Hike Schedule

Frontenac Challenge 2023 - Special 7-Day Hiking Event in Frontenac Provincial Park located north of Kingston

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Frontenac Provincial Park is about 3.5 -4 hours from Toronto and about 1 hour north of Kingston

Hike Leader(s): Ruth Moffatt Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 4.5km – 27km

Description

This is a special, 7 day, 6 night trip to Frontenac Provincial Park. This special hiking event is a series of loop hikes called the Frontenac Challenge held in Frontenac Provincial Park. Frontenac Provincial Park is about 3.5 hours from Toronto. The 11 loops are from 1.5km to about 27km including the trail to access the trail head. Each loop has a special password which you keep track of to submit for a badge. The cost for registering for the Challenge in 2022 was $5. This includes a badge (1st, 5th, 10th etc) and certificate. A certificate for all other completions. A self-addressed 9×12”stamped envelope must be left at the park office if you want a badge/certificate.

Accommodation is at Snug Harbour Resort, a short distance from the park. Four shareable cabins (#2,10,11 & 12) have been blocked off for the Bruce Trail hikers. Please contact Rob at relax@snugharbour.on.ca. Choose one of the cabins or another one of your choosing if another is available. http://snugharbour.on.ca/accommodations.htm Once you register, please let me know if you want your name shared with others to share your cabin. The rate per cabin should be $110 plus tax no matter if there are two or four sharing. This rate also includes access to boats (at your own risk), fire pits and GBBQs as needed.

Check in is October 11,2023 and check out is October 17,2023 or you may stay longer if you wish. Let Rob know you are with the Bruce Trail Group. He has agreed to give us a favourable rate ($110) as well as access to resort amenities without charge. You may also choose to stay elsewhere. Parking fees at the Frontenac Provincial Park also apply. Since we hike the first day, you may wish to check-in first and carpool from Snug Harbour over to the park for our 2:30pm start on our first day. See below. You can obtain your parking passes from the park office. Everyone will need a pass for the last day of hiking as most people drive straight home after our last hike. Borrowing a park pass from your local library, if available, or purchasing an annual pass, is encouraged. https://www.ontarioparks.com/fees/dayuse/2023
Purchase of the Frontenac Provincial Park map is strongly recommended. www.frontenacpark.ca

Please note, this hike is for those who wish to complete the Frontenac Challenge, not the Frontenac Trek. There may be other hikes on the schedule for the Frontenac Trek, however,

On our first day we will meet at the  provincial park to complete two short loops on the afternoon of arrival at 2:30pm. You may choose to meet at Snug Harbour and check-in before hand and car shuttle from there. Please confirm that you would like to do this with Rob at Snug Harbour.

Frontenac Challenge is a very popular hiking event – there is often wild life and the trees are in full colour. Evenings are often spent around the campfire where we will have a hotdog roast and a pot luck, or two. This will be the my 5th and last Frontenac Challenge but I’m hopeful another hike leader will continue to lead them in 2024.

If you have any questions, please email ruthdmoffatt@gmail.com

9:00 Remembering the Six Nations' Role in the Battle of Queenston Heights, 13 OCT 1812

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):

Queenston Heights Park, near Bruce Trail Southern Terminus Cairn, km 0.0. Enter from Niagara Pkwy. A parking fee is charged.

Hike Leader(s): Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10 kms

Description

This hike will recognize the contribution of the Six Nations during the Battle of Queenston Heights, Oct 13, 1812. We will take the main trail down the escarpment,  the Upper Canada Heritage Side Trail, the Major Teyoninhokarawen (“Tey-oh-nin-hock-ah-RAW-wen”) John Norton Side Trail up the escarpment, and then the main trail. A final stop at the Landscape of Nations Memorial will be included. It should take 2.5-2.75 hours depending on the conditions. The climbs up and down the escarpment can be slippery and offer poor footing, particularly if there has been rain. Hiking poles are recommended.

Right click on/Open the link below to view a short video on the subject.

https://www.historicacanada.ca/productions/minutes/queenston-heights

Note: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning, to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are open to all and offered in a spirit of mutual learning and inclusion.

WEDNESDAY WALKERS - Stew Hilt's Side Trail

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the parking lot at the end of Johnston’s Side Road off of Grey Road 32, km 74.3, Map 26

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Yaraskavitch Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections
Length of Hike: 5.9 km

Description

This hike takes us through BTC protected land. We will walk through a mature deciduous forest on the Main Trail and then we’ll walk the Stew Hilt’s Side Trail. Crossing a stream, we reach a waterfall, usually trickling in the fall. Our route will have us return on the higher Main Trail which provides a beautiful view of the Cuckoo Valley, showcasing fall colour.

What's a Meromictic Lake?

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps): Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Guelph Line

Hike Leader(s): Anne Armstrong Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approx 6-7 km.

Description

Come join me for this hike to discover what the fuss about Crawford Lake is all about (if you don’t know already). It has been in the news a lot lately. Please meet in the LOWER parking lot of Crawford Lake Conservation Area on Guelph Line at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Bring a snack, sunscreen and hiking poles if using. You will need to make a reservation to enter. (Check out the Halton Conservation Authority website.)
Leader: Anne Armstrong 905 617 3937 hikingrandma@gmail.com

New Badge! Beaver Valley Geology Hike #4

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet on the shoulder of sideroad 7B, km 43.5 to shuttle to the start of the hike on Blue Mountains-Euphrasia Townline, km35.0

Hike Leader(s): Glenda Collings Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections
Length of Hike: 8.5 km

Description

This is a series of 7 hikes to earn the Beaver Valley Geology badge.  We will use the criteria listed in Beth Gilhespy’s book, Walking Through Time, Exploring Niagara Escarpment Geology in the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Section.  We’ll boost our knowledge of the local geology along the way as we take the required photos.  Hikers are welcome to join any or all of the hikes, however, they must complete all 7 hikes to earn the badge.  Bring sufficient water and snacks.

Hike Five:  Fox Ridge & McCluskey’s Rock

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.

Peninsula Hiking Festival

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre 3092 Bruce Road 13 Wiarton, ON N0H 2T0

Description

The Peninsula Hiking Festival is a two-day event that highlights the beauty, biodiversity and resilience of the natural environment of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, while strengthening interest and support in local conservation efforts.

Join us at the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre on October 13 and 14 to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and learn more about local culture and ecology. Focusing on the theme of Forest Ecology, festival attendees will be invited to participate in a variety of interpretive hikes and workshops, along with social opportunities to connect with one another.

For details and registration please visit https://www.pbtc.ca/peninsulahikingfestival2023

Blue Mountains End to End Part II of VI

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:00
Return to City Time: 19:00
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Map 23 of the Bruce Trail Reference and Guide. Km 55.7 to km 44.5

Hike Leader(s): George Lennon and Michael Humpage Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 11.3km

Description

Bus departs 10 York Mills Rd at 8:00 AM and Major Mackenzie Dr and HWY 400 Park and Ride at 8:20 AM. If you wish to be picked up at the Major Mackenzie Dr and HWY 400 Park and Ride, type ‘yes’ in the additional information field. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. The bus waits for no one.

On this hike we will be going east from km 55.7 through the Petun Conservation Area. The Conservation Area was named for the indigenous peoples that inhabited the land during the early 1600’s. As the Bruce Trail winds its way through rock faces, cliffs and crevices, one of the highlights of the trail are lookouts from Osler Bluff. The view is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors. There are also unique fern and moss communities. We will continue through the Pretty River Valley Provincial Park. Here we will take a short climb of a few hundred metres on the John Haigh Side Trail to the highest point along the Bruce Trail at 540m above sea level. We will stop in Creemore on our way back to Toronto for a chance to walk its heritage trail or to visit bakeries, a craft brewery, art galleries, museums and parks.

** Hikers are required to bring a mask and wear it on the bus. Masks must fit properly and cover the nose, mouth and chin. For the highest level of protection against Covid-19, respiratory viruses or the flu, KN95 or N95 masks are recommended. **

8:30 Woodend to Screaming Tunnel and Fireman's Park Loop

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

Meet at Woodend Conservation Area off Taylor Road (Map 2)

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 14km

Description

Hike through Woodend along the Main Trail and Side Trails visiting the Screaming Tunnel and on to Fireman’s Park before returning. This hike qualifies for the hike required regarding the screaming tunnel badge

Boyne Valley 25K Challenge

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Special Events
Location (Google Maps): Dufferin Hi-Land Section, Map 20, Km 28.3. The hike starts from the BTC Rock Hill parking lot on 1st Line EHS, Mulmur, 6.0 km north from Hwy 89, east of Hwy10. You will be directed to parking on the west side of the road, just opposite the meeting site. We ask that you do not park on the road.

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

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 25 kilometers

Description

This is a loop hike, hiking south beginning and ending at km 28.3. A detailed map will be handed out at the start. There will be one checkpoint along the route where snacks and water will be available. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

There will be hotdogs and snacks at the finish line along with photos taken with your new accomplishment!

Note: Adult Members are considered 12 years old and older. Children under the age of 12 may not register due to the strenuous nature of this challenge.

Check-in will begin at 8:00 am, continuing until 9:00.am. Registrants may leave as soon as 8:20am after they check in and receive any further instructions.

Participants will earn the Boyne Valley 25 K badge.

25k Challenge Map

Please Note: Unfortunately, due to many reasons, dogs are not allowed.

Enjoy the hike!

9:00 Cave Spring Witch Hunt

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps):

Parking lot Quarry Road Beamsville

Hike Leader(s): Bill Russell Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6k

Description

Discover the history of the 19th Century Quarry Pioneers and the Cave Spring Witch. Complete this hike and count it towards the Screaming Tunnel Badge

Clappison Woods to Smokey Hollow MAP 9

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps):

Park at Clappison Corners Walmart Parking Lot -east side -also parking lot above near Dollar Tree-we will meet in the grassy area between parking lots

Hike Leader(s): Cathie Green Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 12 kms

Description

A There and Back-starting out on the old quarry trails behind the shopping centre we will pick up the  BT main trail through Clappison Woods –  and along  Grindstone Creek – to Smokey Hollow Falls

Some steep and rocky trail as well as staircase climb to view the Great Falls – Pack water, snack/lunch- wear weather appropriate clothing, hiking poles, boots recommended as well