Hike Schedule

Car Hike: Exploring Uxbridge Trails (Wilder Forest, Walker Woods, and Glen Major Forest)

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps):

2499 Brock Rd, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1R4. We will meet at the East Duffins Headwaters parking lot at the WILDER FOREST trail head. As soon as you got off the Brock Road, passing the horse back riding facility, there is a free designated parking lot 70 meters down the lane to your right. It includes a sign board for East Duffins Headwaters with a map of the trails. Please do not park on the lane or in the horse back riding property.

Hike Leader(s): Amir Alemohammad Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: Approx.14-16 Km

Description

Join us for an enjoyable winter hike in Uxbridge! We’ll explore parts of Wilder Forest, Walker Woods, and Glen Major Forest in a loop starting from Brock Road, passing Concession Road 6, heading west and back. Along the main trail, we’ll also venture onto several side trails.

Please stay on the designated trails at all times. Expect beautiful scenic views and lookouts facing south, with a mix of hilly and flat segments. Be prepared for variable weather—chilly and windy conditions are likely this time of year. Boots and icers mandatory, poles recommended.

Bring at least 2 liters of water and your favorite snacks. We’ll have frequent 2-minute breaks for hydration and lookout photos, along with a 20-minute lunch stop at the Aggregate Pit look out. Please pack your own lunch and refreshments for an enjoyable outdoor meal.

Don’t forget your camera and smile as we explore the beauty of the Uxbridge trails!

Crawford Lake

Hosting Club: Niagara, Toronto
Category: Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside Parking on Twiss Rd. North of Derry Rd.

Hike Leader(s): Mehrnoush Ahmadi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 16-17 Km

Description

The Crawford Lake Trail takes you through a serene forest, circling the beautiful Crawford Lake. Known for its unique meromictic lake, where the water layers don’t mix, the trail features boardwalks, observation points, and educational signs that highlight the area’s natural history and wildlife. It offers a peaceful escape, perfect for connecting with nature.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather. Waterproof hiking boots, ice cleats, and trekking poles are required. A windproof jacket and gaiters are recommended.
• We will have short water breaks and a 10-minute snack break.
Everyone is welcome!
See you there!

Car Hike: Spectacular Views and a Visit with Santa

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at the parking area on St. Helena Road (near km 8.9 on Map 12 of the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, Edition 31). Coordinates: 43.573094, -79.962286.

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

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot)
Distance: 5-6 km

Description

Celebrate the upcoming holidays with a hike along the Bruce Trail followed by a visit with Santa!

First, we’ll do a 5-6 km out-and-back hike atop of the Niagara Escarpment within the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail.  We will begin our hike at the parking area on St. Helena Road, trek uphill along the road to summit the Niagara Escarpment, and then hike south along the main Bruce Trail, taking in the spectacular views to the east during our trek.  After about 1 hour of hiking, we will stop to enjoy lunch before retracing our steps to return to our parked cars.

After our hike, those hikers who would like to join me at the “Santa at the Fairgrounds” event located at the Milton Fairgrounds (136 Robert Street in Milton) are more than welcome to do so.  Admission to this event is free although they are requesting donations such as diapers, wipes, powdered formula, and baby food pouches/jars for Milton Community Resource Centre’s Fill a Crib campaign.  While at this event, we’ll be able to shop local vendors, roast marshmallows over fire pits in order to make s’mores (s’mores kits will be available for purchase), and take a photo with Santa for $15 (note that the photo will not be provided in hard copy – it will be emailed to you after the event).  More information about “Santa at the Fairgrounds” can be found here: https://experiencemilton.com/event/santa-at-the-fairgrounds-2024/2024-12-08/

FYI: Children under 13 years of age who participate in this hike will be eligible 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 2.5-hour hike, comfortable hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and an item to donate as well as cash/credit if you intend to join me at “Santa at the Fairgrounds” after the hike.

Hopefully you can join me – until then, happy hiking!

iNaturalist and Merlin Apps - How to get started using these two apps on the trail.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Education Hike – iNaturalist and Merlin Apps
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking at the corner of Greenhill Ave and Cortina Crescent

Hike Leader(s): Ruth Moffatt Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery Sections Likely, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 8km

Description

Are you interested in how the  iNaturalist and Merlin apps work? Please download both apps and join us for what we hope will be a regular hike offering. Please bring enough water and snacks for a two hour hike and your icers in case of slippery conditions.

Santa's Elves Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Orchard Community Park parking lot, off of Blue Spruce Ave. in Burlington. From QEW take the Burloak exit. Go north on Burloak until you reach Blue Spruce Ave. Turn right and continue until you come to a large parking lot on the right.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approx. 9 km.

Description

After the work in Santa’s workshop some of the elves are ready for a day outside. Join Anne and Phill (and maybe some other elves with Stuart Law from Dufferin Hi-land) for an easy and fun “in and out” hike into Bronte Creek Provincial Park. We will take in the Woodlands Trail alongside and down to Bronte Creek, then up to Spruce Lane Farm and the Trillium Trail. We will then head north on an old farm track between two fields to enjoy more woods on our way back to our cars. (We may not see any reindeer but there may be some local species around.) The park amenities will be closed. Please bring icers, a warm drink, some water and a light lunch. Poles recommended for some hills down to the river. PLEASE ARRIVE AT  9:45am. for a 10:00 am. START. You should have plenty of time to get home for Christmas dinner.
Leader: Anne Armstrong

10:30 am Christmas Day Hike

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Floral Shophouse, Niagara River Parkway. Paid parking – can use the annual Niagara Parks Parking Pass or pay for parking there. Avoid parking fees by carpooling.

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

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

Description

Burn off some holiday pressure by hiking around the Falls with your hiking buddies.

Holiday treats will be shared at the end of the hike.

3 Lakes Loop Hike (Cyprus Lake, Marr Lake, Horse Lake)

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Winter Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Peninsula National Park – P2 Parking Lot

Hike Leader(s): Saabir Sohrab Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium (3.0 – 4.5 km/h): A comfortable pace for most hikers with steady progress.
Terrain: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: ~10km

Description

Join us for a winter adventure around the scenic 3 Lakes Loop, a stunning 10 km trek that will take us through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bruce Peninsula National Park. This hike will guide us around Cyprus Lake, Marr Lake, and Horse Lake—three serene bodies of water tucked within the heart of the park. Expect rugged terrain, scenic vistas, and the tranquility of the park in its winter glory.
Hike Highlights:

• Cyprus Lake: We’ll start the hike by circling the picturesque Cyprus Lake, a popular spot in the warmer months but peaceful and quiet during winter. You’ll have views of the snow-covered shoreline and, if the conditions are right, a chance to see frosted trees reflecting off the calm water.
• Marr Lake: As we continue through the forest, we’ll pass the smaller but equally beautiful Marr Lake. Here, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by dense coniferous forests, making for an enchanting winter landscape. Watch for wildlife tracks in the snow!
• Horse Lake: Finally, we’ll make our way to Horse Lake, a serene, less-visited spot that offers some of the best winter views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail will give us access to beautiful views of the lake, with a chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy the quiet beauty of the landscape.

Trail Details:
The route will take us on a combination of backcountry trails and forest paths, with some sections along the Bruce Trail. Expect some uneven terrain, as well as potentially icy or snowy spots, so be prepared for winter hiking conditions. The trail can be muddy in places, and we’ll be mindful of slick surfaces, especially around the lake edges.
What to Bring:

• Winter hiking boots (insulated, waterproof, with good traction)
• Warm layers (fleece or down jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, hat)
• Waterproof outer layer (weather can change quickly in winter, so a windproof/water-resistant jacket and pants are recommended)
• Microspikes or crampons (depending on the ice conditions, they’ll help with traction)
• Trekking poles (optional, but useful for balance on icy or uneven terrain)
• Snacks and lunch (we’ll take a break to refuel)
• Water (even in winter, staying hydrated is important)
• Camera (for capturing the winter beauty of the park!)

Pace and Terrain:
This hike will be conducted at a moderate pace to accommodate all levels of hikers. There will be regular breaks to allow for rest, water, and photo opportunities, as well as a longer stop for lunch.

Note: While the trails are generally well-marked, winter conditions can make navigation a bit trickier. I’ll be leading the group, so we’ll be sticking together to ensure everyone stays safe and on track.
Safety Considerations:

• Be aware of the potential for icy trails and slippery rocks around the lakes.
• Dress in layers to avoid getting too hot or too cold.
• We’ll keep an eye on the weather—if conditions are extreme, the hike may be shortened or rescheduled.
• If you’re not familiar with winter hiking, please let me know in advance, and I can provide some tips and guidance on staying safe in the colder months.

Park Fees:
Please note that park entrance fees apply for all visitors to Bruce Peninsula National Park. Hikers will be responsible for paying the entrance fee upon arrival at the park. For detailed information on fees, including parking fees, please visit the following link:
Bruce Peninsula National Park Fees

9am NOTL Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St and Centre St at the entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Park.

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

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

Description

Each Friday we will explore some history of Niagara-on-the-Lake while getting a moderate paced walk.  Discover where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. Experience the Heritage District, woods and the Niagara Parkway.

Some weeks may be totally on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trail and paved pathways.

Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Plan to stay for conversation and a coffee at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Rd., NOTL

Robin & Margaret

Earl Bales Park

Hosting Club: Niagara, Toronto
Category: Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking Lot Earl Bales Park Trails.

Hike Leader(s): Mehrnoush Ahmadi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 8-10 km

Description

This trail offers a beautiful lookout and is close to recreational facilities, making it an ideal spot for a short hike.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather. Waterproof hiking boots, ice cleats, and trekking poles are required. A windproof jacket and gaiters are recommended.
• We will have short water breaks and a 10-minute snack break.
Everyone is welcome!
See you there!

Snowshoeing Class to Prepare for Winter Coach Season

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Simpson House at Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester Street, Toronto

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

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 1 (Easy – mostly on flat, well maintained trails with hard-packed surface), Variable
Distance: 2 km

Description

Beginning indoors with a talk and discussion and then the adjustment of our snowshoes, we’ll head outside into Riverdale Park and Wellesley Park for a demo. We will provide support to show that a snowshoe outing is something everybody should try. Bring your own equipment or rent snowshoes for the occasion. We can follow up with lunch together at a nearby pub.