Niagara

Rainbow Hike: Cave Springs GeoHike

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Rainbow 🌈
Location (Google Maps): Cave Springs Conservation Area

Hike Leader(s): Angela Lytle Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely <3 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate: some hills and some poor footing
Distance: 2 km

Description

Join the Niagara Bruce Trail Club, Bridges Niagara Immigrant and Refugee Services and PFLAG Niagara for a Rainbow Hike with Kristin Hanson, Geologist

What is a Rainbow Hike?

These hikes aim to bring 2S-LGBTQIA+ folks and newcomers together with other newcomers and community members, friends and allies to enjoy nature and connect to the land and enjoy nature in all seasons. It is an intentionally affirming space for people of diverse backgrounds and identities with a focus on 2S-LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Everyone is welcome.
For Pride month, BTC Pride badges and stickers are free for all hikers! Come celebrate Pride with likeminded folks enjoying nature together!

Hike Details: 

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 wet and slippery if it rains.  Hiking poles will make the ascent easier and give more stability on uneven footing. Bug spray is needed at Cave Spring in the summer months.  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.

Parking: There is a small parking lot at the entrance to Cave Springs Conservation area on Cave Spring Road, just past the Cave Springs winery.

Please arrive by 9:50 to check in with the hike leaders so we can depart at 10.

GeoHike - Ball's Falls Conservation Area

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

3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln, ON

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

Pace: Leisurely <3 km/hr
Terrain: Easy: mostly flat, good footing
Distance: 2.0

Description

Look at 438 million years of geologic history and discover why early settlers chose Balls Falls to establish their industrial base.  Learn about the formation of the Niagara Escarpment, how glaciation contributed to formation of the valleys and waterfalls, and how the landscape continues to change.  We will depart from the Ball’s Falls visitor center – meet at the GeoPoint sign just east of the main doors.  We will then follow the short Switchback Trail down into the valley and take the Cataract Trail to the Upper Falls.  We will hike along Twenty Mile Creek as it makes its way over the Niagara Escarpment into the Village and get a great view of the Lower Falls.  We will use a slow pace and stop and discuss geology along the way.  It will only take us 1 hour to cover the distance.  When we arrive at the Lower Falls we will stop to enjoy it, and then return to the parking lot.  There are washrooms near the village.  We will return to the parking lot and visitor center, where there are washrooms and water fountains.

Note there is an entrance/parking fee of $15per car but a NPCA parking pass covers this fee; passes may be available to checkout from local libraries

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

Hike open to BTC Members only.

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: Leisurely <3 km/hr

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).

Hike, followed by Blues in the Park

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Leisurely
Location (Google Maps): 2275 Dorchester Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2J 0H1

Hike Leader(s): Marion Hanover Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely <3 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate: some hills and some poor footing
Distance: 4 km

Description

Hike series Thursday evenings throughout the summer, followed by optional Blues in the Park.  Come prepared to hike 1.5 leisure hike.  Various blues bands free of charge starting at 7pm in the park.  Bring lawn chair, beverage and snack to share.

9:00 am Niagara on the Lake Tour & Some Yoga

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
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: Leisurely <3 km/hr

Distance: 5 km

Description

Enjoy the benefits of pausing for a yoga practice as we tour through the trails, parkland and Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. No mat required. Movement will focus on a flow of standing poses designed especially for hikers. Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL.