Peninsula Sunrise Series: Cape Chin Maplecross Reserve

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Sunrise Hike
Location (Google Maps): Cape Chin Maplecross Parking Lot at 388 Cape Chin Rd. N

Hike Leader(s): Kathleen Stahlbaum Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely (2.0 – 3.0 km/h): A relaxed pace with frequent breaks and a focus on enjoyment.
Terrain: Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails.
Distance: ~6 km

Description

Experience the magic of dawn on the Bruce Trail with the Sunrise Hike Series offered by the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club. These early morning hikes provide a perfect opportunity to awaken your senses, boost your energy, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as the sun paints the sky with breathtaking hues. As we make our way through scenic forest trails, we’ll pause to witness the first light shimmering on the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay – a sight that will surely leave you in awe!

Beyond the beauty, morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, elevating your mood, boosting energy levels and improving sleep quality. Whether you’re looking to start your day with a sense of calm, capture stunning sunrise photos, or simply reconnect with nature, these hikes offer a unique and inspiring way to greet the day.

On Saturday May 9th, join us in hiking the Cape Chin Maple Cross property to the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, where we’ll experience the sun rising over the Bay from the iconic Cape Chin lookout. We’ll have the joy of taking in the stunning colours of the sky as the first light sparkles on the stunning turquoise waters. This peaceful sunrise hike is the perfect way to connect with nature, capture some incredible photos, and start the day with fresh air and inspiration. Whether you’re a morning person or just love a good adventure, come experience the magic of dawn from one of the best vantage points on the Bruce Peninsula!

Don’t forget to bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably with a red light setting) as we begin our adventure in the pre-dawn quiet. Join us and discover how a sunrise hike can nourish your mind, body, and spirit – setting the tone for a brighter, more balanced day.

We will be hiking up the dirt/gravel road to the iconic Cape Chin lookout. This hike is approximately 6 kms in length. Expect to be out for ~2 hours. Pace will be leisurely with ample time to enjoy the sunrise, take some photographs, and nourish yourself!

How to prepare

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Bring lots of water and a snack (breakfast and/or coffee are recommended if that’s your thing!)
• Bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably with a red light setting)
• Wear waterproof hiking boots (There will be mud!)
• Hiking poles are recommended but not necessary
• Bring insect repellant or wear protective clothing

In the event of cloudy/rainy weather, the hike will be held on Sunday, May 11th. Please watch your emails for a confirmation the week of the hike!

RAINBOW HIKE: World Migratory Bird Day + Iroquoia BTC Pre-AGM Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the start of the Spencer Creek Trail (Dundas St/Cootes Dr (HWY 8))

Hike Leader(s): Shayne Ward Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5KM

Description

Join us on World Migratory Bird Day for a pre-AGM Rainbow Hike! 🦅 🦉 🦆

This gentle early-morning outing will explore the trails around Spencer Creek and Cootes Paradise, one of the region’s most important bird migration areas.  We will start at the trailhead parking lot on the southeast corner of Dundas Street and Cootes Drive (HWY 8) and hike along the creek, under the HWY 8 (under the bridge does involve some moderate stepping and slight ‘duck’ing for us tall folks).

Plan to arrive for 745AM and we’ll have a small crash course on downloading and using two popular birding apps, Merlin Bird ID and eBird recording our sightings as part of World Migratory Bird Day!  We’ll depart by 8-810AM.  Hoping to catch some Blue Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, and if we’re lucky, a sighting of the RBG resident Bald Eagles!

🌈 This is a queer-led, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive Rainbow Hike, welcoming LGBTQ+ hikers, allies, birders, photographers, and anyone interested in connecting with nature and community before the AGM.  This is a short, relaxed hike (approx. 5 km) designed to get everyone back in time for the AGM Meet-and-Greet at 10:30 AM at the Westdale Theatre.

What to Bring
• Water and light snacks
• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
• Binoculars or camera if you have them (optional but fun! And a cell phone counts!)

After the hike, we encourage participants to join fellow members at the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club AGM just a short walk away at the Westdale Theatre.  Not a Bruce Trail member yet?!  Sign up here!
https://brucetrail.org/become-a-member/

Come enjoy a spring morning on the trail, celebrate migratory birds, and connect with your Bruce Trail community!

🐾 Please leave pets at home for this hike! It’s peak migration season and we’ll be passing through an important bird migration and nesting area, so we want to keep disturbance to our feathered friends to a minimum! 🐦

🚗 🚌 This outing is accessible by car or public transit.

Planning to drive? 
Parking is free but limited at the trailhead.  We also ask for some assistance with shuttling folks back to the Westdale Theatre afterward for the Iroquoia Bruce Trail AGM.

Taking the Bus?
HSR #5 (Delaware) stops near the trailhead entrance!  Map of the bus and it’s schedule can be found here.
https://www.hamilton.ca/sites/default/files/2024-04/5-Delaware-apr24.pdf

Free Bruce Trail Rainbow badges and stickers for all participants!
Questions? Simply click “Contact Hike Leader” on the registration form.

Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club Pre-AGM / Westdale to Princess Point

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Hamilton Parking Lot #1002
85 Oak Knoll Dr, Hamilton ON L8S 4C2

Hike Leader(s): Joe Borges Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 4.7 km

Description

Join us for a pre-AGM hike.
If you’d like to view the hike route, please click the All Trails link below. It’s approx. 5 km so we should be back in plenty time for the Meet-and-Greet at 10:30, before the AGM.
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-be20ded?u=m&sh=4wexyx

The hike route will start from the Hamilton Parking Lot #1002 heading to Princess Point, and loop back to the parking lot.
From the lot it’s a short walk to the Westdale Theatre, if you are attending the AGM afterwards. Parking is $3 per hour, or all day for $15.

Please bring enough water and snacks for your hike. Trails may be muddy at this time of year, so gaiters would be useful.

We encourage Hikers to register and stay for the AGM after our Hike. Connect with other members, help commemorate a wonderful year for the Club and to celebrate all our amazing volunteers.

Full AGM Details and Agenda below.

AGM LOCATION:
The Westdale Theatre, 1014 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1L4
10:30 – 11:00 AM
MEET-AND-GREET
Connect with your Trail Community
11:00 – 11:45 AM
IBTC AGM & VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Celebrate the Heart of our Club
11:45 – 12:30 PM
HOT LUNCH
Enjoy a delicious meal locally catered.

SPECIAL EVENT // BRUCE TRAIL TALKS / SESSION 1: Indigenous Trails
FREE for all IBTC Members attending the AGM
 
1:05 pm

Welcome & Introduction by BTC CEO Michael McDonald

1:10 pm

First Nations Trail Systems

A historical & archaeological perspective with Martin S. Cooper, Snr Archaeologist, ASI Toronto

1:30 pm

First Nations Priorities

For engagement, education, and reconciliation, a current perspective
with Tim Johnson and Rick Hill

2:00 pm

Panel Discussion

with Tim, Rick, Martin and moderated by Michael McDonald
Key takeaways, challenges, & priorities for action, including audience Q&A

2:30 pm

Closing remarks Michael 

Loop Hike Hockley Rd 5th Line EHS to 3rd Line EHS

Hosting Club: Toronto, Caledon Hills
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Trail parking lot on the east side of 5th Line EHS, just south of Hockley Rd. (873603 5 EHS LINE, Mono, ON L9W 6N3)

Hike Leader(s): Amir Alemohammad

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 12-14

Description

Join us for a loop hike along the trails of the Hockley Rd region, one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Caledon. Known for its rolling hills, forested trails, and ever-changing seasonal scenery, this hike takes you through a mixed hardwood forest, providing ample shade—perfect for this time of year. You’ll also encounter moderate elevation changes, with some sections following ridge lines and valleys that offer occasional breathtaking scenic viewpoints. We will hike main and side trails between 5th and 3rd Line EHS. Boots mandatory, poles recommended, bring two litres of water, your snack and dress according to weather conditions.

Woodend to Fireman's and Back

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet at entrance to Woodend Conservation Area, Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium 3- 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate: some hills and some poor footing
Distance: 11-12km

Description

Hike from Woodend Conservation Area to Fireman’s and back.  Mostly main trail of the Bruce.  Water, snack and poles recommended.

Geology Hike and Badge Series - Gravelly Point and Rural Rocks

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps): Gravelly Point and Rural Rocks

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

Pace: Leisurely (2.0 – 3.0 km/h): A relaxed pace with frequent breaks and a focus on enjoyment.
Terrain: Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 8.6

Description

Join the adventure and earn the inaugural Peninsula Geology Badge! Over a stretch of 13 hikes and a couple of extra stops, we will explore the fascinating geology of the Peninsula to learn about the rocks, the shoreline features, glaciation, fossils and all things earthy. The 13 hikes are from the book “Walking Through Time – Exploring the Geology of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula”. Having a copy will give you a lot of great information, but you do not have to purchase the book to attend and enjoy the hikes. Just bring your curiosity! We will make sure to hit all the locations that qualify for the beautiful new Walking Through Time – Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula geology hike badge. If you would like to purchase a book I will have some available on the hikes, or you can pick one up from the BTC Head Office, at Ginger Press in Owen Sound, Suntrail Source for Adventure in Hepworth, the Shop at 84 Main in Lion’s Head and at Reader’s Haven in Tobermory.

You are welcome to come on just a few of the hikes or on all of them, and the dates and hikes are as follows:

Date                                         Geology Hike                                                             km

Saturday May 2, 2026         Colpoy’s Bay                                                               9.0

Saturday May 9, 2026         Gravelly Point (am) and Rural Rocks (pm)         8.6

Saturday May 16, 2026       Malcolm Bluff                                                             7.3

Sunday May 17, 2026          White Bluff/Smokey Head                                     11.8

Sunday May 24, 2026        Crooked Toe Road                                                     5.5

Sunday May 31, 2026         Hope Bay                                                                     8.1

Sunday June 14, 2026        Boundary Bluffs                                                         5.2

Saturday July 4, 2026        Cape Dundas                                                              6.2

Saturday July 11, 2026        Beth Gilhespy Side Trail                                          7.6

Saturday August 8, 2026    Lion’s Head                                                               11.0

Saturday August 15, 2026   Dyer’s Bay Loops                                                      7.5

Saturday August 22, 2026   North Saugeen (Bruce) Shoreline                        8.0

Meeting times will vary depending on the hike, but will generally be some time between 9 am and 10 am. Information on exact meeting times and locations will be sent out a few days prior to the hike.

Geology Hike #2 Silent Valley

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps):

BT roadside parking at dead end of 2nd Concession South, north of Grey Road 18. Map 30, ed. 31, near km 34.5, southern end of Silent Valley Sidetrail. You have an option to meet at the north-east corner of the parking lot at Home Depot on Highway 26 on the east side of Owen Sound and carpool from there. Carol will meet you there at 9:00 am.

Hike Leader(s): Carol Graham-Mullin 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., There might be muddy sections., There might be sections with water on the trail.
Distance: 6.5 km

Description

Loop hike of Silent Valley. Geology Hike # 2 in series of 16 hikes from Beth’s newest book “Walking Through Time”.
Join Carol Graham-Mullin for this exploration of Silent Valley. Fascinating escarpment geology along with ancient cedars, rare ferns, fossils and more ! The final route to be hiked may be slightly altered due to closure of upper main trail flooding. Don’t worry, we will visit all the exciting geological features !

Copies of Beth’s book, “Walking through Time” will be available for purchase at the end of the hike. A special member’s only price of $37.00 , cash or etransfer. This hike can be credited towards the Sydenham Geology Badge.

10:00 NBTC SPRING Nature Hike

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

Louth Conservation Area

Hike Leader(s): Helen Hermansen Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: ~5km

Description

NBTC SPRING NATURE HIKE

Hiking boots and poles are recommend as the terrain is rocky in sections.

Join us for the NBTC Nature Hike series to learn more about the biodiversity along the Niagara Escarpment.  We will explore the trails throughout Louth Conservation area which offer beauty in all four seasons. Hikes will be held January, May, August & October – it will be amazing to see all the changes throughout the seasons.  Your hike leaders, members of the NBTC Biodiversity Committee, will share their knowledge of the amazing flora & fauna along the trail as well as any biodiversity projects in the works for this year.

Parking is at the Louth Conservation Area Parking Lot on Staff Ave. Hiking boots and poles are recommend as the terrain is rocky in sections.

Note that he hike will be rescheduled in the event of heavy rains or heavy snow.