- HikeType Car Hike
- HikeIcon https://hikes.brucetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/7/marker_car-hikes.png
- PaceTypes Brisk (4-5 km/hr)
- TerrainTypes ,Challenging,Hilly,Level 2 (Intermediate - some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot),Rocky,Variable
- PaidOuting No
Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): KM121.3. Kelso Conservation Area
Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin
Pace: Brisk (4-5 km/hr)
Terrain: Challenging, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate - some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Rocky, Variable
Distance: 19 km
Description
If you have been a member of the Bruce Trail community long enough, you might have heard of Doug Sloan, a legendary hiker who completed the Bruce Trail End-to-End more than 50 times—he actually achieved his 50th completion in 2015 and stopped counting afterward, though he continued hiking until he passed away in December 2021. As an avid hiker, committed Hike Leader and Trail Captain, and passionate supporter of the Bruce Trail, Doug made countless friends on the trail and inspired many with his remarkable dedication and accomplishments. In May 2024, a plaque "The Doug Sloan Wetland" was unveiled in Speyside to honour his contributions and achievements.
My last hike with Doug was on November 14, 2020, when he joined the final hike of a Toronto Section double-badge End-to-End series I led, during which he presented badges to qualifying hikers. That hike took place between Kelso Conservation Area and Speyside.
It feels fitting that my current End-to-End journey brings me back to the same area around the same time of year. On November 15, 2025, I am leading a hike from Speyside to Kelso Conservation Area and making it a hike in memory of Doug Sloan. Our hike will start at Speyside, where Doug’s commemorative plaque stands, and end at Kelso, where this group photo was taken back on November14, 2020.
Meeting Point:
Kelso Conservation Area parking lot. Enter from Tremaine Rd between Steeles Ave nd Highway401. GPS: 43.503204, -79.947548. Entrance fee applies at Kelso Conservation Area, see details at https://www.conservationhalton.ca/park-fees-membership-rates/ Please arrive at the parking lot before 8:45am to allow time for car shuttle coordination.
We will car shuttle to Toronto Section KM14.1. 17th side road, GPS: 43.592859,-79.980456. From there to hike back to Kelso Conservation Area.
All drivers are expected to participate in the car shuttle, either before or after the hike. All hikers are expected to chip in for parking fees, if applicable.
Important Notes:
- Wear sturdy hiking footwear and dress appropriately for the weather
- Bring snacks, and at least 1.5L of water
- No dropouts available.
- No pets.