Hike Schedule

Hiking 101 - Sept 14, 21 & 28, 2025

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Register
Location (Google Maps): Sept 14, Queenston
Sept 21, Woodend
Sept 28, Kinsmen

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 4-5km

Description

Hiking 101 is an introductory course for novice hikers, members and non-members alike.  If you want some guidance on where to begin, what to wear, and what to take along, this is the course for you. The course is 3  Sunday afternoon sessions with a combination of workshop/Q& A followed by short hikes along the trail.  Dress in weather appropriate clothing and wear good walking shoes.

Time:  11:00 am – 1:30pm

Meeting locations:  Sunday, Sept 14- Queenston Heights Park, Niagara River Pkwy, near the Bruce Trail CairnN 43.157826  W 79.052045, Paid parking.

Sunday, Sept 21- Woodend Conservation Area, Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, N43.148280, W79.156708

Sunday Sept 28 – Kinsmen Park, Frost Rd. Lincoln, N43.146108, W79.475609

Registration is Members $30, Non-Members $40.  Upon completing the three sessions, you will receive a FREE tube scarf ($15 value)

Hike Training Team:

Margaret Northfield, Diane Marlatt, Jim Arcangeletti & Ken Martin

Speyside to Vanderleck ST return

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Speyside Pear Tree parking lot on 15 Side Road 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

We will hike the main trail from Speyside, to the Al Shaw ST, Hilton Falls ST and onto the Vanderleck ST up to 17 Side Road and then return the same way.  There are some very technical (rocky) sections on this hike but no major hills.  Bring bug spray/bug net and a snack, as needed.

Peter Beecham Side Trail

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Tuesday Hike
Location (Google Maps):

(Google Maps) Caledon Hills Section, Map 18. Meet at roadside parking on 4th Line East, Mono 1.5 km north of 5 Sideroad.

Hike Leader(s): Tony Evangelista, Les Babbage, Inge Eckerich, Julie Daley Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: Long Hike 5 km Short Hike 2.7 km

Description

From roadside parking at km 54.9, we will hike west via the Peter Beecham Side Trail and Main Trail until we reach  3rd Line EHS. At this point, we will retrace our steps and return to the parking lot, connecting with the Griffith Ravine Side Trail at Km 56.2 along the way.

For a shorter trip, hikers can join the Griffith Ravine Side Trail at km 56.2 and return to the parking lot. (2.7 km hike)

Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.  Hiking poles are recommended.

Sydenham Fundraiser End to End in Eight Days Sept 17 - Badge Hike - Sept 24/25 7:45am Please read all details for this hike before registering.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Sydenham
Category: Stained Glass Badge End to End Fundraiser Hike
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Trail Parking Lot on East side of Grey Rd 12

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: The entire section is about 175km which will be split over 8 continuous days. Approx. 20-25km per day

Description

Welcome to Sydenham Bruce Trail Club – This end to end will cover the entire section over 8 days. While the section is approx 175km in length, there are about 50km on road, mostly backroads.

Overview

This is a special series of 8  hikes to complete the Sydenham section of the Bruce Trail.  The organization, guidance, logistics and the Hart’s Tongue stained glass badge, designed by Joe Borges is included in your fee. Proceeds support the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club which in turn supports the Bruce Trail Conservancy mission to “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

For this E2E in 8, we will be following the main trail southbound from Wiarton eventually finishing in Blantyre. Please note that you are signing up for the entire series of 8 hikes as a Group Hike. The Sydenham in 8 ETE is geared to experienced long distance hikers with the expectation of a 3  to 5.0 km/ hr. pace maintained over a 20km plus day.  The section is approximately 175km so daily distances will be based on available parking. No dropout points have been established and therefore hikers who must drop out, will be responsible for their own transportation back to their vehicle. Please note that transportation back to your vehicle is very limited in this section.  We will hike at a steady pace but there will be plenty of time to take pictures and to enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful section.  This particular set of 8 hikes is intended to be Moderate/Brisk.  Please be honest about your degree of physical fitness and abilities prior to registration. It is a group hike so it is important you are able to keep pace with the person in front of you.

Attire and Daily Hikes. 

Hikers will be expected to be wearing proper hiking boots and layered clothing with the expectation of cool or warm and possibly wet weather.  Sufficient food and at least 2l of water for a full day of hiking is required as well as hiking poles (if you use them), and wet weather gear is strongly recommended. Bug spray is also suggested. Clothing adjustments, bio-breaks are as needed. Please let the sweep person know and they will wait for you. A morning break around 10am and a 10-15 minute on-trail lunch break will be scheduled. An afternoon break will be based on our expected finish time. Depending on weather conditions, these times may vary. Everyone must carry a First Aid kit.

Missing Hikes/Making-up Hikes

This is a group hike and it is intended that all participants plan to attend each day. If you intend to participate in the entire 8 days but absolutely must miss one day,  you may self-complete this day on your own and still qualify for the stained glass badge. You must make the day up prior to finishing the hike.  Since this is a car shuttle hike, please ensure your vehicle is car shuttle ready for 4 other passengers. All participants will be expected to take turns either driving to the start or driving the drivers back at the end of the day. Carpooling to our meeting spot with 2 people in the car is generally ok but we would like to minimize and equalize the driving/shuttling as much as possible so it is fair for all participants.

Parking Fees

Some parking locations might require paid parking.  The fee for this E2E-in-8 does not include any parking/entry fees for hikers. These costs, where applicable, will be shared amongst all participants unless you have a parking or park pass.

Leave No Trace

Please remember, like all hikes, this is a Leave No Trace hike. Pack out whatever you pack in. Do not toss anything onto or into any sections of the trail. We will also try to leave the trail better than we found it so we will be collecting any trail trash along the way if there is any.

Dogs will not be welcome on this hike.

Accommodations

It is strongly recommended you make reservations for accommodations for this hike if you are participating from out of town. Accommodations can be made anywhere but Owen Sound has many motels to choose from as well as the KOA Campground. It is pretty central to the northern and the southern sections of the Sydenham section of trail. If  you would like a roommate, I can share your email with any other registered participants who are also looking for shared accommodations. Please let me know.

Daily

We meet for each hike by at least 7:45am each day. A schedule for meeting and start locations will be sent to each participant in May. We will hike southerly each day. The schedule is subject to change.

First day of hiking is Sept 17 – last day is Sept 24.

To the Pits and Back

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

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. 7 km.

Description

Join us in hiking this lovely section of trail between Kilbride Park and the Calcium Pits on Twiss Rd. The trail goes through pleasant woodland, past the remains of rock fences left from pioneer times, through some rocky areas and past the old calcium pits. Meet behind Kilbride Public School near the tennis courts at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and insect repellent. I will send out an email a few days before with my cell number.

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.

Kilbride to Twiss Rd return - Afternoon Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Afternoon/Evening Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the parking lot behind the school in Kilbride at 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: 6.5 kms

Description

Meeting in the parking lot behind the Kilbride School, we will hike along the main trail to Twiss Road and turn around and hike back. There is some technical footing near the Twiss Road end of the trail, but otherwise this is a fairly easy hike. Bring bug spray/bug net and water.

Iroquoia Club End-to-End – 4 days (Two concurrent weekends)

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
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions
Distance: 122km (30-35 each day) – Self-paced with checkpoint deadlines

Description

Please join us for the annual Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club self-paced End-to-End. You can enjoy and complete the entire club distance of 122 km over four days (approximately 30-35km each day).

**NEW THIS YEAR: We will have an all new End-To-End badge in 2025**

Please be honest about your physical abilities. These 4 days are not recommended for new hikers or anyone who hasn’t completed these distances recently.
The registration fee is non-refundable.

The hikes will traverse the varied and often strenuous terrain from Grimbsy in the south, to the 401 in Milton. You will pass many waterfalls and beautiful vistas. Checkpoint stations will be approximately every 10 km offering snacks, water refill, and assistance. Please bring your own First Aid Kit.

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. The fee is non-refundable.  After costs, the proceeds go to the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club who support The Bruce Trail Conservancy mission of “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

Registration opens at 8am on March 29, 2025 for Bruce Trail Conservancy members only. You may be a member of any club. If any spots are still available after the first two weeks, registration will also be opened for non-members at a cost of $110.

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 use the contact hike leader form available through the link on this page.

Car Hike: #1/7 Iroquoia Bruce Trail End-to-End - 19 KM

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking on Kimerly Dr.

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin

Pace: Brisk (4-5 km/hr)
Terrain: Challenging, Flat, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: 19 km

Description

It’s time for the fall colors—and no autumn feels complete without a hike on the Bruce Trail.

This is the first hike of a End-to-End series covering the entire Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail. The full section stretches over 120 kilometers from Grimsby to Milton. I am using Map Edition 29 to plan the hikes, and so please note that kilometer markings may not be fully up to date, and actual hiking distances may vary slightly.

Meeting Point:
KM29.5. Roadside parking on Kimerly Dr. Hamilton. GPS: 43.227607, -79.813513. Please arrive before 8:45am to allow time for car shuttle coordination.

We will car shuttle to KM46.7, the starting point of the hike at Dundas Valley Conservation Parking lot(paid parking lot) on Artaban Rd, 180 m north of Lion’s Club Rd.  GPS: N 43.240974, W 79.975582.

The group will then hike from KM46.7 back to KM29.5. We will add a bit fun by climbing up and down the Wentworth Steps Side Trail, a set of 498 steel steps.

All drivers are expected to participate in the car shuttle, either before or after the hike. All hikers are expected to chip in for the parking fees.

Important Notes:

• Wear sturdy hiking footwear and dress appropriately for the weather
• Bring snacks, lunch, and at least 1.5L of water
• No dropouts available.
• No pets.

Queenston Loop

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet in Locust Grove, Niagara River Parkway, Queenston

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 9-10km

Description

We will be hiking down the escarpment into the village of Queenston.  After touring around Queenston we will be heading back up the escarpment to Queenston Heights Park. Mixture of trail and road walking.

Scotsdale Farm Duff Pit loop

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the main parking lot at Scotsdale Farm.

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

There are so many trails here that it’s hard to choose where to go. But this hike will take us down the main trail to the Side Trails of Duff Pit, Reservoir, Trafalgar Rd and Great Esker to the main trail and Maureen Bennett Side Trail and finishing on the Bennett Heritage Trail. Bring bug spray/bug net and plenty of water.

Saturday Shorts: Glen Haffy

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the roadside parking on Coolihans Sideroad, km 35.0 Map 17, near where the Trail crosses the road. This is just west of the intersection of Glen Haffy Road and Coolihans Sideroad (even though the GPS coordinates are showing just to the east). It is best to aim for arriving around 10:15, so we can start hiking as close to 10:30 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 6 km

Description

Looking to get out on a Saturday but not give up your whole day? This Glen Haffy hike might be the one for you! We’ll hike the main Bruce Trail and conservation trails to make an approximately 6 km route. The pace will be a relaxed one, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of fall in the forest. Consider the following in your preparations: a hat, a jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, hiking boots/shoes, poles. You are encouraged to bring water and a snack as there will be a short break. No dogs please. You can expect a reminder/update message one or two days before the hike.

Urban Walk; Rouge Park

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

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales, Leila Damband Khameneh 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: 10-11 km

Description

Please join us for a September hike in Rouge National Urban Park, a unique asset right within Toronto’s boundaries. Enjoy scenic views, hopefully cooler temperatures, the large wetland area, and the trail through the Cedar Forest. Expect some “healthy” hills.

The hike will start at the Toronto Zoo entrance. To get there you may meet Tom at Union Station at 9:00 am in the Great Hall by the Travaler’s Aid information desk with the clock over it. We will take the 9:21 AM Lakeshore East GO Train to Rouge Hill station and transfer to TTC Route 200 seasonal service to the Toronto Zoo (free transfer if you have a Presto Card). You may also board at any Lakeshore East/West GO station or take TTC Route #86 from Kennedy Station (approximately 42 minutes) or Route #85 from Don Mills Sation (approximately 50 minutes). Note that the Zoo Road Day area is closed for construction of a new visitor centre. The adjacent parking is lot is also closed. We will finish at the campground on Kingston Road to the south so taking public transit is recomended. Unlike most urban walks within the city limits there will be no dropout points.

Bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch, snacks, layers appropiate to the weather conditions, and rain gear (if applicable).

Note that the toilet facilities in the southern section of the park are limited to a couple “portable potties” on Park Road and the Twyn Rivers Day Use area until construction is completed.

Optional Apres-hike stop at The Black Dog Pub on Island Road.

Here is a map of the proposed route: https://onthegomap.com/s/p9ql44rs