Instructional Courses
Want to learn a new activity or improve your skills? Our staff can show you the best technique in everything from paddling to climbing. Check our adventure Guide for our regular course schedule or book your owinstructor for a personal course. Paddling instruction is offered on-site at our store and a course can be made available 7 days a week!
Tours & Excursions
Great paddling trips and other adventures are something we are always planning as we want to show you the adventurous side of the Muskoka Area. Visit our adventure Guide for upcoming trips or sign up as customer and get email updates on regular excursions being offered. Our guides can also plan a special trip for your group. Call or email your request for the following activities. Fill out the trip request form and we will tailor a great adventure for you.
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Registration: To register for any of the tours & courses below, or for more information on the registration procudure please click here.
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| Backcountry Ski Day |
Learn More |
You don’t have to head out west to get a great taste of Backcountry skiing. The Muskoka area offers a great landscape to try out this great winter sport. For those who don’t know, the backcountry nordic ski is somewhat a cross between a traditional Nordic ski and Telemark. The ski's are shorter, wider, and also have a carving sidecut similar to modern alpine skis, as well as metal edges. We use a stiffer high cut boot mated to a wider version of Nordic bindings which are designed for more stability and better control. The result is the ability to make your own trail through deep snow across rolling terrain and even carve turns downhill. Our one-day trip includes ski instruction, how to build a quick backcountry shelter and a cook out. Pictures, Itinerary, and FAQ |
| Prerequistes: | Low to moderate energy level, Some nordic experience recommended |
| Location: | Torrance Barrens, McCrae Lake, Poker Lake Wilderness, Hardy Lake |
| Duration: | 5 Hours |
| Age: | 12 and up |
| Dates: | Winter 2012 - Sundays from Feb 5 to March 11th |
| Cost: | $79 + HST - Includes equipment |
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| Bracebridge Resource Management Centre |
Learn More |
| Entrance is on the east side of Hwy 11, 2.4 kms north of High Falls Bridge. For a map see www.town.bracebridge.on.ca
Four trails follow the Main Branch of the Muskoka River and offer a scenic view of Duck Chutes. The level sandy plains, shallow marshes and rugged terrain are typical of the Muskoka landscape. The forested areas obscure previous uses including cattle grazing, gravel pits and logging roads.
The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and has excellent groomed cross-country ski trails.
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| Prerequistes: | Easy |
| Location: | Hwy 11, north of Bracebridge |
| Duration: | 3-8 km |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Brydon Bay Trail |
Learn More |
| To get to this trail make your way over to the Gravenhurst centennial Centre, proceed 2.5 km on the Muskoka Beach Road and turn left on to Brydon's Bay Road. Continue a further 2.3 km and turn left on to Old Portage Road. Parking is available along the roadside.
Two access points to this trail can be found on Old Portage Road. The trail is a point of land, jutting into Brydson's Bay. There are occasional glimpses of Lake Muskoka, and the lighthouse across the bay can be seen from the trail. The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking and snowshoeing. |
| Prerequistes: | Easy |
| Location: | Old Portage Road |
| Duration: | 2.3 km loop |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Devil's Gap Trail |
Learn More |
| The trail is located 6.8 km west of Gravenhurst on Hwy 169. Turn left on Snider's Bay Road for 1.3 kms to Muriel Cresecent and 0.4 kms along this road to the trailhead on the right. Parking is available along the roadside.
This trail is located on the orginial colonization road between Gravenhurst and Bala. The trail can be walked as an approximately 6 km return trail. However, a mountain bike route extends a further 16 kms to Torrance. You may also proceed via the Southwood Road to Old Stone Road and back, providing a loop of about 40 kms for experienced mountain bikers.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. |
| Prerequistes: | Moderate |
| Location: | Muriel Crescent |
| Duration: | 6-40 km one way |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Full Day Snowshoe Hike |
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Enjoy a real outdoor day experience and learn how to safely plan a day of winter travel on snowshoes. Explore one of Muskoka’s great wilderness areas and learn how to build a quick shelter. This adventure includes a cookout lunch and instruction on safe winter wilderness travel. Locations, Intinerary, and FAQ's |
| Prerequistes: | Low to Moderate Energy Level |
| Location: | Poker Lake Wilderness, Hardy Lake Wilderness |
| Duration: | 3.5 Hours |
| Age: | 12 and up |
| Dates: | Winter 2012 - Open to groups reservations of 4 or more. |
| Cost: | $60 + HST - Includes equipment |
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| Hahne Farm Trail |
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| The trail has entrances off Bethune Drive at McDonald's, and a separate entrance on Pinedale Road and under the water tower in Pine Ridge. Parking is available under the water tower or along the roadside at the other locations.
This trail is located right in the Town of Gravenhurst and consists of a series of loops. The highlight is a walk along a ridge, overlooking a marsh. It is important to take care along the ridge walk, watch footing and be aware of wet or icy surfacing.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking. |
| Prerequistes: | Intermediate |
| Location: | Bethune Drive |
| Duration: | 2-5 km loop |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Kahshe Barrens Trail |
Learn More |
| The Muskoka Tourism Information Centre is located on Hwy 11 north between Severn Bridge and Gravenhurst. Parking is available at this location.
The trail consists of two loops, the Casey loop and the Kadz loop. The Kadz family were early pioneers in this area and planted a cranberry marsh after logging of the original pines was done. The old Bethel cemetery is located behind the visitor centre.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking. |
| Prerequistes: | Intermediate |
| Location: | Muskoka Tourism Information Centre |
| Duration: | Loops up to 6 kms |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Kerr Park Trail |
Learn More |
| From Hwy 11 exit onto Hwy 118 West (Ecclestone Drive) to Beaumont Drive. Continue for 0.5 kms to Kerr Park.
The trail starts in Kerr Park, follows the hill to a large bird watching observatory, which overlooks the lagoons. There is an abundance of birds. The trail continues south around the lagoons and back to the starting point. There are also short, cross-country ski or walking trails in the woods adjacent to the lagoons.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking. |
| Prerequistes: | Easy |
| Location: | Kerr Park |
| Duration: | 1 km loop |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Night Snowshoe Hike |
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Explore the Muskoka backcountry with the latest in snowshoes. Ideal if you have been thinking of taking up the sport and want a taste. Make it a night hike and we include headlamps for a unique winter adventure. Pictures, Itinerary, and FAQ |
| Prerequistes: | Low to moderate energy level |
| Location: | Huckleberry Rock Trail, Porcupine Ridge Trails, Muskoka |
| Duration: | 2.5 Hours |
| Age: | 12 and up |
| Dates: | Winter 2012 - Open to groups reservations of 4 or more. |
| Cost: | $30 + HST - Includes equipment |
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| Old Stone Road Trail |
Learn More |
| This trail is the original colonization road - Old Stone Road located off Hwy 169 to North Muldrew Lake Road, follow the signs to old colonization road connecting North Muldrew Lake Road to the Torrance Barrens.
This historical road was once an alternate route between Bala and Gravenhurst in the spring when the main route at the Devil's Gap Road would flood. Image the wagon traffic of bygone times as you stroll along one of Muskoka's original roads.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface and wood chips and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and connects to the Devil's Gap trail via Southwood Road. |
| Prerequistes: | Intermediate |
| Location: | Muldrew Lake Road |
| Duration: | 6 km one way |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Strawberry Point Lookout Trail |
Learn More |
| Three access points : From Hwy 11 exit west onto Hwy 118 (Ecclestone Drive) to Beaumont Drive. The first is at Kerr Park, right off of Beaumont Drive. The second is at Henry Road just off of Beaumont drive. The third is at Strawberry Bay Road. Exit 3.5 kms on Beaumont Drive to Stephens Bay Road, drive one km to Strawberry Bay Road. The trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail.
The highlight of the West Trail is the beautiful panoramic view of Lake Muskoka. In the fall the colours are magnificient. The trail ends at the water's edge, swimming is allowed or just sit on the rocks beside the water. But remember to save enough energy to climb back up the hill. The trail meanders through a vicinity of spruce, birch, young beech, maple and pine trees. You may catch sight of assorted wildlife such as deer, rabits, squirrels, foxes and chipmunks. There is also an abundance of birds and you may even see a pair of broad winged hawks who nest across the bay. The topography features a geologic dome. This ancient rock has been uplifted to the surface. Watch for rock debris left by glaciers passing over this area.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface with one steep paved hill leading down to the water. It is mostly used for hiking and snowshoeing. |
| Prerequistes: | Moderate |
| Location: | Beaumont Drive and Stephens Bay Road |
| Duration: | 2-2.5 km |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Trans Canada Trail - Gravenhurst Cooper's Falls Trail |
Learn More |
| The southern trail entrance is located on Cooper's Falls Road along the Black River. The northern entrance is located off of District Road #6 near the Summerland Store in Housey's Rapids. Parking is available all year at the northern trail entrance. Parking by the southern trail entrance is not available during the winter.
At approximately 8 km in length, this challenging portion of the Gravenhurst Trans Canada Trail makes up almost one third of the entire Trans Canada Trail route through Gravenhurst. Designed for nature lovers, the Cooper's Falls Trail traverses through the rugged rock ridges and vast wetlands that make up the Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve.
The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking and snowshoeing. |
| Prerequistes: | Intermediate/Experienced |
| Location: | Gravenhurst |
| Duration: | 8 km one way |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Bracebridge Resource Management Centre |
Learn More |
| Entrance is on the east side of Hwy 11, 2.4 kms north of High Falls Bridge. For a map see www.town.bracebridge.on.ca
Four trails follow the Main Branch of the Muskoka River and offer a scenic view of Duck Chutes. The level sandy plains, shallow marshes and rugged terrain are typical of the Muskoka landscape. The forested areas obscure previous uses including cattle grazing, gravel pits and logging roads.
The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and has excellent groomed cross-country ski trails.
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| Prerequistes: | Easy |
| Location: | Hwy 11, north of Bracebridge |
| Duration: | 3-8 km |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Kerr Park Trail |
Learn More |
| From Hwy 11 exit onto Hwy 118 West (Ecclestone Drive) to Beaumont Drive. Continue for 0.5 kms to Kerr Park.
The trail starts in Kerr Park, follows the hill to a large bird watching observatory, which overlooks the lagoons. There is an abundance of birds. The trail continues south around the lagoons and back to the starting point. There are also short, cross-country ski or walking trails in the woods adjacent to the lagoons.
The trail is comprised of a natural surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking. |
| Prerequistes: | Easy |
| Location: | Kerr Park |
| Duration: | 1 km loop |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Bracebridge Resource Management Centre |
Learn More |
| Entrance is on the east side of Hwy 11, 2.4 kms north of High Falls Bridge. For a map see www.town.bracebridge.on.ca
Four trails follow the Main Branch of the Muskoka River and offer a scenic view of Duck Chutes. The level sandy plains, shallow marshes and rugged terrain are typical of the Muskoka landscape. The forested areas obscure previous uses including cattle grazing, gravel pits and logging roads.
The trail is comprised of a natural ground surface and is used for hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and has excellent groomed cross-country ski trails.
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| Prerequistes: | Easy |
| Location: | Hwy 11, north of Bracebridge |
| Duration: | 3-8 km |
| Age: | All ages |
| Dates: | Year round |
| Cost: | Self guided |
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| Ice Climbing - Early Season |
Learn More |
Learn all the techniques you need to take up this exciting sport. Our course will get you practicing your skills on 3 of the best intro climbing routes in Ontario. We guarantee this is the best value winter climbing course in Ontario. It's worth the drive to the great ice conditions of the Muskoka Lakes.
Pictures, Itinerary, and FAQ |
| Prerequistes: | Moderate Energy Level |
| Location: | Kushog Lake, near Dorset, Ontario |
| Duration: | Full Day |
| Age: | 12 and up |
| Dates: | Winter 2012 - Weekends - January 14,15, 21, 22, 28, 29 |
| Cost: | $129 + HST per person or $249 for Couples - Equipment Included |
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| Ice Climbing - Prime Season |
Learn More |
Learn all the techniques you need to take up this exciting sport. Our course will get you practicing your skills on 3 of the best intro climbing routes in Ontario. We guarantee this is the best winter climbing experience in Ontario. It's worth the drive to the great ice conditions of the Muskoka Lakes. See the latest pics of our 2009 courses on Picasa http://picasaweb.google.com/MuskokaOutfitters/Jan25thIceClimbingCourse?feat=directlink
Pictures, Itinerary, and FAQ |
| Prerequistes: | Moderate energy level |
| Location: | Kushog Lake near Dorset, ON |
| Duration: | Full Day |
| Age: | 12 and up |
| Dates: | Winter 2012 - All Weekends - Feb 4,5 through March 24,25 |
| Cost: | $149 + HST - Includes equipment |
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