School Bus Hike: Hilton Falls

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:30
Return to City Time: 17:30
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Optional Items
Admission To Hilton Falls Conservation Area - Adult ($10.50 Less 20% Group Disc.) ($8.40)
Admission To Hilton Falls Conservation Area - Senior ($8.25 Less 20% Group Disc.) ($6.60)
Admission To Hilton Falls Conservation Area - Child ($7.25 Less 20% Group Disc.) ($5.75)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Hilton Falls Conservation Area, Milton

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales, Celia Ho Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: 10-12 km

Description

Join us on our first Saturday hike of 2025 to explore Hilton Falls Conservation Area near Milton, ON. Depending on conditions we will hike the Hilton Falls Trail (to the falls!), the 8 km Beaver Dam Loop, and the Red Oak Trail. Icers will be mandatory. Bring snowshoes, if you have them (if they will be useful will be determined based on amount of snowfall at the time). There will be a 45-60 minute refreshment stop in Milton after the hike before returning to Toronto. Fit beginners with icers and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions welcome. Note: A Fee will be charged for Conservation Area entry (will be collected on the bus). Conservation Halton will providing group discounted rates. Upon registration please select adult, senior, or child (up to high school age) rate so the total rate for the bus can be calculated.

Chedoke to Iroquoia Heights

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Chedoke Parking Lot, Hamilton, ON

Hike Leader(s): Mike Gill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

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

Description

Meeting at the Chedoke Parking Lot we will climb the Radial Trail into Iroquoia Heights returning along Scenic Dr.  We’ll take the stairs down at Cliffview and exit halfway for a final small loop and return to the parking lot.

To bring:

• dress for the weather
• wear appropriate footwear
• icers
• water and snack

Cancelled... Saturday Shorts: Glen Haffy

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 10 am at the roadside parking on Coolihans Sideroad, km 35.0 Map 17, near where the Trail crosses the road. This is just west of the intersection of Glen Haffy Road and Coolihans Sideroad. It is best to aim for arriving around 9:45, so we can start hiking as close to 10 am as possible. Thanks!

Hike Leader(s): Elizabeth Ganong 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 4 to 5 km

Description

Looking to get out on a Saturday but not give up your whole day? Saturday Shorts, a hiking series, will get you out in a small group on a short hike. This Saturday’s hike is at Glen Haffy. If the trails are snow-covered, we’ll hike the main Bruce Trail and Glen Haffy’s red loop, which makes a route under 4 km. If trail conditions permit, we may use a slightly longer route, about 5 km. Be prepared for winter conditions by bringing warm gear, poles, and icers. You are encouraged to bring water and a snack. No dogs please.

The hike leader for this hike is Elizabeth Ganong. Registrants can expect a reminder/update message one or two days before the hike.

If desired, this hike may be used towards the Caledon Winter Hiking Badge (5 winter hikes in the Caledon section that are 1 ½ hours or longer in length). Please keep a log of your hikes and follow the directions on the CHBTC website under Club Badges to receive your badge.

Hiking + Eating + Lights at Uxbridge

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Wilder Forest trail head off Brock Rd

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: 12km

Description

Let us kick off the new year 2025 with an eventful trip to Uxbridge!
Uxbridge has been hosting the Optimist Fantasy of Lights, one of Canada’s biggest Christmas light exhibits, for 18 years! Over 100 light displays are lovingly put together by community groups, businesses, schools, churches, families, and others from all around the Uxbridge area. What makes this event even more inspiring is its purpose: to raise funds to support local youth programs. There is no entry fee or ticket required, but donations (cash or tap) at the exit are encouraged and go directly toward these initiatives.

Since driving all the way to Uxbridge just for the light show might feel like a missed opportunity, I’ve organized a full day of activities:

1. Hiking (11:00am – 3:30pm) . Meet at the trail head parking (GPS : 44.019492, -79.134499, next to 2499 Brock Road, Uxbridge).  A scenic 11-13 km hike starting from Brock Road. The route includes the Wilder Forest, Oak Ridges Trail, and Walker Woods before looping back. Expect snowy and icy trails—please bring your microspikes/icers for safe footing. Pack a hot beverage and a light snack to keep your energy up. No pets.
2. Eating (4:00pm – 5:30pm): After the hike, we’ll refuel with a delicious meal at Joy’s Fish & Chips (307 Toronto St S Unit 15, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1S9), a locally renowned spot.
3. Lighting (6:00pm – 8:00pm): The Fantasy of Lights event begins at 6:00 PM at 55 Elgin Park Dr, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1Z6. You can find more details on their website: https://www.uxbridgeoptimist.com/fantasy-of-lights. I encourage everyone to consider making a donation at the exit to support this amazing cause. You’re welcome to spend as much or as little time at the exhibit as you like.

Let’s make this a memorable start to the new year with hiking, eating, and lighting! You are welcome to join all or any part of this three-part trip. Please dress appropriately for the weather and activities. If you plan to attend the light show, bring an extra layer as it’ll be colder in the evening.