Hike Schedule

9:00 Merritt Island

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

Parking Lot on Merritt Island at the west end of cross street Welland

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 7k

Description

Flat hike along paved trail alongside the Welland Canal.

Migration Monitor Hike

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Parking for all hikes start at km 109.7, 30th Ed Ref Manual. Park adjacent to Cape Chin Mail boxes on Cape Chin North Road
Hike1 (Mar 12, 26, Apr 9): Otter Lake/Cape Chin Loop – see details below
Hike 2 (Mar 19, Apr 2, Apr 16): Borchardt/Cotrill Lk Loop – see details below

Hike Leader(s): Tamara Wilson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Difficult
Distance: Each hike ranges 10 to 12 km

Description

Join us as we look for clues of spring’s arrival on Cape Chin North. We will alternate two routes on a weekly basis, watching for seasonal changes along the wetlands, small inland lakes, woodlands and escarpment shoreline. We will stop, look and listen for the arrival of plants and flowers, birds and other harbingers of spring. Hikes are weather dependent and will be cancelled for treacherous local driving conditions (mud), rain, snow or very strong winds. Always check the road and weather conditions for the entire length of your trip up as local weather can be quite different. Some hikes may recommend snow shoe hikes  (I will let you know). Poles and crampons are recommended for navigating wet and slippery conditions typical of spring hikes. It is recommended to bring snacks and water for the hike. A dry set of  socks and shoes is a good idea for the trip home. A sweep, topic experts – all are welcome!

Alternating hikes:

Hike1 (Mar 12, 26, Apr 9): From km 109.7 parking, Otter Lk ST (2.2 km), up Cape Chin N Rd (past Tagwerk) to Cape Chin Meadow ST (1km) to Cape Chin Driveway (2.5 km) to house, North along MT back to parked vehicles (3.6 km ) – Total 9.3 km approx

Hike 2: (Mar 19, Apr 2, Apr 16) – From km 109.7 parking, MT North through Cape Chin Woods to Borchardt Parking (2.3 km), Minhinnik ST (1.7km) to Lillie Parking Lot, Take Cotrill Lk ST (1.4km) to Anne and Clayton Robert’s St (turn right) back to Britain Lk Rd (1km).  At this point we will either a) follow Britain Lk Rd and reverse the route that we took (Minhinnik to Borchardt back along Borchardt to parking) – approx 12km OR b) if conditions are good, we will follow the Main Trail back along the escarpment to Borchardt PL and hike back to the vehicles along Borchardt.

Harrison Park Ramble & Refreshments

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at Harrison Park, Owen Sound, in front of the Harrison Park Inn, north of km 96.7 (Map 32)

Hike Leader(s): Maureen McFarland Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Easy: Mostly flat and good footing., There might be icy and slippery sections.
Distance: 2-3 kms

Description

We will explore Harrison Park for an hour to an hour and a half.  Where we go will depend upon the walking conditions.  Snowshoes or icers may be needed.  Check with the leader if you are unsure of what to bring.  Refreshments afterwards at the Harrison Park Inn.  Suitable for families and new hikers.  Fun fact – The lands comprising Harrison Park were sold to the City of Owen Sound by the family of John Harrison after his death for $10,000 (half of which was paid by the Harrison family).  The park was officially turned over to the city on July 7, 1912.  For more informaion or if you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 647-918-4180.

2:00 pm Glenridge Quarry Loop

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Hike
Location (Google Maps): Glenridge Quarry Parking Lot, St. David’s Road, Map 3

Hike Leader(s): Larry Lloyd Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5k

Description

Acombination of open trails with spectacular views across Lake Ontario and wooded trails including the main trail.

Car Hike: Toronto E2E 3/3

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at km 48.3 (GPS N43.750866, W79.951452) at Boston Mills Rd. just west of the Mississauga Rd intersection.

Hike Leader(s): Jacquie Van Dyke Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Rocky, Variable
Distance: 18 km

Description

The third of three hikes to complete the Toronto E2E which includes a 4 km in/out due to parking in relation to where Toronto ends/Caledon begins. It’s badge day and hikers may wish to visit the Spirit Tree after the hike.

It’s early spring so mud may abound! Be prepared with poles and gaitors. Hiking boots/shoes are mandatory. We’ll stop for snacks and lunch so bring 2L of water, snacks, and your lunch.

Be prepared to shuttle if you haven’t already had a turn.

9:00 Long Hike Rockway

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Rockway

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10km

Description

Explore Rockway and Louth Conservation area Register for each hike

Bring Poles water, snack and Dress for the weather, Icers and layers/p>

9:15 Short hike - Rotary Park, St. Catharines

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Rotary Park, St Catharines

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Hike the trails in Rotary Park.  Bring hiking boots, water and icers.

Humber Valley - 5 Sideroad to Glen Haffy Side Trail

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Tuesday Hike
Location (Google Maps): Caledon Hills Section, Map 18, Km 45.5
Meet at parking lot on 5 sideroad, east of Airport Rd, north of Hwy 9

Hike Leader(s): Julie Daley, Les Babbage, Inge Eckerich, Tony Evangelista Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 7km, Short hike 3km

Description

Hike will begin at the main parking lot on the north side of 5 Sideroad. We will hike the Main trail south to 7th Line (short hike will end here), continue south, then take the Glen Haffy Side Trail through the Humber Valley, ending at Mono-Adjala Townline. Cars will be shuttled to the end. Bring icers, snowshoes and/or poles, depending on the conditions. Bring snack.

Old Baldy Climb

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Park at Km 46.8 Beaver Valley section on the east side of County Rd 13. (blue gates)
Map 26 Edition 30

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

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 6km

Description

We will begin our hike with a 1.25km uphill challenge (heehee) Once all hikers have reached the top we will loop around the Mac Kirk Side Trail followed by a short out and back on the main trail. Then we retrace our steps back down the hill.

Bring water and a snack

Please 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.
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.

Halton Regional Forest

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Tuesday Hikers
Location (Google Maps): Parking at: 10 Side Road and 4th Line Nassagaweya (trail entrance to Halton Regional Forest).
From Highway 401 West, turn right (north) on Guelph Line, right on 10 Side Rd. it will bend northwards and become 4th Line Nassagaweya; park at the bend, roadside.

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

Will hike trails in Halton Regional Forest and Hilton Falls Conservation Area, beautiful trails are relatively flat with some rocky parts. Snack break at Hilton Falls, possibly around fire pit. Will use different set of trails than last hike on Feb. 7th.
Bring water, snack and a warm drink.
Dress according to weather, icers are required, poles recommended.
Hike leader cell phone: 416-566-0503 (note that reception in hiking area is usually poor, leave messages to callback).
Check your email at 7:30 am, on the hike day, a message will be sent if there is change due to adverse weather or driving conditions.

Devilish Madness at Glen Huron

Hosting Club: Blue Mountains
Category: Register on-line or sign-in morning of hike
Location (Google Maps): Hike meets in the parking lot behind Tim Hortons on First St. in Collingwood.

Hike Leader(s): Sandy McNair Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 11km

Description

Starting at Glen Huron the trail will immediately climb the escarpment, taking us through a variety of mixed forests to the edge of the Devil’s Glen Provincial Park. We will then encounter multiple switchbacks to descend to the Mad River Side Trail where we will enjoy seeing this river grow as we travel along the river bank to return to our cars. Bring a snack or lunch and water.

Rocklyn Creek out and back

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking at the east end of Deviation Road, where the Bruce trail crosses the road, just south of the T- intersection with Euphrasia St Vincent townline, at km 3.1 (Map 28)

Hike Leader(s): Fran Turner Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk: 4 to 5 km/h
Terrain: Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Distance: 8.6 km

Description

Start spring off right with this pretty hike through the Rocklyn Creek valley.  There are many attractive features on this hike, including a boardwalk over the creek, old growth trees, many intriguing crevices, cascading rapids and scenic views to the north.  There are several steep inclines and there may be residual ice at this time of year.  I will pre-hike this segment just prior to the hike date and will contact the hikers with recommendations re: footwear and need for crampons, etc. If you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 519-590-0706.

Good Companions - Gage Park/Escarpment Loop

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps):

Gage Park parking lot in the south end of the park off of Lawrence Road in Hamilton

Hike Leader(s): Ted Bossence 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

Following city streets, the rail trail and Kenilworth stairs we will do a loop returning to Gage Park.  Bring icers, a snack and water.  Dependent on weather the rail trail may be icy making icers possibly essential.  Please arrive a few minutes before start time, we will leave on time.  If the hike is cancelled due to bad weather, I will inform you by email on the evening before the hike.

If you decide to cancel after 4:00pm Tuesday, please let me know by email – tedbossence@sympatico.ca or by text at 905 334-8752.

11:00 am Hike & Picnic

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

Locust Grove Picnic Area

Hike Leader(s): Marion Hanover Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 7 km

Description

Hike around Queenston area.  Optional outdoor gathering in Locust Grove including pot luck picnic.