- HikeType Rainbow Hike
- HikeIcon https://hikes.brucetrail.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/7/image.png
- PaceTypes Medium - 3 to 4 km/hr
- TerrainTypes Moderate - Some hills and/or some poor footing
- PaidOuting No
Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at corner of Wilson & Academy, downtown Ancaster
Hike Leader(s): Doug O'Neill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)
Pace: Medium - 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate - Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 13 -14 km
Description
This queer-led, all-inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ hike starts in downtown Ancaster, connects with the Bruce Trail—stopping at three waterfalls—then follows a mishmash of sidetrails with lunch at the Trail Centre/Historic Train Station (indoor washroom facilities, warming station). Arrive by 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. start.
Fully accessible by Hamilton Public Transit or car. We'll start and end in the same spot, no shuttle or carpooling required.
What's a Rainbow Hike: The aim of the Bruce Trail’s Rainbow Hikes is to create a safe, welcoming space for 2SGBTQIA+ hikers—including trans, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, Two-Spirit, intersex, asexual, and straight friends—to show up and be themselves in a safe and friendly outdoor setting. Our hiking group typically includes 20 to 25 people representing a full spectrum of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Diversity Rules 🙂
Highlights for this hike: three waterfalls (Tiffany, Sherman and Canterbury), Hermitage ruins, Dundas Valley Conservation nature interpretation centre, replica Victorian-style train station, two train cabooses from the 1920s—with an optional post-hike visit to the gay-owned and operated Trails Cafe in downtown Ancaster.
Where to meet: We'll rendezvous at the small parking lot right the corner of Wilson Street East and Academy in Ancaster (put 392 Wilson Street East into your GPS).
Coming by Hamilton Transit: Take the 5A MEADOWLANDS via McMASTER bus from King and Bay, get off at Rousseaux at Wilson (in Ancaster), and walk 5 minutes (max) up Wilson street to our meeting spot.
Parking at corner oof Wilson Street East and Academy. Just look for the unpaved parking lot right at the corner. Free. If full, there's also parking across the street.
If you arrive early and you need to visit the loo or wait in a warm place, there's a Tim Horton's (370 Wilson). You need to ask for the washroom key and they may prioritize people who are buying something. Try your luck!
Bring sufficient water and proper lunch. Hiking boots are recommended, icers too. Dress in layers. Gaiters, to protect pants from mud, are a good idea.
Get your complimentary Bruce Trail Rainbow badge!
Feel free to reach out to the Hike Leader Doug if you have any questions at all- "Click here to contact Hike Leader" on this form.