Hike Schedule

Burlington Heritage Week / River & Ruin Historical Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Historical Hike
Location (Google Maps): Kilbride Park Parking Lot Behind the Kilbride School, access to Main Trail and Kilbride Pass

Hike Leader(s): Joe Borges Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 7.6 km

Description

Burlington Heritage Week Hike: River & Ruin

Join us for the special hike brought to you by Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club partnering with the City of Burlington for Heritage Week.

The theme this year is water, so we will hike through one of Burlington’s most historically rich landscapes. The River & Ruin trail winds through the beautiful Lowville Valley, where the natural drama of Twelve Mile Creek meets the traces of Burlington’s early settlement history. Along the way, we’ll explore the stories of Kilbride, Lowville, and the Cleaver family, whose mill, homestead, and ruins helped shape this valley nearly two hundred ago.

This hike offers more than beautiful views,  it’s a walk through time. From the limestone ruins and historic mill site to the creek that powered early industry and settlement, the route reveals how farming, waterpower, and pioneering families transformed the area into one of Burlington’s most fascinating heritage corridors. If you enjoy trails with a strong sense of place, local history, and a great story under your boots, this is the hike for you.

Come discover the hidden history of Kilbride and the Lowville Valley, experience why this unique trail is one of Burlington’s most memorable heritage walks.

Note, no dogs are permitted on this hike.

Peninsula Sunrise Series: The Grotto

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Sunrise Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at Dyers Bay Rd & Hwy 6, Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON N0H 1Z0

Hike Leader(s): Kathleen Stahlbaum 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., 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., Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 7.5 km

Description

Experience the magic of dawn on the Bruce Trail with the Sunrise Hike Series offered by the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club. These early morning hikes provide a perfect opportunity to awaken your senses, boost your energy, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as the sun paints the sky with breathtaking hues. As we make our way through scenic forest trails, we’ll pause to witness the first light shimmering on the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay – a sight that will surely leave you in awe!

Beyond the beauty, morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, elevating your mood, boosting energy levels and improving sleep quality. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a sense of calm, capture stunning sunrise photos, or simply reconnect with nature, these hikes offer a unique and inspiring way to greet the day.

On Saturday August 8th, join us in hiking the Cyprus Lake and Georgian Bay Trail to the Grotto at Indian Head Cove, where we’ll experience the sun rising over the Bay from the iconic shoreline before returning via the Marr Lake Trail. We’ll have the joy of taking in the stunning colours of the sky as the first light sparkles on the stunning turquoise waters. This peaceful sunrise hike is the perfect way to connect with nature, capture some incredible photos, and start the day with fresh air and inspiration. Whether you’re a morning person or just love a good adventure, come experience the magic of dawn from one of the best vantage points on the Bruce Peninsula!

Don’t forget to bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably with a red light setting) as we begin our adventure in the pre-dawn quiet. Join us and discover how a sunrise hike can nourish your mind, body, and spirit – setting the tone for a brighter, more balanced day.

This hike is approximately 7.5 kms in length. Expect to be on the trail for ~3 hours. Pace will be leisurely with ample time to enjoy the sunrise, take some photographs, and nourish yourself!

How to prepare

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Bring lots of water and a snack (breakfast and/or coffee are recommended if that’s your thing!)
• Bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably with a red light setting)
• Wear waterproof hiking boots
• Hiking poles are recommended but not necessary
• Bring insect repellant or wear protective clothing
• Bring sunscreen

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE! We will be meeting at the parking lot at the corner of Highway 6 & Dyer’s Bay road and carpooling in 2-3 vehicles to Bruce Peninsula National Park. If you have a Parks pass, please bring it with you!

In the event of cloudy/rainy weather, the hike will be held on Sunday, August 9th. Please watch your emails for a confirmation the week of the hike!

Geology Hike and Badge Series - Lion's Head

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps): Lion’s Head

Hike Leader(s): Beth Gilhespy 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., Medium (3.0 – 4.5 km/h): A comfortable pace for most hikers with steady progress.
Terrain: Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 11

Description

Join the adventure and earn the inaugural Peninsula Geology Badge! Over a stretch of 13 hikes and a couple of extra stops, we will explore the fascinating geology of the Peninsula to learn about the rocks, the shoreline features, glaciation, fossils and all things earthy. The 13 hikes are from the book “Walking Through Time – Exploring the Geology of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula”. Having a copy will give you a lot of great information, but you do not have to purchase the book to attend and enjoy the hikes. Just bring your curiosity! We will make sure to hit all the locations that qualify for the beautiful new Walking Through Time – Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula geology hike badge. If you would like to purchase a book I will have some available on the hikes, or you can pick one up from the BTC Head Office, at Ginger Press in Owen Sound, Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth, the Shop at 84 Main in Lion’s Head and at Reader’s Haven in Tobermory.

You are welcome to come on just a few of the hikes or on all of them, and the dates and hikes are as follows:

Date                                         Geology Hike                                                             km

Saturday May 2, 2026         Colpoy’s Bay                                                               9.0

Saturday May 9, 2026         Gravelly Point (am) and Rural Rocks (pm)         8.6

Saturday May 16, 2026       Malcolm Bluff                                                             7.3

Sunday May 17, 2026          White Bluff/Smokey Head                                     11.8

Sunday May 24, 2026        Crooked Toe Road                                                     5.5

Sunday May 31, 2026         Hope Bay                                                                     8.1

Sunday June 14, 2026        Boundary Bluffs                                                         5.2

Saturday July 4, 2026        Cape Dundas                                                              6.2

Saturday July 11, 2026        Beth Gilhespy Side Trail                                          7.6

Saturday August 8, 2026    Lion’s Head                                                               11.0

Saturday August 15, 2026   Dyer’s Bay Loops                                                      7.5

Saturday August 22, 2026   North Saugeen (Bruce) Shoreline                        8.0

Meeting times will vary depending on the hike, but will generally be some time between 9 am and 10 am. Information on exact meeting times and locations will be sent out a few days prior to the hike.

Braiding Friendship

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Rural Rootz Nature Reserve, 645 Northacres Road, South Bruce Peninsula. N0H 2T0

Hike Leader(s): 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: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths., Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: ~4 km

Description

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a founding member of the World Trails Network, working collaboratively to sustainably promote and support public footpaths through the creation of Friendship Trails.

Much like twin cities, Friendship Trails connect trail organizations from different countries in a spirit of partnership, shared promotion, and international collaboration.

These connections celebrate friendship, strengthen community, and bring people from all walks of life together—both with nature and with one another

Although this second hike in the Friendship Trail series is not a designated International Friendship Trail, it explores the idea of friendship through the lens of reciprocity, gratitude, and shared experience, inspired by the teachings of Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Join us for a unique combination of a workshop and hike focusing on connection—with each other and with the natural world.

We will begin with a hands-on workshop led by Natasha Akiwenzie of Bagida’waad Alliance, who will introduce participants to the concept of sustainable harvesting. You will have an opportunity to braid your own sweetgrass while reflecting on the importance of kindness, reciprocity and nurturing relationships. Sweetgrass is one of four sacred medicines in many First Nations cultures.

Following the workshop, we’ll enjoy a short hike at Rural Rootz Nature Reserve, where we’ll observe how these lessons are reflected in nature. Rural Roots Side Trail is the only Bruce Trail Conservancy side trail which is not physically connected to the Bruce Trail. It is a unique ecosystem which holds examples of karst topography, wetland, limestone caves and moss covered boulders.

This experience offers a thoughtful blend of learning, reflection, friendship and time outdoors.

Free-will cash donations to Rural Rootz Nature Reserve are appreciated. These donations go toward maintaining Rural Rootz Nature Reserve.

Thank you to Tom and Dee Ashman for generously welcoming us to Rural Rootz Nature Reserve.

Saturday Shorts: Hockleycrest

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Mono 5 Sideroad parking area at km 45.4 on the north side of the road where the Trail crosses. This is east of Airport Road. It is best to aim for arriving around 9:20, so we can start hiking as close to 9:30 am as possible. Thanks! It is a popular meet-up spot for hikers. If the parking lot is full, you can park along Mono 5 Sideroad.

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 5 km

Description

Looking to get out on a Saturday but not give up your whole day? Following the main Bruce Trail and side trails, this Saturday’s hike takes us through Hockleycrest. We will cover our approximately 5 km route at a comfortable pace, which allows for enjoying our time out in nature. Consider bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking shoes/boots, a hat, poles, water, and a snack. There will be a short break. No dogs please. Expect a reminder email one or two days before the hike.

Geology Hike and Badge Series - Dyer's Bay

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps): Dyer’s Bay

Hike Leader(s): Beth Gilhespy 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., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 7.5

Description

Join the adventure and earn the inaugural Peninsula Geology Badge! Over a stretch of 13 hikes and a couple of extra stops, we will explore the fascinating geology of the Peninsula to learn about the rocks, the shoreline features, glaciation, fossils and all things earthy. The 13 hikes are from the book “Walking Through Time – Exploring the Geology of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula”. Having a copy will give you a lot of great information, but you do not have to purchase the book to attend and enjoy the hikes. Just bring your curiosity! We will make sure to hit all the locations that qualify for the beautiful new Walking Through Time – Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula geology hike badge. If you would like to purchase a book I will have some available on the hikes, or you can pick one up from the BTC Head Office, at Ginger Press in Owen Sound, Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth, the Shop at 84 Main in Lion’s Head and at Reader’s Haven in Tobermory.

You are welcome to come on just a few of the hikes or on all of them, and the dates and hikes are as follows:

Date                                         Geology Hike                                                             km

Saturday May 2, 2026         Colpoy’s Bay                                                               9.0

Saturday May 9, 2026         Gravelly Point (am) and Rural Rocks (pm)         8.6

Saturday May 16, 2026       Malcolm Bluff                                                             7.3

Sunday May 17, 2026          White Bluff/Smokey Head                                     11.8

Sunday May 24, 2026        Crooked Toe Road                                                     5.5

Sunday May 31, 2026         Hope Bay                                                                     8.1

Sunday June 14, 2026        Boundary Bluffs                                                         5.2

Saturday July 4, 2026        Cape Dundas                                                              6.2

Saturday July 11, 2026        Beth Gilhespy Side Trail                                          7.6

Saturday August 8, 2026    Lion’s Head                                                               11.0

Saturday August 15, 2026   Dyer’s Bay Loops                                                      7.5

Saturday August 22, 2026   North Saugeen (Bruce) Shoreline                        8.0

Meeting times will vary depending on the hike, but will generally be some time between 9 am and 10 am. Information on exact meeting times and locations will be sent out a few days prior to the hike.