Join us on a peaceful 8km hike through the tranquil Copeland forest, where beautiful trails wind through the trees and offer scenic views of the area. As we explore, we'll have the opportunity to cross frozen streams under snow-covered branches, adding a touch of winter charm to our adventure.
This is a particularly beautiful area, just over an hour from Toronto, relatively rare in its accessibility.
This easy hike is perfect for those looking to unwind in nature and experience winter hiking without too much hardship! Keep your eyes open for sightings of deer and mink, as well as various bird species that call the forest home, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.
The trail gently progresses through the forest, from dense woodlands to open vistas, Copeland forest has something for everyone to appreciate.
Hike Length: 8km
Hiking time: 4.5 hours with time for lunch and exploring. This is a gentle hike on snow covered trails without excessive elevation.
8:50 - Meet at the Petro Canada near Keele Station
9:00 - Leave from the Petro Canada. Please note that we leave dead on 7am and can't wait for latecomers.
10:30 - Drive to the trailhead, meeting self drivers there- Copeland Forest Parking - P1. Do not be late! Fair warning, the van may end up being a few minutes late but self-drivers shouldn't come later than the van or they won't be able to join the hike.
10:30 - 15:00 - Hike, stopping for lunch on the route
15:30 - 17:30 - Expected return to Toronto
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
Winter clothing
The key for winter hiking is to have breathable layers that allow you to adjust your temperature as you start to heat up or cool down. The biggest problem you're likely to encounter is actually getting too hot - the amount of exercise you're doing means you'll warm up quickly and it's important that you vent your clothes before you start sweating because that will only make you colder once you stop. Pay attention to your fabrics - there's a saying that cotton kills because it keeps moisture and makes you colder. Instead, go for breathable fabrics, like athletic wear or wool. Wool has the advantage of keeping you warm when it's wet but cheap polyester running gear is just fine.
We've put together a simple guide to layering on our instagram. A common mistake is to bring your heavy winter coat that you'd wear in the city - this will become very uncomfortable very quickly. If you'd like advice on what coat is suitable, we'll give you recommendations no matter your budget.
Shoes
You should be switching to proper hiking boots once the snow has started. If the snow is really deep, you can wear a proper winter boot that goes above the ankle but this isn't essential, especially if you have gaiters. These go over your shoe to prevent snow coming in. Trainers and city boots are really not suitable because they won't have sufficient grip.There's a good chance your feet are going to get wet, either through snow ingress or sweat so you should always pack a spare pair of socks when winter hiking.Traction
You're going to find that you move more slowly and spend more effort hiking in the snow so we tend to hike shorter distances. From first snowfall you should always bring ice spikes with you.
The Kahtoola Exospikes are a great option if you have the budget, otherwise Amazon has plenty of cheaper options. You rarely need snowshoes unless the snow is really deep and powdery and hiking with them usually requires even more energy.
Winter Hiking packing list
Have any questions? Ask us on the Discord! Members who turn up dressed in a way that puts themselves at risk will not be able to join us.
No reservations required for self drivers.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear, ice spikes and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Cold exposure - Ensure that you've brought the clothing outlined above so you're comfortable.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone
Copeland Forest is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, which reflects a rich Indigenous history that predates European colonization. These First Nations have long inhabited the region, utilizing its resources for sustenance, shelter, and cultural practices. The landscape played a significant role in their way of life, with the forests, rivers, and trails serving as essential routes for trade and gatherings. Indigenous knowledge and stewardship of the land have helped preserve its ecological integrity, emphasizing their deep connection to nature and the importance of protecting these environments for future generations.
In recognizing the Indigenous history of Copeland Forest, it is crucial to honor the traditions, culture, and contributions of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee communities. Their historical presence in the region is marked by their ongoing relationship with the land, and many Indigenous practices continue to influence how the area is viewed and managed today. As more people visit Copeland Forest for hiking and recreation, there is an opportunity to promote awareness of its Indigenous heritage, encouraging respectful engagement with the land and its history. Supporting Indigenous perspectives not only enriches the experience of visitors but also fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural significance embedded in the natural landscape.
