Not every good trail makes it into a guidebook, and this hidden gem sure hasn't.
Tucked just southwest of Algonquin, it's a route we keep close for our members: rolling rock outcrops, quiet beaver ponds, and wide ridges that open into sweeping views when you least expect them. In September, the whole forest turns to a radiant display of red, orange, and gold; the kind of colours that makes you stop mid-stride. Welcome to fall in Ontario.
We'll cover 7.5 km at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to take it in before stopping for lunch at one of the best views on the route. It's a moderate hike, and a solid choice if this is your first time out on trail.
From the trailhead, it's a short drive to Dorset. The tower was first built in 1922 as a fire lookout and rebuilt in 1967 into the structure that stands today. Climbing to the top puts you level with the treetops and gives you a panorama of the hills and lakes around Lake of Bays, all dressed in their fall colours. It's one of Ontario's most recognizable lookouts, offering a totally different perspective after a morning spent within the tree canopy.
Please note that anyone not taking the WU transportation will need to purchase their own tower access pass.
Not every good trail makes it into a guidebook, and this hidden gem sure hasn't.
Tucked just southwest of Algonquin, it's a route we keep close for our members: rolling rock outcrops, quiet beaver ponds, and wide ridges that open into sweeping views when you least expect them. In September, the whole forest turns to a radiant display of red, orange, and gold; the kind of colours that makes you stop mid-stride. Welcome to fall in Ontario.
We'll cover 7.5 km at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to take it in before stopping for lunch at one of the best views on the route. It's a moderate hike, and a solid choice if this is your first time out on trail.
From the trailhead, it's a short drive to Dorset. The tower was first built in 1922 as a fire lookout and rebuilt in 1967 into the structure that stands today. Climbing to the top puts you level with the treetops and gives you a panorama of the hills and lakes around Lake of Bays, all dressed in their fall colours. It's one of Ontario's most recognizable lookouts, offering a totally different perspective after a morning spent within the tree canopy.
Please note that anyone not taking the WU transportation will need to purchase their own tower access pass.
The Lookout Tower Climb: The observation deck sits 142 metres above Lake of Bays, with a 360 degree view over the surrounding hills and lakes.
A Trail Off the Map: A quiet, little-known route kept for Wilderness Union members, far from the lineups that build up around Dorset in the fall.
Fall Colours: Red, orange, and gold scattered across the Canadian Shield.
07:00 - Shuttle leaves from near Keele Station
10:00 - 13:30 - Meet self drivers trailhead and begin hike
13:30 - 15:00 - Drive to Dorset Lookout Fire tower and climb the tower to admire the view
15:00 - Drive back to Toronto
19:00 - Anticipated return to 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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