RAINBOW HIKE: Downtown Dundas to Dundas Peak/Spencer Gorge

NOTE, this hike has reached the maximum amount of hikers allowed.

Click here to be added to the Wait List.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): We'll meet in the parking lot at Shawn & Ed’s Craft Brewery, 65 Hatt St., Dundas

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: 10 kms (with optional 3 km extension to Webster’s Falls)

Description

Come by car or HSR transit for this all-inclusive/LGBTQ-friendly hike from downtown Dundas to the top of Dundas Peak/Spencer Gorge with time to explore both Tew and, possibly, Webster's Falls. FYI: Dundas Peak is an estimated 340 metres (1,100 feet) above sea level. Awesome views.

We’ll rendezvous no later than 9:20 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to Ed & Shawn’s Brewery (corner of Hatt Street and Sydenham). Look for me in olive-green Bruce Trail cap. Bonus for drivers: Parking is free in Dundas on Saturdays.

Tip: If you arrive early or need to use the loo before hiking, Starbucks (45 King St. W., downtown Dundas) is a 2-minute walk around the corner from parking lot.

Coming by bus? One option is to take the 8:49 a.m. 05-HEAD STREET via DOWNTOWN DUNDAS from the King & Bay bus stop (in front of Jackson Square). It could take about 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Get off at the King & Sydenham intersection, just a block from meet-up location. (Yup, public transit can be wonky but rest assured, we won’t leave without you if your bus is running late!)

Bus fares: $2.50-3.50.

The hike: From the parking lot at Ed and Shawn's Brewery, we’ll head up Sydenham Street to Cascade Park and follow the Tew Fall Lookout Trail all the way up to the top of the escarpment, with stops at the Dundas Peak and Tew Falls lookouts.

You have two options: For those who would like to hike an extra 3 km to Webster Falls and back (1.5 km each way), we’ll do so via Harvest Road & Short Road, and have lunch at Webster’s Falls (for a 13 km hike). Your other option is to explore longer and have your lunch at Tew Falls. The "Webster’s" group will rejoin you on their way back.

We’ll partially retrace our route back along the top of the peak with a detour via Glen Ferguson Trail before we head back down to Dundas, where we can reward ourselves with a pint or other post-hike beverage. It'll be relatively easy to take one of two bus routes to return to downtown Hamilton.

Please bring at least 2 litres of water, energizing snacks and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent. Hiking boots or sturdy footwear are recommended—as well a cap.

Complimentary Bruce Trail Rainbow badges and/or stickers to all participants! Email any questions to the Hike Leader - "Click here to contact Hike Leader" on this form.