Hike Schedule

Car Hike: Toronto in 6 (New FundRaising Badge: $30/BTC member; $40/non-member)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): For our first hike, we will meet at the parking area on St. Helena Road (km 8.9 on Map 12 of the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, Edition 30) and then do a car shuttle to the Hilton Falls Conservation Area parking lot.

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Rocky, Variable
Distance: 8-11 km per hike

Description

Registered hikers will earn the new Toronto stained-glass badge!!!

You are registering for all six days of this hike series: September 17; October 1 and 15 and 29; and November 12 and 26.

Hikers need to complete all six hikes with the leader.  Hikers are permitted to miss one of the six hikes due to unforeseen circumstances; if this happens, they will make up the hike on their own so they can still qualify for the badge.  Please keep a log of the missed hike and give it to the leader on the last day of the series.

The fee for this hike series goes towards supporting the Toronto Bruce Trail Club, which in turn supports the mission of the Bruce Trail Conservancy in “preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever”.

This hike is intended to be MODERATE (3-4 km per hour).  Please, register only if you are capable of sustaining this pace over varied/rocky terrain for a distance of 8-11 km.

Hikers are expected to follow COVID-19 guidelines and stay home if they have symptoms.

We will be doing car shuttles in order to complete this hike series – please be prepared to participate in these car shuttles.  Hikers may choose to wear masks during the car shuttles.  Hike #1 will involve $$ unless you have a Halton Conservation Pass.  The cost will be shared equally by participants.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to be ready for a 10:00 am departure.  You should wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather, and ensure you bring your ID cards, enough water and food for the entire hike, and sun and bug protection.

Sydenham Chipper (km158.1-km145.3)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking on Colpoy’s Range Rd. Do not park in the gateway or the loading ramp.
Map 34 ED 30
Km 158.1

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: 12.8km

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 19 hike – meet @km158.1 carpool to 145.3

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 - Around Eugenia

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet at the end of North Street in Eugenia. Km 58.3, map 26, Edition 31. Park on the south side of the street facing east.

Hike Leader(s): Glenda Collings Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some steep sections
Length of Hike: 5.8 km

Description

This hike route quickly enters a wooded area on Valley slope. There will be plenty of up-and-down walking until we reach Eugenia Falls Conservation Area. This is a scenic section of Trail, walking along the side of the Beaver River, crossing the river and walking along more riverside. There are old structures still in place that show some of the early history of development in the area. Hikers will see a good view of the high Eugenia Falls. This hike is a there-and-back route.

Twiss Rd to Crawford Lake

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps):

We will meet at roadside parking on Twiss Rd at the Calcium Pitts – Map 11- 102.6

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 12 kms

Description

We will meet at Twiss Road roadside parking -see  Map 11, 102.6 and hike the White Blazes, main trail north towards Crawford Lake Conservation Area – we will hike the Conservation’s Hide and Seek trail and tour the Species at Risk wooden carvings. There may be washrooms open at the Visitor Centre- stopping for lunch/snack at picnic table at the Iroquoian Village-We will take the boardwalk around the  meromictic lake  on return trip and then back onto the Bruce Trail – approximately 12 kms there and back.

—NOTE—The beginning of this hike can be strenuous as it involves scrambling up some rocks and for the first few kilometers the trail could be rocky footing — Wear good hiking boots/poles-Dress weather appropriate and bring water and snack/lunch -Any questions or concerns, please contact me via email or text at 416-931-2095 cathiekygreen@gmail.com

Hike participants is limited as parking is limited

I would invite anyone to consider taking out a membership with Halton Conservation(although not required for hike) – they give you a discount as a BTC member

Coach Trip: Saugeen Peninsula Sept 22 to 24

Trip Information
Departure Time: 07:00
Return to City Time: 20:00
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Trip Activities
Pick up at 10 York Mills Rd ($0.01)
Pick up at 400 & Major Mac ($0.01)

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Coach Trips
Location (Google Maps): Evergreen Resort, Red Bay

Hike Leader(s): Martina Furrer, Brenda Dalglish, Nijole Mockevicius, Kadhim Taki Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Challenging, Hilly, Rocky
Distance: Moderate group: around 12 km, faster group: around 15 km

Description

Join us for three days of guided hiking on the beautiful Saugeen Peninsula. Spend your days on the Bruce Trail and your evenings at Evergreen Resort overlooking Lake Huron.

We will explore the Skinner’s Bluff, Cape Crocker, Hope Bay, Lion’s Head, and/or Cape Chin areas. Hikes will be up to 15 km (dropouts will not be possible) with lots of awesome views. Expect some strenuous climbs, some challenging footing over boulders and crevasses, and some exposed sections. These hikes are not suitable for people who are afraid of heights. All fit, experienced hikers comfortable walking on this type or terrain are welcome. There will be a moderate group and a slightly faster group; both will do full day hikes with no dropouts. Please note: there will not be a sight seeing group or other activities for non-hikers.

Accommodation is in one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages (linens, bedding, and towels provided). Each cottage has a full bathroom, fridge, and heater. The resort has a hot tub and a private beach perfect for viewing sunsets. Cost is $352.04 per person (including all taxes, gratuity extra). This includes two nights’ accommodation, two dinners, two breakfasts, and two boxed lunches.

Coach fare is $140 for members, $150 for non-members, and $80 for children.

Registration instructions:

Please reserve your cottage and your seat on the coach at the same time.

1. Call Evergreen Resort at 519-534-1868 to book your cottage. You will need to find roommates/cottagemates. There are no single hotel rooms.

2. To reserve your seat on the bus, register here starting on Saturday June 10 at 8 PM.

Cancellation policy: While we are hoping for sunshine, the trip cannot be cancelled due to weather. Coach fare is nonrefundable after July 28, 2023. If you cancel before this date you will be charged a $25 service fee.

Our coach will depart at 7 AM on Friday September 22. We plan to be back in Toronto between 7 and 8 PM on Sunday September 24. Departure locations: 10 York Mills Rd and the HWY 400 and Major Mackenzie Park and Ride.

9:00 Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St just outside of Veteran’s Memorial Park

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

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

Description

These weekly hikes will take various routes around beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.  We may take in history or just enjoy the ambiance of the area.  Urban hikes are mostly paved with some trail walking

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

9:00 Twelve Mile Creek Loop

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):

Welland Vale Rd. (Pump Station) & Sawmill Rd., St. Catharines

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 15 kms

Description

Hike along both sides of 12 Mile Creek through St. Catharines.

Urban Walk: 16 Mile Creek, Oakville

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

Starts and ends at Oakville GO Station

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Other (Refer to Description)
Distance: 15 km

Description

If you are planning to travel by GO train to Oakville from Union Station, you can meet apprentice hike leader Tim Wainwright at 8:30 am by the information desk with the clock over it in Union Station in the Great Hall (off Front Street.) Tim will be wearing the blue Bruce Trail shirt. From Union you will be taking the 8:44 am  westbound train. Please use the bathroom while on the GO train as there is little time for it at the Oakville GO station. You can also drive to the Oakville Station and meet us there. Parking is free on the weekends.

We will all meet at 9:25 am at the Oakville Transit Bus Platform 27 at the Oakville GO Station (click here for station diagram.) From here we will board Bus 13 at 9:40 am and take a short bus ride to the start point of our hike. Oakville Transit buses accept Presto, and if you have paid for the GO train, the fare for the Oakville bus will register as zero. We will walk a 15 km looping trail through the 16-Mile Creek ravine (click here for route map), stopping at the halfway point for lunch (port-a-potties only; bring hand sanitizer and tp) and return to the Oakville GO Station. The trail is stone dust gravel or asphalt and mostly flat except for two steep declines and two long climbs. There is one long set of stairs to descend. The after-hike pub stop is at the Beertown Public House (click here for menu) near the Oakville GO Station.

New Badge! Beaver Valley Geology Hike #1

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet on the shoulder of 21st Sideroad, near the road allowance leading to the trail, TBM parking area, Map 24. This is paid parking and we will shuttle as many cars as possible to the corner of 21st Sideroad & 4th Line to walk to the start of the hike.

Hike Leader(s): Glenda Collings Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 7.1 km

Description

This is a series of 7 hikes to earn the Beaver Valley Geology badge.  We will use the criteria listed in Beth Gilhespy’s book, Walking Through Time, Exploring Niagara Escarpment Geology in the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Section.  We’ll boost our knowledge of the local geology along the way as we take the required photos.  Hikers are welcome to join any or all of the hikes, however, they must complete all 7 hikes to earn the badge.  Bring sufficient water and snacks.

Hike One:  Loree Forest and the Loree Forest Side Trail

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.
3. Personal Protective Equipment:
   • Hikers may choose to wear masks

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.

Dyer's Bay Cliffs - A Geology Hike with Beth Gilhespy

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Meet up at the Borchardt Road Parking Lot (Bruce Trail Reference Guide Edition 30 – Map 40 ). Parking fees apply to non-residents of Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.

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

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Difficult, Moderate
Distance: ~8 KM

Description

Join Beth Gilhespy on this hike to explore the clifftop shoreline of Dyer’s Bay to see the Devil’s Monument flowerpot, potholes, alvars, caves, natural arches and stunning views!  Sturdy footwear is a must on this spectacular but rugged hike. The pace will be slow but steady and exploratory, as participants will be helping scout a route that will be included in Beth’s Saugeen Peninsula Geology Hike book, due to be completed in 2024. While about 8 km, hikers can expect to be out for 5 or 6 hours. Bring lunch, snacks, water and your curiosity!