Niagara

Nature Reserves at Otter Lake and MapleCross at Cape Chin

Hosting Club: Niagara, Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Bruce Trail Parking lot located off of Cape Chin North Road.

Hike Leader(s): Barb Reuber Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium (3.0 – 4.5 km/h): A comfortable pace for most hikers with steady progress.
Terrain: Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 15 km

Description

Peninsula BTC is offering a series of hikes covering all of the side trails on the Peninsula section of the Bruce Trail.  These hikes are a great opportunity for those who want to do some hiking but don’t want to commit to a full end-to-end; for those who have completed an end-to-end and want to explore more of the beautiful trails on the Peninsula and for locals and visitors who want to get out on the trail on the weekend.

The series will include 27 hikes on Sundays (and maybe the odd Saturday) over 2026 and 2027, covering more than 150 km of side trails or 78 trails!  We will be offering hikes on a roughly biweekly basis, with hikes posted approximately two months in advance. The hikes will generally be loop hikes, although car shuttling may be required for a few hikes. Register for each hike individually, no need to commit to all 27 hikes!

For those who would like to earn the Peninsula Side Trails badge, these hikes provide a chance to join a group for some or all of the side trail hikes.

This hike features two spectacular nature reserves at Otter Lake and MapleCross Cape Chin. Both of these reserves contain vital wetlands and deep forest ecosystems providing uninterrupted habitat for many species. As well, Maple Cross includes spectacular cliffs and the iconic view at Cape Chin.  This is a long hike at 15 km. We will hike the Cape Chin Meadows, Pat Daunt, Bard and Otter Lake Side Trails.

Hikers should be prepared for cool weather and possible wet trails. Bring a lunch, water and snacks. Hike leader will contact registered hikers one week before the hike.

If you would like to be notified when the side trail hikes are posted, go to the bottom of the Hikes page on the PBTC website to sign-up for hike notifications.

Tai Chi with Hike

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Mindfulness
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the 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: 5-6km

Description

Seeking balance, calm and strength without high impact exercise? Join us for a short hike.   Tai Chi Master, Mike Van Natter will instruct us on the benefits of Tai Chi as well as lead us through several Tai Chi movements along our way.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre 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 3- 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy: mostly flat, good footing
Distance: 6-7km

Description

Each Friday we will explore Niagara-on-the-Lake while getting a moderate paced walk.  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

Laura Secord

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Event Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Niagara Region Offices 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7

Hike Leader(s): Lynskie Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium 3- 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate: some hills and some poor footing
Distance: 32kms

Description

This is a self-led hike. Hike along the Bruce Trail from Laura Secord’s Homestead in Queenston to Decew House in Thorold. Participants will be transported by bus from check in at Niagara Region office to the start of the hike and will hike at their own pace to the final checkpoint. There will be volunteer drivers available to drive you back to your car once the hike is over. You may be asked to wear a mask in the car.

Bring snacks, water and bug spray. We also recommend sunscreen, basic first aid supplies, spare socks and a cell phone. There will be 3 checkpoints (2 along the trail and one at the end) to replenish water and snacks and anyone wishing to drop out of the hike should do so at a checkpoint. Hikers are responsible for informing club volunteers of their intention to drop out.

You will receive a reminder email two days before the event with further details about the hike.

Fireman's Park Loop

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the upper parking lot of Fireman’s Park, Dorchester and Mountain Rds, Niagara Falls

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: 7-8km

Description

This hike is a nice blend of the Fireman Park trail system with the main Bruce Trail.  Water and poles recommended.