Join us for an incredible wilderness paddle that will connect you with the Canadian Shield and give you a taste of true wilderness. This one-of-a-kind day trip gives you the kind of backcountry experience that typically requires several days of camping.
This beginner friendly trip begins with a ride in our comfortable van for those without their own transport. Arriving at the lake, you'll collect your lifejacket and paddle then get familiar with your canoe with an introductory lesson from Wilderness Union's friendly, expert instructors.
Then, the real fun begins. We'll paddle along a quiet lake before reaching a small waterfall where you'll learn how to portage a canoe, lifting it over your head to get to a nearby river and get deeper into the backcountry. From there, we traverse a winding river that leads to a huge lake that feels a million miles from civilization.
We'll explore the shoreline, looking out for the wildlife that calls this special place home. This is the land of beavers, loons and bears - if you're lucky you might even see the family of otters that call the lake home.
We stop at a truly memorable island picnic spot on the lake where you'll have the opportunity to cool off in the crystal clear water. We end the day, paddling back to the start point where we'll say good by to each other and head back to Toronto in time for dinner.
Pristine wilderness is hard to find so we're protecting the area by keeping the precise location a secret until you've registered. We'll be heading just under 2 hours North of Toronto on Highway 400.
This is a Wilderness Union exclusive adventure that you won't find anywhere else. In a single day, you'll feel like you've truly escaped civilization and experienced a full reset.
Join us for an incredible wilderness paddle that will connect you with the Canadian Shield and give you a taste of true wilderness. This one-of-a-kind day trip gives you the kind of backcountry experience that typically requires several days of camping.
This beginner friendly trip begins with a ride in our comfortable van for those without their own transport. Arriving at the lake, you'll collect your lifejacket and paddle then get familiar with your canoe with an introductory lesson from Wilderness Union's friendly, expert instructors.
Then, the real fun begins. We'll paddle along a quiet lake before reaching a small waterfall where you'll learn how to portage a canoe, lifting it over your head to get to a nearby river and get deeper into the backcountry. From there, we traverse a winding river that leads to a huge lake that feels a million miles from civilization.
We'll explore the shoreline, looking out for the wildlife that calls this special place home. This is the land of beavers, loons and bears - if you're lucky you might even see the family of otters that call the lake home.
We stop at a truly memorable island picnic spot on the lake where you'll have the opportunity to cool off in the crystal clear water. We end the day, paddling back to the start point where we'll say good by to each other and head back to Toronto in time for dinner.
Pristine wilderness is hard to find so we're protecting the area by keeping the precise location a secret until you've registered. We'll be heading just under 2 hours North of Toronto on Highway 400.
This is a Wilderness Union exclusive adventure that you won't find anywhere else. In a single day, you'll feel like you've truly escaped civilization and experienced a full reset.
08:00 - Rides leave from close to Keele Station
10:00 - Grab canoes, begin lesson and make our way to put-in
10:00 - 15:00 - Paddle, stopping for lunch on an island
17:30 - Anticipated return to Toronto
What's Included
Self drivers - the location is 1hr 45mins North of the city and will be revealed on registration.
Member Organized Event Disclaimer
Member-led outings are organized by our community, not by Wilderness Union. We don’t manage the plans, staff, or safety protocols, so you join at your own risk. Please look out for yourself and one another, and have fun!
Food and Drink
You'll need to bring a packed lunch and water for any of our day trips. 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.
Members Only
Please note that you'll need an active membership at the time of your adventure to attend. If you booked during a trial that didn't continue or your membership has lapsed, you will need a new membership to attend.
Please read and understand this before registering
Cancellations made:
More than 10 days before the event: Will receive a full refund minus a 5% admin fee.
7–10 days before the event: 50% refund.
Less than 7 days before the event: No refunds.
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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Learn to Canoe and Portage
You'll confidently be exploring the area by canoe after a short lesson from our expert instructors. Canoe, paddle and all safety gear included!
Wildlife viewing
Bears, otters, beavers and loons are just some of the creatures that call this area home. You'll have a chance to spot some from a safe distance for a magical encounter.
Expert Guides
Our guides are the best in the business. Friendly, encouraging and brimming with qualifications. They'll keep you safe, teach you a whole range of skills and ensure you have fun as you do it
Can I self drive?
Yes - we'll share the precise location upon receiving your registration.
Do I need to swim?
Not necessarily - we just require you to wear a PFD at all times.
How fit do I need to be?
As long as you're in decent shape you shouldn't struggle with this adventure. You'll be active for approximately 5 hours but we go at a steady pace. If you have any concerns, please contact us in advance.
Are there any age requirements?
This adventure is open to all ages. If you'd like to bring anybody under the age of 18, please contact us to discuss it in advance so we can get appropriate equipment.
What do you do in case of bad weather
Some of our best adventures have involved some less than ideal conditions - it adds to the adventure. We keep a close eye on weather conditions and will issue a full refund for trips that can't run due to poor weather.
