We're going paddling at one of our favourite spots, McCrae Lake! We'll find our canoes waiting for us in the car park and will take them out onto this remote lake for an incredible day in the sun, learning to paddle, portage and explore the surrounding area. There are some nice swimming spots out there so don't forget to bring a bathing suit if you fancy a dip!
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.
And remember, this is one of our secret spots so we ask you not to share the location publicly. This allows us to keep certain locations special for Wilderness Union members.
We'll meet in the McCrae Lake car park where the canoe rentals are waiting for us. We then have a short 150m portage to access the first lake where we'll have a beginners canoe lesson for anybody who needs it.
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.
One recommendation is stopping at Elephant Rock to check out the view and swim. If you have time, you may be able to make it all the way to the rapids and back.
07:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the washroom before meeting us!
08:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on time and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
09:45 - Park up at the overflow parking on the map below. While there is parking near the trailhead, it will almost certainly be full and they'll tow cars parked illegally so make sure you read the parking restrictions very carefully - YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED. The overflow parking is a 1km, 10 minute walk from where we pick up the canoes.
10:00 - Collect canoes from the regular parking lot, hit the water.
16:00 - Return canoes to trailer at car park
18:00 - Rough arrival time back at 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 have some dry bags but you may want to bring your own to keep valuables dry just in case.
PFDs and paddles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water. It's looking hot out there.
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 from the car park to the McCrae parking lot.
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
We're going paddling at one of our favourite spots, McCrae Lake! We'll find our canoes waiting for us in the car park and will take them out onto this remote lake for an incredible day in the sun, learning to paddle, portage and explore the surrounding area. There are some nice swimming spots out there so don't forget to bring a bathing suit if you fancy a dip!
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.
And remember, this is one of our secret spots so we ask you not to share the location publicly. This allows us to keep certain locations special for Wilderness Union members.
We'll meet in the McCrae Lake car park where the canoe rentals are waiting for us. We then have a short 150m portage to access the first lake where we'll have a beginners canoe lesson for anybody who needs it.
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.
One recommendation is stopping at Elephant Rock to check out the view and swim. If you have time, you may be able to make it all the way to the rapids and back.
07:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station. Make sure you've had breakfast and used the washroom before meeting us!
08:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on time and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
09:45 - Park up at the overflow parking on the map below. While there is parking near the trailhead, it will almost certainly be full and they'll tow cars parked illegally so make sure you read the parking restrictions very carefully - YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED. The overflow parking is a 1km, 10 minute walk from where we pick up the canoes.
10:00 - Collect canoes from the regular parking lot, hit the water.
16:00 - Return canoes to trailer at car park
18:00 - Rough arrival time back at 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 have some dry bags but you may want to bring your own to keep valuables dry just in case.
PFDs and paddles are provided but you're welcome to bring your own
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water. It's looking hot out there.
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 from the car park to the McCrae parking lot.
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
