Hike Schedule

Steeltown Stomp Practice Session #9 of 10

Hosting Club: Iroquoia

Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Chedoke Golf Club parking lot

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Varies

Description

Is the Steeltown Stomp on your bucket list! Come join us!  For anyone who has done stair climbing workouts, you will know what calf pain is like, especially when you first start. Want to get in shape of the Steeltown Stomp on October 4, 2025? Practise with us!  We will start off easy and gradually build up our strength and stamina over the course of the summer. Climbing Chedoke staircase will be combined with a hike on most days. We will use both Chedoke and Dundurn Stairs as our practise stairs and buildup to at least 2,000 steps.

Bring a reusable water bottle (there are fountains at the bottom of both Chedoke and Dundurn) and any snacks you may like. Pace will be moderate, but steady to begin. We will start with a warm up hike and finish with a cool down stretch. Post stomp coffee is optional .

It’ll be fun and will lessen the pain on the day of the event, promise!

Look for the other 9 dates on the schedule.

Car Hike: Jefferson Forest and Bond Lake (Richmond Hill)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps):

1245 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A2 ( Bethesda Trail Head Parking lot)

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

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: 13-14 km

Description

Join us for a wonderful hike in Jefferson Forest and have a snack/lunch beside  the Bond Lake. We will hike among tall trees and bushes of the Jefferson Forest and across the Bayview-Yonge corridor to reach to the Bond Lake. Boots mandatory, poles recommended, bring at least 2L of water, bug spray, sunscreen, snack/lunch and dress according to the weather conditions. Please avoid parking along the road. Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate)

Please arrive @7:45 AM for start of 8:00AM.

This is a joint hike with the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA).

Car Hike: Duncan Crevices Caves Provincial Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Toronto, Beaver Valley
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Duncan Crevices Caves Provincial Nature Reserve. Meet at the edge of 9th Sideroad, east of The Blue Mountain-Euphrasia Townline. KM 33.3 Map 25, Edition 31. GPS N423216, W80.469565

Hike Leader(s): Ross Estrella 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), Rocky
Distance: 11km

Description

At a  moderate pace we’ll hike Duncan Crevices Caves Provincial Nature Reserve and Chuck & Pat Grant Side Trail. We’ll have plenty of opportunity for photo shoot along the amazing beauty of the landscape passing thru Metcalf and Pinnacle Rocks. Please equip yourself with durable hiking shoe/boot and hiking poles if using it. Carry sufficient amount of liquid for hydration, snacks/lunch. Bring sunscreen, sun hat protection and bug repellent as our friendly mosquitos may welcome us.

Please arrive fifteen minutes early at meet location at Km 33.3 on the edge of 9th Sideroad slightly east of Blue Mountain-Euphrasia Townline. GPS Coordinates: N44.423216, W80.469565 Map 25, Edition 31.

CANCELLED - Woolverton to Jones Rd (E2E)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 9:15 at the end of Jones Rd, off Hwy 8 just past Stoney Creek.

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: 9 kms

Description

Meeting at the end of Jones Rd at 9:15 am, we will carpool to Woolverton Rd and hike back. There are plenty of rocks and roots and a few hills.

Bring bug spray/bug net, plenty of water and a snack, as needed.

Escarpment Views

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps): Rock Chapel

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 7- 8 km.

Description

Join in this “easy does it hike” at Rock Chapel Sanctuary. The route consists of Rock Chapel Sanctuary  and Main Bruce Trails.  The route  follows the escarpment edge so we may get some good views where there is a break in the tree canopy. We’ll cross a delightful stone arched bridge before turning back and going east to Borers Falls and beyond. Meet in the parking lot on Rock Chapel Rd. at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. (Paid parking or an RBG pass) Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent and  and a snack. I will send out contact information a couple of days before the hike

Dyer's Bay Loop: Escarpment Views & Geological Wonders

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps): Borchardt Road parking lot (paid parking)

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

Pace: Leisurely (2.0 – 3.0 km/h): A relaxed pace with frequent breaks and a focus on enjoyment.
Terrain: Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: ~9km

Description

This loop hike in the Dyer’s Bay area offers a diverse and scenic experience, starting from the Borchard Road parking lot (paid parking) and following the main trail through a mix of forest, wetlands, and dramatic geological features. You’ll explore a series of side trails like the Devil’s Monument, Lillie Family, Minhinnick, and Cottrill Lake, each showcasing unique aspects of the Niagara Escarpment—from a dolostone arch and glacial pothole to stunning views of Georgian Bay. The hike combines rocky, slippery sections with more gentle forested paths, making it ideal for those looking for varied terrain. The pace will be leisurely to moderate, adjusted for conditions, and hiking poles are recommended due to rocky and wet areas. Bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential, and a light snack or lunch is a good idea. Enjoy this tranquil, geologically rich corner of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula!

Walk In Nature Series (WINS) - Pines and Clearview loop trails

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Health & Nature Hike
Location (Google Maps): At the trailhead, 498699 8th Concession N; take Hwy 26 and drive 2.5 km east of Van Dolders, Owen Sound then turn north onto 8th Concession N

Hike Leader(s): Stewart Brown Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Easy: Mostly flat and good footing., Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing
Distance: 5 km

Description

The Walk In Nature Series (WINS) consists of short loop hikes in the Sydenham section of the Bruce Trail that combine nature appreciation with fitness in a safe and welcoming group environment led by an experienced hike leader.  Hikes occur at least twice monthly on either Sunday mornings or early Tuesday evenings.  Consider these hikes to be 90 or 120 minute reset appointments with yourself in nature that promote health and fitness. WINS hikes are open to all ages and levels of hiking experience whether members or non-members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC).

An early evening hike is a great way to cool down on a summer day.  This hiking gem is located near Owen Sound and consists of 2 loop Side Trails, Pines and Clearview, which lead us back to our vehicles. The forested Pines loop is level with a smooth path.  Clearview Side Trail slopes down through a diverse forest to a pretty creek and climbs back to the main Bruce Trail where our hike follows along the foot of the escarpment affording close inspection of the interesting rock face.  We will visit the Polish Soldier tree on a section of the Main Trail, a fascinating place of historical significance.

There is a small parking lot for 3-4 vehicles. Other vehicles are to park on the west side of the road, facing back towards Highway 26.

If you need help with transportation to and from the hike, please contact the hike leader who will coordinate carpooling.

Come out and enjoy a summer evening after a day of work or leisure.  Be prepared for mosquitoes by covering up and possible mud depending on the weather.  Bring good footwear, some water, a snack and hiking poles if you so choose.

Thanks and see you soon.

Steeltown Stomp Practice Session #10 of 10

Hosting Club: Iroquoia

Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Chedoke Golf Club parking lot

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Varies

Description

Is the Steeltown Stomp on your bucket list! Come join us!  For anyone who has done stair climbing workouts, you will know what calf pain is like, especially when you first start. Want to get in shape of the Steeltown Stomp on October 4, 2025? Practise with us!  We will start off easy and gradually build up our strength and stamina over the course of the summer.
This is our last practise session and today we will meet at the bottom of Chedoke as usual but we will then travel to where the actual event starts at Mohawk 4 Ice then hike/climb stairs for the planned route all the way back to Chedoke.  A couple of modifications might be necessary.

Bring a reusable water bottle (there are fountains at the bottom of some of the staircases) and any snacks you may need. Pace will be moderate. We will start with a warm up hike and finish with a cool down stretch. Post stomp coffee is optional .

It’ll be fun and will lessen the pain on the day of the event, promise!

Look for the other 9 dates on the schedule.

Walk and Talk Rocks: Splitrock Narrows

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the BTC parking area (20 cars) northeast of km 8.9 in the Dufferin section off of 2nd Line EHS at the beginning of the Splitrock Side Trail. The lot is north of 25 Sideroad. This hike is just north of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. It is best to aim for arriving around 8:45, so we can start hiking as close to 9 am as possible. Thanks!

Hike Leader(s): Elizabeth Ganong Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Easy – mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approximately 4 km

Description

Let’s rock it out and explore the geology of Splitrock Narrows. We’ll hike at a leisurely pace over the approximately 4 km route as we look at Splitrock Narrows in a whole new way. Dr. Kathy Wallace will provide an introductory-level look at the geology of the area that welcomes your curiosity. Plan on a total time out less than two hours, a short snack/water break, and having your way of engaging with the trail expanded. You may wish to consider the following in your preparation: hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, poles, water, snack, rain gear. This interactive hike was created for a small group. No dogs please.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara, Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St and Centre St near the 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: 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

Afternoon Hike - Halton Agreement Forest

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Afternoon/Evening Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot on 6th Line, about 3 kms up from Campbellville Rd. Small parking lot so plan to arrive between 4 and 4:15 pm.

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: About 7 kms

Description

We will hike a few of the bike trails.  Bring bug spray/bug net and plenty of water.

Beaver Valley End to End Event (participants hike independently, no hike leader)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the Kolapore Uplands skiers parking lot on Grey County Road 2, 650 m south of where the trail crosses the road at km 23.8, Map 24, Edition 30 N44.422919, W80.405597. Plan to be there at 7:30 a.m. for sign in and bus loading. The bus will leave promptly at 8:00 a.m.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Strenuous, Some steep sections, Some rocky footing
Length of Hike: The 5 hikes range from approx. 22 km 26 km. You set your own pace but medium will get the job done in a timely fashion.

Description

Beaver Valley 2025 End-to-End
August 23, 24, 30, 31 and September 1
Please note that the event will be subject to current COVID protocols.  

Registration will be through the Bruce Trail Conservancy Online Calendar and will open at 8:30 a.m. on March 3, 2025. Registration is limited to 50 people because of parking area availability.  Once registration is full, names will be added to a wait list by the Online Calendar software. The registration fee of $120.00 includes the online registration fee, bus shuttle, checkpoint refreshments and the End-to-End badge. Hikers should have experience with hiking 20+ km in a day on challenging terrain.

Complete details of the event will be emailed to participants once registration is received. For more information contact beavervalleytrailactivities@gmail.com

School Bus Hike: Rama Powwow and the Ganaraska Trail

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:00
Return to City Time: 19:00
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Optional Items
Pick-Up Hwy 400 & Major Mackenzie Car Pool Lot ($.01)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Orillia

Hike Leader(s): Nijole Mockevicius, 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)
Distance: 8.5 km

Description

Rama PowWow is one of the biggest and best in Ontario. We have planned this hike to take in the Grand Entry at 1 pm when all the contestants will be dressed and dancing in their finest. Our morning hike takes place in the Scout Valley Park along part of the Ganaraska Trail. We will provide a shorter hike of 3 km for naturalists and photographers to observe the flowers and vegetation and birdlife in its woodlands of pine and hardwood with scattered wetlands. There is an option as well for a longer hike of 5.5 km. After a short noon-hour bus ride to the nearby Rama Reserve, we will have a couple of hours to watch the festivities and shop in the market stalls. We will then return to Orillia to begin our hiking again at the site of the remains of 5000-year-old Mnjikaning fish weirs. A late-afternoon 3 km hike along the Ganaraska Trail will take us past the Gordon Lightfoot sculpture park to a stop for ice cream before we head back to Toronto.

Bus departs 10 York Mills Rd at 8:00 AM and Major Mackenzie Dr and HWY 400 Park and Ride at 8:20 AM. If you wish to be picked up at the Major Mackenzie Dr and HWY 400 Park and Ride, type ‘yes’ in the additional information field. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. The bus waits for no one.

Admission to the pow-wow is $10 each, but it is free for those who are 60 or older and for those who are veterans. Payment will be collected on the bus (exact change please)

Saturday Shorts: Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 8 am at the parking area (10 cars) on 3rd Line, north of Hockley Road. (Note: We are not meeting at the main parking area on Hockley Road. Go north on 3rd Line. The parking area is on the east side of the road.) It is best to aim for arriving around 7:45, so we can start hiking as close to 8 am as possible. Thanks!

Hike Leader(s): Elizabeth Ganong Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 4 km

Description

Looking to get out on a Saturday but not give up your whole day? Saturday Shorts, a hiking series, will get you out in a small group on a short hike. This Saturday’s hike is a hilly challenge as we use side trails and the main trail to make a 4 km loop in the Hockley Valley Nature Reserve. Planning for a possibly hot or humid day, we’ll be hiking at a leisurely pace – around 3 km per hour – and taking short breaks. If you’re out for a fast-paced fitness hike, this plan for a hot day might not be the best one for you. Your preparations should include or at least consider: sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, water, a snack, poles. No dogs please.

Registrants can expect a reminder/update message one or two days before the hike.

RAINBOW HIKE & SWIM - Christie Lake Conservation Area

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Ed & Shawn Brewery Parking Lot

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 10 km (plus whatever distance you swim!)

Description

Join us for an LGBTQ-friendly, all-inclusive hike with beach time at beautiful Christie Lake Conservation Area, a short drive from downtown Dundas—with optional swimming time.

(Note: this hike includes a very short carpool component; see below).

Hike & Swim
We’ll do a scenic 10 km hike that includes the 6-km trail around Christie Lake with an additional 3-4 km along Spencer Creek Trail, parallel to Crooks’ Hollow Road. Those eager to swim can do the 6 km, and the rest will tackle a longer hike. Expect about 2.5-3 hours of hiking. Christie Lake features change rooms, washrooms, and pavilions, where we can have lunch. Full amenities listed here:
https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/christie-lake/

Meeting Place: We’ll rendezvous no later than 9:15 a.m. beside the Ed & Shawn’s Brewery parking lot (65 Hatt St., Dundas, off Sydenham). Gather by the benches outside the TD Bank at the far end of the lot. We’ll organize ourselves into a handful of cars for the short drive to Christie Lakes Conservation Area.

Carpool Plan:
To avoid every driver paying the $11.50 Christie Lake Conservation fee, we can carpool from the rendezvous spot in Dundas to Christie Lake. My Hamilton Conservation membership will cover the entrance fee for two cars and we can chip in to share costs of other cars. It will be minimal.

Getting to Dundas by Transit
HSR bus routes: 05–Head Street (via Downtown Dundas) or 5B–Pirie at Governors, depending on your origin. Please arrive by 9:20 a.m. at the latest.

What to Bring:
• Water (at least 2L), snacks, and lunch
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking boots/sturdy shoes, and a cap
• Swim gear, towel, sunglasses, and any beach extras

Free Bruce Trail Rainbow badges and stickers for all participants!
Questions for Doug? Simply click “Contact Hike Leader” on the registration form.

#2/5 Niagara Bruce Trail End-to-End - 16 KM

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at Glendale Ave & Welland Canal

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin

Pace: Brisk (4-5 km/hr)
Terrain: Challenging, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Rocky, Variable
Distance: 16 km

Description

The Niagara region is one of Canada’s most productive fruit-growing areas. Strolling along country roads lined with farms and orchards, you’ll see ripe peaches, plums, and grapes hanging from the trees and smell the sweet fragrance of the harvest in the air—you’ll truly understand why it’s called a Fruit Paradise. To make the most of the short harvest season, let’s hike the Niagara section of the Bruce Trail and if you are interested, visit local farms afterward—perhaps even enjoy some fruit picking!

This is the second of a five-hike End-to-End series covering the entire Niagara section of the Bruce Trail. The full section stretches over 80 kilometers from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Grimsby. I am using Map Edition 29, so please note that kilometer markings may not be fully up to date, and actual hiking distances may vary slightly.

Meeting Point:
Roadside parking lot at KM 18.2
GPS: 43.145572, -79.191214
(Off-road parking available on the north side of Glendale Ave, approximately 50 m east of the Welland Canal). Please arrive before 9:15am to give yourself time to coordinate the car shuttle.

We will car shuttle to the starting point of the hike at KM 33.5
GPS: 43.109881, -79.264384.
Parking area off Decew Rd.

The group will then hike from KM33.5 back to KM 18.2.
All drivers are expected to participate in the car shuttle, either before or after the hike.

Important Notes:

• Wear sturdy hiking boots and dress appropriately for the weather
• Bring bug spray (mosquitoes may be present)
• Bring snacks, lunch, and at least 1.5L of water
• No dropouts available.
• No pets .