Hike Schedule

Biodiversity Fall Nature Walk: A Season in Transition

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking on Coolihans Sideroad where the Trail crosses the road.

Directions: From Airport Road, head east on Coolihans Sideroad for 1.4 kilometres.

Hike Leader(s): Sandra Green Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5 kilometres

Description

Join us as we explore the transitioning season of diverse ecosystems and lookouts over the Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment in the Glen Haffy Conservation Area. Mycology enthusiast Jonathan will be joining us on this Nature Walk.

Guildwood Go circular hike via the bluffs and the Doris McCarthy Trail

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Guildwood Go Station in the new building in the seating area by the Service counter and washrooms. Coming by Go train on the Lakeshore East Line, take the 9:20 a.m. from Union Station to arrive at 9:47. (Please be advised that there is no Go Train service on the Lakeshore West Line on this day. Buses to replace train service.) Coming by bus, a Scarborough East TTC #86 departs from Kennedy Subway Station every 20 minutes. Or coming by car, access Guildwood Station from Kingston Road. Please try to arrive 15 minutes early.

Hike Leader(s): Andrew Proczek, Tom Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat, Other (Refer to Description)
Distance: 13 km

Description

Come and enjoy the last of the Fall colors with fantastic views of Lake Ontario from the Bluffs. From Guildwood Go we will head South to Guild Park boardwalk and then turn West to pick up two parks, South Marine Park & Sylvan Park (our lunch spot). Connecting with the Doris McCarthy trail we will descend to the lake and then head East as far as Guild Park and Gardens completing the loop before returning to Guildwood Go. This is a flat hike except for a descent along a side trail from Sylvan Park and the climb from the lake to the top of the Bluffs at Guild Park towards the end of the hike. Hikers taking the TTC can also take advantage of an early drop out once we arrive at Guild Park at approx. 1:30 pm.

The route: https://onthegomap.com/s/i4hdm4jc

Public washrooms at Guildwood Go and at Guild Inn, 10.4 km into our hike. A nature stop at Sylvan Park will also be available.

Greater Niagara Circle Route hike #1 of 5

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara, Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): For our first hike we will meet at Kingsbridge Park in Chippewa (located just upstream from the Falls) and will then carpool to the Butler’s Barrack’s parking lot on John Street East in NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE where we will begin hiking at 8:30. All meet times for this series of hikes will be 8:00AM because of the distances involved. We will be doing the circle in a clockwise progression.

Hike Leader(s): Bryon Robertson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 28.5km.

Description

This series of five hikes is geared toward the experienced hiker capable of maintaining a sustained 3.5 km./hr to 5.0 km./hr. pace for the day. The combined hike distances of 144 km. make this the longest hike offered by the Niagara Section and the equivalent of doing a sectional E2E for many of the other sections. It is in fact the longest side trail in the entire Bruce Trail Conservancy.  Although generally flat and almost entirely paved the speeds and distances involved (between 26 and 34 km. ) make this a difficult series. Hikers will be expected to wear proper hiking boots and clothing, because of  changing weather conditions and be carrying sufficient water and food for a full day of hiking.

7:00 pm Moonlight Night Hike in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Night
Location (Google Maps): Veteran’s Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King St.

Hike Leader(s): Robin Garrett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7 km

Description

Moonlight Night Hike – Take in the magic of the rising moon over Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. This hike includes a stop to connect with your senses – sights, sounds, smells and the rhythm of your breath. Counts towards your night hike badge (5 night hikes).

Greater Niagara Circle Route hike #2 of 5

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara, Iroquoia

Location (Google Maps): Our second meeting point will be at Old Fort Erie Parking lot in Fort Erie. We will then carpool to Kingsbridge Park in Chippawa to begin our hike. All meet times will be at 8:00AM and we will be doing the circle in a clockwise progression.

Hike Leader(s): Bryon Robertson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 28.5 km.

Description

This series of hikes is geared toward the experienced hiker capable of maintaining a steady 3.5 km./hr. to 5.0 km./ hr. pace over relatively easy terrain but for extended distances. The hikes are therefore somewhat similar to sectional E2Es and good experience for those considering these hikes for next year, or hikers just wanting to stay in shape before the holidays. Despite being mainly over paved trail, hikers are expected to wear proper hiking clothes and hiking boots, due to changeable and probable wet weather conditions.  Hikers are also expected to carry sufficient water and food supplies for personal use, over an entire day of hiking, and a brief on trail lunch stop has been allowed for. Badges will be available for purchase by successful hikers upon completion of the series in N-O-T-L  ($10.00).

Evening HMCS Haida Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps): Boat launch at Bayfront Park, Hamilton

Hike Leader(s): Mike Gill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 6km

Description

It’s mid-week so come out and stretch your legs before the weekend.

We’ll meet at the boat launch in Bayfront Park and walk around the peninsula and then over to the HMCS Haida and return to the parking lot.

The walkway is well lit, however, it is an evening walk along a trail shared with bike riders.  I recommend wearing warm clothing with reflective strips and / or lighting.

9:00 am Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Veterans Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King Street

Hike Leader(s): Robin Garrett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7 km

Description

Each Friday we will explore different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL

Lunch time loops

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Hike Leader(s): Robert House Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 6KM

Description

Dundas Valley Conservation Area is a magnificent outdoor area consisting of over 40km (about 24.85 mi) of trails located minutes from the downtown core of Hamilton. Join us this Friday, November 11th at 12:30 as we explore the Dear Run loop, the Main loop, and the Headwaters trail to the Homestead Trail loop.  

This will be a moderately paced hike totaling about 6KM. The hike should finish within 2 hours.  

We will meet at the trail map sign in the main parking lot for the trail centre.  

The gatehouse will be closed, entry is free if you have your HCA card or $11 if you do not have a membership. Only credit cards are accepted at the gate. 

The trail is gravel or grass with some roots and rocks and some steep hills.  

Bring snacks, a warm beverage, and weather-appropriate clothing. 

Please arrive at 12:15 so we can start promptly at 12:30

9:00 Laura Secord - 1 of 2

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the entrance to Woodend Conservation Area, Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 17.5km

Description

Earn the multi-day Laura Secord Badge!  Meet at the entrance to Woodend Conservation Area.  Carpool to Laura Secord Homestead, Queenston and hike back to Woodend.  Hiking poles recommended.  Bring water, snack/lunch.

Second hike will be the November 19.  Badges can be purchased at the end of the second hike – $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

9:00 Decew to Morningstar Mill

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps): Decew House, DeCew Rd., Thorld, Map 3, km 31.2

Hike Leader(s): Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5.3 km

Description

This hike follows along Moody Lake, to Morningstar Mill Side Trail, then to DeCew House and Morningstar Mills and back. A stop at the First Nations Peace Monument will be included, time permitting.