Go Take a Hike!
We have over 20km of trails with various difficulties on our private wilderness reserve. Each trail offers its own special micro-environment and natural features. Fall colours are spectacular - a walk through our maple sugar bush rewards the hiker or birdwatcher with unparalleled photo opportunities. The sugar bush is also popular in spring when the sap is running!
In winter, our trails are groomed and track set for Nordic skiing. Some cross our black spruce bog and are their best in the winter when the ground is frozen!
The use of the trails is included for registered guests of Bondi. If you are not a Bondi guest, please ensure you register at the office prior to using any trails. There is a fee for non-registered guests that goes toward trail maintenance.
Click to Enlarge Trail Map
Please always check with the office regarding trail conditions – this property is in a Managed Forest and Wildlife Management agreement. Winter trails can be fragile – in the event of rain or mild weather, trails will be CLOSED to prevent the base from being destroyed by people punching into the soft snow.
MOTORIZED VEHICLES and MOUNTAIN BIKES are not permitted on trails because they cause damage to the forest floor and ecosystem. FIRES are prohibited at any time. Please do not smoke while on our property and trails.
OUR TRAIL NETWORK
Lookout Trail
Lookout Trail climbs to a wonderful lookout area facing across the resort towards Dorset. The trail has some very steep sections, interspersed with level stretches. On the way to the viewpoint, it passes a small pond that is a haven for wildfowl and frogs, and there are many trees along the way bearing evidence of pileated woodpeckers and bear claws. It is not a ski trail, but is great for snowshoes, and remains a perennial favourite for spring, summer and autumn hikers.
Hidden Lake Trail
Hidden Lake Trail runs through the pioneer fields to the north of the resort. It is mostly level with a few short hills, and passes Hidden Lake – this is along the edge of the black spruce bog, so look carefully in this area for unique flora such as sundews, Indian Pipe, pitcher plants, and wild berries. This is a favourite of the local wild turkey flock, and they frequently leave feathers along this area. Please do not pick or trample the rare plants found along this trail.
Sugarbush Trail
Sugarbush Trail starts by the Port Cunnington Firehall and hikers can reach it through the pioneer fields or walking up the road from Bondi. As the name implies, it runs through our sugar maple bush and sugar shack. Our log cabin, Paul’s Place, provides a nice spot to stop for a picnic. There are several trails that run as offshoots to the right of this trail. Sugarbush Trail contains several gentle hills, but the majority of the trail is very easy for walking or skiing.
North Ridge Trail
North Ridge Trail climbs steeply at both ends to reach the top of the largest hill in the area, providing views across Dwight Bay. Old-growth Hemlock trees dominate the bluff. Look for claw marks of black bears on the beech trees who climb them to eat beechnuts. The Muskoka Shield, the oldest granite rock in Canada, is exposed on this trail as well. Devil’s Drop is the fast way down, but not the easiest – many hikers and all our skiers prefer to loop back down Sugarbush Slalom to rejoin the Sugarbush trail.
Hill and Gully Trail
Hill and Gully trail connects to the end of both Joseph Tapley, and Brian’s Ridge Roads. Featuring a major hill at each end, once you brave the climb, the majority of the trail is easy. It passes through some dense forest, including balsam and hemlock stands that attract deer and is near a wetland that attracts a lot of wildlife. The walk along Joseph Tapley or Brian’s Ridge is easy, and you can either follow the road or connect back to the resort through Sugarbush or alternate Shortcut trails.
Hardwood Hills Trail
One of the more challenging of our ski trails, this presents several fairly large hills and resembles a roller coaster. It is a favourite with our winter ski enthusiasts. It traverses a hardwood forest and returns to the Fox Point Road through a stand of silver birch and red pine, beside a beaver pond.
Pioneer Fields
To the north of the resort are open fields that were once farmed by the original pioneer, Hyram Wilder. Remnants of old stone walls and wire fences can still be found, as well as the timber foundation of the old barn. This open space provides habitat for lots of wildlife – wild turkeys, hawks, bluebirds, foxes, wolves, and deer are frequently spotted here. Our Frisbee Golf Course traverses these fields, offering an alternative to a nature walk. Wild strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries all thrive in this region, and are a delight to gather. Wild sage is also abundant here. Our cross country fences for the event horses are located here, and you may have the chance to watch horses schooling on the course.
Hawke Lake Trail
Named after Claude Hawke, one of the early settlers in the area, the trail starts across from our entrance and travels through pioneer fields and spruce bog to Hawke Lake. In summer, this trail is quite wet where it traverses a black spruce bog – suitable footwear is recommended. You can avoid the bog by following HIDDEN LAKE TRAIL and then cutting back to the Hawke Lake trail. Hawke Lake is located at the top of a long climb , and is home to beavers, muskrats and otters. In winter, this trail is wind-protected once it leaves the open fields, and fairly level.
River Loop Trail
River Loop Trail is an offshoot of Hardwood Hills, adding to it’s length or offering its own unique trail. Travelling beside a series of beaver dams it meanders towards the Oxtongue River and provides the opportunity to see how beavers change the landscape. Beaver ponds, whether active or in the process of turning back into beaver meadows, are critical habitats for many species. Otters, herons, many bird species and dragonflies can be found along this walk. Wolf sign is also frequently present as well.
A note of caution – river ice is NEVER safe. If you are there in winter, stay off the ice.