RAINBOW HIKE (with icers): Christie Lake Conservation Area

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet downtown Dundas for group shuttle to Christie Lake Conservation Area

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

Pace: Medium - 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Easy - Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 10 KM approximately

Description

****UPDATE:****

The mild weather—and especially the rain—have nixed snowshoeing. We will be hiking with icers. I hope to post a snowshoe outing for February.

MEETING TIME HAS CHANGED TO 9:45 A.M. FOR A 10 A.M. departure from downtown Dundas.

Since we no longer need to factor in time to pick up snowshoe rentals, we will meet up earlier for the car shuttle to Christie Lake Conservation Area.

Re: our meeting spot, just look for the large Christmas tree beside the TD Bank at the corner of Sydenham and King Street. Further details below.

We will organize ourselves into as few vehicles as possible for the short shuttle to Christie Lake. PLEASE let me know if you can volunteer to drive a few participants from downtown Dundas to the conservation centre. It's about a 7-minute drive.
If you're getting a ride in a fellow hiker's car: please bring a reusable bag (or something like that) to protect the floor of their vehicle. This is especially respectful in the event sections of the trail are muddy. (Reusable shower caps from the Dollar Store work wonders!)
Drivers: upon arrival at Christie Lake, go to the parking lot beside the Marina Pavilion. Map link for reference:

https://conservationhamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Christie-Lake-Brochure-2023.pdf

A reminder: there is a conservation admission fee. Drivers should not have to pay the entire vehicle entrance. If you're getting a ride with someone, please contribute to the $16.50 vehicle admission.

I have a Hamilton Conservation Area pass, as well a complimentary pass, which should cover two vehicles, one for Ann G. as she's driving her mega van. (Thanks again, Ann!)

Per vehicle and driver: $16.50
Per passenger over 5 years of age: $5.50

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 outing is accessible by Public Transit or car. As mentioned, there will be a short car shuttle from downtown Dundas to Christie Lake Conservation Area

Must have icers. Please email hike leader if you need to borrow a pair of icers, It's equally important that you dress for all kinds of weather. Dress in layers for the cold; and please make sure you pack a waterproof in the event of rain. January has brought us all kinds of weather.

Washroom facilities (our favourite topic:): Marina washrooms at Christie Lake will be open during winter. No other facilities.

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. We'll organize ourselves into a handful of cars for the short drive to Christie Lakes Conservation Area. If you arrive and it's too cold to wait outside: Starbucks (46 King West) is a 2-minute walk from the meeting point,

Getting to Dundas by Transit
HSR bus routes: 05–Head Street (via Downtown Dundas) or 5B–Pirie at Governors, depending on your origin. (Allow extra time if you need to pick up snowshoe rentals at Adventure Attic.)

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) and, optionally, snow shoes.
• Dress in layers. You'll warm up quickly when snowshoeing or hiking in snow.

Free Bruce Trail Rainbow badges and stickers for all participants! And likely a post-snowshoe beverage in downtown Dundas.
Questions? Simply click "Contact Hike Leader" on the registration form.