HIKE LEADER CERTIFICATION COURSE

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Event Hikes
Location (Google Maps): PLZ308. Plaza is the building behind (attached) to the Cairns building (all glass) right above the campus store. Parking is free in Zone 1 on weekends and it is a short walk from the parking lot.

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Description

This is a 2 session course for “Hike Ontario” Certified Hike Leader. Led by Alan Laver a Certified Hike Ontario Instructor, the first session will take place on Zoom at 6:30 to 8:30 on November 24 and will be an opportunity to introduce yourself, get an insight to the course content and share your hiking experiences. The main session on Sunday at Brock University will start at 8:30 and will be in class learning until the afternoon when practical hike leading scenarios will take place. You must bring a backpack with items you would carry on a hike as a leader as we will be sharing this. Dress for the weather and bring a packed lunch.
Most BTC members will be reimbursed by their individual clubs subject to participating in leading hikes
Course Literature will be provided

Contact details Alan Laver at alanjlaver@gmail.com

Boyne Valley to Kilgorie

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking near post boxes on Centre Road in Kilgorie, 30 metres south of River Road. km 33.8 BTC Map 20.

Hike Leader(s): Stuart Law Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Slippery and Steep Sections, Slippery Sections Likely, Strenuous
Distance: 16.5 kms

Description

Join us for a quiet Sunday shuttle hike from the Boyne Valley to Kilgorie in the beautiful Dufferin Section.  Lots of ups and downs!  Please bring a garbage bag for your dirty boots and a pair of clean footwear to change into for the ride back (we will leave that stuff in the cars at the end of the hike).  Please bring 2L of water, a warm drink, a snack, and a lunch.  Please have your icers in your backpack just in case.  Boots mandatory.  Poles recommended.  Please arrive at 8:45 to be ready to shuttle at 9 am sharp.

Blantyre to Grey Road 40

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the Bruce Trail parking lot on Grey Road 40, km 105.7, Map 28, Edition 31, to shuttle to Blantyre on Grey Road 12.

Hike Leader(s): Glenda Collings Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing
Length of Hike: 11.6 km

Description

This is a lovely hike which takes us along a section of escarpment, to the terminus of the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail at Blantyre.  We’ll see crevices, some scenic views, creeks, and farmland along the way.  Bring snacks (and sufficient water) for a short break at the halfway point.  Who knows what the weather will bring by late November, so keep your icers in the car.  If there is sufficient snow, we’ll plan to shorten the hike and use snowshoes.

Sunday Rambles - Crawford Lake

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

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: Approx 7km

Description

Please register for parking with Halton Conservation before hike.

Meet in first parking lot beside gate 15mins before 10am start.

Bring water & snack. Be prepared for weather conditions (snow – bring icers).

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

Sunday Social Hike - Woodford Escarpment Loop(s)

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the north-east corner of the parking lot at Home Depot on Highway 26 on the east side of Owen Sound.

Hike Leader(s): Maureen McFarland Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, There might be icy and slippery sections., There might be muddy sections.
Distance: 4 kms

Description

We will carpool to Woodford Community Hall.  From there we will walk along the main trail to the Woodford Escarpment Side Trail and follow it until it meets the main trail to return to the parking lot.  On this trail there are a couple of crevices (the more difficult one can be avoided), remains of a pioneer homestead, a lime kiln and more.  If the group wishes to go further, we can cross the highway to do the Crevice Springs Side Trail Loop.  It would add another 1.4 kms to the day.  Wear good footwear and bring a snack and water.  Map 30.  If you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 647-918-4180.

9:00 Observing While Hiking

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Fireman’s Park, Lower Parking Lot. The entrance to the parking lot is on Dorchester just after the railway tracks

Hike Leader(s): Mary-Lyn Hopper Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: Aprox 6 km

Description

Hike along the trails around Fireman’s park looking and listening at birds and wildlife

River Kwai Side Trail - Bayview Escarpment full/long loop

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Blue sign for the start of the River Kwai side trail on the east side of St Vincent Sydenham Townline, just south of Sideroad 24/km 56.3 (Map 30). There is roadside parking on the east side of the Townline.

Hike Leader(s): Fran Turner Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk: 4 to 5 km/h
Terrain: Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Distance: 13.6 km

Description

There is time for one last satisfying long hike before winter arrives.  The River Kwai trail offers a pleasant hike through a hardwood forest with many magnificent old trees.   The Bayview Escarpment section boasts over 2 km of spectacular views to the east, as well as many scenic cracks and crevices.  This is a memorable hike.  If you are unable to register, please call or text the hike leader at 519-590-0706.

NEW TIME 9:00 Staff Avenue Louth

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Staff Avenue Parking Lot

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10km

Description

CHANGE OF VENUE DUE TO DEER HARVEST Explore Louth Conservation area

Bring Poles water, snack, sunscreen and bug spray and dress for the weather

Short Hike - Rotary Park

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Hike
Location (Google Maps): Rotary Park, 395 Pelham Rd ST. Catharines

Hike Leader(s): Debbie Demizio Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6 km

Description

NOTE MEETING PLACE – Hike around Rotary Park, St. Catharines.

Boyne Valley Loop, Main Trail and Boyne Valley Side Trail

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Tuesday Hike
Location (Google Maps): Dufferin Hi-Land Section, Map 20, 18.7, parking lot on Centre Rd, south of 5 Sideroad

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 7km, short hike 4.8km

Description

This loop hike in Boyne Valley Provincial Park follows the main trail south, joins the Boyne Valley Side Trail, and returns to the parking lot on the main trail. Those wishing a short hike, turn around after 2.4km (16.3). Bring snacks, appropriate clothing, and equipment (ie poles, icers)

Explore the rolling hills of Cold Creek CA

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Tuesday Hikers
Location (Google Maps): Cold Creek Conservation Area is 14125 11th Concession Nobleton On L0G1N0.
From Hwy 410 and Mayfield Rd. it is a 30 minute drive.
From Hwy 410:go east on Mayfield Rd. to Albion Vaughan Rd. and go north to King Rd. where you will go east to Concession Rd. 11.
Go north on Concession 11 to Cold Creek CA. Parking is just outside CA gates. No fee required.

Hike Leader(s): Marilyn Ross Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 8 km with an option of a shorter hike of 6.5 km

Description

We will explore the beautiful rolling hills of this conservation area, going through a pine plantation, a cedar grove, as well as a mixed forest. The conservation area labels many of the trees with interesting information so we can identify trees from their bark.

We will hike the perimeter of the park – 6.5 km – and then for those who would like a little longer hike we can then hike some of the interior trails, adding another couple of kilometres.

Two Big Rocks-Metcalfe & Pinnacle Rock

Hosting Club: Blue Mountains
Category: Register in person the morning of hike.
Location (Google Maps): Hike meets in the parking lot behind Tim Hortons on First St. in Collingwood.

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 10 km

Description

Starting at Beaver Valley section km 27.9, we will follow the white blazed trail west toward Duncan Crevice Caves Provincial Nature Reserve. At km 32.6 we will take the Chuck Grant Side Trail to create a loop. This unique and wonderful hike includes a wide variety of terrain, two bridge crossings of Mill Creek, two climbs and descents of the escarpment, all with spectacular views from Metcalfe and Pinnacle Rocks. Optional descents and climbs into the Metcalfe and Duncan Crevices, weather and grip permitting. Bring a snack or lunch and water.

10:00 Morningstar - Decew Road, St. Catharines

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Leisurely
Location (Google Maps): Decew house

Hike Leader(s): Ineke Brinkman Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate

Description

Good Companions - Chedoke Radial Trail and Scenic Drive Side Trail

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps):

Chedoke Golf Club Parking Lot – Hamilton

Hike Leader(s): Ted Bossence 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 km

Description

We will walk up the Chedoke Radial Trail and into the Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area.  We will then loop back and follow the Scenic Drive Side Trail along the top of the escarpment and down either the Dundurn or Chedoke (Leader’s choice) escarpment stairs to the golf course parking lot.   Bring water and a snack.   Please arrive by 9:50 am.  I will be leaving on time at 10:00 am.  In case of rain/snow I will cancel the hike and notify you by email the evening before.  Please check your email.  If you must cancel after 4:00 pm on the Tuesday, please notify me by email at tedbossence@sympatico.ca on the Tuesday or by text on Wednesday morning at 905 334-8752.

NEW TIME 9:00 am Long Hike Jordan to Moyer / Louth

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps):

Jordan Hollow Park 3039 King St Jordan

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10k

Description

From Jordan Hollow Hike the main trail to Upper and Lower Balls Falls, Moyer Road or Louth and Return. You must register for each hike. Bring Poles, sunscreen, bug spray , snack and a drink and dress for the weather

9:15 Short Hike - Jordan Hollow

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Jordan Hollow Park, Jordan Station

Hike Leader(s): Bill Russell Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Strenuous
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Hike the main and side trails around Jordan Hollow and Ball’s Falls.  Bring water and hiking boots.

Rattle Snake Pt Conservation Area to Twiss Rd

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Thursday Group
Location (Google Maps):

Meet at Parking on Twiss Rd. (just south of Camp Manitou and north of Derry Rd.) and shuttle to Rattlesnake Pt. Conservation Area. Drivers will need Conservation Pass or fee to park at CA

Hike Leader(s): Karen Capindale-Smith Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: +/- 12km

Description

From Rattlesnake Pt. CA we will follow conservation side trails and main BT along the escarpment and descend/ascend Nassagaweya Canyon into Crawford Lake CA. From there we will wind our way through the CA and on to the calcium pits at Twiss Rd.

Please bring water, snack and lunch. Icers (god forbid) may be necessary

Hike Leader: Karen Capindale-Smith; kjcapindale@gmail.com  Hike morning use cell (905) 749-0914

Baked goods should be expected:)

Dundas Valley Conservation Area, map 8

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at roadside parking at Filman Road, km 44.1 (map 8, Edition 31).
Driving direction: Take Hwy 403 into Hamilton, continue to Exit 64 to Filman Road, drive about 1.1 kilometre to road the side parking.

Hike Leader(s): Mohammad Shafiq Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 15.8 km

Description

This is a shuttle hike, will shuttle to Sydenham Road, km 58.8 at the look-out point.
Will hike white Bruce Trail including the section through Dundas Valley Conservation Area which is a beautiful part of the trail in Hamilton.
There is an option for refreshment stop at local eatery after the hike.

Lindenwood Loops

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): The Owen Sound Galaxy Theatre parking lot. Meet at the tall “Galaxy Centre” sign next to the traffic lights.

Hike Leader(s): Maureen McFarland Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing
Distance: 9 kms

Description

We start at the end of Concession 14 and hike through cedar and hardwood forest on the new Lindenwood Pond property on the Gap Side Trail.    From there we head north on the main trail along the escarpment to meet the Lindenwood Side Trail.  We return via the main trail and the Lindenwood Pond Side Trail.  Map 33, Edition 31.  If you have difficulty with registration, please call the hike leader at 647-918-4180.

Bus Hike Nottawasaga Bluffs and Holiday Luncheon

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

Optional Items
Mylar burger ($33)
Chicken caesar wrap ($33)
Fish & chips ($33)
Vegetarian lasagna ($33)
Eggplant parmesan ($33)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area

Hike Leader(s): Martina Furrer, Nijole Mockevicius, Roland Mark Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Hilly, Variable

Description

Join us for a fun hike with great views in Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area. We will hike for about four hours at a 3.5 km/hr pace, explore the Key Hole Side Trail and enjoy the view from the Nottawasaga Bluffs Lookout. After the hike we will go to Mylar and Loreta’s for a holiday luncheon. When you register, please select one of the lunch choices listed under optional items. All regular entrées include fries, dessert bar and non-alcoholic beverage. Vegetarian entrées include salad, dessert bar and non-alcoholic beverage. Tax and gratuity are included in the prices. Beer and wine are extra. You will need to pay your bus fare when you register. E-transfer you lunch money ($33 per person) to martinabeatrice@gmail.com.

Important: Please register by Sat Nov 25.

Bus departs from 10 York Mills Rd at 8 AM. We hope to be back in Toronto around 7 PM. 

Car Hike: Glasgow Village Whitchurch-Stouffville

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Glasgow Trail, Concession Road 2 Park in parking lot at the trail head.

From Highway 404 turn right to Stouffville Rd, till to the end of road and turn left on York Durham Line. In About 1km turn right to Webb Rd. and turn right to Concession Road 2 ,you will see parking lot in 500 metres,

Hike Leader(s): Mohammad Aghamiri , Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 14-17KM

Description

Approximately 5-hour hike, mostly flat, in the Uxbridge area

It is wintertime, please bring your icers, hiking poles, warm layers of clothing, boots, and hot drinks.

Some safety procedures during the hike:

1-Hikers must stay between the leader and the sweep.

2-Hikers must advise the leader or the sweep if they wish to leave the group.

3- Hikers must follow the whistle instructions: 1 blast- stay where you are; 2 blasts come to the leader; 3 blasts – come to the leader quickly.

4-Hike leader may request volunteers to stop at trail intersections, they need to help hikers to the direction the group walk and wait till they see the sweep .

5-Hikers have to make sure they can  see the persons behind and in front of them.

Path of the Petun

Hosting Club: Blue Mountains
Category: Register in person the morning of hike.
Location (Google Maps): Hike meets in the parking lot behind Tim Hortons on First St. in Collingwood.

Hike Leader(s): Annette Sandberg Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hr. or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 6 km

Description

We will park the most easterly end of the 6th Sideroad. Hike with me on the Path of the Petun and learn about a great battle that was fought between the Iroquois and the Petun at the Petun Village of Etharita, also known as the “St. Jean”. As we hike along the escarpment ridge, we will use our imaginations to see the Battle Ground and what this beautiful area was like in the mid 1600’s. We will then take the Russ McConnell Sidetrail back to our cars.

Sydenham Chipper (km44.2-68.4)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Parking along St. Vincent-Sydenham Townline
Map 30 ED 30-Km44.2
Map 31 ED 31-km41.7

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

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Some rocky footing, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 24.2

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 28 hike – meet@km44.2 carpool to 68.4 (ED 30)   (km41.7-65.8ED 31)

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.