Class - Winter Wander Registration 2024 - Chris Outdoors

~ In-Person Workshops in Muskoka ~ 

Winter Woodland Wander

An Afternoon of Awareness, Connection & Naturalist Exploration

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences and learning happen when you forget about "the plan" and just wander in the woods. 

Join me for a carefree wander in the woods as we deepen our connection to the land, expand our senses and awareness and explore the ecology of the Eastern Woodlands in the winter. 

This will be a casual off-trail wander where we will look at wildlife tracks, listen to the birds, and check out mushrooms, trees, or whatever catches our attention. I'll also share some fun survival and outdoor skill tips!

Location: The Wolf Den Nature Retreat, Oxtongue Lake (30 min East of Huntsville), Ontario

Time: 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Cost: $65 + HST**   Only 10 spots!

Ontario Forest School

2 Dates to Choose From

Accommodations may be available at the Wolf Den Nature Retreat for an additional fee. You can contact them at: 1-866-271-9336 or

Age Requirement: All Chris Outdoors offerings are designed as adult education programs. Participants must be over 18 to attend. Youth over 14 may attend with a parent in some situations. Please email contact us prior to registering to inquire if you are interested in bringing a youth participant with you.

IMPORTANT: As a participant you will be on your feet most of the day, hiking off-trail across uneven terrain and potentially up hills. We will also be outside the entire time regardless of the temperature or weather. If you are unable to confidently walk on uneven ground, uphill (there will be lots of short breaks as we look at things and do activities), or be outside for multiple hours in cold temperatures, this workshop may not be for you.

Register for:


Meet Your Guide, Chris Gilmour...

Wildlife Tracker
Nature Awareness

I've always loved the outdoors, but it wasn't until my early twenties that I realized how little of nature's language I was aware of.
After meeting a few mentors, I realized I enjoyed nature more as a spectator and tourist than an active and aware participant in nature's story.

I wanted to build deep relationships with all the amazing species we share this planet with, to know them like friends and family.

This sent me on a 20+ year (and counting) journey of rediscovery. I travelled North America studying wilderness survival, tracking, bird language, foraging and more from dozens of teachers.

I learned to read and interpret the tracks, trees, bird calls and other signs like words in a storybook. A story full of wonder that is all around us. And a story that many (myself included earlier in life) did not even know existed.

This new way of relating to the natural world completely changed my life. One of my biggest passions is sharing this with others, which I have been doing for the past two decades through Chris Outdoors and other organizations.