Sunday Rambles - McCormack Loop

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): De Lottinville Park

Hike Leader(s): Colleen Mabalay Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 6km

Description

Arrive 15mins before 10am start.

Meet at Delottinville Park on Newcombe Rd, Dundas

Bring water. Be prepared for weather conditions (icers).

If you need to cancel on day of hike please text me at (905) 815-7100

Urban Walk: Credit River Ravine

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

Hike Leader(s): Ginny Giraudi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 10 km

Description

The Credit River ravine park system is beautiful in any season. Join me for this 10 km Sunday morning loop along the Credit River from Dundas to the 403 and back again through the U of T nature trail. The walk will start at the heated bathroom building in the first parking lot north of Dundas in Erindale Park and it will end at the very popular Apricot Tree Cafe on Dundas just west of Mississauga Road. Erindale park is easily accessible by Mississauga Miway buses leaving both Islington and Kipling subway stations.

Toronto End to End in 2

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Toronto
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meeting place and trailhead coordinates will be emailed to registered hikers the week before

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 24-27 km per day

Description

This series of hikes will entitle the successful hiker to obtain the new stained glass badge – a beautiful and unique badge. This series of hikes is for the experienced hiker due to pace (Brisk) , strenuous sections of Toronto trail and length of hike each day. Hikers should anticipate fall and winter conditions – boots, icers, poles, gators, layered clothing and come water, snacks, lunch, first aid kit. We will take turns shuttling from meeting place to trailhead each day and a driver will need to take the shuttle drivers back to their car at the end of the hike. We will meet each day at 7:45 and shuttle to trailhead – hikers should arrive 15 minutes early to ensure ready to leave at 7:45. Anticipate most hikes will take approx 6-7 hours including lunch and snack breaks. Please ensure you are physically able to manage the pace of this hike, potential wintry conditions and daily distance before registering. Refunds are not permitted. Your fee includes the badge.

Welland Canals Hikes

Hosting Club: Niagara, Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Nov 20, 2023 – Meet in the parking lot by Allanburg Bridge 18.9km
Nov 21, 2023 – Pt 1 – Meet at Woodend Conservation, Taylor Rd 8.5km Pt 2 – Meet in Sobeys Parking lot by Johannsson’s Bar 9km
Nov 23, 2023 – Meet in the public parking lot in Port Dalhousie

Hike Leader(s): Ruth Moffatt 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
Distance: Day 1 18.9km, Day 2 17.5km Day 3 7km

Description

This is a special 4 part series of hikes to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Welland Canal. I will try to have the badges available on the last day of the hike. $10 members/$15 non-members.

Please bring enough food and water for a lengthy day hike on the first two days. Our third day is a quick 7km. Dress for the expected and forecasted weather. Bring icers just in case. Please pack a first aid kit, and all the other items required for a day hike. No dogs, please.

Car Hike: Iroquoia-in-6 Fundraising Hike Series

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet for the first hike at the Grimsby Lions Community Pool. Enter at 1 Elm St. at the south end of Coronation Park.

Hike Leader(s): Fayyaz Mahmood Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Challenging
Distance: Distances will range between 15 and 26km.

Description

This is a special series of 6 hikes to complete the entire Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail. The badge, included in the registration fee, was designed by Joe Borges and features the endangered Jefferson Salamander.

For this E2E in 6, we will be following the trail northbound, eventually finishing at the Toronto/Iroquoia border. The Iroquoia in 6 series is geared to experienced long distance hikers with the expectation of a 3-4 km/hr pace maintained over an 18 to 25km day. This pace must also be maintained on the hills, not just on the flat or gentle gradients. No dropout points have been established and therefore hikers who must drop out, will be responsible for their own transportation back to their vehicles. Please be honest about your hiking abilities.

Hikers will be expected to be wearing proper hiking footwear and layered clothing with the expectation of cool and possible wet weather and icy trail conditions. Sufficient food and water for a full day of hiking is required and hiking poles, crampons (icers) and wet weather gear are recommended. A 10-15 minute on-trail lunch break will be scheduled. The time will depend on weather conditions.

The fee goes towards supporting the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club, which in turn supports the mission of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, which is: “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

A maximum of 1 (of the 6) hikes can be self-completed as a result of scheduling challenges, but it is intended that this badge should be earned while hiking as part of a group led by a certified hike leader. If you miss more than one hike but still complete the distances on your own, you may apply for the regular club E2E badge. The hiking schedule will be sent to all registered participants prior to our start date.

PLEASE NOTE… THERE ARE NO REFUNDS!!

This series of linear hikes will require car shuttling and you must be willing to share in the driving. Some parking locations require paid parking, and hikes that enter Halton Conservation Areas may require reservations. The fee for the E2E-in-6 does not cover any parking/entry fees for hikers who are not members of the Halton CA and/or Hamilton CA. If the group has enough hikers who are members of a CA, those passes will be utilized (thank you in advance) to minimize costs. Since conservation passes are not free, please consider nominal compensation to the pass holder. At least one hike begins in one CA and possibly ends at another, so parking fees are unavoidable for non-CA members.

Sydenham Chipper (km68.4-83.8)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking on the Southside of Sideroad 22.
Map 31 ED 30
Km68.4

Hike Leader(s): Kristina Rettie Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 14.9km (actually 11.5-KOA trail is closed for the season)

Description

Please join us as we chip away through the Sydenham section. This will be a series of 11 hikes that range between 13-19kms with one longer hike of 24km. We will begin our journey at the northern end of Sydenham and work our way south to try and avoid the dangers the falling leaves and snow will bring.

If you complete the 11 hikes in this series you will qualify for Sydenham’s new independent badge. Please keep track of your hikes as each hiker will be submitting their own badge request.

All hikes in this series will include a car shuttle and everyone will take a turn as a shuttle driver. Please have your vehicle passenger ready.

Nov 21 hike – meet@km68.4 carpool to 83.8

If you have any questions please text me @ 519-410-9077 (this is the most efficient way)

Please bring plenty of water and snacks/lunch

No dogs

Please text Kristina @ 519-410-9077 for morning of cancelations

COVID-19 Precautions Before, During and After your Hike

1. Each hiker joining a Bruce Trail Club organized hike must perform a self-screening check before hiking.
   Find Ontario’s self-assessment tool here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
2. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.

Transportation

It is the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s current policy that car shuttles are allowed.  It is at the discrepancy of individual hike leaders to make that decision.

Other Guidelines

1. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
2. Wear sturdy footwear and appropriate attire for the weather and the terrain.
   Hiking poles are a good idea in any season, especially if the terrain is rocky or slippery. In winter, snowshoes or icers/crampons are needed when conditions dictate.
   Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear prevents injuries and shows consideration for a safe and positive group hiking experience.
3. Always carry I.D. and your health card.
4. Bring sufficient water and snacks (or lunch if indicated). A minimum of 1L of water is recommended on all hikes, and 3L is recommended for long, challenging hikes in the heat of the summer.
5. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent (for spring and summer hikes).
6. Bring your own first aid kit.
7. Please leave dogs at home.

Murray Stewart Trail and Bolton Camp Loop

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Tuesday Hike
Location (Google Maps): (Google Maps) The Murray Stewart Trail is located in Bolton. For carpooling meet at Party City (4th Ave. at Highway 10 in Orangeville) at 8:30 am. Or from King Street and Hwy 50 (Queen Street) drive east on King Street for 0.4 km and turn left onto Humber Lea Rd. Go up the hill to Kingsview Drive and turn right. After 0.4 km, turn left onto Kingsview Drive. The trailhead is located just past the stop sign on your right at the Kingsview Drive and Longwood Drive intersection. Park on Kingsview Drive for a 9:30 am start.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy, Slippery Sections Likely
Distance: Long Hike 7 km Short Hike 3 km

Description

We will hike the Murray Stewart Trail to the end and then turn back to hike the Bolton Camp loop. The loop rejoins the  Murray Stewart Trail and heads back to the parked cars on Kingsview Drive. Those completing a shorter hike will walk to the end of the Murray Stewart Trail and then return directly to the parked cars without completing the Bolton Camp Loop.

Bring water and snacks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Poles are recommended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Icers may be needed

Optional refreshment stop after the hike at Coffee Time in Bolton

Niagara E2E - Hike #4

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Woodend Conservation Area Taylor Road and carpool to Decew House Heritage Park

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 14.6k

Description

Niagara E2E in 5 hikes. Hike#4 covers 14.6 kms. Bring snacks and water. Poles are recommended. Please bring $10 for badge once you have completed all 5 hikes.

Valley Crest and Sligo Side Trail

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet on the south side shoulder of Sideroad 19 at Km 92.3 Map 27 Edition 31

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Yaraskavitch Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Length of Hike: 8 kms

Description

This hike is a little longer than other Wednesday Walker hikes but the terrain is quite flat. We’ll walk through strips of BTC protected land near fields with views across the Valley. From there, we use the Sligo Side Trail and then loop back on to the Main Trail. On this route, we’ll stop in a couple of places to talk about (historic) tree planting practices.

COVID-19 Precautions Before, During and After your Hike

1. Each hiker joining a Bruce Trail Club organized hike must perform a self-screening check before hiking.
   Find Ontario’s self-assessment tool here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
2. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.

Other Guidelines

1. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
2. Wear sturdy footwear and appropriate attire for the weather and the terrain.
   Hiking poles are a good idea in any season, especially if the terrain is rocky or slippery. In winter, snowshoes or icers/crampons are needed when conditions dictate.
   Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear prevents injuries and shows consideration for a safe and positive group hiking experience.
3. Always carry I.D. and your health card.
4. Bring sufficient water and snacks (or lunch if indicated). A minimum of 1L of water is recommended on all hikes, and 3L is recommended for long, challenging hikes in the heat of the summer.
5. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent (for spring and summer hikes).
6. Bring your own first aid kit.
7. Please leave dogs at home.

Easy Hike - Cameron Lake Walk in the Woods

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Across from the Cameron Lake Municipal Boat Launch at 9 Beach Road, MNBP.
From Highway 6, drive east on Cameron Lake Road to Beach Road. Turn right (south). Drive a few metres. Opposite the boat launch area, park in the municipal parking area.

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

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: ~3 1/2km

Description

Cameron Lake area is a unique ecosystem that nurtures a lovely mixed forest and provides a secure habitat for many birds in the area. Our walk in the woods will follow the snowmobile trail over terrain that is mostly sandy and flat with a few short, gentle inclines. There may be some wet spots along the way.  The loop hike is ~3 1/2 km with an option for some hikers to exit at the 2 ½ km point, if they wish. No washrooms available.

We are very happy to have Bob Knapp join us for this walk  in the woods! Bob is a long time volunteer with the Bruce Trail Conservancy – from land stewardship to trail captain and club leadership – Bob has done, and still does, so much for BTC and the broader conservation community. Bob will share his knowledge about tree identification and help us to deepen our understanding of the broader tree ecosystem.

9:00 am Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Veterans Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King Street

Hike Leader(s): Robin Garrett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7 km

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

Urban Walk: Bronte Village

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Bronte Athletic Park parking lot. The baseball diamond will be on your right as you enter.

Hike Leader(s): Roger Harris Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 8 km

Description

We will follow Donovan Bailey Trail to Bronte Road, then take Heritage Trail to Bronte Harbour. After a short break, we will continue along Waterfront Trail to Water’s Edge Drive, then walk southwest along Marine Drive to return to our starting point. The route is on a mixture of paved and packed gravel paths.

If you would like to read up on this walk, it is described as Hike No. 11 (‘Donovan Bailey/Bronte Village Loop’) in Nicola Ross’ book ”Halton Hikes” (2016).

Please dress appropriately for the weather. Hiking books and poles will not be necessary. Bring one litre of water, and a lunch or snacks.

Bus Hike: Blue Mountains End to End Part V of VI

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:00
Return to City Time: 19:00
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto, Blue Mountains
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Map 22 of the Bruce Trail Reference and Guide. Km 21.9 to km11.9

Hike Leader(s): George Lennon and Michael Humpage Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 10km

Description

Bus departs 10 York Mills Rd at 8:00 AM and Major Mackenzie Dr and HWY 400 Park and Ride at 8:20 AM. If you wish to be picked up at the Major Mackenzie Dr and HWY 400 Park and Ride, please email hike leaders. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. The bus waits for no one.

Our hiking will resume at km 21.9 where we left off in the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area. We will pass by the ruins of a settlers’ lime kiln before entering mature cedar forests and then immature forests. Glaciers have deposited the spoon-shaped mounds of sand and gravel, called drumlins, that are on the left of the trail. Bring lunch and water. We will bid farewell to each other for the winter with a stopover in Shelburne on the way home to Toronto, and we will look to complete our end-to-end next spring.

If you are planning to order an end-to-end badge for the Blue Mountains Section please type ‘Yes’ in the Additional information Field when you register. I will collect from you your log and the $5 to pay for the badge on the hike when we hold the last of our hikes in this series next spring. I will email notice of our final hike to hikers on these Blue Mountains bus hikes when we have set the date next spring.

** Hikers are required to bring a mask and wear it on the bus. Masks must fit properly and cover the nose, mouth and chin. For the highest level of protection against Covid-19, respiratory viruses or the flu, KN95 or N95 masks are recommended. **

Dan Welsh Memorial Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Park behind Kilbride School 6611 Panton St Burlington
in the large parking lot behind the school.

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: About 8km

Description

This is the 4th anniversary of Dan’s passing and we will gather to hike in his memory. Our hike will take us around the River and Ruin side Trail, Cleaver Side Trail and Dan Welsh Side Trail. Please wear plaid if you’d like and share your favourite memory.  Donuts and coke will be complimentary/by donation after our hike back at the parking lot, tailgate style. Proceeds to the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Please bring enough water/snacks for a three hour hike and dress for the forecasted weather. Please bring your icers just in case.
Dan Welsh memorial badges will be available for $20 each. It is hoped that eventually there will be a memorial award in his memory.
If anyone needs a ride from Grimsby, please reach out to me.

Witch of Cave Springs Hike - Last chance for this year's Screaming Tunnel Badge!

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Quarry Rd parking lot in Beamsville

Hike Leader(s): Angela Lytle Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate

Description

Join us for the final Cave Springs Witch Hunt hike of the season.  This hike can be used towards earning the Screaming Tunnel badge.

Discover the history of the 19th Century Quarry Pioneers and the Witch of Cave Springs

Please arrive by 8:45 so we can check in and be ready to head out at 9 am.

The meeting place is on Quarry Rd in Beamsville just next to the Bruce Trail.  Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nr4gM9muiSt8DiUT8

The path to Cave Springs is quite rocky and has some hills.  We recommend using hiking poles and wearing good hiking shoes. Carry water and dress for changeable weather.

The hike includes some local lore, but there’s a lot more than we can cover while hiking!

You can read more about the Witch of Cave Springs at this link, including reviewing a copy of “The Mystique of Cave Springs” by Margaret Reed: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D1wreBwDD3PvD6YfqUGh1AkyJCPjhggf?usp=sharing

#1/4 Toronto Urban Badge Hike - 18km

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Evergreen Brick Works – TTC 28 Terminal. TTC bus 28 connects Davisville Station and Evergreen Brick Works.

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 19 KM

Description

Let’s explore the city in winter and build up our appetites for the holiday season while earning the unique Toronto Urban Hike Badge.

To qualify for the badge, we will embark on a 74 KM loop (map: https://onthegomap.com/s/c2c1hf3n ) through a series of four Saturday hikes scheduled for Nov 25 (18 KM), Dec 2 (17 KM), Dec 9 (23 KM), and Dec 16 (20 KM). On both Nov 25 and Dec 2, we will conclude our hikes at Leslie & Sheppard, with the option to visit the Mountain Equipment Company North York store for an introduction to winter hiking gear.

Please bring hot beverage and snacks/light lunch for our journey. We will take short breaks for restroom stops and lunch at suitable locations along the trails. The majority of the route consists of paved paths, so running shoes are recommended over hiking boots.

Badges by request will be presented at the last hike. The cost of the badge is $5 for members and $15 for non-members.

Urban Walk: Toronto Beach Walk and Glen Stewart Ravine

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

Meet at the Toronto Public Library, Beaches Branch, 2161 Queen Street East, Toronto, M4L 1J

Hike Leader(s): Jeanette Vincen Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat, Other (Refer to Description)
Distance: 10km

Description