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Wilderness Hike

McCrae Lake New Year Kickoff

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Optional Transport:  
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Join a Wilderness Union Adventure
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Event Date
January 4, 2026
Destination
Georgian Bay Township
Duration
10 hours
Highlights
Pristine Nature. Epic Views. Frozen Lakes.
Trip eligible for credit -  
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Guest passes can be used -  
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Your Registration Details

Transport
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AdditIonal Add Ons
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Guests
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Difficulty Rating
★★★
Beauty Rating
★★★★★
Solitude Rating
★★★★

Description

2026 is here and it is time to conquer your resolutions by getting active, connecting with nature and meeting new people.

McCrae lake is an absolutely gorgeous conservation reserve at the Southern end of the Canadian Shield. It is nestled in secluded beauty just a stone’s throw from Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Only a couple of hours away from Toronto, it's very quiet this time of year, so you’ll have the opportunity to fully decompress from the never-ending buzz of the city.

This is an 8km out-and-back hike that’s relatively easy - if you are comfortable walking a brisk 5k, you’ll enjoy this hike. We never leave anyone behind!

What you can expect on this hike:

- Winding forest trails

- An epic lakeside lunch lookout

- Possible wildlife spotting

- Moments to learn about and experience Ontario nature

- Frozen lakes abound

Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.

Please note that parking is extremely limited at this location and you’re strongly recommended to take Wilderness Union’s transport to avoid disappointment on arrival.

2026 is here and it is time to conquer your resolutions by getting active, connecting with nature and meeting new people.

McCrae lake is an absolutely gorgeous conservation reserve at the Southern end of the Canadian Shield. It is nestled in secluded beauty just a stone’s throw from Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Only a couple of hours away from Toronto, it's very quiet this time of year, so you’ll have the opportunity to fully decompress from the never-ending buzz of the city.

This is an 8km out-and-back hike that’s relatively easy - if you are comfortable walking a brisk 5k, you’ll enjoy this hike. We never leave anyone behind!

What you can expect on this hike:

- Winding forest trails

- An epic lakeside lunch lookout

- Possible wildlife spotting

- Moments to learn about and experience Ontario nature

- Frozen lakes abound

Depending on snow levels we may be required to use snowshoes or ice spikes. We have a limited quantity available that you can grab at check-out. Ice spikes are free to borrow and snow shoes can be rented for a small fee.

Please note that parking is extremely limited at this location and you’re strongly recommended to take Wilderness Union’s transport to avoid disappointment on arrival.

Highlights

Pristine Nature: Breathe deeply and take in the beautiful, quiet power of this hidden spot away from it all.

Epic Lookouts: Enjoy lunch with friends from a stunning viewpoint.

Frozen Lakes: See how the winter cold transforms Ontario’s landscape.

7:30: Depart for destination

9:30: Arrive at trail head

9:30 - 15:30: Hike

15:30: Depart for Toronto

17:30: Estimated return to Toronto

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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What to Expect on a WU Trip

Is a Wilderness Union Trip Right for You?
We offer a unique alternative to commercial tours. We don't just show you incredible natural wonders, we teach you to become confident in nature so you can discover the life changing magic of the outdoors. You'll love it here if:
- You want to make real friends, not just small talk with strangers
- You prefer "off the beaten path" over "all-inclusive resort"
- You're happy to pitch in and learn new skills (e.g., helping with camp setup or group tasks)
- You value the journey and the company as much as the destination

Who Else Will Be There
WU is aimed at a younger generation of outdoor lovers who don't see themselves represented in traditional hiking clubs and our members are typically 20-40 years old. Whether you're brand new to the outdoors or have plenty of experience, you'll find something for you.

Our Guides
All of our guides are highly qualified, passionate outdoor lovers, just like you. They love to share their knowledge and will help you see our destinations in another light, often teaching you something along the trail.

Q&A

Got questions? Checkout our FAQ for answers to pretty much anything you can think of.

Where can I find important updates about this hike in the days leading up to it?
Members can follow the Discord thread for this adventure under the ‘Upcoming Adventures’ channel, and reach out to us with any issues. We'll update non-members directly with any changes.

Want Access to Explorer Member Pricing?

If the outdoors is your way of life, Explorer membership makes more sense. Gain access to all of our adventures, exclusive pricing, regular socials and much more.
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