Hike Schedule

Sunday at the Marsh - Hendrie Valley and Woodland Cemetery

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): RBG Centre Parking – across from Easterbrook’s 694 Spring Gardens Road

Hike Leader(s): Kathrin Koenig Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: Approx 7 km

Description

Please be at parking by 8:15 am as the hike will leave promptly at 8:30 am.

Please bring your poles and icers; dress in layers to keep warm. Bring enough water and snacks to suit your needs.

We will start by following the outer road at Woodland Cemetery and pick up Grindstone Marsh Trail at Sunfish Pond. Following Grindstone Marsh Trail into Hendrie Valley, we will loop our way along the North and South Bridle Trail to Cherry Hill Gate and back to the cars. There is a set of stairs, one steep downhill section, and a couple of smaller hills. Be prepared for some potentially icy conditions. Please bring your icers/crampons just in case.

Please leave dogs at home.

Easterbrook’s Hot Dog Stand is open all winter for anyone wishing to stop in for a bite to eat.

Please note, the hike might be canceled due to extreme weather, or unsafe trail conditions. A cancellation email will be sent to all registered hikers.

Any questions may be directed through contact on this form.

In the event you are no longer able to attend, please remove yourself from registration by following these steps:

– Sign into your account on the BTC website
– Click on My Hikes under your account
– This will take you to a list of hikes you have registered for
– Scroll down to the appropriate hike and cursor over to the far right hand column under the Action column.
– Click Cancel under the hike you wish to cancel

Frosty Five Weekend - Hike Five

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet north of the intersection of Cataract Road and Mississauga Road at the Elora Cataract Trailway Trail Head. Google Coordinates: 43.813120, -80.028656.

Directions: From ON-10 head west on Charleston Sideroad/Peel Regional Rd. 24 for 5.5 km. Turn left onto Mississauga Rd. and drive for 1.0 km. Park on west shoulder.

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 11 km

Description

Beat the winter blues! Register individually for one, a few, or all of the Frosty Five Blues hikes. Participants who complete all five hikes are eligible to receive a CHBTC Winter badge and a Sideways badge on the final hike. Hike Five explores the trails within the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Hiking boots and icers/crampons are required. (Note:  If you wish to purchase badges, the cost of each badge is $10.00 for BTC members and $15.00 for non-members.) Everyone is welcome to join!

Car Hike: Jefferson Forest (Richmond Hill)

Hosting Club: Toronto

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 (km): 10-12 km

Description

Let’s roll the hills of the Jefferson Forest this winter! Every weekend, we’ll explore the winter wonderland at this beautiful park. Located in the heart of Richmond Hill, it boasts numerous hiking trails. This 3-hour hike can range from 10 to 12 kilometres, depending on the weather conditions. Remember to bring water, snacks, hiking boots, icers, poles, and your camera. Not recommended for beginners. Park in the free Bethesda parking lot and avoid parking along the road. Dress appropriately for the weather. Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate).

Please arrive @8:45AM for start of 9:00AM.

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

CANCELLED - Caledon North

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the parking lot at the Mono Centre Park 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 of Mono Centre Community Centre, we will hike the main trail and around the Turnbull, Springwater, Whitetail Refuge and Third Outlier Side Trails and back along the main trail into Mono Cliffs to the Laidlaw Side Trail to the cars. Bring icers for your boots.  Hike is dependent on weather.

Car Hike: Hike #3 of 5 to earn the Toronto Side Trails Badge!

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at the Trafalgar & 401 Commuter Lot (43.571569, -79.831797) and then carpool to the start of each hike.

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

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr), Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot)
Distance (km): 9.24 km

Description

This is the third in a series of five hikes that will be offered approximately one Sunday per month so that participants can earn the Toronto Side Trails Badge during the winter and early spring.  Each out-and-back hike will cover a distance of 8-11 km and be hiked at a leisurely to moderate pace (approximately 3 km/h).  Please note that the hikes will be posted separately on the BTC calendar – you will have to register for each hike that you’re interested in joining.

For this second hike we will explore two side trails in the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail: the Bennett Heritage Trail and the Maureen Smith Side Trail.

Please dress appropriately for a winter hike by dressing in layers (wear an inner layer that wicks sweat away from your skin, a middle layer that keeps you warm, and an outer layer that protects you from wind and snow), wearing gloves/mittens and a toque, and wearing warm and comfortable footwear that has good traction in snow/ice (icers placed over your boots work great!).  Hiking poles or walking sticks are an asset since they will help keep you balanced if the ground is slippery.  As well, make sure you bring enough water and food for a 3-4 hour hike since we’ll be covering a total distance of 9.24 km over terrain that has some hills and exposed rocks.

Since parking might be limited at the places we’ll be hiking in this hike series, we will meet at the Trafalgar & 401 Commuter Lot (43.571569, -79.831797) and then carpool to the start of each hike.  Please be prepared to participate in each carpool by ensuring you have space in your car if you are not already carpooling with others to the Commuter Lot meeting point.

After the hike, interested participants can join me at the Tim Horton’s on Trafalgar Road just a bit south of Highway 401 for some post-hike refreshment.

Looking forward to exploring some of Toronto’s side trails with you!

Porcupine Hill Land Steward Snow Shoe

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Winter Hikes
Location (Google Maps): **Snow Shoe Hike** Meet at Borchardt Parking Lot by Devil’s Monument on Cape Chin N.

Hike Leader(s): Tamara Wilson 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: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths.
Distance: 4 km

Description

Proceed South on the Main Trail off the parking lot until we reach the unmarked Land Steward access Trail which goes to the back of the Bruce Trail’s 100 acre Cape Chin Woods. Show shoers will proceed through towering beech, popular, maple and cedar forests to Porcupine Hill that marks the back of the property. In and out is approximately 4 km. Bring your own snow shoes and poles or contact Sun Trails in Hepworth for rentals (at your expense). Note: this is not an official Bruce Trail and only accessible in winter. This is an unmarked Trail which will be lead by the Land Steward of Cape Chin Woods, Tim Wilson. The Parking will be free at this time of year. This may be strenuous depending on the amount of snow. There is no option for hiking – this will be a snow shoe. Approximately 2 hours, Bring your lunch and warm up with a hot beverage together afterwards.

Urban Walk: Rosedale Ravines

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

Meet Pleasant Blvd Exit, St Clair Subway Station

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 1 (Easy – mostly on flat, well maintained trails with hard-packed surface), Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 10 km

Description

Join us for a morning circular walk through David Balfour Park, Park Drive Reservation, the Evergreen Brickworks, Moore Park Ravine and Mount Pleasant Cemetery. On this walk we find nature close to the heart of the city.

9:00 NOTL BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #3 of 4: Richard Pierpoint and The Coloured Corps

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on King St. at Centre

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6 km

Description

Since 1995, the government in has Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month. Each year, Black History Month honours the experiences, achievements and enduring contributions of Black communities in Canada, while deepening our collective understanding of their history and impact on Canadian society. This year’s theme: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire future generations.

During the hikes in this series, you will learn about Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Black history. You will find out about some of those who fought enslavement, and how they were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. Richard Pierpoint is one such Canadian, who lived in the Niagara area. Watch a short video by Historica Canada about his life by opening the link below.

https://youtu.be/UQyPXOHvwEc?si=2ZPGIHDrybxv11f

*Hikers should be prepared for the season: layered clothing, boots, hydration, a snack, hiking poles and icers.  We will stop several times along the way. There is a washroom available at the end of the hike.

This counts as 1 of 3 required for the Black History badge. Check the Hike Schedule on Feb 2nd & 9th for additional hikes. There will be a short break between hikes on the same day.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are opened to all and offered in a spirit of mutual learning and inclusion.

11:00 NOTL BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #4 of 4: The Early Niagara Community

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on King St. at Centre

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

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

Description

Since 1995, the government in Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month.

This hike will give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength and perseverance of the early Black community here in Upper Canada.

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) has a significant and nation-shifting Black history. Voices from the past will tell stories, enriching hikers’ understanding of how they shaped this town and nation.

See link below for a brief overview of NOTL’s Black History.

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/niagara-on-the-lake-s-black-history-niagara-historical-society-museum/-QXR3nRTdnmqJw?hl=en

*Prepare for this urban adventure with hydration, snack, hiking poles, icers etc. The sidewalks and roads can be icy.

**This hike counts as 1 of the 3 required hikes towards the Black History badge. Check the February hike schedule for additional hikes. You can bring the $10 or make an e-transfer to receive your badge at the end of the hike.

Consider a visit the NOTL Museum after the hike; it opens at 1:00 pm. There you will see numerous artifacts on this subject.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are open to all and offered in a spirit of mutual leaning and inclusion.

9:00 Long Hike Wiley Road, Short Hills

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

Short Hills parking lot C, Wiley Road

Hike Leader(s): Jacques Boilard Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10km

Description

Explore Short Hills and majestic side trail of Scarlett Tanager, Hemlock, Swayze Falls and Terrace. Register for each hike.

Bring poles, icers, snack and dress according to the weather

WINS hike - West Rocks

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Snowshoe Hike
Location (Google Maps): Click the (Google Maps) link on the left to direct you to parking. GPS coordinates:44.55150, -80.95865. Park at the end of Concession 3, located 1.7 km north of Grey Rd 5. Look on the Bruce Trail app or in the Bruce Trail Reference guidebook Edition 31, Map 32 just north of km 96.1

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

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, There might be icy and slippery sections.
Distance: 5 km

Description

The Walk In Nature Series (WINS) consists of  2 hour 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.  Consider these hikes to be appointments with yourself in nature that promote health and fitness.

On this WINS snowshoe hike, explore the trails of West Rocks Management Area in their winter coat.  The pace will be 2-3 km/h which on snowshoes is the effort of a medium paced hike in summer. We will loop around the red trail, avoiding other trails with crevices. Registrants will be sent an email the day before the hike with an update of trail conditions and what to bring.

See you soon!

8:30 Niagara Winter End to End #6 Woodend Conservation Area to Queenston Southern BTC Terminus

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Queenston Heights Park (washroom building street parking) and Car Pool to Woodend

Hike Leader(s): Sam Rutherford Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 14.5 kms

Description

We will be car pooling, Bring Icers and poles. No dogs. To earn your Niagara Winter End to End badge, it must be completed between December 21, 2025  to  March 21, 2026.
Because of the potential for bad winter trail conditions we have broken this e2e into 6 hikes rather than 5. Main parking lot will be closed for winter so park near the washroom building. Parking fees may be required.

If you have completed all 6 hikes bring $10 for the coveted Winter End to End Badge

Niagara E2E Winter - 3 of 5 (Wednesdays)

Hosting Club: Niagara, Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Rockway Community Centre, enter off Pelham Rd just east of Wessel Dr (15), 43.111255,-79.321901. We will shuttle to Decew House Heritage Park, enter from Decew Rd (10), 43.107568,-79.249598

Hike Leader(s): Steven White Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 16.8 km

Description

The Niagara E2E Winter in 5 will be Wednesdays Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25. Hikers must register for individual hikes. Hikes are 14-18 kms and expect an average pace of 4 km/hr with snack/lunch breaks.

Hikers should be prepared for the season – layered clothing, hiking boots, icers, snowshoes (if we get fresh snowfall), poles, water, snacks/lunch, first aid kit.

Hikers should be prepared to share their cars for shuttling – to be shared evenly.

If we encounter unsafe hiking or driving conditions, I will cancel/re-schedule the hike the day before. If you are unable to join us on the day of the hike, please text me at 289-242-9415

CANCELLED - Hilton Falls on the Bike Trails

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 in the parking lot at 9:15 am, we will hike to the Falls and then across the creek to the bike trails and back along the Hilton Falls Side Trail.  Bring icers for your boots.  Reserve your time at conservationhalton.ca

Brisk Fridays - Skinner's Woods

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Snowshoe Hike
Location (Google Maps): Click the (Google Maps) link on the left to direct you to parking. GPS coordinates: 44.77675, -81.03972. Park at the curve on Gleason Lake Road, 2.0 km north of Concession Rd 24. Hike route from parking follows Curly Harnden Side Trail, then Main Trail southboud, and return to parking by Skinner’s Woods Side Trail and Len Holley Side Trail. Find these trails on the Bruce Trail app or in the Bruce Trail Reference guidebook Edition 31, Map 35.

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

Pace: Brisk: 4 to 5 km/h
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, There are crevices or holes which may be hidden by layers of snow. Hike with extreme caution., There might be icy and slippery sections.
Distance: 9 km

Description

This strenuous snowshoe hike is mostly in the Skinner’s Bluff Management Area, through stately mature forests, along its cedar-lined cliff and returning inland through mixed forest. Our actual pace will be between 2.5 and 3.0 km/h which requires an effort that matches what would be required on a summer hike of a brisk pace of 4-5 km/h.  Be prepared for a good workout in the snow despite a flat terrain.  Registrants will receive an email the day before the hike with an update of trail conditions and what to bring. Snowshoeing 9 km is no easy feat, but if you’re up to the challenge, you are most welcome!

9am Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre St, NOTL

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 different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

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

City of Waterfalls – Special Event Fundraiser

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: City of Waterfalls – Special Event Fundraiser
Location (Google Maps): DAY 1: FEB 14 – Parking lot at City View Park off of Kerns Rd. Enter from Dundas St. (capacity 50) 43.351747, -79.862195
DAY 2: FEB 15 – Parking Lot off of Mud St providing access to the Mud Street Side Trail (capacity 30)

Hike Leader(s): IgorT Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: Approximately 22-25km / per day

Description

Welcome to Iroquoia, City of Waterfalls Challenge! This is a fundraiser challenge event. All funds raised go towards the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club to maintain the infrastructure of this beautiful section of trail and to “Preserve this ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever!”

DAY 1: FEB 14 – We will meet at Cityview Park and car shuttle to Spencer Gorge Parking Lot (Conservation Hamilton) and hike back. The cost at this parking lot is $16.50 per vehicle and driver plus $5.50 for each passenger.
Day 1 Distance 21km

DAY 2: FEB 15 – We will meet in the parking area off of Mud St and car shuttle to Artaban Rd Parking Lot (Conservation Hamilton) and hike back. The cost for this parking lot is $11.00 per vehicle.
Day 2 Distance 24 km

Please ensure your vehicle is car shuttle ready by having a minimum of 4 seatbelts available – drivers do not pay for the parking. Please volunteer for this important component of this challenge. While we encourage carpooling to the start of the hike, please let the hike leader know if you’re planning to arrive with more than two people in your vehicle.  This hike will be limited to 10 people including the hike leader so we will need at least 3 vehicles and one vehicle with 4 seatbelts to drive the drivers back at the end of the day. We will try to take as few vehicles as possible. On the second day, those who did not drive on the first day will be asked to drive.

There will be short breaks along the way to admire the waterfalls on route and a short lunch.

Please bring all the hiking items  you require for a long day hike including 2l of water, snacks, lunch, first aid kit, rain gear if rain is forecast, plastic shower caps for your boots if muddy, bug spray, sunscreen, rimmed hat, poles (if you use them) and your camera for all the photo ops. Please ensure you are physically able to complete two long day hikes over two days – if you must drop out, you will have to arrange your own transportation back to your vehicle. There is public transportation, Uber, and taxi’s in the area. If you are concerned about whether you will be able to manage the distance over the two day period, it’s possible that you may need to wait until a 4 day version of this event is posted.

The badge will be presented to all participants who have completed the challenge at the end of the second day.

Any questions may be directed through contact on this form.

The fee is non-refundable.

Happy St. Valentine’s Day Hike - Meet time 8:45 for 9am start

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Dundas Valley Conservation Area – Meet in the big parking lot at 8:45am

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Approx 10km

Description

Please wear red, if you like. Dress in layers for the weather, bring your icers just in case and poles if you use them. We will hike in the DVCA and show our ❤️ for the trail. Afterwards, we will have a treat or two and refreshments at the Trail Centre.

Canada Goose to Speyside (E2E)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 9:15 in the parking lot on 22 Side Rd, just off Fourth Line.

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 Bruce Trail parking lot on 22 Side Rd, just off Fourth Line, we will carpool to 15 Side Road and hike back along the main trail and Canada Goose Side Trail.  There are some rocky parts to this hike, so be prepared.  Bring icers for your boots.  Hike is dependent on weather.

RAINBOW HIKE: Downtown Dundas to Rock Chapel & Beyond

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet downtown Dundas, corner of Sydenham and King

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, Slippery and Steep Sections, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Approx. 12 km

Description

We’re not saying this Rainbow winter hike ends at a pub featured in Episode 3 of the sensational Heated Rivalry gay-hockey TV series…but we are saying the post-hike warm-up will not—to quote Ilya—“be boring.” 🏒🌈 IYKYK

Layer up, lace up, and join your chosen hiking family for a Rainbow hike, followed by a well-earned stop at the Winchester Arms in downtown Dundas. (For a sneak peek, rewatch Episode 3 🙂🌈)

This queer-led, all-inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ hike is designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for 2SGBTQIA+ hikers—including trans, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, Two-Spirit, intersex, asexual, allies and friends. Show up, be your authentic self—and have fun in the snow.

This hike is accessible by Public Transit or car. No car shuttles are required. We’ll begin hiking from our rendezvous spot in downtown Dundas, and follow the trail back to the starting point. (Everyone is invited to join us for a post-hike coffee/sugar hit in Dundas.)

Today’s heart-healthy route: Get your blood pumping as we head up the main trail to Sydenham Lookout at the top of Dundas Peak. The first 45 minutes are the most challenging. The route includes Borer’s Falls and Rock Chapel. We’ll hike as far as the “no dogs allowed private property” stretch and retrace our route with optional detours to explore. Expect great views and relaxed camaraderie. SPECIAL TO THIS HIKE: Back in the summer, an unnamed hike leader failed to deliver on the promised visit to the fabled Skate Park (where you’d least expect it on Dundas Peak). It’s on today’s itinerary.

Icers are required for this hike. Please contact Hike Leader now (right after you register if you need to borrow a pair. Limited supply. Just click on the “contact hike leader” button above.

Meeting Place: We’ll rendezvous at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. departure beside Ed & Shawn’s Brewery parking lot (65 Hatt St., Dundas, off Sydenham), next to the TD Bank. Parking is free on Saturdays. The parking lot is accessible from Sydenham.

Getting to Dundas by Transit
Choice of two HSR bus routes: The 05–Head Street (via Downtown Dundas) will let you off at King & Sydenham (across the street from where we meet); the 5B–Pirie at Governors will drop you off at Governors Road and Ogilvie (then it’s a 7-minute walk to King & Sydenham.

What to Bring:
• Water (It’s very easy to get dehydrated in winter), snacks, and lunch, perhaps a hot beverage.
• Sunscreen (glare off snow will give you a winter tan), sunglasses, hiking boots, icers (a must) .
• Dress in layers.

Today’s hike is dog-friendly. Note: dogs must be leashed the entire time, and owners must pack out their dog’s waste. Visit “Dogs on the Bruce Trail” for further information. https://brucetrail.org/dogs-on-the-trail/

No washroom facilities on this route. Arrive early and use the loo at Starbucks, just a 2-minute walk down King Street from our meet-up spot at King & Sydenham.

Free Bruce Trail Rainbow badges for first-time Rainbow hikers!
Questions? Simply click “Contact Hike Leader” on the registration form.

PLEASE DON’T BE A NO-SHOW 🙂 Plans change. C’est la vie. But you don’t want your hiking group waiting around for you if you’re not coming. Very simple solution: Cancel your Bruce Trail hike registration by logging into the BTC website, go to your “My Hikes” section, find the hike, and click “cancel”; if it’s last minute (under 24 hours), you can also email the Hike Leader directly as a courtesy to the volunteers.

Vday 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 better way to spend Valentine’s Day than embracing love and nature in good company!

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 intentionally affirming space for people of diverse backgrounds and identities.

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 or icy, uneven footing and ups and downs. We recommend using hiking poles and wearing good hiking shoes is a must. If the weather conditions are snowy or icy, icers/microspikes will 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.

Celebrate Winter Series - Fairway Meadows and Little Cove

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Winter Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Little Cove, Tobermory

Hike Leader(s): Owen and Marg Glendon 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.
Distance: ~ 6 1/2 km

Description

Beat the winter blahs! February is a time to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Join us for a social winter snowshoe hike through the quiet beauty of Fairway Meadows and Little Cove.

This 6.5 km route winds through mixed woodland, open meadow, and a stand of pine plantation, offering ever-changing winter scenery along mostly flat terrain. Our pace will be steady and comfortable for those familiar with this distance in the snow.

To wrap up our outing, be our valentine and join us for a short, optional “winter picnic” at scenic Little Cove. Valentine snacks provided, just bring your thermos with a hot beverage.

Plan for approximately 3 hours of hiking, plus a little additional time at Little Cove’s shoreline.