Join us for an incredible wilderness paddle at one of Ontario's most beautiful spots, McCrae Lake. Perfect for beginners, the trip is guided by an experienced canoe guide, kicking off with a paddling lesson ensuring everyone feels confident on the water. In a single day, you'll feel like you've truly escaped civilization, paddling into the canadian shield.
You'll experience raw wilderness in a safe setting as we navigate serene waters, with a short portage adding a touch of adventure. Our destination is a granite outcrop on the Canadian Shield where we'll stop for a provided packed lunch and go for a swim.
Last time we were on the water there we saw a family of otters - keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call McCrae Lake home.
Have you completed your waiver?
Our waiver can quickly be completed here
Our day starts with a bus journey leaving from Keele Station.
We'll head to the McCrae Lake car park where our canoes are waiting for us. We then have a short 150m portage to access the first lake where we'll have a beginners canoe lesson taught by an expert instructor.
Once you're feeling comfortable in the water, you'll paddle up the McDonald River until you get to McCrae Lake. This is a stunning lake with infinite places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
08:50 - Meet at the vehicle pull-in, just on the right when you come out of Keele Subway Station. There's a parking lot behind the station, approx a 10 minute walk away for anybody who wishes to drive.
09:00 - Van leaves for McCrae Lake
11:00 - Collect canoes from the parking lot, hit the water.
12:00 - Lunch on lake and a swim
13:30 - Paddle back
15:30 - Return canoes
16:00 - Drive back to Toronto
18:15 - 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.
We'll provide dry bags for any valuables. You should also pack the following:
PFDs and paddles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own
We'll be providing a packed lunch and drink. You're encouraged to pack additional snacks and water for the journey.
Please notify Maria in advance of any dietary restrictions you'd like to be taken into account!
Canoe, Paddle, PFD, Safety Kit
Water based danger: Everyone must wear their PFD at all times. We'll stick together and avoid going out onto open water where the water is a lot more choppy and there's greater danger.
Portages: If you have any injuries please notify your guide. You should be wearing proper footwear (ie. not sandals) if you're portaging a canoe.
Walking along the road: Look out for cars as you're walking around the car park.
Ticks & Lyme Disease
Blacklegged ticks are common in Ontario and can carry Lyme disease. There's no need to be concerned if you follow some basic precautionary steps.
To protect yourself:
– Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks. Lighter colours make it easier to spot any passengers.
– Use bug spray with DEET or Icaridin
– Check your whole body (and your pets) after hiking. Doing this while showering makes it easier.
If you find a tick, remove it right away with fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool, being careful not to pull off the head. Pull straight out, clean the area, and monitor for symptoms like a rash or flu-like feelings. If concerned, talk to a healthcare provider—early treatment is highly effective. Hang on to the tick after removal so you can send it in for testing if needed.
It usually takes 24–36 hours of attachment for the bacteria to be transmitted. That means early removal is key and that you don't need to worry if you've found one on you before 24 hours has passed.
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.
McCrae Lake and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishnabek and Mississauga Nations
Join us for an incredible wilderness paddle at one of Ontario's most beautiful spots, McCrae Lake. Perfect for beginners, the trip is guided by an experienced canoe guide, kicking off with a paddling lesson ensuring everyone feels confident on the water. In a single day, you'll feel like you've truly escaped civilization, paddling into the canadian shield.
You'll experience raw wilderness in a safe setting as we navigate serene waters, with a short portage adding a touch of adventure. Our destination is a granite outcrop on the Canadian Shield where we'll stop for a provided packed lunch and go for a swim.
Last time we were on the water there we saw a family of otters - keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that call McCrae Lake home.
Have you completed your waiver?
Our waiver can quickly be completed here
Our day starts with a bus journey leaving from Keele Station.
We'll head to the McCrae Lake car park where our canoes are waiting for us. We then have a short 150m portage to access the first lake where we'll have a beginners canoe lesson taught by an expert instructor.
Once you're feeling comfortable in the water, you'll paddle up the McDonald River until you get to McCrae Lake. This is a stunning lake with infinite places to stop and enjoy the scenery.
08:50 - Meet at the vehicle pull-in, just on the right when you come out of Keele Subway Station. There's a parking lot behind the station, approx a 10 minute walk away for anybody who wishes to drive.
09:00 - Van leaves for McCrae Lake
11:00 - Collect canoes from the parking lot, hit the water.
12:00 - Lunch on lake and a swim
13:30 - Paddle back
15:30 - Return canoes
16:00 - Drive back to Toronto
18:15 - 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.
We'll provide dry bags for any valuables. You should also pack the following:
PFDs and paddles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own
We'll be providing a packed lunch and drink. You're encouraged to pack additional snacks and water for the journey.
Please notify Maria in advance of any dietary restrictions you'd like to be taken into account!
Canoe, Paddle, PFD, Safety Kit
Water based danger: Everyone must wear their PFD at all times. We'll stick together and avoid going out onto open water where the water is a lot more choppy and there's greater danger.
Portages: If you have any injuries please notify your guide. You should be wearing proper footwear (ie. not sandals) if you're portaging a canoe.
Walking along the road: Look out for cars as you're walking around the car park.
Ticks & Lyme Disease
Blacklegged ticks are common in Ontario and can carry Lyme disease. There's no need to be concerned if you follow some basic precautionary steps.
To protect yourself:
– Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks. Lighter colours make it easier to spot any passengers.
– Use bug spray with DEET or Icaridin
– Check your whole body (and your pets) after hiking. Doing this while showering makes it easier.
If you find a tick, remove it right away with fine-tipped tweezers or tick removal tool, being careful not to pull off the head. Pull straight out, clean the area, and monitor for symptoms like a rash or flu-like feelings. If concerned, talk to a healthcare provider—early treatment is highly effective. Hang on to the tick after removal so you can send it in for testing if needed.
It usually takes 24–36 hours of attachment for the bacteria to be transmitted. That means early removal is key and that you don't need to worry if you've found one on you before 24 hours has passed.
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.
McCrae Lake and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Huron Wendat, Anishnabek and Mississauga Nations
