Toronto Hike Schedule

Car Hike: Jefferson Forest (Richmond Hill)

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps):

1245 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A2 ( Bethesda Trail Head Parking lot)

Hike Leader(s): Amir Alemohammad Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 10-12 km

Description

Let’s roll the hills of the Jefferson Forest this winter! Every weekend, we’ll explore the winter wonderland at this beautiful park. Located in the heart of Richmond Hill, it boasts numerous hiking trails. This 3-hour hike can range from 10 to 12 kilometres, depending on the weather conditions. Remember to bring water, snacks, hiking boots, icers, poles, and your camera. Not recommended for beginners. Park in the free Bethesda parking lot and avoid parking along the road. Dress appropriately for the weather. Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate).

Please arrive @8:45AM for start of 9:00AM.

This is a joint hike with the Oak Ridges Trail Association (ORTA).

Car Hike: Hike #3 of 5 to earn the Toronto Side Trails Badge!

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at the Trafalgar & 401 Commuter Lot (43.571569, -79.831797) and then carpool to the start of each hike.

Hike Leader(s): Monica Pasquali; Marina Wray Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr), Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot)
Distance (km): 9.24 km

Description

This is the third in a series of five hikes that will be offered approximately one Sunday per month so that participants can earn the Toronto Side Trails Badge during the winter and early spring.  Each out-and-back hike will cover a distance of 8-11 km and be hiked at a leisurely to moderate pace (approximately 3 km/h).  Please note that the hikes will be posted separately on the BTC calendar – you will have to register for each hike that you’re interested in joining.

For this second hike we will explore two side trails in the Toronto section of the Bruce Trail: the Bennett Heritage Trail and the Maureen Smith Side Trail.

Please dress appropriately for a winter hike by dressing in layers (wear an inner layer that wicks sweat away from your skin, a middle layer that keeps you warm, and an outer layer that protects you from wind and snow), wearing gloves/mittens and a toque, and wearing warm and comfortable footwear that has good traction in snow/ice (icers placed over your boots work great!).  Hiking poles or walking sticks are an asset since they will help keep you balanced if the ground is slippery.  As well, make sure you bring enough water and food for a 3-4 hour hike since we’ll be covering a total distance of 9.24 km over terrain that has some hills and exposed rocks.

Since parking might be limited at the places we’ll be hiking in this hike series, we will meet at the Trafalgar & 401 Commuter Lot (43.571569, -79.831797) and then carpool to the start of each hike.  Please be prepared to participate in each carpool by ensuring you have space in your car if you are not already carpooling with others to the Commuter Lot meeting point.

After the hike, interested participants can join me at the Tim Horton’s on Trafalgar Road just a bit south of Highway 401 for some post-hike refreshment.

Looking forward to exploring some of Toronto’s side trails with you!

Urban Walk: Rosedale Ravines

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps):

Meet Pleasant Blvd Exit, St Clair Subway Station

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 1 (Easy – mostly on flat, well maintained trails with hard-packed surface), Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance (km): 10 km

Description

Join us for a morning circular walk through David Balfour Park, Park Drive Reservation, the Evergreen Brickworks, Moore Park Ravine and Mount Pleasant Cemetery. On this walk we find nature close to the heart of the city.