Iroquoia

Boots and Books - The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Book Club

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Boots and Books – The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Book Club
Location (Google Maps): Chedoke Golf Club Parking lot – Access from Beddoe Dr off Studholme Rd South of Aberdeen

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approx 8km

Description

Welcome to the first Iroquoia Bruce Trail Book Club – “Boots and Books”

Book – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – Please check your local library for available copies of this book.

We will hike from the Chedoke Golf Club parking lot west on the Bruce Trail where most of our hike will be on the Chedoke Radial Trail – about 8km which will take about 2-2.5 hours approximately. Please wear suitable foot wear, dress for the weather and bring poles if you use them and icers as the trail may still be icy depending on how spring arrives. Please bring enough snacks and water suitable for the length of the hike and duration and all the other items you require in your back pack. It is not necessary to bring the book.

The next book will be chosen amongst the group. The next hike will be near the end of April, once a month depending on weather.

The hike is open to everyone whether you have read the book or not but there will be spoilers. It will be open to 10 people to keep it more intimate for discussing the book.

If your plans change, please cancel your registration so that people who are waitlisted may join.

To cancel your registration, here  is a step by step:
– Sign into your account on the BTC website
– Click on My Hikes under your account
– This will take you to a list of hikes you have registered for
– Scroll down to the appropriate hike and cursor over to the far right hand column under the Action column.
– Click Cancel under the hike you wish to cancel

Terra Cotta/Heritage Road loop

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside on Winston Churchill Blvd, just north of Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Meet at 9:15 am, earlier if you can, as parking is limited.

Hike Leader(s): Karen Bergmann Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 8.5 kms

Description

We will meet at 9:15 am roadside on Winston Churchill Blvd, just north of Terra Cotta.  Parking is limited, so try to come closer to 9 am in case there are other cars.

Hiking along the main trail, across Heritage Rd and around to the Rockside Side Trail and back on the main trail to the cars. This trail has some easy parts and some challenging rocky parts, so come prepared. There’s a bit of road walking.  Bring icers for your boots.  Hike is dependent on weather conditions.

RAINBOW HIKE: Spring Reset Hike on the Chedokee Trail

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Hillcrest Loop, bottom of Dundurn Stairs, next to bus stop

Hike Leader(s): Doug O’Neill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approx. 7 km

Description

Shake off winter and get ready for spring hiking with this uber-friendly, all-inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ Rainbow Hike.

This 7-km hike, on established park trails as well as some Bruce Trail side trails, is perfect for anyone getting back into hiking after a winter break—or for those who simply want a relatively easy outing on a Sunday morning. Expect a relaxed jaunt outdoors.

There are no hills.

Dog-friendly.

Meeting time Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start
Duration: Expect a 2.5 outing, allowing for water/snack breaks.
Where we’ll meet: We’ll start at Hillcrest Loop, at the top of Dundurn Street just below the Dundurn Steps, follow the Chedokee Trail westward for about 3.5 km, and then return to our starting point—perhaps using a different side trail to change things up.

This queer-led, all-inclusive hike is designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ hikers—including Two-Spirit, trans, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, intersex, and asexual folks, as well as allies and friends. Show up, be your authentic self, and have fun.

Coming by transit? The No 7 Hillcrest Loop bus will drop you off right where we begin the hike.
Parking: street parking, especially side streets off Dundurn.

What to Bring:
• Water and energizing snacks.
• Sense of humour always helps 🙂
• Dress in layers.
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes.
• Packing rain gear is always wise.
• Gaiters are recommended if ground is wet/muddy.

Free Bruce Trail Rainbow badges for first-time Rainbow hikers!
Questions? Simply click “Contact Hike Leader” on the registration form.

PLEASE DON’T BE A NO-SHOW Plans change. C’est la vie. But you don’t want your hiking group waiting around for you if you’re not coming. Very simple solution: Cancel your Bruce Trail hike registration by logging into the BTC website, go to your “My Hikes” section, find the hike, and click “cancel”; if it’s last minute (under 24 hours), you can also email the Hike Leader directly as a courtesy to the volunteers.

Rail Trail and Mountain Brow (with Albion Falls)

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

LIUNA 4 Ice Centre on Mountain Brow Blvd on the east mountain area of Hamilton See map below

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 7 km

Description

Leaving the parking lot we will join the rail trail going east and visit Albion and Buttermilk Falls following the blue side trail back to the rail trail and on to the Margate stairs (165 stairs) returning by paved paths following the escarpment and rail trail.  (Please arrive by 9:45 am as we will be on the trail by 10:00 am sharp. Bring water and a snack.  Icers if necessary (hopefully not!).  This is an urban hike with almost no cover for a call of nature!

If cancelled due to rain (snow?), I will notify you by email the evening prior to the hike.  If you cancel after 4:00 pm on the day prior to the hike, use the contact information I will send you by email a day or two before the hike.

Moonlight Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Moonlight Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Grimsby Lion’s Club Pool 1 Elm St, Grimsby

Hike Leader(s): Ruth Moffatt 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: 5-6km

Description

Earn your Iroquoia Moonlight badge by hiking 3 Moonlight Hikes with a leader.
Tonight’s sunset is at 7:45pm. We will hike up the escarpment and over to the Hawkwatch area and out to Beamer’s Falls and return around 9:00pm.
If you’ve never hiked at night we are sure you will love the way it heightens all of your senses promising a great sleep afterwards.
Everyone must have a headlamp or a flashlight 🔦. Most phones have torches which could also be used as supplemental light. Please ensure your light device is fully charged/batteries to last about 1.5hours. Dress for the weather and bring enough water to suit your needs as well as all the other things you need for a hike – first aid kit, snack, poles (recommended). This is an arduous climb up the escarpment so be sure to know your physical limit.
This is the first of 3 full moon hikes to be held in Grimsby. After you complete three leader-led hikes, you will qualify for a badge. $10/$15

Second hike is May 1

Third hike is May 31

Any questions may be directed through contact on this form.
If you cannot make it, please remove yourself from registration by following these steps:

To cancel your registration, here  is a step by step:
– Sign into your account on the BTC website
– Click on My Hikes under your account
– This will take you to a list of hikes you have registered for
– Scroll down to the appropriate hike and cursor over to the far right hand column under the Action column.
– Click Cancel under the hike you wish to cancel

Full Moon Night Hike No.4 (Pink Moon)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Moonlight Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Sixteen Hollow Park (Parking Lot), 2140 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville ON L6M 3K5

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7.5 km

Description

Pink Moon Full Moon Hike No. 4

Chase the Spring Glow.
For a mid-week hike, we’re taking advantage of the urban Oakville Trails system. Consider it a little BTC community outreach.

Step onto the path beneath April’s Pink Moon — the next chapter in our 2026 Full Moon Night Hike Series.  As winter fades, this early spring moon lights the budding forest with a soft rose-gold glow. Long known as the Pink Moon, it marks renewal, wildflowers, and the return of warmer evenings. It’s the perfect time to shake off winter’s chill, breathe in the fresh night air, and walk together under the bright rhythm of a new season.

Continue your Full Moon Night Hike Badge Series journey! Join any 3 Full Moon Night Hikes led by an Iroquoia Club Leader in 2026 to qualify and purchase the new badge.

Important Guidelines

• Hike Start Time: 8:00 pm
• Arrive: Please arrive 30 minutes early at the Sixteen Hollow Park / Parking Lot, 2140 Westoak Trails Blvd, Oakville.
• Lighting: Headlamp (recommended) or flashlight with fresh batteries or a full charge.
• Poles & Traction: Poles useful on uneven terrain; icers not required unless late frost conditions.
• Clothing: Dress in layers for mild spring temps and variable terrain.
• Essentials: Bring I.D. and your health card.
• Hydration: Carry at least 1L of water.
• Safety: A small first aid kit is recommended.
• Pets: No dogs permitted on this hike.

See the route on AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-388469e?u=m&sh=4wexyx

Join us as we welcome spring under the soft light of the Pink Moon — a night for reflection, renewal, and shared steps toward the season ahead.

CANCELLED - Silver Creek

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet roadside on Fallbrook Trail at 9:15 am

Hike Leader(s): Karen Bergmann Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7 kms

Description

Meeting roadside on Fallbrook Trail at Silver Creek Conservation Area, we will hike the Roberts Side Trail to the main trail almost to Tenth Line.  Turning back along the main trail to the Irwin Quarry Side Trail and to the cars. This hike has some rocky spots and a few hilly bits.  Come with icers for your boots in case there is still snow/ice.  Hike is dependent on weather conditions.

Dufferin End to End for the Stained Glass Badge Fundraiser - Multi Day Hike Series - April 3, 4, 5, 2026 Meet time is 7:45am

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Stained Glass Badge End to End Fundraiser Hike
Location (Google Maps): Registered participants will receive a WhatsApp invitation (optional)which can be used for photo share and other pertinent information.

Day 1 – Friday April 3- Meet at Mono Cliffs Community Centre, 200m south of Mono Centre (County Rd 8). Park in gravel lot. – https://maps.app.goo.gl/fKzqRtxnVtZjExgG6 –
Shuttle to Roadside parking on 1st Line https://maps.app.goo.gl/edUYBQopt8JnCuSs5 ~ 20km
Day 2 – Saturday April 4 – Meet in BT parking lot located off of 15th Sideroad, 50 m west of the stop sign at the intersection of Prince of Wales and 15th Sideroad. https://maps.app.goo.gl/t3QAFcmmYFWkRzWF6
Shuttle to Roadside parking on 1st Line https://maps.app.goo.gl/edUYBQopt8JnCuSs5 ~ 17.50km
Day 3 – Sunday April 5 – Meet in BT parking lot located off of 15th Sideroad, 50m west of the stop sign at the intersection of Prince of Wales and 15th Sideroad https://maps.app.goo.gl/t3QAFcmmYFWkRzWF6
Shuttle to Roadside parking on Mulmur-Nottawasga Townline, 550 metres east of Lavender Hill Rd at the cemetery. https://maps.app.goo.gl/is6cF8QsmPiAgscj9 ~18km

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: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Varies – Dufferin section is about 55km according to the BT app spread over three days.

Description

Everyone who is registered for this hike series will be invited to join an optional WhatsApp which can be used to share photos and other information.  

This is a monetized hike with the proceeds going towards the Dufferin Bruce Trail Club – “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness for everyone, forever.” There are no refunds. Your badge depicting the yellow lady slipper,  the hike logistics, shared shuttle driving and hike guidance are all included in your fee. Since it is the intention to run a similar hike in all sections this year, why not join the Bruce Trail Conservancy if you are not already a member? Please use my code 67abd1234c568 until the end of 2025 to receive free digital maps as well as all the other great benefits included with membership. https://brucetrail.org/product-category/memberships/

Please read all details for this hike to ensure it is suitable for you. The pace and terrain are particularly important details.
Registered participants will receive a WhatsApp invitation (optional) which can be used for photo share.

You must be registered to participate in this group hike. You cannot just show up as there are often people on the waitlist.

This is a multi-day hike – April 3, 4, 5th, 2026.

Please ensure your car is car shuttle-ready with at least 4 available seatbelts including the driver’s. We will take turns either being the shuttle driver or driving the drivers back to their cars after the hike is over.

Please pack whatever food you will require for a long day hike including lunch and snacks; 2l of water minimum; first aid kit; poles if you use them; and icers. You may also wish to pack extra socks and rain gear. Remember to dress in layers. Gloves/mitts, scarf / neck gator, a toque and a puffy jacket. Consider snow shoes, depending on conditions.

We will break for a morning clothing adjustment, a 10min break around 10am, 15 min lunch and an afternoon break if we are finishing after 2pm. Bio-breaks are as you need them – please let the sweep know who will wait for you. This is a 3 day group hike so it is important you keep pace with the person in front of you. We will help each other and wait for one another but please consider your physical ability before signing up for this hike. There are no drop outs – if you are not able to finish the hike you will need to arrange for transportation back to your car via taxi or Uber at your cost. Obtaining either in this section of trail is unlikely so please sign up if you know your limit and can maintain the pace.

The Dufferin stained-glass badge will be presented on the last day. If you have to miss one of these hiking days, you may make it up on your own before the last day of the series. Since it is a group hike, it is intended that everyone who registers be present on all days.

Any questions may be directed through contact on this form.
If you cannot make it, please remove yourself from registration to allow another person who may be on the waitlist to join the hike.

To cancel your registration, here  is a step by step:
– Sign into your account on the BTC website
– Click on My Hikes under your account
– This will take you to a list of hikes you have registered for
– Scroll down to the appropriate hike and cursor over to the far right hand column under the Action column.
– Click Cancel under the hike you wish to cancel

Any questions may be directed through the link on this form.

Refunds: https://brucetrail.org/paid-hike-refund-policy/