There's a lake about two hours north of Toronto that most people have never heard of. That’s where we’ll be going.
The hike in is a 10km exploration through real Canadian Shield wilderness: granite underfoot, old-growth forest overhead, and one solid climb that makes the refreshing swim feel earned.
The trail winds through a stretch of protected wildlands that sees a fraction of the traffic of better-known Ontario parks. You'll pass through dense boreal forest, cross sections of exposed rock, and pick your way across beaver dam crossings that make this feel less like a trail day and more like actual backcountry. Keep your eyes open as: this area has moose, beaver, and more bird life than you'd expect.
The one major incline on the route is manageable for any reasonably fit hiker, and the rest is well-graded and straightforward. If you've done a few day hikes before, you'll find this comfortable. If this is closer to your first time out, it's a great one to start with.
At the turnaround, there's a lake waiting. We'll take a proper break and a swim before heading back.
Secret Location
This is one of Wilderness Union's secret hikes. We visit spots that are undiscovered by the wider world, keep them pristine, and share them only among members. The location is revealed to registered members in the days before the trip. We ask that you do the same.
There's a lake about two hours north of Toronto that most people have never heard of. That’s where we’ll be going.
The hike in is a 10km exploration through real Canadian Shield wilderness: granite underfoot, old-growth forest overhead, and one solid climb that makes the refreshing swim feel earned.
The trail winds through a stretch of protected wildlands that sees a fraction of the traffic of better-known Ontario parks. You'll pass through dense boreal forest, cross sections of exposed rock, and pick your way across beaver dam crossings that make this feel less like a trail day and more like actual backcountry. Keep your eyes open as: this area has moose, beaver, and more bird life than you'd expect.
The one major incline on the route is manageable for any reasonably fit hiker, and the rest is well-graded and straightforward. If you've done a few day hikes before, you'll find this comfortable. If this is closer to your first time out, it's a great one to start with.
At the turnaround, there's a lake waiting. We'll take a proper break and a swim before heading back.
Secret Location
This is one of Wilderness Union's secret hikes. We visit spots that are undiscovered by the wider world, keep them pristine, and share them only among members. The location is revealed to registered members in the days before the trip. We ask that you do the same.
Summer Swimming: There's something about a lake you had to work to reach. Bring a swimsuit, take your time, and don't rush the trip back.
Canadian Shield Wilderness: Old-growth forest, exposed granite, and one solid climb that opens things up before you drop back down to the lake.
A Lake Worth the Hike: Five kilometres in, the trail ends at a lake. You'll have time to swim, dry off, and bask in the sun before heading back.
07:10 - Shuttle leaves from near Keele Station
10:00 - Hike to Secret Lake
12:00 - Swimming at lake and picnic lunch
15:00 - Return hike
17:00 - Anticipated return back to trailhead
20:00 - 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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