We're into August and the bugs are subsiding which means we can start to explore further into the forest again!
This is one of Wilderness Union's favourite hikes, located in QEII Wildlands Provincial Park, just over 2 hours outside of Toronto. You'll feel like you're deep in the wilderness. Our route takes you into classic Canadian Shield territory, through a beautiful forest that opens onto pristine lakes and more beaver ponds than you've ever seen before. We'll carefully make our way across granite rock faces and balance as we cross between lakes on beaver dams.
Along the way, we have a good chance of seeing beavers, porcupines, even bears and moose.
Our end point is a gorgeous lake where we'll stop for lunch for long enough to cool off in the crystal waters, play on the shore and maybe even have a relaxing nap before heading back the way we came.
This trip runs at the same time as the Wilder Loop, a much harder 20km hike. And yes, we spend so much time playing at the lake because, well… we’re waiting for the Wilder Loop crew to finish sweating it out!
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.
This spot is approximately 2.5 hrs North of Toronto.
The hike has a couple of challenging sections that include a thin beaver crossing and an approx 10ft tall rock face that will need careful navigation. If you have any concerns about your fitness for the hike, please message on the Discord Thread.
This is a 10km out and back, 5km each way. Hiking boots or proper trail shoes are essential for this hike.
06:20 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast, we are on a tight schedule and will not be stoping en route for lunch. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:30 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:30 - Shuttle leaves from PetroCanada at Keele Station.
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! Fair warning, the van may end up being a few minutes late but self-drivers shouldn't come later than the van or they won't be able to join the hike.
09:00 - 17:00 - Hike, eating lunch en route. Stop for swim/paddle/cooling off.
17:00 - Anticipated return to car.
20:00 - 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.
We're hiking in a wilderness location on what could be a very hot day so, for your safety, it's very important that you read this carefully and are equipped properly. If you're dressed in such a way as to put yourself in danger we will not be able to bring you.
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord!
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - 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.
Water danger - Stay away from fast moving water and only swim where guides have explicitly said is safe. Swimming is only allowed under supervision and if you can't swim, you should keep out of the water.
Wild animals - Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group. Your guide will give you further instructions.
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.
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.
We're into August and the bugs are subsiding which means we can start to explore further into the forest again!
This is one of Wilderness Union's favourite hikes, located in QEII Wildlands Provincial Park, just over 2 hours outside of Toronto. You'll feel like you're deep in the wilderness. Our route takes you into classic Canadian Shield territory, through a beautiful forest that opens onto pristine lakes and more beaver ponds than you've ever seen before. We'll carefully make our way across granite rock faces and balance as we cross between lakes on beaver dams.
Along the way, we have a good chance of seeing beavers, porcupines, even bears and moose.
Our end point is a gorgeous lake where we'll stop for lunch for long enough to cool off in the crystal waters, play on the shore and maybe even have a relaxing nap before heading back the way we came.
This trip runs at the same time as the Wilder Loop, a much harder 20km hike. And yes, we spend so much time playing at the lake because, well… we’re waiting for the Wilder Loop crew to finish sweating it out!
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.
This spot is approximately 2.5 hrs North of Toronto.
The hike has a couple of challenging sections that include a thin beaver crossing and an approx 10ft tall rock face that will need careful navigation. If you have any concerns about your fitness for the hike, please message on the Discord Thread.
This is a 10km out and back, 5km each way. Hiking boots or proper trail shoes are essential for this hike.
06:20 - Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station. There's a Tims around the corner if you want to grab breakfast, we are on a tight schedule and will not be stoping en route for lunch. THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 06:30 whether you are here or not so you must be there on time.
06:30 - Shuttle leaves from PetroCanada at Keele Station.
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! Fair warning, the van may end up being a few minutes late but self-drivers shouldn't come later than the van or they won't be able to join the hike.
09:00 - 17:00 - Hike, eating lunch en route. Stop for swim/paddle/cooling off.
17:00 - Anticipated return to car.
20:00 - 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.
We're hiking in a wilderness location on what could be a very hot day so, for your safety, it's very important that you read this carefully and are equipped properly. If you're dressed in such a way as to put yourself in danger we will not be able to bring you.
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord!
Heat Exhaustion/Sun Exposure - 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.
Water danger - Stay away from fast moving water and only swim where guides have explicitly said is safe. Swimming is only allowed under supervision and if you can't swim, you should keep out of the water.
Wild animals - Bears and moose are not uncommon around this area. If you come across a larger animal, back away and alert the group. Your guide will give you further instructions.
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.
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.
