A guided 11 km day on the Niagara Escarpment. Crawford Lake in the morning, the cliff-edge lookouts in the afternoon, and an optional drink together to finish.
What you'll see
Rattlesnake Point
Buffalo Crag is the best lookout in the park, right on the cliff edge. Below you, Nassagaweya Canyon runs off into the Halton countryside. Watch for turkey vultures riding the updrafts and the centuries-old cedars clinging to the rock face.
Crawford Lake
Crawford Lake's deep water never mixes, so the mud on the bottom has kept a year-by-year record for centuries. Corn pollen in those layers led archaeologists to a 15th century Iroquoian village on the shore. We'll end the day inside its rebuilt longhouses.
Late October
Golds, rusts and reds through the forest and across the valley below the cliffs. And because it's a Friday, you'll share the lookouts with far fewer people than on a weekend.
How it works
This day is just for adults 45 and up. Come on your own or bring a friend. Most people on our trips arrive solo.
The van leaves at 9:00 sharp and park entry is included. Prefer to drive? Meet us at Crawford Lake at 10:00.
Isaac founded Wilderness Union, which runs over a hundred guided trips a year across Ontario. He'll set the pace and keep everyone together.
About 11 km with rocky, rooty sections and a few steeper climbs. Nothing technical, but you'll want sturdy boots. We go at a leisurely 2.5km/h pace.
After the longhouses, stay for an optional social nearby (pay your own way).
The plan
08:50
Meet at the PetroCanada next to Keele Station
09:00
The van leaves, dead on time
10:00
Meet self-drivers at Crawford Lake Conservation Area
10:00 to 15:15
Crawford Lake boardwalk, across Nassagaweya Canyon to Buffalo Crag, lunch on the trail
15:15 to 16:15
The Iroquoian longhouse village
16:30
Optional social nearby, location to be confirmed
Early evening
Back at Keele Station
Weather and traffic can shift timings. Your trip plan has the full details.
Guided day hike
Led by Isaac, including the longhouse village
$60
Return transport (optional)
From Keele Station, park entry included. 10 seats only.
+$50
All prices plus HST. Food and drinks at the optional social are pay-your-own. Driving yourself? Book your park entry with Conservation Halton before the day.
Book your spotYou'll add your emergency contact and sign our waiver, then pay. No membership needed.
Good to know
No. Book your spot and you're in. There's no membership or sign-up fee for this day.
You should be comfortable on your feet for about five hours, with breaks. It's about 11 km with rocky, rooty and uneven sections and a few steeper climbs. Nothing technical.
Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip, warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a packed lunch, snacks and at least 1 litre of water. Your trip plan has the full packing list.
Yes. Meet us at Crawford Lake Conservation Area at 10:00, and book your park entry with Conservation Halton beforehand. Riding in our van includes entry.
You'll fill in your details and emergency contact, sign our waiver and pay. Your trip plan arrives by email before the day, with everything you need.
Wilderness Union runs over a hundred guided trips a year, from first day hikes near Toronto to multi-day backcountry trips in Killarney and Algonquin. We kept hearing from people over 45 who wanted in. This is the first day built for you. If it goes well, there'll be more.
Questions? Email usFriday October 23
$60 + HST for the day. Add return transport for $50.
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