Hike Schedule

Multi-day Trip to Manitoulin Island

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Peninsula
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Manitoulin Island
Registered participants will receive a WhatsApp invitation (optional) which can be used for photo share.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less, 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: Varies

Description

Everyone who is registered for this hike series will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp which can be used to share photos and other information.  

Please join Beth Gilhespy and Ruth Moffatt for a 5 day/4 night trip over to Manitoulin Island (Manidoo Minising) where we will hike and explore the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) trails. Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island and is known for its stunning nature, Indigenous culture (home to six Anishinaabe First Nations), and outdoor activities. We will access it via MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory. Shared expenses for accommodation with whomever you are sharing your cabin with and travel (gas, ferry expenses). Breakfast and lunch will be your own responsibility. Shared dinners TBA.
Day1 – Mon, Sept 21, 2026 – 9am – meet in the BTC Parking Area on the east side of the road – 2461 Bruce County Rd 9, Barrow Bay. Depart at 9:15am in two vehicles. You can leave your car here if you are comfortable doing so or get dropped off.
On the way up to Tobermory to catch the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry, we will stop at the EBC’s Alvar Bay Nature Preserve (close to Tobermory).  We should be in position for the ferry at 11:30am so you will have time for your lunch in the Tobermory area. We will proceed to catch the TBA 1:15pm ferry crossing. The ferry crossing takes about 1.75 – 2 hours. From the arrival in South Baymouth we will proceed to Mindemoya Court Cottages and Campground (about 35 min) https://mindemoya.ca/cottages. Please arrange your reservation with Kim at enquiries@mindemoya.ca  Let her know that you are with the Bruce Trail group. You may book any cottage or trailer you like. Waterfront 15T and 16T are being held for us until February 15. Check in is September 21 (Check in time is 3pm)and check out is Sept 25 (check out time is 9am). There is tent camping as well, if you prefer.
This location is very close to the town of Mindemoya where there are amenities if needed.
Please make note of what you will need to bring to the cottages. The cottages are located on Mindemoya Lake so we should have some nice sunsets/stargazing opportunities.

This is our tentative hiking schedule which is subject to change.
Day 2 – Tues, Sept 22, 2026 – After breakfast we will hike EBC Cup and Saucer Nature Preserve 12km
Day 3 – Wed, Sept 23, 2026 – After breakfast we will hike EBC Lake Wolsey Nature Preserve 7km and then go visit Bridal Veil Falls.
Day 4 – Thurs, Sept 24, 2026 – After breakfsast we will hike EBC East Bluff Nature Preserve  and possibly nearby EBC Barrie Island Nature Preserve 8.5km, if enough time.
Day 5 – Fri, Sept 25, 2026 – After breakfast and  check out of cottages by 9am we’ll hike EBC Fossil Hill Nature Preserve 6km/Dominion Bay. Drive to South Baymouth to catch the TBA 3:50 pm ferry, arriving Tobermory TBA 5:50 pm

Badges will be available for some of the trails we visit. Please visit https://escarpment.ca for information about the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and EBC Hiking Trails of Manitoulin Island (Manidoo Minising).

It may be helpful to book your accommodations first and then complete your registration. We’d like to keep the group to 20 people maximum.

International Friendship Trail - Cape Chin Meadows Sidetrail

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Maple Cross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin, 388 Cape Chin Road North, Lion’s Head

Hike Leader(s): Owen and Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: 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: 10.5 km

Description

The Bruce Trail Conservancy is a founding member of the World Trails Network, working collaboratively to 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.

Bruce Trail Conservancy features 10 Friendship Trails at different BTC Club locations. PBTC has the privilege of hosting two Friendship Trails, The Cotswold Way and Southwest Coastal Path, in Great Britain. You can read more about BTC Friendship Trails here: https://brucetrail.org/International-friendship-trails/

This is the last of the Friendship Hike mini-series. The South West Coast Path, the longest established National Trail in the UK. Known for its spectacular coastal views, rocky cliffs, and diverse flora, it pairs beautifully with the Cape Chin Meadows Side Trail, in the Peninsula section, which boasts similar features along Georgian Bay. Learn more about SWCP here: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/

Our 10 ½ km loop hike takes us along a wetland, through mixed forest over mostly flat but rocky terrain. This will be a medium paced hike with time for lunch at one of the most beautiful lookouts on the entire Bruce Trail. Plan for ~  4 hour hike which includes a stop at noon.

Brad and Sara McMillan, PBTC Trail Captains and SWCP hikers,  will join our hike today. Together, we will share some of our wonderful hiking experience on the Southwest Coastal Path.

Have you hiked the Southwest Coastal Path. Join the hike and share your story!

Let’s celebrate trails around the world and be inspired to travel to one of the International Friendship Trails.

Geology Hike at Rock Hill Park

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Rock Hill Park Side Trail parking lot (1st LIne N, Mulmur at km 30.5)

Hike Leader(s): Lynda Bloom Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 7 km

Description

Join geologist Lynda Bloom and hike leader Julie Daley for an unforgettable trek through Rock Hill Park. You’ll explore stunning limestone caverns carved by ancient glaciers, wander through cool rock crevices lined with ferns and mosses, and discover the area’s rich history—including the remains of old lime kilns once vital to local farming. Along the way, enjoy stories about the park’s surprising past, including the rock concerts that took place here in the 1960s.

Peninsula Harvest Full Moon Hike - Meet time is 6pm

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Peninsula
Category: Moonlight Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Lion’s Head – Park near the Lion’s Head Municipal Campground entrance on Phillip Forbes St

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 11km

Description

This full moon hike is in the Peninsula Section of trail and led by an Iroquoia Hike Leader.

Welcome to the 4th Full Moon Hike Series led this summer. Details for collecting badges are at the bottom of the hike details.
We will meet under the tall pine trees just outside the entrance to Lion’s Head Municipal Campground. Our hike will take us out to Lion’s Head Point and return. Since some of our hike is on road, please wear a hi-vis vest if you have one. I will have a few to distribute as well.

Sunset is at 7:16 – Harvest Moon 
We are getting started early due to the distance and nature of the hike. Bring water and whatever snacks you need as well as a first aid kit, poles if you use them and most importantly, a head-lamp with a red light if you have one.

The following is from the Bruce Trail Conservancy website regarding Hiking at Night. 
While most hikers choose to explore the Bruce Trail by day to take in the colourful sights and vast vistas, venturing out after dark also has its benefits.
Hiking at night allows you to tap into other senses and explore nature in a whole new way. From stargazing to nocturnal animal sightings, there is a lot to see and hear when exploring the Bruce Trail after sunset. No matter your motivation for heading out for a nighttime hike, certain precautions should be taken to ensure that your time on the Trail is safe and enjoyable.

Before you go
Plan your route and choose somewhere familiar. It’s easy to get turned around in the darkness. Planning your route and hiking it in daylight first will help you know what to expect. If you’ve never tried hiking at night, start with a shorter hike somewhere familiar to you. Always stay on the Trail to avoid getting lost.

Bring a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. The Trail can be quite rugged with uneven surfaces, rocks, and roots. A headlamp or flashlight is essential for preventing trips and falls – and both are brighter and last longer than your phone’s built-in light. A light source with different settings, including a red light, is ideal as bright lights can be hard on your eyes over time.

Bring a fully charged cell phone. You should always bring your phone with you when hitting the trails in case you need to call for help. Most phones have a flashlight function that can act as a backup to your headlamp. You can also use your phone’s GPS with apps like the Bruce Trail App and what3words for navigational and safety purposes.

Wear reflective clothing and bring a whistle. A reflective piece of clothing can help other hikers or drivers see you in the darkness. A whistle can help others hear you in case of an emergency, even if they can’t see you.

Plan to do your first hike under a full moon and a clear sky.
A full moon can provide a surprising amount of light. Planning your first night hike during a full moon and clear sky can be a great way to acclimate yourself to hiking after dark.

Don’t go solo and tell someone where you are going. Always share your route with someone before heading out in case of an emergency. Bring a friend to explore the Trail together, or join one of the moonlit hikes offered by some Bruce Trail Clubs.

Bring layers. The temperature can drop quickly in the woods at night. Bring layers to stay warm and comfortable.
While Hiking

Slow down and be aware of hazards. Don’t expect to hike at the same pace you would in daylight. Darkness can make the terrain more challenging. Slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and stay away from cliff edges to prevent injuries.

Be prepared for wildlife. Many animals such as coyotes, owls, bats, salamanders, foxes, opossums, and skunks are active at night. Sightings can enhance your nighttime hiking experience but be careful not to get too close. Keep your ears open to the sounds around you to avoid unwanted interactions.

While more preparations may be needed for a hike after dusk, for many, once they find themselves in the cool of the night gazing up at the constellations or watching an owl swoop through the darkness, the effort is well worth it.

If you are collecting your badge tonight please bring exact cash $10 for members and $15 for non-members to cover the cost of the badge.  You must’ve have completed at least 4 full moon hikes. If you wish to pay by e-transfer and have your badge mailed out to you, you may also choose to receive it that way. For simplicity sake, and because it will be dark out, it would be appreciated if you could please choose one method of receiving your badge or the other. Badges are on the honour system so if this is your 4th hike, please feel free to receive your badge.