Crawford Lake keeps its secrets in its sediment. We’ll share some of them with you on this adventure.
This emerald green meromictic lake is a scientific marvel. It’s so still that its deep layers never mix, and nothing that settles to the bottom ever gets disturbed. That untouched geological record, laid down year by year, is part of why it’s so special. We’ll follow the lake’s shores on the newly completed boardwalk, with radiant fall colours towering above us.
From the lake, the trail climbs onto the Niagara Escarpment and joins the Bruce Trail, the longest trail network in Ontario. This section has some moderately technical terrain that will ask you to slow down and pay attention.
Partway through, the trail passes the reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village, three longhouses rebuilt on their original footprint.
From there, the trail carries on toward Rattlesnake Point, climbing to a pretty spectacular viewpoint over the canyon before looping back through mixed hardwood forest to the lake. By the time you're back at the boardwalk, you'll have covered the escarpment's best angles: canyon, cliff, and calm water, all in one loop.
Accessibility
Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com
Crawford Lake keeps its secrets in its sediment. We’ll share some of them with you on this adventure.
This emerald green meromictic lake is a scientific marvel. It’s so still that its deep layers never mix, and nothing that settles to the bottom ever gets disturbed. That untouched geological record, laid down year by year, is part of why it’s so special. We’ll follow the lake’s shores on the newly completed boardwalk, with radiant fall colours towering above us.
From the lake, the trail climbs onto the Niagara Escarpment and joins the Bruce Trail, the longest trail network in Ontario. This section has some moderately technical terrain that will ask you to slow down and pay attention.
Partway through, the trail passes the reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian village, three longhouses rebuilt on their original footprint.
From there, the trail carries on toward Rattlesnake Point, climbing to a pretty spectacular viewpoint over the canyon before looping back through mixed hardwood forest to the lake. By the time you're back at the boardwalk, you'll have covered the escarpment's best angles: canyon, cliff, and calm water, all in one loop.
Accessibility
Wilderness Union is committed to making our adventures as accessible as possible. If you wish to make an accommodation request relating to a disability or provide feedback, please do so by sending an email to info@wildernessunion.com
Rattlesnake Point Viewpoint: The high point of the loop, with open views out over the escarpment cliffs and the valley below.
Crawford Lake: Formed roughly 10,000 years ago in a sinkhole carved out by retreating glaciers, tucked into forest at the top of the escarpment.
Peak Fall Colours: The escarpment forest turns early and hard here, with the ridgeline views making the reds and golds even more dramatic than from the trail floor.
09:00 - Shuttle leaves from near Keele station
10:00 - 10:30 - Explore Iroquoian Longhouse Village
10:30 - 15:30 - Hike Crawford lake loop and to Rattlesnake point, with a stop for lunch along the way
16:30 - Arrival back in Toronto
Food and Drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch and water for any of our day trips that don't explicitly say we're making a stop at a restaurant. Where we stop at restaurants, you are responsible for the purchase of any food. Full details are available at the adventure plan, shared above on registration.
Carbon Offsetting
Wilderness Union offsets the estimated carbon emissions of every trip by investing in a global portfolio of verified carbon reduction projects.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
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Weather or emergency cancellations: If an event is canceled due to severe weather or other uncontrollable factors, members can receive a full credit to their account.
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Where can I find important updates about this hike in the days leading up to it?
Please follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the ‘Upcoming Adventures’ channel, and reach out to us if you are having any issues.
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