Niagara

Walking Within: Nature’s Meditation Walk.

Hosting Club: Niagara, Toronto
Category: Event Hikes
Location (Google Maps):

390 Morningside Ave, Scarborough, ON M1E

Hike Leader(s): Mehrnoush Ahmadi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk, Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: ~7 km

Description

Take a mindful break from daily life and immerse yourself in nature during this 3-hour guided meditation walk. Through gentle movement, breathwork, and stillness, we will reconnect with the present moment and the natural world around us.
The experience includes a slow, intentional walk with guided breathing exercises, sensory awareness practices, and a 30-minute silent forest sitting meditation to ground and restore. Behrang, an experienced hiker and psychotherapist, will be accompanying us on this mindful journey.
No prior meditation experience is needed. Please wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water and a cushion or mat for sitting, if you wish.

8:00 2025 Summer Black History Series: Hike #1 of 3

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6 kms

Description

On 9 JUL, 1793, the actions of a young brave enslaved Black woman, changed the course of Canadian history. Her name?  Chloe Cooley. Her brave act of resistance against her enslaver set the stage for the great freedom movement of enslaved African Americans known as the Underground Railroad. Hike participants will learn about Chloe and other figures involved in the the passing of the 1st legislation to limit enslavement in all of the British colonies.

For more information about Chloe Cooley click on the link below.

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/blogs/personal/perspectives/chloe-cooley-black-history-month/

This walk will go along the shore of Lake Ontario and through the town of NOTL. There will be frequent stops. Prepare for this urban adventure with hydration, sunscreen, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are open to all and offered in a spirit of mutual leaning and inclusion.

This hike counts as 1 of 3 required hikes for the Black History badge. Two additional hikes towards the badge are on today’s Hike Schedule.

8:30 am Woodend Conservation Area Hike

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps): Woodend Conservation Area

Hike Leader(s): Suzanne Gourluck Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10 km

Description

Starting in Woodend we will enjoy an in and out hike along the Wetland Ridge Trail and the Bruce Trail as far as the Screaming Tunnel (and possibly beyond) before returning.
Bring bug spray, poles, water and a snack if needed.

10:00 Summer 2025 BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #2 of 3

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on King St. at Centre

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7 km

Description

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has a significant and nation-shifting Black history. Voices from the past will tell their stories, enriching hikers’ understanding of how they shaped this town and nation.

Watch a short video by Historica Canada about Richard Pierpoint’s life by opening the link below.

https://youtu.be/UQyPXOHvwEc?si=2ZPGIHDrybxv11f

This walk will go along Lake Ontario and through the town of NOTL. There will be frequent stops.

*Please be prepared for the sun (e.g., sunscreen, hydration, etc).

** This hike counts towards the Black History badge. Three hikes from the series are required. Two additional hikes are on today’s schedule. There should be time for a short break between hikes.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are open to all and offered in a spirit of mutual leaning and inclusion.

12:00 Summer 2025 BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #3 of 3

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on King St. at Centre

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5 km

Description

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) has a significant and nation-shifting Black history. Voices from the past will tell stories, enriching hikers’ understanding of how they shaped this town and nation.

See link below for a brief overview of NOTL’s Black History.

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/niagara-on-the-lake-s-black-history-niagara-historical-society-museum/-QXR3nRTdnmqJw?hl=en

*This walk goes through NOTL. Prepare for this urban adventure with hydration, sunscreen, etc..

**This hike counts as 1 of the 3 required hikes towards the Black History badge. Check July 9 schedule for 2 previous hikes.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are open to all and offered in a spirit of mutual leaning and inclusion.

8:00 pm Sunset & Moonlight Night Hike in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King St.

Hike Leader(s): Robin Garrett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7 km

Description

Moonlight Night Hike – Take in the magic of the rising moon over Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. This hike includes a stop to connect with your senses – sights, sounds, smells and the rhythm of your breath. Counts towards your night hike badge (5 night hikes).

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St near Centre St at the entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7km

Description

Discover where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. Experience the Heritage District, woods and the Niagara Parkway.

Some weeks may be totally on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trail and paved pathways.

Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Plan to stay for conversation and a coffee at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Rd., NOTL

Margaret & Robin