Niagara

NBTC Diversity & Inclusion Committee Open Meeting & GeoHike (at Cave Spring Winery!)

Hike open to BTC Members only.

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

Cave Springs Conservation Area, 3949 Cave Spring Rd, Lincoln

Hike Leader(s): Kristin Hanson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 1.7KM

Description

Join the NBTC DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) committee on a hike followed by our quarterly ‘open meeting’ at which we will explore ways to increase the diversity of hikes on our hike schedule to encourage more hikers to join our community!

Schedule:

12:45pm: Arrive 15 mins prior to hike at Cave Springs Conservation Area

1:00 pm: Depart on a GeoHike to learn a little about area geology and terroir of the Beamsville Bench wine region.  Hike description is below.

2:15pm:  After the hike, we will meet at Cave Spring Winery in their nearby vineyard tasting room.  Wine, non-alcoholic beverages are available for a fee for those who wish to partake.

2:30pm:  They have reserved a room for us to hold our DEIB committee open meeting there.  The meeting is expected to wrap up by 4:00pm.  Registration includes both the hike and the meeting.  For those not wishing to hike, they can convene at Cave Springs vineyard tasting room in Beamsville at 2:15.  There is a reservation in the name of Kristin Hanson.

Cave Springs GeoHike: This is a short hike accessible to new hikers.  From the Cave Springs Conservation Area parking lot, we will hike along the Ice Cave Trail, the Margaret Reed Side Trail and the main Bruce Trail, stopping to explore and discuss the geology of the Niagara Escarpment, the Beamsville Bench wine region and the physiographic and geologic conditions that make it special.  After a short in-and-out hike on the Ice Cave Trail, we will slowly begin an incline up the Margaret Reed side trail as we scale the Niagara Escarpment.  We will consider the 450+million years of history we are hiking through as we make our way slowly to the top.  We will stop along the way to discuss and rest.  Once at the top, the terrain on the Bruce Trail is generally flat but footing may be uneven.  It may be icy or wet and slippery.  Hiking poles will make the ascent easier and give more stability on uneven footing.  We will hike to the site of the very first blaze on the Bruce Trail and admire the views of Lake Ontario and the vineyards of Cave Spring and Malivoire wineries.  Winter offers the most unobstructed views of this beautiful area.  We will return the way we came.

RESCHEDULED 8:30 Merritt Trail Hike Series #2

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Parking Lot at Book Depot , 67 Front St North Thorold, 43.128058, -79.202189
Carpool to parking lot on Merritt Island, Welland

Hike Leader(s): Sam Rutherford Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 17 kms

Description

Hike from Merritt Island , Welland to Thorold along the Welland Canal on mainly paved trails. Bring snacks and a drink .

Earn the Merritt Trail badge for all 3 hikes

9:00 am Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

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

Veterans Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King Street

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

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

Description

Each Friday we will explore different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL

9:00 In & Around Port Weller East on Several Lakefront Trails

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

Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm; 650 Read Rd., St Catharines

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 7-8 kms

Description

Starting at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, we will follow the 9/11 Memorial Walkway, then meander our way to trails maintained by the City of St. Catharines through open parkland, along Lake Ontario. We will then loop our way back through Happy Rolph’s. Birders may want to bring their binoculars.

Please note: The animal viewing area is only open mid-May to Labour Day.

Niagara Glen Hike

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

Meet at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre parking lot, 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls. This is located between the Whirlpool Golf Course and the Niagara Botanical Gardens, on the river side of the Niagara Parkway. Parking fees may apply.

Hike Leader(s): Dan Wilson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Strenuous
Distance: 10km

Description

Hike deep in the Niagara Gorge, along stairways cut into the rock and rugged paths that wind through this pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest. View ancient geological formations and fossils dating back millions of years, while hiking along the turbulent rapids of the Niagara River. This is a strenuous hike and there is a chance hikers could get wet. Bring water, a snack, gaiters, hiking poles and icers, if necessary. Weather conditions at this time of year can change suddenly. Dress in layers. 🙂