A slight change of plan to the original location due to flooding at the intended site. The area we're going to is slightly closer and even more beautiful - we're hiking the frost centre trails that take us along a gorgeous beach and lake, through ancient pine fringed forests and ultimately up the canadian shield to a stunning lookout and lunch spot.
Once we're finished with the hike, we'll go to the famous Dorset Lookout Tower for sensational views around this beautiful part of Muskoka.
Hike Length: 7.7km
Terrain: A relatively short but somewhat challenging hike due to some steep climbs. It should be easily accomplished by anyone in good fitness if we take our time. We'll be walking over granite and through some absolutely stunning forest. You'll want hiking boots and ideally hiking poles for this adventure.
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time. We'll eat lunch from a spot with an incredible view.
06:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station.
07:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on 7 and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
09:45 - Meet self-drivers at the Frost Centre for our hike. Head off, eating lunch en route.
14:00 - End hike and drive in convoy to the Dorset Lookout Tower
14:15-15:00 - Climb the tower and take in views
18:00 - 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.
Eat breakfast before you come and pack a lunch! It's going to be hot so please pack 2L of water with you. It may be hard to access water on the trail.
Self drivers will need to pay $10 to access the Dorset Lookout Tower when they show up
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - It's a very hot day with heat exhaustion and sunburn a real possibility. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Getting lost - This is a wilderness location, away from help so it's imperative that we stay together at all times. If you get separated from the group, stop and call for help. It's unlikely that you'll have reception during this adventure. YOU MUST STAY WITH THE GROUP AT ALL TIMES. No breaking off without first discussing it with the hike leader!
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. Any injuries? Let us know in advance of the hike.
Ticks - Black legged ticks are in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here.
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.
The Frost Centre and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Missisaugas.
The Algonquin people, who belong to the larger Anishinaabe group, have lived in this region for thousands of years. Their traditional territory encompasses much of what is now Ontario and Quebec, including the Algonquin Highlands, the area we're visiting. The legacy of the Algonquin people remains strong here - Indigenous communities continue to assert their rights and preserve their cultural heritage. Efforts are ongoing to protect sacred sites, maintain traditional practices, and educate others about the importance of this region to Indigenous history and identity.
A slight change of plan to the original location due to flooding at the intended site. The area we're going to is slightly closer and even more beautiful - we're hiking the frost centre trails that take us along a gorgeous beach and lake, through ancient pine fringed forests and ultimately up the canadian shield to a stunning lookout and lunch spot.
Once we're finished with the hike, we'll go to the famous Dorset Lookout Tower for sensational views around this beautiful part of Muskoka.
Hike Length: 7.7km
Terrain: A relatively short but somewhat challenging hike due to some steep climbs. It should be easily accomplished by anyone in good fitness if we take our time. We'll be walking over granite and through some absolutely stunning forest. You'll want hiking boots and ideally hiking poles for this adventure.
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time. We'll eat lunch from a spot with an incredible view.
06:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station.
07:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on 7 and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
09:45 - Meet self-drivers at the Frost Centre for our hike. Head off, eating lunch en route.
14:00 - End hike and drive in convoy to the Dorset Lookout Tower
14:15-15:00 - Climb the tower and take in views
18:00 - 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.
Eat breakfast before you come and pack a lunch! It's going to be hot so please pack 2L of water with you. It may be hard to access water on the trail.
Self drivers will need to pay $10 to access the Dorset Lookout Tower when they show up
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - It's a very hot day with heat exhaustion and sunburn a real possibility. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Getting lost - This is a wilderness location, away from help so it's imperative that we stay together at all times. If you get separated from the group, stop and call for help. It's unlikely that you'll have reception during this adventure. YOU MUST STAY WITH THE GROUP AT ALL TIMES. No breaking off without first discussing it with the hike leader!
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles. Any injuries? Let us know in advance of the hike.
Ticks - Black legged ticks are in the area. You should wear pants rather than shorts to prevent them latching on and lighter colours make it easier to spot them and keep you more cool. There's no need to worry about ticks if we take a few precautions and we'll talk about doing a tick check after the hike just to confirm we haven't picked any up. You can learn more here.
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.
The Frost Centre and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Missisaugas.
The Algonquin people, who belong to the larger Anishinaabe group, have lived in this region for thousands of years. Their traditional territory encompasses much of what is now Ontario and Quebec, including the Algonquin Highlands, the area we're visiting. The legacy of the Algonquin people remains strong here - Indigenous communities continue to assert their rights and preserve their cultural heritage. Efforts are ongoing to protect sacred sites, maintain traditional practices, and educate others about the importance of this region to Indigenous history and identity.
