9:00 Birding Hike at Woodend Conservation Area

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Woodend Conservation Area – Taylor Road Parking Lot

Hike Leader(s): Alicia Aitchison Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: ~4km

Description

Join us for a leisurely bird watching hike through the Carolinian forest along the Niagara Escarpment at Woodend Conservation Area and around the Niagara College Ponds.  This area is a very popular birding spot & we will be joined by Colleen Reilly, leader of the Pipits birding club and member of the Board of the Ontario Field Ornithologists as well Mara McAffie, BTC Ecologist & fellow birder.  Colleen & Mara will lead us on this leisurely hike & share their knowledge & passion for birding

Palisades and Inglis Falls Geology Hike with Beth Gilhespy

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at Harrison Park, in front of the Harrison Park Inn & Restaurant, north of km 96.7 (Map 32)

Hike Leader(s): Beth Gilhespy Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Distance: 8 km

Description

Beth Gilhespy, a conservationist, amateur geologist and former Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO, will introduce us to the geology of our area.  This will be a slow, exploratory hike of 4 to 5 hours in length.  Beth will explain the geological history of the Palisades and Inglis Falls. This hike is longer than the Saturday hike and while there will be frequent stops to explore the geology, it is more suited to hikers with some experience. Non members are welcome.  Preregistration is required.

Caledon Hills end to end 4 of 4

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet on 3rd Line EHS (km 71.3) south of Duferincounty Rd 8, carpool to 4th Line EHS (km 55.1)

Hike Leader(s): Vince Zvonar Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate

Description

Webinar: TBTC Hiker Initiation Program

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: TBTC Special Events
Location (Google Maps): Zoom Conference Call

Hike Leader(s): Juliet Williams, Martina Furrer, George Lennon, Louise Kent, Tom Swales

Distance: N/A

Description

Join experienced Toronto Bruce Trail Club Hike Leaders for an introductory Zoom conference call, the first part of our Hiker Initiation Program (H.I.P),  who will discuss the ins-and-outs of hiking, the benefits of hiking, hiking the trail responsibly, appreciating biodiversity, the Bruce Trail, the Toronto Bruce Trail Club hiking program and the benefits of becoming a member. This popular program has introduced over 1000 people to hiking since its inception in 2009. This presentation is open to both members and non-members. On Saturday May 20th join us for a Bus Hike or Car Hike at Scotsdale Heritage Farm near Georgetown or an Urban Walk in High Park Toronto preceded by a workshop on hiking tips and basic survival skills. Please refer to the entries on the Hike Calendar on May 20th for details and to register for these hikes. The progam is free of charge, other than the $20 Bus Fare if you select that hike.

Register for the introductory hiking information session webinar at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fc7gzs0DQNaKZBLT4iod6w#/registration

If you are not a current member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy just leave the membership number field blank

8:00 NEW TIME Long Hike Wiley Road Short Hills

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps):

Short Hills Wiley Road Entrance

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
: 10km

Description

Explore Short Hills and the majestic side trails of Scarlett Tanager, Hemlock. Swayze Falls and Terrace. Register for each hike

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

Fairmount - Siegerman Loop

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking on Sideroad 22B just east of Grey Road 7 at Km 98.3 (Map 27). We will meet at the Blue sign for the Fairmount side trail.

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., There might be muddy sections.
Distance: 14.6 km

Description

This is a beautiful hike with scenic lookouts over the Beaver Valley.  We’ll hike down the escarpment into the Beaver Valley and along the sides of two babbling brooks as we climb back up again.  We’ll stop to admire beautiful Webwood Falls.  The most spectacular scenery comes at the end as we enjoy panoramic vistas of the Beaver Valley from the Fairmount Side Trail.  Pack a light lunch or a substantial snack as we will have a nourishment break.  This hike has long steep sections and is recommended for fit hikers.  If you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 519-590-0706.

9:15 Short hike - Pelham Road, Short Hills

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Pelham Road entrance, Short Hills Provincial Park

Hike Leader(s): janet davey Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Hike the main and side trails in Short Hills Provincial Park.  Bring hiking boots, water and bug spray.

South Boyne Valley/North Mono Cliffs

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Tuesday Hike
Location (Google Maps): Map 20, 13.3,
30th Sideroad, 1km East of #10 Hwy
Dufferin Hi-Land, south of Boyne Valley

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6km, short hike 3km

Description

Hike will begin at roadside parking on 30th Sideroad (map 20, 13.3). We will hike south along the main trail through a mix of forests and fields to 1st Line EHS  (map 19, 10.0). We will then return along the same trail. Terrain is mostly flat with a few moderate hills. Please bring water and snack.

Short hike will return earlier, 3km

Two Loops and Lunch in Beaver Valley

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Tuesday Hikers
Location (Google Maps): Km 13.7 on Map 24. From Shelburne, take Rd. 124 north. Turn left on Grey Rd. 4, then right on Grey Rd. 2. In Ravenna, turn right on Rd. 119, then left to dead end of 6th Line.

Hike Leader(s): Barbara Euler Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 14 km

Description

We will hike a loop using the Main Trail and the Margaret Paull Side Trail through forest and fields featuring small flowerpots formed by ancient seas and some waterfalls. Then we will drive into Ravenna where we can pick up the famous Country Market sandwiches (or bring your own lunch if you prefer). We’ll drive to the Loree Forest to have our lunch and hike a loop (some options for distance) with beautiful views over Georgian Bay.

Blue Mountains E2E Hike #5 in a series of 6 hikes

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

Hike Leader(s): Hart Fischer Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 11.6km

Description

We will park the cars at km 55.7 on the 2nd Line and car shuttle to km 44.5 where we will begin the hike. The trail follows the Pretty River and heads through a cedar forest. We climb steeply up and over a moraine with excellent views to the south over the Pretty River Valley. The trail leads from a mature forest to the Petun Conservation Area where lichen-encrusted granite boulders can be seen. Bring a snack or lunch and water. Don’t forget to log your hike! Map 23 Edition 30

Kemble Sidetrails

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking at the corner of Coles and Taylor Side Roads, south of km 140.7 (Map 34)

Hike Leader(s): Sheri Hatcher Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, There might be muddy sections.
Distance: 10 km

Description

We will do a loop starting at the Don Richards Side Trail. We will hike the Mystery Cabin Side Trail, the Main Trail, Cedar Point Side Trail and the Kemble Wetland Side Trail (if not too wet) then head back to our vehicles. This loop hike follows crevices and passes through mature cedar and hardwood forests.  If you are unable to register, please call or text Sheri Hatcher at 519-270-5068 to let her know you are coming.

10:00 GARLIC MUSTARD HIKE - HELP US FILL THE CRIB!

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

We will meet at gravel parking lot on Park Road South, Grimsby just down the hill from Ridge Road.

Hike Leader(s): Alicia Aitchison Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: ~4 km

Description

GARLIC MUSTARD HIKES – Join us & HELP US FILL THE CRIB!  We will hike in from Ridge Road – picking the invasive garlic mustard & greater celandine along the trail side along the way – bring a bag to fill (reusable grocery bag or garbage bag work well).  Once we hike into the crib location we will dump our bags into the crib and pick garlic mustard in that area for a while & then hike back out.  There are lots of spring ephemerals along the way to admire – mayapples, trout lilies, wild ginger and many others – reducing the invasive species will give these natives a chance to thrive!

Long sleeves are recommended & don’t forget your work gloves.

If parking fills up at the bottom of the hill there is room for a couple of cars to park at the trail head at Ridge Road.

Good Companions - Spring Valley - Ancaster

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

Ancaster Little League Ball Park – Jerseyville Rd (across from the Ancaster Lions Outdoor Pool) – See map below

Hike Leader(s): Ted Bossence Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 8 – 10 km depending on whether we follow the Headwaters Trail to the end or not

Description

We will follow the Spring Valley Trail, Martins Road, Headwaters Trail etc. in the western part of the Dundas Valley .  Bring sunscreen, bug repellant,  water and a snack (poles would also be useful).  If I cancel due to rain I will notify you by email no later than the night before, so please check your emails before you leave for the hike.  Please arrive a few minutes before the 10:00am time since I will be leaving promptly at 10:00.

If you need to cancel after the 4:00pm cut-off time, please inform me by email the day before the hike at tedbossence@sympatico.ca , or by text at (905) 334-8752 the morning of the hike.

8:00 am Long Hike Jordan to Moyer / Louth NEW TIME

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps):

Jordan Hollow Park 3039 King St Jordan

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
: 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 ices and dress for the weather

9:15 Short hike - Jordan Hollow

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Jordan Hollow Park

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Strenuous
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Hike the main trail and side trails around Jordan and Balls Falls.  Bring hiking boots, water and bug spray.

Car Hike: Victoria Day Weekend in the Lower Bruce Peninsula

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Evergreen Resort (Red Bay)
139 Resort Rd, Wiarton, ON N0H 2T0

Hike Leader(s): Jeanette Vincent. Brenda Menezes. David Royle Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Hilly, Rocky, Variable
Distance: 15km

Description

We continue Greg Vincent’s legacy of weekends away. Please join Jeanette Vincent, Brenda Menezes and David Royle as we explore the Lower Bruce Peninsula. The spring flowers will welcome us to the trails. We stay and have our meals at a comfortable resort at Red Bay.  Each day we will hike the Bruce Trail and its side trails to form loops with great views of Georgian Bay and its islands.  The carpet of trilliums is the best along the length of the Bruce Trail. Approximately 15km/day.

This outing is restricted to those staying with us at Evergreen Resort for the weekend.  You will need a car to access this outing. Please contact Evergreen for a reservation 1-519-534-1868 or frontdesk.evergreenresort@gmail.com and mention Vincent Victoria Day weekend.

Before registering at Evergreen Contact: please contact Jeanette vincentjeanette1604@gmail.com | 519-588-5916 For prices and more details.

Beaver Valley West Loop

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the lower Beaver Valley Ski Club parking lot, access from Grey Road 30 of Grey Road 13, just south of Kimberley. Map 26, Edition 30.

Hike Leader(s): Ed Stedman Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections
Length of Hike: approx. 9 km

Description

This is a loop hike which heads west on the Valley Crossover Side Trail from the Beaver Valley Ski Club, south to walk down Graham’s Hill Road then back north on Lower Valley Rd to the parking lot.  A good workout with some walking on forest sided rural roads.

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.
3. Personal Protective Equipment:
   • Hikers may choose to wear masks

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.

Car Hike: Bethesda Trail Richmond Hill

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps): Meet at Bethesda Trail Head Parking on Bethesda Sideroad off Bayview Avenue, across from Lake Wilcox. This parking lot is free.

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

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

Description

Join us to explore Jefferson Forest and Bond lake ,

Right time to see thousands of Trillium wild flowers covering more than hundred acres of the forest,

we will repeat this hike possibly 2 more times to see these beautiful wild  flowers growing.

Please bring  hiking poles, proper closing and shoes and lots of water,

Please carefully read  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.

Hiker Initiation Program (H.I.P.) Bus Hike - Scotsdale Farm (Introductory Hike)

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:30
Return to City Time: 16:30
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Scotsdale Heritage Farm

The Bus will depart from the north side of York Mills Road just east of Yonge Street in front of the York Mills Centre opposite the Shell gas station. Look for the yellow school bus.
Several other groups depart from this location so verify that it is the Bruce Trail Bus before boarding.

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales,George Lennon, Tanya Cora, Danny Pivnick

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Rocky, Variable
Distance: 7 – 12 km

Description

Join us for an introductory hike suitable for beginners at scenic Scottsdale Farm near Georgetown. We will hike on the Bruce Trail and side trails in the area for a distance of 10-12 km. Bruce Trail Reference Guide Map # 13

We will be on the trail for around 4 hours, so bring lunch, snack and at least 1.5 L of water. We’ll hike a circular route on trails which include the main Bruce Trail, Bennett Heritage Trail,  and Maureen smith Side Trails. Expect variable terrain with a few hills, rocky spots. Hiking Boots are strongly recommended. Bring gear appropriate for the weather conditions of the day. Toronto Bruce Trail Club hikes go rain or shine. Those that want a shorter hike will have an option of a 7  km hike.

The Bus Fare will be provided at the reduced rate of $20.00 (to be prepaid online by credit card upon registration).  Children under 12 are free. Please note that participants are required to wear a mask on the bus.

This introductory hike is part of the 2023 Hiker Initiation Program hosted by Toronto Bruce Trail Club (TBTC).  An information webinar will be held Monday May 15th at 6:30 PM where TBTC hike leaders will speak on reasons to hike, the Bruce Trail, our hiking activity program, biodiversity, and how to enjoy the trail responsibly.  If you are new to hiking and/or the Bruce Trail consider registering for this presentation. You may register for the Webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fc7gzs0DQNaKZBLT4iod6w

Members are encouraged to bring a friend that have expressed interest in hiking but haven’t had the chance to hike with the club.

We’ll have a refreshment stop in Georgetown before heading back to the city.  We expect to arrive back at York Mills Subway by 4:30 depending on the traffic.

Hiker Initiation Program (H.I.P) Scotsdale Farm Car Hike

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: TBTC Special Events
Location (Google Maps):

Scotsdale Heritage Farm Parking Area. From Hwy 401 at Exit 328 take Trafalgar Rd north for 10 km to where Trafalgar joins Hwy 7 at traffic lights. Turn left and follow for 3 km until Hwy 7 swings left. At that point continue straight ahead on Trafalgar for 2 km. Entrance to Scotsdale Farm is on your right. Look for the blue sign. BTC Reference Guide Map 13. Address: 13807 Trafalgar Road.

Cell #’s for Hike Leaders – Peter (905) 301-4091, Liz Hemmerick (416) 805-6729

Hike Leader(s): Peter Leeney, Sajedeh Zahraei, Liz Hemmerick, Natalia Svechnikova Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Rocky, Variable
Distance: 10KM+

Description

This introductory hike is part of the 2023 Hiker Initiation Program hosted by Toronto Bruce Trail Club (TBTC). The are multiple events included in this program:

1  – Hiking Information Session Webinar – Monday May 15, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
An overview of the Bruce Trail and the ins-and-outs of hiking presented by our experienced Hike Leaders. Register for the Webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fc7gzs0DQNaKZBLT4iod6w

2 – Car Hike – Scotsdale Farm – Saturday May 20 ­- Venture out by car for scenic 10 km loop hike on the Main Bruce Trail and Side Trails at Silver Creek Conservation Area.

3 – Bus Hike – Scotsdale Farm – Saturday May 20 – Venture out by bus for scenic hike on the Main Bruce Trail and Side Trails at Silver Creek Conservation Area.

4 — Everyone is welcome to participate in any of the above events. Registration for the Webinar is through this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fc7gzs0DQNaKZBLT4iod6w. Registration for all hikes is through the Bruce Trail Conservancy Hike Calendar. All hikes are free of charge except for the Bus Hike to which a $20 Return Bus Fare (payable by Credit Card upon registration) applies.

Please arrive for the Hike by 8:40am to attain a parking spot and give yourself time to get ready. The group will depart at 9:00am. We will be at the trail for around 4 hours, so bring lunch, snack and at least 1.5 L of  water.

We’ll hike a circular route on trails around Scotsdale Farm near Georgetown which include the main Bruce Trail and Side Trails. Expect variable terrain with a few hills, rocky spots. Hiking Boots are strongly recommended. Bring gear appropriate for the weather conditions of the day. Our hikes go rain or shine except in the event of hazardous conditions.

This is a “Car Hike” which means hikers provide their own transportation to the trail. Hikers without access to a car should plan to join the Bus Hike the same day.

East Linton, Frank Holley, Ron Savage Side Trail Loop

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): Franziska Edney Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Distance: 8.2 kms

Description

We will climb to the top of the escarpment, then follow the white trail, and return via the Ron Savage and Frank Holley Side Trail. This is a beautiful wooded area with many crevices and interesting rock formations. Poles advised, bring a snack if you wish. If you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 519 379 2573.

Urban Walk: Leslie Street Spit Bird Watching

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

Entrance to Tommy Thompson Park at Leslie St and Unwin Ave.

Hike Leader(s): Ray Berzins Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 7 km

Description

For first 3.5 km we will try to observe as much as possible along natural footpaths, so wear long pants, long stockings and whatever else will protect you from ticks. Bring binoculars. After lunch the nature walk will end and hikers can use the Multi-use Trail to continue walking to the end of the spit or return back to the park entrance by 2PM. It will be cooler and more windy than inland so bring warm clothing and a warm beverage with your lunch.