(MUSKOKA) FALL COLOURS HIKE RETREAT - 18km HIKE, SWIM, RELAX at McCrae Lake!!
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We did a big end of Summer hike here and can't wait to go back for the brilliant fall colours. Let's do another 18km hike - this will feel long for those of you are used to 10-12km! But not only will we hike, plus, you can take a refreshing swim in McCrae lake or dip your toes in for a refreshing foot treat.
If you just want to relax on the rocks, you can bring a towel to lay on. Let's take in the gorgeous fall colours at one of the best places to view them before winter hits.
This hike is absolutely beautiful trail. You are not that far from Toronto but you get some amazing scenic views!
McCrae Lake is about 1.5 to 2-hours from Toronto so please give yourself at least 2 hours to get there.
Here is what to expect:
-approx. 18km hike loop suitable for intermediate-level hikers
- forested paths with areas that are really going to work your legs and glutes
- lots of ups and downs
- hiking on the rocky Canadian shield
- gorgeous scenery and blue water 😍
- some technical hiking over tree roots, fallen trees, and rocks, with some soft trail that's comfortable on the knees.
- 1.5 hour lunch break (bring your own lunch)
- swimming at the lake (bring a bathing suit)
- some areas hiking through tall grass (wear long pants)
- elevation 175m (moderately challenging)
- we will have lunch at McCrae Lake where people can take a swim into the water if they want!
Hike includes:
* free parking
* yoga stretches to warm up before we start the hike and again at the end of the hike
* relaxed pace (we are NOT a fast hiking group). We wait for everyone and slow down when needed/stop and take breaks as needed.
* mindful meditation includes forest bathing (still, quiet time in the forest). We will find a spot in the forest to practise for a minimum of 10 minutes of silent meditation.
* 1.5 hour social lunch break (bring your own lunch).
What you need to bring:
- wear hiking shoes/hiking boots/waterproof shoes (check the weather before you leave)
- pack at least 8 cups of water or hot beverage (4 × 500ml bottles = 8 cups of water 💧)
- lunch and snacks
- optional: hiking poles and bathing suit, towel if you're swimming, change of clothing.
Be prepared for all conditions on trail including mud.
MEETING SPOT:
First go to the free parking lot with limited spots - if this parking lot is full, go to the overflow parking. Details will be shared in the whatsapp group.
MEETING TIME:
We start at 10:00am. I will guide everyone through a warmup and then we will start the hike.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 10 SPOTS (limited parking - please CARPOOL)
This meetup will be capped at 10 spots. To join, please reserve a spot by sending the meetup fee as outlined below:
Meetup fee:
Special event - single day hiking pass rate:
$60
5 Day Hiking Pass (tax-free): $185
Can be used on ANY 5 hikes - value up to $40/hike (pay difference over). Pass is valid until December 31st, 2026.
Note: once you confirm your spot and your name is added to the list, a session is counted. Please keep track of your hikes.
Please e-transfer to [email protected] and I will add you to the list! Include your NAME + "McCrae Lake HIKE" in the message.* Also include the one time annual fee of $9.99 for events in 2026 if this is your first event in 2026.
Always specify in your e-transfer messages your name and meetup event.
Meetup fees help support in the extensive work involved in planning, organizing, and coordinating events for this group. * Hikes are organized by a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and the fee is affordable and lower than what other organizations charge for a day hike ($150+).
I provide a whatsapp group for important announcements and updates. Link will be provided in the event. We take photos of the event and share them in the chat after.
Carpool requests
I provide a carpool forum in the event where drivers and passengers can arrange with each other for rides. It is the responsibility of each hiker to find their own transportation. You can rent a car, invite a friend or family member who drives to the event, or post in the event for a carpool.
Cancelation policy:
Meetup fees are final (no refunds once a spot has been booked and confirmed). Cancel 3 days before an event for a credit towards another event. If the organizer has to reschedule an event for any reason, credit will be applied to the recheduled hike or kept on file for future use).
This is the number one group for regular scheduled and organized hikes in Ontario, offering safe and enjoyable hikes for a fraction of the cost of other organizations.
Caution: swimming in the lake is only recommended for experienced swimmers. Any beginners MUST bring a life jacket as the entrance is slippery.
See you there!
Christine Salib
Admin of Toronto & GTA Meetups
Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, PTS, FIS, NWS, MBS
Hike Leader
If you just want to relax on the rocks, you can bring a towel to lay on. Let's take in the gorgeous fall colours at one of the best places to view them before winter hits.
This hike is absolutely beautiful trail. You are not that far from Toronto but you get some amazing scenic views!
McCrae Lake is about 1.5 to 2-hours from Toronto so please give yourself at least 2 hours to get there.
Here is what to expect:
-approx. 18km hike loop suitable for intermediate-level hikers
- forested paths with areas that are really going to work your legs and glutes
- lots of ups and downs
- hiking on the rocky Canadian shield
- gorgeous scenery and blue water 😍
- some technical hiking over tree roots, fallen trees, and rocks, with some soft trail that's comfortable on the knees.
- 1.5 hour lunch break (bring your own lunch)
- swimming at the lake (bring a bathing suit)
- some areas hiking through tall grass (wear long pants)
- elevation 175m (moderately challenging)
- we will have lunch at McCrae Lake where people can take a swim into the water if they want!
Hike includes:
* free parking
* yoga stretches to warm up before we start the hike and again at the end of the hike
* relaxed pace (we are NOT a fast hiking group). We wait for everyone and slow down when needed/stop and take breaks as needed.
* mindful meditation includes forest bathing (still, quiet time in the forest). We will find a spot in the forest to practise for a minimum of 10 minutes of silent meditation.
* 1.5 hour social lunch break (bring your own lunch).
What you need to bring:
- wear hiking shoes/hiking boots/waterproof shoes (check the weather before you leave)
- pack at least 8 cups of water or hot beverage (4 × 500ml bottles = 8 cups of water 💧)
- lunch and snacks
- optional: hiking poles and bathing suit, towel if you're swimming, change of clothing.
Be prepared for all conditions on trail including mud.
MEETING SPOT:
First go to the free parking lot with limited spots - if this parking lot is full, go to the overflow parking. Details will be shared in the whatsapp group.
MEETING TIME:
We start at 10:00am. I will guide everyone through a warmup and then we will start the hike.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED - 10 SPOTS (limited parking - please CARPOOL)
This meetup will be capped at 10 spots. To join, please reserve a spot by sending the meetup fee as outlined below:
Meetup fee:
Special event - single day hiking pass rate:
$60
5 Day Hiking Pass (tax-free): $185
Can be used on ANY 5 hikes - value up to $40/hike (pay difference over). Pass is valid until December 31st, 2026.
Note: once you confirm your spot and your name is added to the list, a session is counted. Please keep track of your hikes.
Please e-transfer to [email protected] and I will add you to the list! Include your NAME + "McCrae Lake HIKE" in the message.* Also include the one time annual fee of $9.99 for events in 2026 if this is your first event in 2026.
Always specify in your e-transfer messages your name and meetup event.
Meetup fees help support in the extensive work involved in planning, organizing, and coordinating events for this group. * Hikes are organized by a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor and the fee is affordable and lower than what other organizations charge for a day hike ($150+).
I provide a whatsapp group for important announcements and updates. Link will be provided in the event. We take photos of the event and share them in the chat after.
Carpool requests
I provide a carpool forum in the event where drivers and passengers can arrange with each other for rides. It is the responsibility of each hiker to find their own transportation. You can rent a car, invite a friend or family member who drives to the event, or post in the event for a carpool.
Cancelation policy:
Meetup fees are final (no refunds once a spot has been booked and confirmed). Cancel 3 days before an event for a credit towards another event. If the organizer has to reschedule an event for any reason, credit will be applied to the recheduled hike or kept on file for future use).
This is the number one group for regular scheduled and organized hikes in Ontario, offering safe and enjoyable hikes for a fraction of the cost of other organizations.
Caution: swimming in the lake is only recommended for experienced swimmers. Any beginners MUST bring a life jacket as the entrance is slippery.
See you there!
Christine Salib
Admin of Toronto & GTA Meetups
Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, PTS, FIS, NWS, MBS
Hike Leader
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Where is it happening?
McCrae Lake (sjö i Kanada, District Municipality of Muskoka), Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherChristine Salib
