Hike Schedule

9:00 am NBTC Side Trail Challenge #1 - General Brock

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Park at Butler’s Barracks (enter from John Street)

Hike Leader(s): Robin Garrett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 12.5 km

Description

Carpool to the southern cairn. This hike follows the Niagara River from Queenston Heights, down the escarpment and all the way to Butler’s Barracks in Niagara on the Lake. Mainly paved trail with a small portion through a wooded area. Required photos include: Brock’s War Monument, view of Lewiston Bridge, Niagara River, War Memorial, McFarland House. Participate in all 9 scheduled hikes in the NBTC Side Trail Challenge or hike the side trails on your own. Submit your photos to collect the NBTC Side Trail badge.

Sydenham Chipper (km44.2-29.4)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Parking along the Townline
Map 30 ED 30
Km44.2

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

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 14.8km

Description

Please join us as we chip away through the Sydenham section. This will be a series of 11 hikes that range between 13-19kms with one longer hike of 24km. We will begin our journey at the northern end of Sydenham and work our way south to try and avoid the dangers the falling leaves and snow will bring.

If you complete the 11 hikes in this series you will qualify for Sydenham’s new independent badge. Please keep track of your hikes as each hiker will be submitting their own badge request.

All hikes in this series will include a car shuttle and everyone will take a turn as a shuttle driver. Please have your vehicle passenger ready.

Dec 5 hike – meet @km44.2 carpool to 29.4 

** the meeting point/hike direction of this hike might flip depending on conditions of Bognor Marsh**

If you have any questions please text me @ 519-410-9077 (this is the most efficient way)

Please bring plenty of water and snacks/lunch

No dogs

Please text Kristina @ 519-410-9077 for morning of cancelations

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.

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.

Winter Festival of Lights Hike

Hosting Club: Niagara, Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the parking lot of Floral Showhouse, 7145 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5-7km

Description

Get into the holiday spirit with the Annual Winter Festival of Lights.  Hot apple cider & tea will be provided.  Bring a holiday treat to share.

9:00 am Side Trail Challenge #2 - Alfred’s Trot, Upper Canada Trail (at York Road), Major Teyoninhokarawen/John Norton

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Park at Queenston Heights parking near the washrooms. The main parking lot by the cairn is closed for winter.

Hike Leader(s): Sam Rutherford Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 7.6 kms

Description

Take the main trail until it meets Major Tetoninhokarawen/John Norton ST. Take side trail until it meets Upper Canada ST. Take it until it meets the
main trail. Go left on the main trail, up the switchback and along Main Trail until it meets Alfred’s Trot ST. Take the side trail until it, once again meets the Main trail. Take the Main trail back to the cairn. Photos: Major T Side Trail sign, rock wall and kiln on Upper Canada ST, Alfred’s Trot ST sign

Participate in all 9 scheduled hikes in the NBTC Side Trail Challenge or hike the side trails on your own. Submit your photos to collect the NBTC Side Trail badge.

http://niagarabrucetrail.club/wp/niagara-side-trails/

Webwood Falls

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the BTC parking lot on Grey Road 40, Km 105.7 Map 28 Edition 31

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Length of Hike: 4.6 km

Description

We gather in the somewhat new BTC parking lot on Grey Road 40. Our Trail takes us a short distance across a field and then into a forest. Then it’s a country walk beside farm fields towards Webwood Falls. We will view the Falls and poke around the old Harwood Farm to see features left behind from farmstead days. They we return back to our vehicles.

The view from Dewitt Hill

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Thursday Group
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the start of the Lewis Road Side Trail km 11.1, Map 6 of the BTC guide. Please do not block driveways. We will hike from Lewis Road to Dewitt Road and back. Great views from Dewitt road. Conditions could be a mix so have icers ready. Bring water and snack. There will be an optional lunch at the Menphis BBQ nearby after the hike.

Hike Leader(s): Paul Toffoletti Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 9 km

Description

Joshua Creek Meander

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Easy Does It Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Oakville

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approx. 8 – 9 km.

Description

Join in for a meander down to Lake Ontario, following Joshua Creek. We will return to our start using mostly the same route. Meet at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am.start in the parking lot of Maplegrove Mall at the corner of Maplegrove and Cornwall Rd. Park near Tim Horton’s. Bring water and a snack. Icers may be necessary. This will be a leisurely pace hike, suitable for new hikers and those wanting a slower pace. If cancelling the morning of the hike please let the leader know by email or text.
Leader: Anne Armstrong 905 617 3937 hikingrandma@ gmail.com.

Easy Hike - Shining Rainbow Deer Sanctuary

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): 446 Cape Hurd Road, Tobermory, Ontario

Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 3 1/2 KM

Description

Shining Rainbow Deer Sanctuary – 3 ½ km boardwalk and forest path – teardrop shaped hike. This is a very pretty hike which meanders through a thriving marsh ecosystem and cedar forest.  You feel immersed in the marsh – without getting wet! We will stop at the birding platform to enjoy the soft colours of late Fall and early Winter, in its peace and solitude  at this time of year. If you wish to remain here to take in the quiet of the marsh, the hike sweep will keep you company. The rest of the hiking group will continue our  adventure through the woods, returning to join you at the birding platform. The hike includes some boardwalk walking which can be slippery in spots. The rest of the hike is on generally flat forest floor terrain.

NCC hike interpreter, Justin Johnson will join us for the hike – what a special treat. Thank you Justin!  Nature Conservancy Canada protects and cares for this property. We are grateful for their stewardship.

Parking: Roadside parking. Park on the east side of Cape Hurd Road near the entrance to Shining Rainbow Deer Sanctuary.

No washrooms onsite.

Wear layers, hat and warm mittens and boots. Bring a light back pack with water and snack.

Winter Hiking 101 - Virtual Information Session

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: TBTC Special Events
Location (Google Maps):

Virtual on Zoom.

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin, Tom Swales

Distance: 0

Description

“If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow” – so why don’t give yourself a try of winter hiking?  If you are new to hiking, or have hiked a lot in spring, summer and fall but never in winter, and want to know how to enjoy the winter hiking with the Toronto Bruce Trail Club, or by yourself in a safe style, welcome to join this online information session. This virtual information session will provide all answers to questions that you would want to ask, including:

1. The Bruce Trail and the Club;
2. Different types of hiking programs;
3. How to join a group hike organized by the Bruce Trail Club;
4. How to prepare for winter hikes;
5.  Winter Hiking Badge;
6.  Our Winter Coach Program.

Zoom invitation will be sent to your at noon on Dec 7.  Please check your primary folder as well as the Spam folder just in case.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St near Centre St at the entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Park

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5-6km

Description

Each Friday we will explore different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL

Easy Hike - Hike! Cool Down! Celebrate!

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Meet up location: We will meet at The Meeting Place – 20 Centennial Dr,Tobermory. Leave some cars here and drive to our starting point at the Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor’s Centre. Map 42

Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Distance: ~3 KM

Description

Holiday season brings joy and sometimes a little stress.  Take a hike with us to find the balance you need to embrace the festive season.

Our final hike of the Easy Hike series is a carpool hike. Meet at the Meeting Place, 20 Centennial Drive, Tobermory. We will leave some cars here and carpool to our starting point – Northern Cairn in the village of Tobermory. We will hike along the Bruce Trail to Dunks Bay Road and return to the Meeting Place via Dunks Bay Road. The trail  includes some short inclines and uneven terrain with roots and rocks.

We are grateful to Laura Stevenson, Registered Massage Therapist  for joining us today, as we learn about the role of a Registered Massage Therapist and the benefits of stretching and cooling down after exercise. Laura will share some tips which can be integrated into your routine hike practice, helping to reduce the risk of injury on the Bruce Trail!

Celebrate the completion of our hike series and the upcoming holiday season. Holiday cider and shortbread awaits at the Meeting Place!

Please consider bringing a canned good donation for the Tobermory Food Bank.

Great Niagara Circle Route #1 Port Robinson to Port Colborne

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Gateway Park Lock 8 Port Colborne. 42.900000, -79.246494 Car Pool to Port Robinson 43.039122, -79.213637

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

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 18

Description

This Hike Series will be at a brisk pace between 5 and 6kph. If you are unable to maintain for the duration please do not sign up. The Greater Niagara Circle Route badge is awarded to walkers who independently complete the Circle Route Trail i.e. Lock 1 Port Weller, along the Welland Canal to Port Colborne , following the Friendship Trail to Fort Erie, following the Niagara Recreational Parkway Trail to Niagara-on-the-Lake and following the Waterfront Trail to Port Weller.

Car Hike: Hiking and Holiday Trees

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at the parking lot of Scotsdale Farm (13807 Trafalgar Rd, Halton Hills).

Hike Leader(s): Monica Pasquali Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 4.1 km

Description

Enjoy two fantastic farms in one day: Scottsdale Farm for some hiking, and then Elliott Tree Farm to purchase a tree for the holidays!  First we’ll do a 4.1 km loop hike of the Bennett Heritage Trail, main Bruce trail, and Maureen Smith Side Trail, enjoying the peaceful beauty of hiking in the forest in December.  After returning to our cars, those who would like to join me in extending their day of fun will make the 25-minute drive to reach Elliott Tree Farm where people can hike along the trails throughout the farm, make their way through the hay bale maze, warm up by a bonfire, enjoy a snack in the Horse Barn Canteen, visit the barn gift shop to purchase small-batch maple syrup or a homemade wreath, and/or purchase a tree to take home for the holidays (both fresh-cut trees and cut-your-own trees are available).  More information about Elliott Tree Farm can be found here: https://www.elliotttreefarm.ca/ 

Children under 13 years of age are encouraged to join their parents/guardians on this hike so they can fulfill the requirements for the Toronto Bruce Trail Club’s Youth Badge (https://torontobrucetrailclub.org/the-trail/badges) – all family members who are planning on joining us should register for the hike, including children.  You should bring enough water and food for a 2-hour hike, comfortable hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and money if you intend to join us at Elliott Tree Farm after the hike.

Urban Walk: #3/4 Toronto Urban Badge Hike - 24km

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps):

Finch West Station – S.E of Keele St. & Four Winds Dr.

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 24KM

Description

Let’s explore the city in winter and build up our appetites for the holiday season while earning the unique Toronto Urban Hike Badge.

To qualify for the badge, we will embark on a 74 KM loop (map: https://onthegomap.com/s/c2c1hf3n ) through a series of four Saturday hikes scheduled for Nov 25 (18 KM), Dec 2 (17 KM), Dec 9 (24 KM,  Finch West Station – Old Mill Station ), and Dec 16 (20 KM, Old Mill Station – Evergreen Works).

Please bring hot beverage and snacks/light lunch for our journey. We will take short breaks for restroom stops and lunch at suitable locations along the trails. The majority of the route consists of paved paths, so running shoes are recommended over hiking boots.

Badges by request will be presented at the last hike. The cost of the badge is $5 for members and $15 for non-members.

Nature Seekers - Exploring Riverside Woods Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Bruce Trail Parking Lot, 713377 1st Line EHS, Mono, 43.959720, -80.070870

Directions: From ON-9, head north onto 3rd Line EHS for 3 km. Turn left/west onto Side Road 5 for 2.7 km. Turn right onto 1st Line EHS for approximately 1 km. Continue straight into the parking lot.

From ON-10, head east on Hockley Road/Dufferin County Road 7 for 1 km. Continue straight onto Side Road 5 for 1.5 km. Turn left onto 1st Line EHS for approximately 1 km. Continue straight into the parking lot.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5 km

Description

Explore the new Riverside Woods Nature Reserve in the Caledon Hills. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. After the hike, you can head over to the Club’s Winter Market located at 933445 Airport Road, if you wish. It’s less than a 10  minute drive. 

Urban Walk: Toronto Island By Night

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, foot of Bay Street. Take any streetcar from Union Subway Station one stop to Ferry Docks Station, cross Queen Quay at lights and walk south.

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales, David Royle, Mojgan Haghighat, Shamseddin Deilami Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 9 km

Description

• Join us for a leisurely walk on The Toronto Islands from Ward Island to the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, returning via the paths and trails along the northern side with great views of the city at night. Route: https://onthegomap.com/s/rdt1vns0

Please bring a headlamp or flashlight. Icers are strongly recommended but keep an eye on the weather forecast. The lake side of the island is generally breezy so dress in layers. Bring a litre of water and possibly snacks.

After the walk we’ll head to a restaurant/pub near the ferry terminal for refreshments and fellowship.

We will take the Ward Island Ferry scheduled for 4 pm, please arrive at the Jack Layton Terminal by 3:45.

Fares: Adult Return, $9.11 ; Senior Return (65+), $5.86 ; Youth Return (under 19 with ID), $5.86 ; Junior Return (under 14), $4.29. You can purchase your ticket online at: https://secure.toronto.ca/FerryTicketOnline/tickets2/index.jsp

Our aim will be to catch the 6:45 return ferry from Ward Island so we can be at the Fox on Bay Pub by about 7:15. Please email Tom at tjswales@gmail.com if you want to join us at the restaurant so we can provide them with an accurate count.

The Fox, 35 Bay. https://www.foxonbay.ca/