Hike Schedule

Two-Eyed Seeing Enviro-Hike

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): McCurdy Parking Lot – 89 Moore St., Lion’s Head Ontario

Hike Leader(s): Caley Doran and Layna Lubmiiv Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: ~7 KM

Description

Learn about using a two-eyed seeing approach to understanding and protecting nature, as you hike the Bruce Trail with Caley Doran, Indigenous Trail Guide and Layna Lubimiv, Chief Park Naturalist, MacGregor Point. During your hike, you will also participate in a community science project – picking up and sorting litter found along the trail and submitting litter data to the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Finish the hike by joining us for a group conversation about your experience and talk about what you have learned. This is a moderate hike covering rocky and rooty terrain with some short, steep climbs. Please bring water, light snacks, and lunch. Wear sturdy footwear, hat and sun protective clothing. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and garden gloves.

Parking Reservations are required for everyone. Parking fees apply to non-residents of Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. Book early! 9:30-1:30 https://book.parkpassproject.com/book?inventoryGroup=1699994654&inventory=1592358846

UPDATED: Urban Hike: Rouge National Urban Park 2 - Bob Hunter Memorial Park

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Rouge National Urban Park, Bob Hunter Memorial Park, 14th Avenue, Markham, ON

Hike Leader(s): Celia Ho, Tom Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat, Variable
Distance: 14.1 km

Description

***UPDATED INFORMATION***:

The South Central Trail is closed for maintenance work.  Therefore, that will trim off 4.2 km from the total distance making it approximately 14.1 km.  Please see attached for the RNUP map.  The map can also be accessed with this link:  Brochures and publications – Rouge National Urban Park (canada.ca)

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On this hike we will continue to explore the Rouge National Urban Park, this time in the section of the park in Markham called Bob Hunter Memorial Park.  The BHM Park consists of the South Central Trail, Tallgrass Trek, Monarch Trail, and Reesor Way/Tanglewood Trail.

The meeting point will be the parking lot at the Rouge National Urban Park, Bob Hunter Memorial Park, 14th Avenue, Markham, ON.

The meeting time is 10:00 AM.

There are many ways to reach the park depending on where you are coming from.  You may choose to drive, bike, or take public transit.  You may check Google Maps for the best routes for you.  For those coming from Toronto, you may choose to meet one of the hike leaders at the Finch Go Bus Terminal at 8:25 AM to take the YRT #2 bus at 8:45 AM to get to the park by 10 AM.  The bus ride is 60 minutes and there will be a 17 minutes (1.4 km) road walking to the park.

The terrain is relatively flat.  The pace will be a moderate pace of 4 km/hr.

There will be drop-out points at 11.8 km and 15 km.  The total distance covering all the trails will be 18.3 km.

For your reference, the Park Map for the Rouge is attached.

Canada Goose/Limehouse Bruce Trail Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Main Trail to Canada Goose Side Trail through to the Limehouse Conservation.

Hike Leader(s): Anita Bergsma Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 10.3

Description

Join us for a beautiful hike of the Main Trail to the Canada goose Side Trail through to the Limehouse Conservation, looping back to the start point on September 10th, 2023. It will be a 10.3km at a medium pace with moderate terrain, paths and road.

There is plenty parking is on the shoulder of 4th Line . Please do not park in the garage parking lot.

The community of Limehouse was first settled in 1820. By the 1840’s limestone quarrying and “burning” of limestone in kilns to make lime, had begun. The Grand Trunk Railway built its line through Limehouse in 1856 which required 200 workers and their families to settle in the area. Discover the geological heart of the area known as the “Hole in the Wall” where a ladder leads to cracks in the escarpment rock. Experience the past as you walk by remnants of the lime industry. Stand before huge lime kilns and the old powder-house.

Hiking 101 - Fall Session, 3 hikes

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Register
Location (Google Maps): Various locations. First location is Queenston Heights Park, near the Bruce Trail cairn.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5-6km

Description

In this “Introduction to Hiking” series of workshops we will share the many joys of hiking.  You will learn how to prepare for a hike; safety issues that might be involved, what to bring on the trail, reading the blazes and maps; and the different types of hikes offered by Niagara Bruce Trail Club. Each workshop will include a 20-minute presentation and question-and-answer period, followed by a 1.5hr hike.  Wear sturdy walking shoes (if you have them) and clothing appropriate for the weather. Bring water.

Location of workshops:

Sep 10 – Queenston Heights Park, Niagara Parkway.  Enter the park at the roundabout, make first left and an immediate left to see the cairn.  Park next to the Bruce Trail Cairn. Paid parking.

Sep 17 – Woodend Conservation Area, Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Park at the entrance to the park, near Taylor Rd.

Sep 24 – Kinsmen Park, 3820 Frost Rd, Beamsville.

We recommend participation in all three workshops but all/any are optional.

This course is open to members and non-members.  Cost is $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Upon completion of ALL three workshops participants will receive an NBTC neck scarf free ($15 value).  No refunds.

Sessions are conducted rain or shine.

Sydenham Chipper (km174.4-km158.1)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Bluewater Park, Wiarton; parking area opposite the arena
Map 35 ED 30
km 174.4

Hike Leader(s): Kristina Rettie Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 16.3km

Description

Please join us as we chip away through the Sydenham section. This will be a series of 11 hikes that range between 13-19kms with one longer hike of 24km. We will begin our journey at the northern end of Sydenham and work our way south to try and avoid the dangers the falling leaves and snow will bring.

If you complete the 11 hikes in this series you will qualify for Sydenham’s new independent badge. Please keep track of your hikes as each hiker will be submitting their own badge request.

All hikes in this series will include a car shuttle and everyone will take a turn as a shuttle driver. Please have your vehicle passenger ready.

Sept 12 hike – meet @km174.4 carpool to 158.1

If you have any questions please text me @ 519-410-9077 (this is the most efficient way)

Please bring plenty of water and snacks/lunch

No dogs

Please text Kristina @ 519-410-9077 for morning of cancelations

COVID-19 Precautions Before, During and After your Hike

1. Each hiker joining a Bruce Trail Club organized hike must perform a self-screening check before hiking.
   Find Ontario’s self-assessment tool here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
2. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.

Transportation

It is the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s current policy that car shuttles are allowed.  It is at the discrepancy of individual hike leaders to make that decision.

Other Guidelines

1. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
2. Wear sturdy footwear and appropriate attire for the weather and the terrain.
   Hiking poles are a good idea in any season, especially if the terrain is rocky or slippery. In winter, snowshoes or icers/crampons are needed when conditions dictate.
   Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear prevents injuries and shows consideration for a safe and positive group hiking experience.
3. Always carry I.D. and your health card.
4. Bring sufficient water and snacks (or lunch if indicated). A minimum of 1L of water is recommended on all hikes, and 3L is recommended for long, challenging hikes in the heat of the summer.
5. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent (for spring and summer hikes).
6. Bring your own first aid kit.
7. Please leave dogs at home.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS - Old Baldy

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Our hike will begin from the parking lot of Old Baldy. km 43.9, Map 26, Edition 30. Any hike participants who do not have a parking pass for Grey Sauble CA can park on the shoulder of Sideroad 7B by the bend in the road and then be shuttled to the parking lot.

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Yaraskavitch Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Length of Hike: 5 km

Description

Our hike takes us atop Old Baldy, the iconic outcrop. The Trail is well-used, the pathway often being “roots and rocks”. There will be a number of lookout spots to view into and across the Beaver Valley. We will hike along the main Trail and then turn back when we reach the road allowance part of the Trail. On the way back we will walk on the Mac Kirk Side Trail, under a canopy of deciduous trees.

9:00 am Niagara on the Lake Tour & Some Yoga

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
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 km

Description

Enjoy the benefits of pausing for a yoga practice as we tour through the trails, parkland and Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. No mat required. Movement will focus on a flow of standing poses designed especially for hikers. Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL.

Urban Walk: Clarkson to Port Credit Evening Hike

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Clarkson GO Station

Hike Leader(s): Ginny Giraudi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 12 km

Description

We will meet inside the Clarkson GO Station near the bathrooms at 6:30 pm and walk along the lake to Port Credit (see route here.) Head lamps or flashlights are required as the sun will set at 7:40 pm. The after hike stop is the Archtop Coffee Bar and Market in Port Credit. Hikers can take the 23 Lakeshore Eastbound Miway bus back to the Clarkson GO (Presto is accepted) or they can use the nearby Port Credit GO Station to return home.

Iroquoia End-to-End - 4 days

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Two different bus loading locations (one for each wknd) will be provided to registered hikers only. Unregistered hikers who show up will not be permitted to board the buses.

Hike Leader(s): Parvinder Sachdeva Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Fast – 5+ km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery Sections Likely, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 122km (30-35 each day)

Description

Please join us for the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club annual self-led End-to-End. You can enjoy and complete the 122 km distance over four days (approximately 30-35km each day). Please be honest about your physical abilities. These 4 days are not recommended for new hikers or anyone who hasn’t completed these sort of distances recently.
The registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. 

The hikes will traverse the varied terrain from Grimbsy in the south, to the 401 in Milton. Checkpoint stations will be approximately every 10 km offering snacks, water refill, and assistance.

The hike is $95 for members and $110 for non-members and includes bus transportation from the meeting point to the hike starting point, refreshments, parking, permit costs, and the official E2E badge.

Registration opens at 3 pm on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 for Bruce Trail Conservancy members. If any spots are still available at 3 pm on Thursday, July 13, 2023, registration will also be opened for non-members.

Details will be emailed to participants once registration is received. As mentioned, these are longer hikes and are not suitable for beginning hikers. For both events, hikers are expected to maintain an average pace of 4 km/hr (or more). Hikers will be required to reach each checkpoint on each day by a prescribed time in order to continue, and ensure everyone is off the trail before dark. Please be aware that volunteers are running this event and will  be waiting. 

Space is limited, hikes go rain or shine, and no dogs are permitted on this event. For questions, please contact Parvinder Sachdeva at pavvysingh@gmail.com

Bus Hike: Toronto Section E2E 2 of 4 - Speyside/Limehouse

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:30
Return to City Time: 17:30
Departure Point: Kipling Departure Point

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Toronto Section – Speyside/Limehouse

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales & George Lennon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Rocky, Variable
Distance: 14 km

Description

Join us to hike the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail in a series of four moderate pace/moderate distance Level 2 hikes (14-16 km a day). Those who complete all 4 hikes will qualify for the Toronto club’s diamond E2E badge. The badge fee ($5 members/$15 non-members) will be collected on Hike #3.

Members may alternatively choose to use the hikes to earn the new stained glass Limehouse stone bridge fundraiser badge. Available to members only the badge fee is $30 and proceeds go to protecting and preserving the Bruce Trail. Please contact the Hike Leader if you are interested in earning the fundraiser badge for further instructions. This  badge can be earned only on one of the series of  special group hikes led by a BTC Hike Leader and not individually.

Hikers who complete all 4 hikes will qualify for either the diamond badge or stained glass fundraiser badge, as they have chosen.

Any relatively fit hikers are welcome to join regardless of working towards one of E2E badges.

The second segment in the series will take us from Pear Tree Park and Speyside, through the BTC protected areas of Speyside Woods and Speyside Sanctuary Nature Reserve to Limehouse Conservation Area including the ladders through the famous “Hole In The Wall” and by the Lime Kilns. Of course, there is also the old stone bridge as featured on the fundraiser badge. We finish this segment passing through two more two more BTC protected areas, Springle and Maple Ridge Nature Reserve. There will be an optional dropout at 10.2 km. This section has some fairly rocky terrain so sturdy hiking boots are recommended.

There will be a refreshment/social stop in Georgetown after the hike before returning to the Kipling Station departure point by 5:30 pm

Car Hike: Ambling along and Apple-picking

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at roadside parking southeast of km 44.5 on Heritage Road – coordinates are 43.734086, -79.944062. (Map 14 of the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, Edition 30)

Hike Leader(s): Monica Pasquali Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 4.7 km

Description

Enjoy two awesome activities in one day: ambling along the Bruce Trail in Terra Cotta followed by a visit to Downey’s Farm to go apple picking!  First we’ll do a loop hike of the main Bruce trail and Rockside Side Trail, enjoying the varied scenery of forest and country road as we hike the area (while keeping an eye out for the pink bench!).  After returning to our cars, those who would like to join me in extending their day of fun will make the 15-minute drive to reach Downey’s Farm where we will pick apples and enjoy a sandwich or meat pie from the bakery lunch counter.  Afterwards, any children in our group can play in the “Downey’s Farmyard Play Area” if they wish to do so.

Children under 13 years of age are encouraged to join their parents/guardians on this hike so they can fulfill the requirements for the Toronto Bruce Trail Club’s Youth Badge (https://torontobrucetrailclub.org/the-trail/badges) – all family members who are planning on joining us should register for the hike, including children.  You should bring enough water and food for a 2-hour hike, comfortable hiking shoes, sun and bug protection, appropriate clothing for the weather, and money if you intend to join us at Downey’s Farm after the hike.

There is no admission charge to enter Downey’s Farm to pick apples, but they do require a minimum pick of $8.50 a person which applies to all individuals who enter the farm.  Bags are purchased at the farm entrance as follows: a 10 lb bag of apples costs $26 (max 3 people per bag) and a 20 lb bag of apples costs $42 (max 5 people per bag).  More information about apple picking at Downey’s Farm can be found here: https://downeysupickfarm.ca/apples/ 

Similarly, there is no admission charge to enter Downey’s Farm store, but if you decide to enjoy lunch from the bakery lunch counter then that will incur an additional fee, too.  No outside food is permitted on farm grounds.

Please note that there is an admission fee to visit “Downey’s Farmyard Play Area”: $16 + HST for people aged 2 years and older, and free for children aged 23 months and younger.  Tickets for “Downey’s Farmyard Play Area” must be purchased online here: https://downeysfarm.com/downeys-farm-market-activities.htm#openModal.  

Sherman Falls Loop

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governor’s Rd., Dundas, Not

Hike Leader(s): Anne Armstrong Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approx. 10 km.

Description

Please join in for a pleasant hike in the Dundas Valley CA. We will complete a loop using a combination of CA trails and Bruce Trail. Our loop takes us past a number of waterfalls including Sherman Falls. Park in the last parking lot and make your way to our meeting point at the trail centre. Meet at  9:45 am for a 10:00 am. start. Bring water, a snack, insect repellent and sunscreen. Parking fee in effect or a Conservation Area pass.

Join in a pleasant hike in the Dundas Valley CA. We will hike a loop using a combination of Bruce Trail and Conservation Area trails. Our loop will take us past a number of waterfalls including Sherman Falls. Expect some hills. Bring water, a snack, insect repellent and sunscreen. Parking fee in effect or a Conservation Area pass.
Leader: Anne Armstrong 905 617 3937 hikingrandma@gmail.com

Hiking Tips and Basic Survival Skills Workshop, and Urban Hike in High Park

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): High Park (High Park North Gates, Main Entrance on Bloor Street West)

Hike Leader(s): Marie-Josée Roy Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Variable

Description

Let’s get started on the right (hiking) foot! Please join us for a workshop on hiking tips and basic survival skills. Topics covered: proper gear/clothing/footwear, essentials to carry in your backpack, priority survival skills (water, fire, shelter), First Aid, communication, navigation, and more.  Please note that this is a hands-on workshop. Children 9 and over are welcome. The workshop will be followed by a 1-hour hike in beautiful High Park.

Rainbow Hike - Burnt Loop Side Trail

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): 120 Chi sin tib dek Rd, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0 Meet at the building entrance of the Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor’s Centre. (Bruce Trail Reference Guide 30th Edition – Map 42)

Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Distance: ~2 KM with an optional 3 1/2 KM for interested hikers

Description

All PBTC hikes welcome 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ participants and community allies. This hike is planned by Grey Bruce Pride and PBTC.

Join us for a hike on the Burnt Loop Side Trail at Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory.  This hike is on flat terrain and is an accessible trail to the first lookout. A PBTC hike leader and a Grey Bruce Pride member will guide everyone to the first lookout. Those interested in returning to explore the Visitor’s Centre may retrace their steps. If any group participants are interested in a moderate hike of the rest of the Burnt Loop Side Trail, a PBTC hike leader will guide the remaining participants along this pretty hiking trail. The trail here is unpredictable with uneven terrain over rocky and rooty sections. The waterview lookouts highlight Flowerpot Island, Middle Island and Bears Rump Island. This moderately paced hike (~3 ½ km) will allow us to meet the rest of the group at the Visitor’s Centre within 1 ½ – 2 hours. You will have time to take photos and enjoy the views at the three lookouts along the way. There are picnic tables at the Park and in the village of Tobermory,  if you wish to picnic before returning home. All hike participants receive a BTC Pride Badge!

Parking:  Parking is available at the Visitors Centre.  Arrive early to purchase your Bruce Peninsula National Park admission fee and parking pass at the Visitor’s Centre. If you have a National Parks Discovery Pass already, your admission and parking is included in this pass.

What to bring: Wear a hat and long sleeved/legged pants. Bring a light back pack with snacks and water. Hiking poles are not essential, but would be helpful.