We're going up to Bracebridge in the heart of Muskoka for a beautiful forested trail along the iconic Muskoka river.
We're starting this adventure by meeting with the puppies from Carters Forever Rescue at who are so excited to have the dogs to stretch their paws with an easy 5-7km hike that traces the gorgeous Muskoka river. We will venture along pine-fringed shores and easy trails through dense forest.
This hike is in one of Wilderness Union's secret locations that we don't share publicly - you'll get the precise location once you've registered for the trip. Our secret locations are places you won't have visited before and are typically super quiet as the secret hasn't yet got out.
This is the typical Canadian Shield territory that typifies 'Cottage Country' so expect to see plenty of gorgeous granite rock faces and thick pine forest.
The lovely helpers from Carters Forever rescue will walk with us and answer any questions you may have about the dogs and what goes into caring and adopting rescue dogs. Once the hike is done we will say goodbye to the dogs with lots of head scratches.
A portion of the cost of the trip will also be donated to Carters Forever Rescue to support them in their goal of finding good forever homes for dogs in need.
On the way back, we'll stop in at High Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Muskoka before heading home.
A portion of the cost of the trip will also be donated to Carters Forever Rescue to support them in their goal of finding good forever homes for dogs in need.
No personal dogs are allowed on this event.
Hike Length: 5-7km
Terrain: This is a well marked trail with just under 100m of elevation that should be suitable for all hikers.
Estimated time to complete: 4 hours with breaks and exploration time. (We may shorten the hike depending on how tired the puppies legs get.
07:50 - Meet at PetroCanada next to Keele Subway Station. There's free parking on Keele Street north of the station.
08:00 - Van leaves. Please note that we'll be leaving dead on 8 and can't wait for latecomers so please, please be on time!
10:20 - Meet self drivers at Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. We can't wait for self drivers so please be on time.
14:30 - Return from Hike, visit High Falls
18:30 - Anticipated return to Keele Station
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.
Shoes
Hiking boots are highly recommended, I prefer ones with high ankle support to prevent injuries.
Blaze/Hunter Orange
Hunting is a fact of life in winter in many of the places we visit. Most of this activity occurs far away from where we'll be hiking but out of an abundance of caution, you should always bring some blaze or 'hunter' orange clothing with you. This ensures that you are visible and prevents any (already incredibly unlikely) accidents from occurring.
Winter Hiking packing list
Grab breakfast before you go. There's a Tims around the corner from our meet-up point.
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and at least a litre of water for the hike. A hot drink is also a good idea.
Lunch will be around 14:00 so please bring snacks or eat a big breakfast if needed.
Self Drivers - Once you turn off Highway 11 to Bracebridge Resource Management Area make sure you head towards the parking on the left. There is very little service there so check the location before leaving.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times to avoid getting lost. You should also download the map in advance to your phone
Cold exposure - Ensure that you've brought the clothing outlined above so you're comfortable.
We like to share some of the indigenous background of the areas we visit because these territories have rich histories that are easy to overlook. Indigenous communities have a connection to and respect for the land that has largely been lost since European settlement. As we strive to form a deeper connection with the land, we have much to learn from these communities. I use the Native Land map to learn more about these areas and find that developing a richer understanding leads to a greater enjoyment of the adventures.
Bracebridge and the surrounding area is on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabe and Missisaugas.
