Hike Schedule

Beaver Valley E2E in 8 (Guest Leader Smadar Junkin, Toronto Bruce Trail Club)

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet on 6th Line, north of Hwy 119, km 13.7 Map 24, Edition 30 – for a car shuttle to Maple Lane, km 00.0 Map 24, Edition 30

Hike Leader(s): Beaver Valley Hike Moderator Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: 13.7 km

Description

Participants will earn this badge by hiking all 8 hikes in this series. As life sometimes can be interrupted you may need to miss a hike. You can make up two hikes on your own and still qualify for the badge on the final day. Please keep a log of the missed hikes and email it to the hike leader by the last day.

The fee includes the badge and as a fundraiser, also goes towards supporting the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club, which in turn supports the mission of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, which is: “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”  Thank you for your support!  Please note there are no refunds!

For the time being, registration for the Beaver Valley E2E in 8  will be limited to members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.  Hikers can belong to any section.

This particular set of 8 hikes is intended to be BRISK (4K-5K PER HOUR). Before registering, please be honest with yourself about your ability to complete these approximately 15 km, sometimes rugged, hilly, technical hikes.

All hikes in this series will include a car shuttle and everyone will take a turn as a shuttle driver. Masks will be worn in car shuttles. Ideally we will hike from km 0 to km 119.9 over the series of 8 hikes but as conditions change and parking issues arise we ask that you be flexible with changes in the routes and parking. You will receive an e-mail outlining meeting location and start location for each hike as well as any other information needed closer to the start of the hike event.

We will have a clothing adjustment break, and 2 snack/lunch breaks of 10 min each. Feel free to ask for bio or other needed breaks. Please have your water accessible while hiking.  There will be opportunities for quick photos. We recommend having your camera/phone accessible to get those great shots.

Please read the hike guidelines below.

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.

COVID-19 Precautions before and during the hike

Each hiker joining a Bruce Trail Club organized hike must perform a self-screening

before the hike.  Find Ontario’s self-assessment tool here:

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/   If you are experiencing COVID-19

symptoms, stay home.

Personal Protective Equipment: Hikers may choose to wear masks on the trail.

Hermitage Loops

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

Hermitage parking lot, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 621 Sulphur Springs Rd, near corner of Sulphur Springs Rd and Mineral Springs Rd.

Hike Leader(s): Craig Sim Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7k (approximate)

Description

Meet in Hermitage parking lot, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 621 Sulphur Springs Rd, near corner of Sulphur Springs Rd and Mineral Springs Rd. We will do loops within DVCA. Hilly with great views. Spots to watch footing if wet, typically good path.  Primarily in shade. Wear hiking boots. In extreme heat may shorten hike. Dress in layers appropriate to weather, bring snack and water. Be aware of Covid protocols. We leave at 930am. Note early start time. To cancel on day of hike text cell#289-659-0007. Cell is day of hike only.

BTC Ecology Hike

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Bruce Trail Parking at 24.4 Km (Bruce Trail Reference Guide Edition 35)at Crooked Toe Road

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

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: ~5 KM

Description

Join BTC ecologist Brian Popelier on the BTC Glassford property to discuss the BTCs Land Stewardship Program and the importance of the role of BTC volunteers. This property is 287 acres of forest, thicket, open meadow, active hayfields and the jewel of the property, the pond and surrounding wetland habitat. Brian will introduce us to the land stewardship and conservation practices at the Glassford Property. This is a walk and talk hike and will help us to learn more about Bruce Trail Land Stewardship – the overall care and protection of BTC managed lands, serving not only to maintain or enhance the integrity of the natural ecosystems of the Niagara Escarpment, but also to encourage a minimum impact approach to the construction, maintenance and use of the Bruce Trail. The hike will be about 2 1/2 hours in duration.
Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent and lunch. Wear sturdy walking shoes, hat and sun protective clothing. This is relatively flat, but does have some uneven terrain and one hilly section. This could be wet at this time of year, so be prepared with gators and waterproof footwear.