Hike Schedule

Scotsdale Farm Great Esker

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Scotsdale Farm 8th Line parking lot

Hike Leader(s): Karen Bergmann 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 kms

Description

Meet in the parking lot off 8 Line at 9:15 am. We’ll hike the Maureen Smith Side Trail to the main trail and around the Great Esker Side Trail, back to the main trail and the Bennet Heritage Side Trail for a total of about 10 kms.  There are some hills.  Bring water and a snack.

Fantasy of Trees - Special Event

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Grimsby – Lion’s Club Pool Parking Lot – 1 Elm Street

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 6.5km

Description

A hike and a viewing of the Fantasy of Trees – what could be better to get us all into the holiday spirit?! We will meet at the Lion’s Club Pool parking lot in Grimsby at 1 Elm St. Our hike will take us up to Beamer’s Memorial Conservation Area where we will hike and admire all the wonderful views this area has to offer. Then we will hike over to view the waterfalls and then double back and hike back down the hill where we will change our shoes if they are muddy. If the trails aren’t muddy, we will proceed to the Grimsby Museum and admire all the wonderful trees that have been decorated by volunteers and sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Want a chance to win a one-year Bruce Trail Membership (must be redeemed by end of 2025) and prize pack? There’s one on the raffle table donated by Ruth, your hike leader.

This is a free event but if you’d like to buy tickets, they are available on site. This is the last day of the event which is held every year by Grimsby Rotary. All proceeds go back to charitable organizations in the community.

The hill climb is considered strenuous but the rest of the hike is moderate. Please bring enough water and snacks and  icers, just in case.

Winter Festival of Lights

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Night
Location (Google Maps): Park at the Floral Showhouse, Niagara River Parkway, just south of the Falls. Parking fee. Annual parking pass is the best option.

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

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

Description

Get into the holiday spirit with a walk around the Festival of Lights.  Wear warmer clothes than you normally would for a hike so you can stop and enjoy the sights.

Hot apple cider and treats will be available following the hike.  You are welcome to bring a treat to share.

Caledon Hills E2E in 5 - Hike #2

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Innis Lake Rd north of Finnerty Sideroad. Carpool to SW shoulder of Willoughby & Escarpment Sideroad.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Strenuous
Distance: 15km

Description

This End-to-End series will start 2kms south of the Cheltenham Badlands and end at the Mono Centre. Earn your E2E Caledon Hills badge in 5 hikes ($10 for members). We will be carpooling and will ask for volunteers to drive other hikers. Please take turns with the driving.

Please bring poles, icers, water and lunch.

Heather & Steve's 3rd Annual Fall Cairn to Cairn - Niagara section

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara, Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): Vineland Estates Winery, 3620 Moyer Rd. (Capacity 10 cars)

Hike Leader(s): Heather Murch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hour
Terrain: Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 22.8 km

Description

This hike series covers the Niagara section;  83 km over 4 days.

We will meet each morning at 7:45 and be ready to shuttle at 8:00. Hikers will take turns shuttling and taking drivers to their cars each day.  Any parking costs will be shared among hikers.

Hikers should wear layered clothing, hiking boots, poles, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear and bring plenty of water, snacks and lunch. We will hike rain or shine.

Full itinerary will be emailed to hikers the week before the first hike.

Niagara E2E in 6 - Hike #4

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at DeCew House, DeCew Rd, Thorold. Carpool to Short Hills Provincial Park, Parking Lot B, Roland Rd.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 12.43km

Description

This End-to-End series will start in Grimsby and end in Queenston.  Upon completion of all 6 hikes, you can earn the new independent Brock monument badge. $10 for members and $15 for non-members.  We will be carpooling and will ask for volunteers to drive other hikers.  Please take turns with the driving.

Poles, water and snack recommended.

CANCELLED - Halton Agreement Forest

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the corner of 10 SR and 4th Line, off Guelph Line, north of Campbelville.

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 8 kms

Description

Meeting at 9:15 am, we will hike around the bike trails in this lovely Forest.  Bring icers for your boots.

Winter Wonders at Royal Botanical Gardens

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): We are meeting at Hidden Valley Park 1137 Hidden Valley Rd, Burlington, ON L7P
Please arrive and be ready to go by 7pm.
We will car shuttle over to the RBG in my vehicle and return to Hidden Valley around 9pm.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Less than 2km

Description

We have a limited number of free tickets for this event. Please register only if you know you can attend. 

❄️ Dress for the weather – wear a festive hat, if you like.

💲Free

Other details are below.

Experience the magic of the season at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Winter Wonders! Hendrie Park transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling lights, festive art installations, and enchanting displays. Stroll the scenic pathways to the soundtrack of festive music.

• Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours at this experience.
• Please leave your pets at home for this experience, pets are not permitted (service dogs excluded).
• Outside food and beverage will not be permitted.
• Please be aware that some areas of the garden contain fast moving, bright lights

https://www.rbg.ca/things-to-do/by-season/winter-wonders/

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre St at entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6km

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.

Following the hike this week we are invited to Sharon & Graham Summerhayes’ home to celebrate the holidays together!  Sharon & Graham provide holiday cheer and some tasty treats.  You are welcome to bring along something to share. Address will be provided to hike registrants.

Hilton Falls (reservation required)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the parking lot at Hilton Falls Conservation Area at 9:15 am.

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 8 kms

Description

Meeting at 9:15 am in the parking lot, we will hike to the Falls and then around to Bent Rim 1 and back to the cars. Reserve your time at conservationhalton.ca

Camino Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Camino Hikes
Location (Google Maps):

City View Park – Please enter via Dundas St onto Kerns Rd, second left to the parking area.</p

City View Park
From Dundas Street East, turn onto Kerns Rd. Take the second driveway on the left and follow it to the parking.

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
Distance: 8.5km

Description

Whether you are Camino-curious, have hiked a Camino or just want to hike, please join us. It will be a great opportunity to share information about hiking a Camino or recommend books, films, outfitters, etc.   Everyone is welcome.

Please bring enough water, snacks and sturdy boots and icers if winter conditions are present. We will hike about 8.5km return, Medium pace and Moderate Terrain.

RAINBOW HIKE: Ancaster, Three Waterfalls + a Hiker Cafe

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at corner of Wilson & Academy, downtown Ancaster

Hike Leader(s): Doug O’Neill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 13 -14 km

Description

This queer-led, all-inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ hike starts in downtown Ancaster, connects with the Bruce Trail—stopping at three waterfalls—then follows a mishmash of sidetrails with lunch at the Trail Centre/Historic Train Station (indoor washroom facilities, warming station). Arrive by 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start.

Fully accessible by Hamilton Public Transit or car. We’ll start and end in the same spot, no shuttle or carpooling required.

What’s a Rainbow Hike: The aim of the Bruce Trail’s Rainbow Hikes is to create a safe, welcoming space for 2SGBTQIA+ hikers—including trans, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, Two-Spirit, intersex, asexual, and straight friends—to show up and be themselves in a safe and friendly outdoor setting. Our hiking group typically includes 20 to 25 people representing a full spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Diversity Rules 🙂

Highlights for this hike: three waterfalls (Tiffany, Sherman and Canterbury), Hermitage ruins, Dundas Valley Conservation nature interpretation centre, replica Victorian-style train station, two train cabooses from the 1920s—with an optional post-hike visit to the gay-owned and operated Trails Cafe in downtown Ancaster.

Where to meet: We’ll rendezvous at the small parking lot right the corner of Wilson Street East and Academy in Ancaster (put 392 Wilson Street East into your GPS).

Coming by Hamilton Transit: Take the 5A MEADOWLANDS via McMASTER bus from King and Bay, get off at Rousseaux at Wilson (in Ancaster), and walk 5 minutes (max) up Wilson street to our meeting spot.

Parking at corner oof Wilson Street East and Academy. Just look for the unpaved parking lot right at the corner. Free. If full, there’s also parking across the street.

If you arrive early and you need to visit the loo or wait in a warm place, there’s a Tim Horton’s (370 Wilson). You need to ask for the washroom key and they may prioritize people who are buying something. Try your luck!

Bring sufficient water and proper lunch. Hiking boots are recommended, icers too. Dress in layers. Gaiters, to protect pants from mud, are a good idea.

Get your complimentary Bruce Trail Rainbow badge!

Feel free to reach out to the Hike Leader Doug if you have any questions at all- “Click here to contact Hike Leader” on this form.

Saturday Shorts: Riverside Woods Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Introductory
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Bruce Trail Parking Lot at Riverside Woods Nature Reserve
713377 1st Line EHS, Mono
Google GPS Coordinates: 43.959916, -80.070494

Directions:
From Hwy #10 north of Orangeville turn east on Hockley Road.
Drive for 1.1 km.
Continue straight onto Side Road 5 for 1.6 km.
Turn left onto 1st Line EHS for 900 metres.
Continue straight into the parking lot.

FYI There is an outhouse at the parking lot.

***DO NOT take 1st Line EHS south from Hockley Road. It is NOT maintained. Google Maps may suggest this impassable route.

Hike Leader(s): Sandy 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 km

Description

Looking to get out on a Saturday without giving up your whole day? This Saturday Short hike will get you out in a small group on a short forest adventure. Dress for chilly temperatures, and depending on the snow and ice conditions, pack icers/crampons. Bring a beverage and snack to keep you fuelled during the hike. The hike promises to be a fun one. Everyone is welcome!

After the hike, you may wish to visit the CHBTC’s Winter Market, Hockleycrest Farm 933445 on the east side of Airport Road, Mono.

Rainbow/Welcome Hike: Louth Conservation Area

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Louth Conservation Area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWWRPcRWMHEJwNbi8

Hike Leader(s): Angela Lytle Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 5 km

Description

Join the Niagara Bruce Trail Club, Bridges Niagara Immigrant and Refugee Services and PFLAG Niagara for a Rainbow-Welcome Hike at Louth Conservation Area!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful conservation area, which has two waterfalls!

What is a Rainbow-Welcome Hike?

These hikes aim to bring 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers together with other newcomers and community members, friends and allies to enjoy nature and connect to the land.

It is an affirming space for people of diverse backgrounds and identities. Everyone is welcome.  We will have Bruce Trail PRIDE stickers for all hikers, and a limited number of PRIDE badges if you don’t yet have one!

Hike Details

Route:  This hike loops around Louth Conservation area side trails and the Bruce Trail for about 5 km, visiting both the main waterfall and the lower falls.

Terrain: The terrain has some ups and downs along the escarpment edge and into and out of the valley. At this time of year, it can be muddy, icy or both. We will adjust the pace to the group but be prepared for some rocky, uneven footing and clambering up and down. We recommend using hiking poles and wearing good hiking shoes is a must. If the weather conditions are snowy or icy, icers/microspikes may be needed. Carry water and dress for changeable weather.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWWRPcRWMHEJwNbi8

Note: There are no toilets on this route.

***Please arrive by 9:50 to check in with the hike leader for departure at 10.

There is a small parking lot at the entrance to the conservation area and additional parking along Sue Ann Staff Avenue.  We will meet at 9:50 at the parking lot to check in before heading out at 10.

Urban Walk; Rouge Park Christmas Hike

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Rouge National Park, Toronto, Ontario

Hike Leader(s): Brian Rideout Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Challenging, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 10.17 km

Description

Please join me for a holiday hike in the Rouge National Urban Park, which has been voted by some members as my best and exhilarating one.  On this hike, you can expect rolling hills, and stunning vistas, including the largest remaining wetland in the City of Toronto.

The hike starts at the Toronto Zoo entrance.   To get there, you can meet me at Kennedy TTC station by 9:55 am for a 42-minute bus ride, or you can take the 85 Sheppard East bus route from Don Mills Station or Rouge Hill GO station.  If driving, consider parking for free next to the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre (Pearse House), GPS (43.81780727235202, -79.17176449225887), where the hike ends, and walk over to the Toronto Zoo entrance. This walk is about 10 minutes.

Please bring at least 2 liters of water, a snack and dress for the cold. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring icers just in case. Expect some hilly terrain.

Apres-hike at The Stone Cottage Pub, to share the holiday season with fellow hikers.  Please wear Holiday colors and bring your appetite.

Here is an online map of our route (https://onthegomap.com/s/9mpj477d) Rouge Park Map

Update: The Park Rd entrance to Rouge National Urban Park is closed for construction of the new visitor centre. This includes a portion of Vista Trail from the platform area to the road therefore Orchard Trail and Vista Trail do not connect at this time. Parking at the Rouge Valley Conservation Area is very small and reserved for RVCC visitors, not park users. Parking is available at 55 Twyn Rivers Drive or at 7450 Kingston Rd. Here’s a link to the information bulletin for the closure: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge/securite-safety/bulletins/06cbeb39-d081-4e5d-9a38-981ff1875baf.  The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre is hosting its own event on Dec 13th and will require the use of their parking lot.

Update: I can confirm that there is no parking available in the park.  If driving you will have to park at the Toronto Zoo.  There is some construction underway at the Zoo so the available parking space is reduced but spots should be available.  Also, the portion of the Vista Trail near the existing Visitor Center in the park is blocked by a construction site.  However, we can skirt the construction site outside the fence without violating the ‘no trespass’ prohibition, at least I was able to On December 7.

Update:  There is a steep hill that we go down.  You will be unable to descend safely without icers.  Trekking poles are strongly recommended.