Hiking with Children

**🌿 Cottage Escape: Canoe, Hike & Recharge (3–7 Days)** **Location:** Bonnechere Provincial Park. [https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/bonnechere/camping](https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/bonnechere/camping) **Dates:** May 16 – May 23 (join for 3 days or the full 7—your choice) *** **🧭 What this is about** A relaxed, nature-first getaway to unwind, recharge, and disconnect from the noise. Think quiet mornings, fresh air, light adventures, and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re looking to reset, reflect on your next move, or just enjoy the outdoors—this is a low-pressure space to do it. *** **🏡 Stay & Cost** * Cottage booked for the full 7 days (May 16–23) * **Cost:** \~$250 per person (full stay) * Short stay (3 days) or longer stay (7 days)—flexible based on what works for you * Goal is to share costs and keep it affordable for everyone *** **🚗 Travel Plan (Flexible)** * **Car 1 (Long Weekend):** May 16 → May 18 (night) or May 19 (morning) * **Car 2 (Full Stay):** May 16 → May 23 (I think you get cellular network. So wfh is a possibility) We’ll coordinate rides once the group forms. *** **🌲 Activities (optional & weather-dependent)** * Canoeing & lakeside downtime * Hiking & exploring nearby trails * Light workouts / stretching * Meditation & quiet reflection time * Casual conversations on startups, career ideas, or just life No rigid schedule—join what you like, skip what you don’t. *** **🛖 Base Setup** * Ontario Parks cottage (safe, maintained, and patrolled) * Acts as a basecamp—no need to worry about tents * Balance of social time and personal quiet time (everyone’s preference respected) *** **🎒 What to bring** * Personal essentials & comfortable outdoor clothing. Check à [https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/bonnechere/camping](https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/bonnechere/camping) Site #5 * Food/snacks (we can coordinate basics) * Anything that helps you relax—books, journal, yoga mat, etc. * Cottage Site: **C5** (details available on park page) *** **🤝 Who this is for** * People who enjoy nature, calm, and good company * Those looking to reset, think clearly, or just take a break * Open-minded, respectful, low-drama individuals

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/bruce-fc-26)** ***Join us for the first camping trip of the season as we head to the turquoise waters and towering cliffs of the famed Bruce Peninsula!*** We are kicking off the year with a beginner-friendly weekend at one of Ontario’s most legendary landscapes: The Bruce is famous for its shimmering, crystal-clear pools and rugged limestone shores. Securing a spot here can be tough, but luckily we have handled all the logistics, so you can focus on mastering your camp skills, soaking in the fresh spring air and maybe even going for a cheeky swim. Our home for the night is a cozy site at Cyprus Lake, tucked within the National Park. Whether you want to learn to build the perfect campfire or simply chill in a hammock under a canopy of pines, this trip is designed for relaxation and discovery. When the sun goes down, we will gather for a communal dinner under skies that offer some of the best stargazing in the province. What's included * Professional & certified guides * ‍All camp meals, cooking equipment and mess kits * ‍Tents Sleeping bags and sleep pads can be rented from WU for a small fee. Please note that due to the trip’s itinerary and extremely limited parking options on the Bruce Peninsula during long weekends, you’ll need to ride with Wilderness Union for this adventure. Please note that the cost of transport is included in the price. **Whether you’re a seasoned camper or it’s your first time in a tent, this adventure has something for everyone.** **Highlights** **Grotto Exploration -** Visit the famous sea caves that feel more like the Mediterranean than Ontario **Dark Sky Stargazing -** Our campsite sits in a Dark Sky Preserve, offering a window into the cosmos in dazzling, untouched clarity. **Learn Camp Skills**\- Our guides will show you how to set up a tent\, build a roaring fire and any other skills you want to learn so you can feel totally prepared for the season ahead\. **Event cost: $420+HST** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/bruce-fc-26)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. The route is a loop, so we will finish where we originally start from. We'll be hiking approximately 8.6 km in about 2 hours. The terrain is mostly flat, with a few hills. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes to hike in. Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

## Details Get ready, team. This Saturday, we’re taking you low before we get you high. We’re diving deep into the Boyne Valley watershed, weaving through the forest, and eventually conquering the **512-meter lookout** for a 360-degree vista that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. You don’t want to miss this—unless you have a personal vendetta against fresh air and spectacular views. **📍 The Game Plan** * **The Rendezvous:** Meet at the **Subway** sandwich store at Hwy 10 & Hwy 89. * **The Time:** **9:45 AM sharp.** (That’s "9:45" in human time, not "9:45ish" in hiker time). * **The Logistics:** With gas prices being what they are, please carpool—or ensure your Tesla is topped up with enough electrons to get us there and back. * **Pro Tip:** This is your golden opportunity for a "civilized" bathroom break and a caffeine infusion before we vanish into the woods. * **Distance options:** 9 km (The Appetizer) or 13 km (The Main Course). We’re ranking this a Level 2.5 effort and 5.0 views, enough to justify that post-hike snack." **🚗 Parking Tetris** Depending on our numbers, we’ll drive two minutes north to the **Lilliputian parking lot**. If we show up looking like a motorcade, we’ll leave a few sacrificial cars at the Subway lot to keep things manageable. **🗺️ Don't Get Lost (It's Embarrassing)** For the directionally challenged, use these for pinpoint accuracy: * **Google Plus Code:** [3VR6+6F Mono, Ontario](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/3VR6%252B6F%2BMono,%2BOntario) * * [https://www.google.com/maps/place/44%C2%B005'25.9%22N+80%C2%B008'19.9%22W/@44.0905428,-80.141042,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d44.0905393!4d-80.1388477](https://www.google.com/maps/place/44%C2%B005'25.9%22N+80%C2%B008'19.9%22W/@44.0905428,-80.141042,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d44.0905393!4d-80.1388477) * * **What3Words:** [///lettering.governors.slams](https://what3words.com/lettering.governors.slams) * **🎒 The "Must-Haves"** Please bring **water and snacks**. You’re all big girls and boys now; I shouldn't have to remind you that dehydration isn't a personality trait. **One last thing:** People ask if we’re climbing mountains or just "hill-areas." Honestly? It’s going to be **hill-arious** until we hit the incline—then it’s just business. See you on the trail. Gadi Certified Hike Leader

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/locating-limberlost-2)** ***Please note that this adventure was originally planned for April 4th, but was rescheduled due to severe weather.*** ***Join us for this 10km trek through the quiet, stunning wilderness of Muskoka.*** We'll be exploring the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park in a little-known spot with pristine lakes, budding forests, and incredible rocky landscapes. As we hike along the trail and trace the edge of a crystal-clear lake, you can expect: * Dense, old-growth forests where towering trees create a dramatic canopy overhead * Ancient granite cliffs rising up from the shoreline, carved by glaciers over millions of years. * Possible glimpses of wildlife like deer, beavers, and all sorts of birds that call this place home. One of the coolest parts of the hike is getting to see the raw beauty of the Canadian Shield up close. We'll stop at several lookout points where you can take in the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. **There's a mix of terrain, including boardwalks, rocky sections, and well-maintained paths, which is suitable for any moderately fit hiker.** **Highlights** **Stunning Views -** Enjoy wild views of the iconic Canadian Shield at the many lookout points along this hike **Floating Boardwalk -** Stroll across a beautiful floating boardwalk along the lake’s edge **Sprawling Forest Reserve -** With over 10,000 acres and 70+ trails, this hidden gem has so much to offer **Event cost: $60+HST (for explorer members) - $50 optional transport available.** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/locating-limberlost-2)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

Discover the charm of Elora Township, home to the stunning Elora Gorge with its dramatic cliffs. Wander through the picturesque town and unwind in the serene Elora Gorge Conservation Area for a perfect blend of nature and small-town beauty. We'll meet and park the cars at Hoffer Park - 73 James St, Elora, Ontario Pack a lunch, water and snacks. **Important Reminder:** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk. If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! • Dress for the weather! Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail. • Arrive on time! Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time. • Know your limits! Choose the hike that match your fitness level. If you are lost, please call my cell: 647-949-6912

One of our favourite locations for our first trip of 2026, McCrae Lake is in in the south, and will have warmer weather than the more northern lakes. This is an easy trip, good for novice paddlers, to test your new kit, or get back into shape. McCrae Lake is a large lake divided into several bays, on crown land, close to Toronto. The water quality is excellent, and there is good fishing. The backcountry campsites are large, quiet, have a steel grill and thunder box, and are free. More information on McCrae Lake: [https://www.ontario.ca/page/mccrae-lake-conservation-reserve-management-statement](https://www.ontario.ca/page/mccrae-lake-conservation-reserve-management-statement) The water may be warm enough to swim, and the bugs will not be out yet. Fun activities include hiking on wilderness trails, paddling up and down rapids, swimming with rattle snakes, diving off of cliffs into the lake, and dragging out the bodies of people who tried to do all of those things. Watch for the Five-Lined Skink. Or, you can relax in a hammock. McCrae Lake is very popular. We may have to wait for room in the parking lot, and empty campsites. **If anyone in our group can go into McCrae Lake on Thursday or Friday to secure a campsite, it would be appreciated.** Arrive early Sat. AM. to get a parking spot or after 3:00 PM when day hikers go home. We are not required to go home on Monday night. You can continue to camp for as long as you wish. Carpooling is recommended to reduce the number of parking spaces required. Most areas of the lake have cell service sufficient for text messages and data. One portage, 150 metres, well used trail, over a high granite ridge. Paddle distance: 5 km. Canoe rentals should be available if you reserve one in advance: Swift Canoe Georgian Bay [https://swiftoutside.com/georgian-bay/](https://swiftoutside.com/georgian-bay/) Wawautosa Marina [https://www.wawautosa.ca/](https://www.wawautosa.ca/) Driving Distance: From Hwy 7 and Hwy 400, Vaughan Metropolitan Center: 142 km., 1 hour 30 mins. **ACTUAL LOCATION:** **McCrae Lake Parking Lot Muskoka District Municipality, ON** **44.92206400775243, -79.7772977860336** **Please fill in the Spread Sheet below:** https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V1iupkEzye3zj5O8Sagri1FZyVLGOeM1EDy4ZkgcABo/edit?usp=sharing

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!

We'll hike four miles at Walnut Woods, which is generally a pretty easy hike - doing the Sweetgum Trail Loop and then out and back on the Monarch Loop to get us to 4 miles. Pace around 17-18 minute miles with no one left behind, and faster walkers can lead out ahead. Optional lunch at Brewdog or Canal Winchester.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .