying that cotton kills because it keeps moisture and makes you colder. Instead, go for breathable fabrics, like athletic wear or wool. Wool has the advantage of keeping you warm when it's wet but cheap polyester running gear is just fine. We've put together a simple guide to layering on our instagram.
A common mistake is to bring your heavy winter coat that you'd wear in the city - this will become very uncomfortable very quickly. If you'd like advice on what coat is suitable, we'll give you recommendations no matter your budget.
Shoes
You should be switching to proper hiking boots once the snow has started. If the snow is really deep, you can wear a proper winter boot that goes above the ankle but this isn't essential, especially if you have gaiters. These go over your shoe to prevent snow coming in. Trainers and city boots are really not suitable because they won't have sufficient grip.
There's a good chance your feet are going to get wet, either through snow ingress or sweat so you should always pack a spare pair of socks when winter hiking.
Traction
You're going to find that you move more slowly and spend more effort hiking in the snow so we tend to hike shorter distances. From first snowfall you should always bring ice spikes with you. The Kahtoola Exospikes are a great option if you have the budget, otherwise Amazon has plenty of cheaper options. You rarely need snowshoes unless the snow is really deep and powdery and hiking with them usually requires even more energy.
Blaze/Hunter Orange
Hunting is a fact of life in winter in many of the places we visit. Most of this activity occurs far away from where we'll be hiking but out of an abundance of caution, you should alway bring some blaze or 'hunter' orange clothing with you. This ensures that you are visible and prevents any (already incredibly unlikely) accidents from occurring.
Winter Hiking packing list
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 litre of water for the hike. A hot drink is also a good idea.
Ice spikes will be provided for anyone who has requested them.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear, ice spikes and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. This is a tricky hike so you'll need to go slowly and take care not to fall or roll an ankle.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone
Hunting - Hunting is permitted in the area so you should wear an item of bright orange clothing to ensure your visibility. Red is not suitable. Dollarama sells cheap beanies and high-vis jackets.
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Bracebridge and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Missisaugas.
