Cliff-top views stretching for kilometres over a valley of red, rust and gold. This is the Niagara Escarpment in fall colour, and we’ll be standing right on the edge of it.
We'll start at Crawford Lake, one of the most unusual lakes in Canada. It's meromictic, meaning its deep layers never mix, so the sediment on the bottom has kept an undisturbed, year-by-year record for centuries. Corn pollen found in those layers is what led archaeologists to the 15th century Iroquoian village on its shore. We'll walk the boardwalk around the lake's emerald green water, and save the reconstructed longhouses for the end of the day, with proper time to explore them.
From the lake we'll head across Nassagaweya Canyon to Rattlesnake Point. The payoff is a string of cliff-edge lookouts, including Buffalo Crag, the best view in the park, looking out over the canyon and the Halton countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for turkey vultures riding the updrafts and the centuries-old cedars clinging to the rock face.
It's about 11 km with some rocky, rooty sections on the Escarpment, so you'll want sturdy footwear and a decent level of fitness. We've built extra time into the day so nobody's rushing the lookouts or the longhouses.
Riding in our van includes park entry. If you're self-driving, you'll need to book your own entry with Conservation Halton in advance.
Cliff-top views stretching for kilometres over a valley of red, rust and gold. This is the Niagara Escarpment in fall colour, and we’ll be standing right on the edge of it.
We'll start at Crawford Lake, one of the most unusual lakes in Canada. It's meromictic, meaning its deep layers never mix, so the sediment on the bottom has kept an undisturbed, year-by-year record for centuries. Corn pollen found in those layers is what led archaeologists to the 15th century Iroquoian village on its shore. We'll walk the boardwalk around the lake's emerald green water, and save the reconstructed longhouses for the end of the day, with proper time to explore them.
From the lake we'll head across Nassagaweya Canyon to Rattlesnake Point. The payoff is a string of cliff-edge lookouts, including Buffalo Crag, the best view in the park, looking out over the canyon and the Halton countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for turkey vultures riding the updrafts and the centuries-old cedars clinging to the rock face.
It's about 11 km with some rocky, rooty sections on the Escarpment, so you'll want sturdy footwear and a decent level of fitness. We've built extra time into the day so nobody's rushing the lookouts or the longhouses.
Riding in our van includes park entry. If you're self-driving, you'll need to book your own entry with Conservation Halton in advance.
Buffalo Crag Lookout: The best lookout at Rattlesnake Point, right on the cliff edge with wide-open views over Nassagaweya Canyon and the countryside below. We'll stop at the Nassagaweya Canyon lookout on the way.
Crawford Lake: A rare meromictic lake whose undisturbed sediment holds centuries of history, ringed by a boardwalk and home to a reconstructed 15th century Iroquoian longhouse village.
Escarpment Fall Colours: Late October on the Escarpment means golds, rusts and reds through the forest and across the valley below the cliffs.
09:00 - Shuttle leaves from near Keele station
10:00 - 15:15 - Hike the Crawford Lake boardwalk, then across Nassagaweya Canyon to the Rattlesnake Point lookouts, with lunch along the way
15:15 - 16:15 - Explore the Iroquoian Longhouse Village
16:30 - Shuttle departs
17:30 - 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.
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 get in touch through our contact form.
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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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Is Rattlesnake Point a specific lookout?
Rattlesnake Point is the name of the conservation area rather than one single viewpoint. It has several lookouts along the cliff edge, and we'll be visiting the best of them, including Buffalo Crag and Nassagaweya Canyon.
How hard is this hike?
It's about 11 km with some rocky, rooty and uneven sections along the Escarpment. It isn't technical, but it's a full day on your feet, so wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks. It can be slippery after rain.
Can I drive myself?
Yes. Park entry is included if you ride in our van. Self-drivers will need to book their own entry with Conservation Halton in advance.
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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