Hike Schedule

Christmas Day Hike - Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Orchard Community Park parking lot on the north side of Blue Spruce Avenue just east of Sutton Drive in Burlington.

Hike Leader(s): Stuart Law 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 km

Description

Enjoy a quiet Christmas Day morning exploring the west side of the Twelve Mile Creek in Bronte Provincial Park as we trundle through woodland and then descend the valley to the creek that William Lyon Mackenzie had to cross in a hurry in the aftermath of the failed 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion.  We will see from a distance the massive rock that formed the roof of Devil’s Cave where he hid out trying to escape the noose.  Our day will be a lot more peaceful!  We will check out Spruce Lane Farm and hopefully some farm animals too.  The trail could very well be icy so please bring your icers as well as a snack and a warm drink.

Urban Walk: Annual TBTC Boxing Day Hike

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Meet inside Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, foot of Bay Street. TTC – take any streetcar from Union Station one stop south the Ferry Docks stop and walk south.

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 12

Description

Avoid the Boxing Day shopping crowds and come hike with the TBTC instead. The Toronto Islands are very peaceful in the Winter Season. We will catch the 2:15 or 2:45 pm ferry to be back in the city by 3:00 pm.  Bring a lunch, snacks, water, a hot beverage, and icers if the first snow has fallen.  Dress in warm layers appropriate to the weather. Heated washrooms available. Dropout anytime by walking back to the Ward’s Island Ferry Dock. We will hike towards Hanlan’s Point and return to Ward’s Island (the only ferry destination served in the Winter) – approximately 5-6 km each way.

10:00 Decew to Morningstar Mill

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps):

Decew House, DeCew Rd., Thorld, Map 3, km 31.2

Hike Leader(s): Sylvia Wheeler Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5.3 km

Description

This hike follows along Moody Lake, to Morningstar Mill Side Trail, then to DeCew House and Morningstar Mills and back. A stop at the First Nations Peace Monument will be included, time permitting.

9:00 NEW VENUE Rockway Conservation

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Rockway Conservation Area
Pelham Road, St Catherines

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
: 10km

Description

Changing it up for December only.

Hike the trails in and around Rockway towards Louth or effingham

9:15 Short hike, Pelham Road, Short Hills

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Pelham Road entrance, Short Hills Provincial Park

Hike Leader(s): janet davey Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Hike the main and side trails in Short Hills.  Bring hiking boots and water.

Terra Cotta / Last Tuesday of 2022

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Tuesday Hikers
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Winston Churchill Blvd. intersection with Caledon Trail-way.
Driving direction: North on Highway 410, continue north on Highway 10, left on King Street, right on Winston Churchill Blvd; drive 1 kilometre to roadside parking on either side of the road.

Hike Leader(s): Mohammad Shafiq Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 13 km

Description

Come and join the last Tuesday hike of the year and enjoy wandering through our favourite forest trails.
Will hike Terra Cotta Side Trail and the main Bruce Trail.
Bring water, snack, a hot drink is recommended.
Poles, gaiters and cleats are necessary to steer through the snow, weather depending.
Dress in layers.
Optional after hike stop at Higher Ground Café.
Phone contact for the day of hike: 416-566-0503

12 kilometres of delight (my favourite little section)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Park @113.6k Beaver Valley section (park on south side, east of trail access). Ensure that cars are completely off the paved portion of the road.
Map 28 Edition 30

Hike Leader(s): Kristina Rettie Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing
Length of Hike: 12km

Description

This is one of my favourite winter hikes, so I have waited until now in hopes there will be good snow coverage. Sugar maple/hemlock forest, wetlands, open marsh, views of the bay and cedar bush will all be enjoyed in this in and out hike.

Please be prepared with icers’s or snowshoes

Bring water and snack.  Please no dogs.

COVID-19 Precautions Before, During and After your Hike

1. Each hiker joining a Bruce Trail Club organized hike must perform a self-screening check before hiking.
   Find Ontario’s self-assessment tool here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
2. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home.
3. Personal Protective Equipment:
   • Hikers may choose to wear masks

Transportation

It is the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s current policy that car shuttles are allowed.  It is at the discrepancy of individual hike leaders to make that decision.

Other Guidelines

1. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike.
2. Wear sturdy footwear and appropriate attire for the weather and the terrain.
   Hiking poles are a good idea in any season, especially if the terrain is rocky or slippery. In winter, snowshoes or icers/crampons are needed when conditions dictate.
   Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear prevents injuries and shows consideration for a safe and positive group hiking experience.
3. Always carry I.D. and your health card.
4. Bring sufficient water and snacks (or lunch if indicated). A minimum of 1L of water is recommended on all hikes, and 3L is recommended for long, challenging hikes in the heat of the summer.
5. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent (for spring and summer hikes).
6. Bring your own first aid kit.
7. Please leave dogs at home.

Car Hike: Holiday Hikes in Caledon #2

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps):

Hike near Hockley area, Bruce Trail Caledon Hills section

Hike Leader(s): Dariush Khanbeigi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Hilly
Distance: 11 km

Description

We meet at the parking location @ km 42.2 and car shuttle to parking location at km 53.9. The hike starts from km 53.9 to km 42.2 map 18 of BTC Guide.

Please pack snacks, food and water to replenish your energy during the hike.

Dress according to the winter weather conditions, with proper hiking boots. Icers are required if the trail has icy conditions. Hiking poles are recommended for better control and balance while hiking.