This is Wilderness Union's first visit to Mount Nemo and its wonderful views within an hour of Toronto.
After picking people up from the Petro Canada we will head off to Mount Nemo to start our adventure on the Bruce Trail.
Following the ancient limestone cliff line we will get some stunning views of the Niagara Embankment and view some of the oldest Cedar trees in the world that grow here.
This 7km hike will take us around 3.5hrs to complete and we will stop for lunch half way to enjoy the views and embrace the moments of quiet we can find.
Hike length: 7km
Estimated time to complete hike: 3.5 hours
This is a moderate hike with a few steeper sections. We'll take it slowly on the inclines and keep together as a group throughout.
08:50 - Those getting a ride meet up at the Petro Canada next to Keele Subway Station
09:00 - Shuttle leaves. Please note, we leave dead on time and cannot wait for latecomers!
10:00 - Arrive at the Mount Nemo Parking and meet up with self drivers and begin hike.
10:00-14:00 - Hike the 7km looped trail with lunch on the way
16:00 - 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.
General Notes
It's likely to be cold so please bring layers.
Shoes
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for this trip. Regular sneakers are not suitable
Clothing packing list
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water for the hike.
Self drivers are strongly recommended to reserve admission in advance here and save a few bucks. Entrance is $10.50 per person in advance, $12 at the gate. Those travelling in the van have their entrance covered.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Cliffs - Keep away from any steep drops.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times, follow the instructions of the guides and download both the map referenced above as well as What3Words. You can't rely on having reception while out in the woods.
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. Learn about checking for ticks here.
The Mount Nemo area, part of the Niagara Escarpment, holds a rich Indigenous history, dating back thousands of years. The escarpment itself is considered a significant natural feature in the Great Lakes region, often used as a natural corridor for travel, hunting, and trade by various Indigenous nations. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), Anishinaabe (including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), and the Wendat (Huron) peoples are among those who have lived on or traveled through this region.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy): The Niagara Escarpment, including Mount Nemo, fell within the territory that the Haudenosaunee used for hunting and travel routes between their lands and those of neighboring nations.
Anishinaabe Nations: The Anishinaabe people, primarily the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi, are also closely connected to the Great Lakes region and the escarpment. They used the area's forests and waterways for hunting, gathering, and fishing, with the escarpment serving as an important part of their seasonal migrations and spiritual practices.
Wendat (Huron): Prior to European contact, the Wendat, who were based around southern Ontario, including the Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay areas, also had a significant presence relatively close to the escarpment, and they likely used the natural landscape for gathering medicinal plants and conducting rituals.
The escarpment, including Mount Nemo, is also notable for its biodiversity, which supported the lives of these Indigenous communities. The Eastern White Cedars found along the cliffs, some of which are over 1,000 years old, are likely descendants of trees that witnessed the movement and life of these early communities.
Ongoing Connection and Land Stewardship: Today, Indigenous nations continue to maintain a connection to the land, practicing stewardship and working to preserve the natural landscapes of the escarpment. The area is still significant for cultural teachings and ceremonies, and ongoing efforts to reclaim and protect these lands continue. Indigenous knowledge systems have played a key role in conservation efforts, and many Indigenous-led initiatives aim to ensure that places like Mount Nemo remain protected for future generations.
In understanding the history of Mount Nemo and the Niagara Escarpment, it’s important to acknowledge that these lands were, and still are, cared for by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. The land continues to be part of the ongoing history and culture of these nations which we aim to continue learning about and honouring.
This is Wilderness Union's first visit to Mount Nemo and its wonderful views within an hour of Toronto.
After picking people up from the Petro Canada we will head off to Mount Nemo to start our adventure on the Bruce Trail.
Following the ancient limestone cliff line we will get some stunning views of the Niagara Embankment and view some of the oldest Cedar trees in the world that grow here.
This 7km hike will take us around 3.5hrs to complete and we will stop for lunch half way to enjoy the views and embrace the moments of quiet we can find.
Hike length: 7km
Estimated time to complete hike: 3.5 hours
This is a moderate hike with a few steeper sections. We'll take it slowly on the inclines and keep together as a group throughout.
08:50 - Those getting a ride meet up at the Petro Canada next to Keele Subway Station
09:00 - Shuttle leaves. Please note, we leave dead on time and cannot wait for latecomers!
10:00 - Arrive at the Mount Nemo Parking and meet up with self drivers and begin hike.
10:00-14:00 - Hike the 7km looped trail with lunch on the way
16:00 - 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.
General Notes
It's likely to be cold so please bring layers.
Shoes
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for this trip. Regular sneakers are not suitable
Clothing packing list
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water for the hike.
Self drivers are strongly recommended to reserve admission in advance here and save a few bucks. Entrance is $10.50 per person in advance, $12 at the gate. Those travelling in the van have their entrance covered.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Cliffs - Keep away from any steep drops.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times, follow the instructions of the guides and download both the map referenced above as well as What3Words. You can't rely on having reception while out in the woods.
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. Learn about checking for ticks here.
The Mount Nemo area, part of the Niagara Escarpment, holds a rich Indigenous history, dating back thousands of years. The escarpment itself is considered a significant natural feature in the Great Lakes region, often used as a natural corridor for travel, hunting, and trade by various Indigenous nations. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), Anishinaabe (including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi), and the Wendat (Huron) peoples are among those who have lived on or traveled through this region.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy): The Niagara Escarpment, including Mount Nemo, fell within the territory that the Haudenosaunee used for hunting and travel routes between their lands and those of neighboring nations.
Anishinaabe Nations: The Anishinaabe people, primarily the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi, are also closely connected to the Great Lakes region and the escarpment. They used the area's forests and waterways for hunting, gathering, and fishing, with the escarpment serving as an important part of their seasonal migrations and spiritual practices.
Wendat (Huron): Prior to European contact, the Wendat, who were based around southern Ontario, including the Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay areas, also had a significant presence relatively close to the escarpment, and they likely used the natural landscape for gathering medicinal plants and conducting rituals.
The escarpment, including Mount Nemo, is also notable for its biodiversity, which supported the lives of these Indigenous communities. The Eastern White Cedars found along the cliffs, some of which are over 1,000 years old, are likely descendants of trees that witnessed the movement and life of these early communities.
Ongoing Connection and Land Stewardship: Today, Indigenous nations continue to maintain a connection to the land, practicing stewardship and working to preserve the natural landscapes of the escarpment. The area is still significant for cultural teachings and ceremonies, and ongoing efforts to reclaim and protect these lands continue. Indigenous knowledge systems have played a key role in conservation efforts, and many Indigenous-led initiatives aim to ensure that places like Mount Nemo remain protected for future generations.
In understanding the history of Mount Nemo and the Niagara Escarpment, it’s important to acknowledge that these lands were, and still are, cared for by Indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. The land continues to be part of the ongoing history and culture of these nations which we aim to continue learning about and honouring.
