You asked for a harder hike, here's a real challenge.
The Wilder Loop is a full 20 km of remote, rugged terrain through one of Ontario’s most untouched landscapes. Right from the start, the trail throws you into the wild: the first 5 km have everything we love about backcountry hiking; twisting forest paths, sweeping granite ridges, narrow boardwalks, and yes, multiple beaver dams to scramble across. No two kilometers are the same, and every twist in the trail feels like a secret waiting to be found.
Once we hit the loop section, things get much quieter. This part of the park sees very few visitors as human footprints give way to moose tracks, and the rustling in the brush might just be one of the many beavers that call this area home.
Though the total elevation gain is relatively modest (about 260 m over the whole route), the trail’s difficulty comes from its remoteness, terrain, and ever-changing conditions. That said, for those willing to take it on, the reward is huge: sweeping views, total solitude, an unfiltered experience of Ontario’s boreal beauty... and a well-earned sense of pride by the time we make it back to the trailhead.
Secret Location
This is one of Wilderness Union's 'secret' hikes. As a group, we visit some truly special spots that are undiscovered by the wider world. We like to keep them pristine and only share them among our members and ask that you do the same! We reveal the location to registered members in the days before the trip.
We're combining a few of our favourite hikes to complete the 17km Sheldon Lake loop in Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. We'll take in Sheldon Lake, Scrabble Mountain (spots you might be familiar with from previous hikes) over an incredibly diverse hike.
This trip is a real adventure and a challenge for those who wanted to push a little harder.
Because this trip is more challenging, it's particularly important that you read this trip plan carefully and bring those things outlined!
You might be looking at the distance and elevation thinking this isn't too bad but that would be a mistake. With the constant changes in elevation and difficult terrain, this will be a real challenge. There's a small rock face you'll need to descend at one point and plenty of beaver dams that require good balance to traverse. Due to these challenges we highly recommend bringing trekking poles to help with balance. Further adding to the difficulty will be unpredictable weather conditions and the race against time to complete the hike before sundown.
We'll be aiming for a pace of 3km/hr to ensure that we're out before sundown.
06:20 - Meet the bus just outside of Keele Station, on the right when you come out of the station on Keele Street. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:30 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:30 - Bus leaves
09:00 - Meet self-drivers at the trailhead. If there are no spaces here, park up at the Devil's Lake lot further up the road. Do not be late!
Hike, eating lunch en route
17:00 - Anticipated return to car
19:30 - Approx return time to Keele Subway 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.
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!
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: 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!
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.
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.
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.
Sheldon Lake sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, and the Huron-Wendat. These Nations lived on and moved through the area for thousands of years, relying on the land for hunting, fishing, farming, and travel. The Mississaugas, part of the Anishinaabe cultural group, established themselves in southern Ontario in the 1700s and later signed several land treaties, including Treaties 14 and 19. Though colonial settlement disrupted access to these lands, these communities continue to maintain strong cultural and environmental ties to the region.
You asked for a harder hike, here's a real challenge.
The Wilder Loop is a full 20 km of remote, rugged terrain through one of Ontario’s most untouched landscapes. Right from the start, the trail throws you into the wild: the first 5 km have everything we love about backcountry hiking; twisting forest paths, sweeping granite ridges, narrow boardwalks, and yes, multiple beaver dams to scramble across. No two kilometers are the same, and every twist in the trail feels like a secret waiting to be found.
Once we hit the loop section, things get much quieter. This part of the park sees very few visitors as human footprints give way to moose tracks, and the rustling in the brush might just be one of the many beavers that call this area home.
Though the total elevation gain is relatively modest (about 260 m over the whole route), the trail’s difficulty comes from its remoteness, terrain, and ever-changing conditions. That said, for those willing to take it on, the reward is huge: sweeping views, total solitude, an unfiltered experience of Ontario’s boreal beauty... and a well-earned sense of pride by the time we make it back to the trailhead.
Secret Location
This is one of Wilderness Union's 'secret' hikes. As a group, we visit some truly special spots that are undiscovered by the wider world. We like to keep them pristine and only share them among our members and ask that you do the same! We reveal the location to registered members in the days before the trip.
We're combining a few of our favourite hikes to complete the 17km Sheldon Lake loop in Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. We'll take in Sheldon Lake, Scrabble Mountain (spots you might be familiar with from previous hikes) over an incredibly diverse hike.
This trip is a real adventure and a challenge for those who wanted to push a little harder.
Because this trip is more challenging, it's particularly important that you read this trip plan carefully and bring those things outlined!
You might be looking at the distance and elevation thinking this isn't too bad but that would be a mistake. With the constant changes in elevation and difficult terrain, this will be a real challenge. There's a small rock face you'll need to descend at one point and plenty of beaver dams that require good balance to traverse. Due to these challenges we highly recommend bringing trekking poles to help with balance. Further adding to the difficulty will be unpredictable weather conditions and the race against time to complete the hike before sundown.
We'll be aiming for a pace of 3km/hr to ensure that we're out before sundown.
06:20 - Meet the bus just outside of Keele Station, on the right when you come out of the station on Keele Street. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:30 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:30 - Bus leaves
09:00 - Meet self-drivers at the trailhead. If there are no spaces here, park up at the Devil's Lake lot further up the road. Do not be late!
Hike, eating lunch en route
17:00 - Anticipated return to car
19:30 - Approx return time to Keele Subway 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.
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!
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: 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!
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.
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.
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.
Sheldon Lake sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, and the Huron-Wendat. These Nations lived on and moved through the area for thousands of years, relying on the land for hunting, fishing, farming, and travel. The Mississaugas, part of the Anishinaabe cultural group, established themselves in southern Ontario in the 1700s and later signed several land treaties, including Treaties 14 and 19. Though colonial settlement disrupted access to these lands, these communities continue to maintain strong cultural and environmental ties to the region.
