Hike Schedule

Discover the Flora and Fauna of the Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Mono Centre Community Centre, 754483 Mono Centre Road

Hike Leader(s): Gary Hall Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 3-4 km

Description

Join Mark Whitcombe and Dave Dawe while we explore the new BTC Whitetail Refuge property. Dave is the Land Steward here and loves sharing what he knows of the local flora and fauna along with some rehabilitation considerations. Mark is a generalist ecologist and botanist, and was a former Land Steward for the Pinnacle Rock BTC property up in the Beaver Valley area.

Toronto, Toronto Islands

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps): Meet inside the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, foot of Bay Street, beyond the cashiers selling the ferry tickets, in the open area with the benches and Muskoka chairs. From Union Station take the LRT one stop to “Ferry Docks” or take bus number #19 or #72 on Bay Street southbound to the Queens Quay. Walk across Queen Quay south through the park to the ferry terminal.

Hike Leader(s): Miriam Stevens, Tom Swales

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 8-12 km

Description

After a day’s work, come and “cool off” on the Toronto Islands free of fumes and traffic to enjoy the view of the city skyline and Toronto’s own beautiful island parkland oasis away from the city. Pack a dinner for a sit-down picnic. Note that food is not available for purchase on the islands early in the season. Bring a warm jacket and flashlight. Return ticket for the ferry is approximately $8.70, $5.60 for seniors. The hike will take place rain or shine. Toronto Island Evening Hikes will take place every Thursday in May and June, same time and meeting place. The route and time we return to the city may vary depending if the ferries are running on the Spring or Summer (starts in May) schedule.  Contact Hike Leaders via the Contact form for further information or to confirm the current ferry schedule that will be in place the week of the hike. Registration is not required for this hike – just meet the Hike Leader at the above location.

** Please ignore the “registration cutoff time has been reached” message that appears 24 hours beta as it is not applicable **

9:00 am Niagara on the Lake Tour & Some Yoga ... followed by Summer Solstice Celebration

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: No Leader
Location (Google Maps): Veteran’s Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King St.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6 km

Description

Enjoy the benefits of pausing for a yoga practice as we tour through the trails, parkland and Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. No mat required. Movement will focus on a flow of standing poses designed especially for hikers. Plan to stay for a Summer Solstice Celebration in my backyard garden – location and details will be provided to registrants.

Bus Hike – Great Esker Side Trail and Scotsdale Farm- Cancelled Due To Low Registration

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Cancelled
Location (Google Maps): Scotsdale Farm

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

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 14 km

Description

This leisurely hike through Scotsdale Farm and the Silver Creek Conservation Area was pioneered last year by Wayne Crockett just after the opening of the Trafalgar Side Trail. It takes in part of the Main Trail and the Great Esker Side Trail, along with the Duff Pit and Trafalgar Side Trails, to finish at 10th Line adjacent to the Walking Fern Side Trail. There will be one drop out at just over the halfway point.

Warm summer temperatures and some steep ascents and descents along the Great Esker mean participants should bring plenty of water. Following the hike there will be a short drive into Georgetown for refreshments. There are two pubs and an ice cream shop, and you can explore the main street of this scenic town.

Blue Series Hike : Warder and Ilse Hanel Side Trails Loop

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Cemetery Road Parking (44.967285, -81.230603) in Lions Head

Hike Leader(s): Saabir Sohrab, Julie Bennett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10km

Description

Starting/Meeting Point at Cemetery Road parking, we will hike approximately 10 kilometers passing through a meadow and rugged upland forests. Forest bathers take note!

The hike will be at a moderate 3 km/h pace – the ground is rough and has bumpy tree roots. Wear sturdy footwear, a hat, sun-protective clothes, and carry bug repellent and sunscreen. Plan on spending about 4 hours for this hike.

Toronto Urban Badge Hike - 3 of 7

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

Hike Leader(s): Brian Rideout Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 10.4 km

Description

Please join me at the south west corner of Lakeshore Blvd West and Ellis by 10 AM.  We will hike east along the Waterfront Trail to the Distillery District (km 8.3 to km 71.4).  Here is an online map with km markings of our route for all 7 hikes for the Toronto Urban Badge.

Please make sure you bring at least 2 liters of water, a lunch, bug spray and sunscreen.

POSTPONED: Wetlands in Focus - Courtcliff Park

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Education Hike
Location (Google Maps): Courtcliff Park, 159 Carlisle Road, Hamilton (Carlisle)

Hike Leader(s): Bronwen Tregunno Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 3-4 km

Description

POSTPONED –   Hike postponed until the fall.  Between the threat of thunderstorms and low numbers we’ve decided to postpone this interesting hike until the fall.

Join Logan Mercier, Conservation Halton, Landowner Outreach and Restoration Project Team member for a informative tour of this City of Hamilton park that was once farmland then a trailer park. More information including an interactive story map is available at https://www.conservationhalton.ca/restoration/courtcliffe-park-restoration/  Much as been done to restore Mountsberg Creek and Bronte Creek back to  cold water creeks suitable for species like Brook Trout.  The restored creeks and wetlands are next to a community park with lots of free parking.  As an education walk there will be a number of stops where Logan will explain the restoration process.  There will be lots of opportunities for questions.  Note there are no facilities. We will meet at the head of the trail by the large sign.  Bring snack, water, personal first aid kit, sun protection and be prepared for biting insects including ticks. This is a flat trail but hiking boots are recommended. This is a birding area so bring binoculars if you have them. For more information please contact hike leader Bron brontreg@cogeco.ca  In case of cancellations the day of please text me with your name at 905-334-4013  Please arrive by 9:45 AM so I can check off your name and we can start the hike promptly at 10 AM.

Urban Walk: Coote's Paradise/Hamilton Waterfront Trail

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

Hike will start from McMaster University GO Bus Terminal. We will meet at Toronto’s Union Station 8:30 AM to take the 8:45 AM Train to Aldershot where we will transfer to the GO Bus for a short ride to McMaster University. On the return we take the GO Train to Toronto from West Harbour GO Train Station. If you have a smart phone then the return fare is just $10 with GO’s Weekend Pass. Seniors fare return from Union is $11.44. Hikers without a smartphone may purchase pass from Hike Leader at Union Station. If meeting us at McMaster you will have to make your way back to start by local transit or Uber and parking fee would apply.

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Hilly, Variable
Distance: 12-13 km

Description

This will be a one way hike through the trails of the RBG’s (Royal Botanical Gardens) South Shore Cootes Paradise Trails to Princess Point and then continuing on Hamilton’s Waterfront Trail along Burlington Bay to Bayfront Park which is a 7 minute walk to the West Harbour GO Station. Cootes Paradise is the largest and most diverse of RBG’s sanctuaries. Nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario the picturesque area is significant as a migratory bird flyover zone and home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. There will be a few hills including one steeper one.

Car Hike: Strawberries and a Stroll

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at the parking lot of Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (7200 Appleby Line, Milton).

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

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 5 KM

Description

Enjoy two wonderful things in one day: a stroll along the Bruce Trail at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area followed by a visit to Springridge Farm for lunch and to pick up some strawberries to take home.  First we’ll do an out-and-back hike of the Rattlesnake Point Side Trail, enjoying the scenic southerly views along the way.  After returning to our cars, those who would like to join me in extending their day of fun will make the 5-minute drive to reach Springridge Farm where kids can play in the “Fun Farmyard”, or if you’re looking for something more leisurely you can simply buy a delicious lunch or treat from the farmhouse bakery and enjoy it in the great outdoors.  Before heading home, you might also want to purchase some freshly-picked strawberries since June is strawberry season here in Ontario!

Children under 13 years of age are encouraged to join their parents/guardians on this hike so they can fulfill the requirements for the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club’s Summer Junior Hiker Badge (https://www.iroquoia.on.ca/index.php/hiking/junior-hiker-program/) – 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 3-hour hike, comfortable hiking shoes, sun and bug protection, appropriate clothing for the weather, and money if you intend to join us at Springridge Farm after the hike to play or eat.

Note that you must book and pay for a 3-hour time slot for parking at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (https://www.conservationhalton.ca/parks/rattlesnake-point/).  When you make this reservation, please choose the 9:00 am – 12:00 pm time slot.  Time slots may fill up fast so you should make this reservation as soon as you register for this hike.

Also note that there is a $12 fee for people aged 2-92 who visit the “Fun Farmyard” at Springridge Farm (https://www.springridgefarm.com/).  These fees can be paid upon entering this area of the farm.   There is no fee associated with visiting the farm market, bakery, or gift shop – you only pay for what you purchase in these areas of the farm.

Discovery Badge Series 2/5 Shuttle Hike

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Roadside Parking (km 31.6) on Innis Lake Road, north of Finnerty Sideroad (43.918917, -79.909387).

Directions to Meeting Location: From Airport Road, turn east onto Finnerty Side Road for 1.4 km. Turn left onto Innis Lake Road. Limited parking is on the right hand side. For additional roadside parking, park on the north side of Finnerty, east of Innis Lake Road.

Shuttle to St. Andrew’s Road (km 24.5) north of
Escarpment Sideroad. Park along the east shoulder of the road by St. Andrew’s Stone Church, 17621 St. Andrew’s Road, Caledon ON L7K 2E1

Note: Dogs are not permitted on sections of the trail in this area. Please respect the wishes of our landowners.

Hike Leader(s): Sandy Green and Dominique Garceau Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Easy – mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 10.6 kilometres

Description

Register individually for one, a few, or all of the five Discovery Badge Series hikes. Participants who complete all five hikes will be eligible to receive a CHBTC Discovery Hike Badge. Hike Two explores main Trail and the Mountainview Road and Songbird Side Trails in the Caledon East area. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Hiking boots are highly recommended. See June 18, July, 2, July 16, and July 23 for details pertaining to the other hikes in the series. (Note:  If you wish to purchase badges, the cost of each badge is $10.00 for BTC members and $15.00 for non-members.)

Neilson Park to Marie Curtis Park - Etobicoke Creek Trail (make-up hike from June 11th)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Transit users meet us at Kipling Subway upper floor bus platforms near the washrooms by 9:05 am. We will be boarding the 49 Bloor West TTC bus for a 9:16 departure. Coming directly to the hike, meet us by 9:35 am at Neilson Park Creative Centre, 56 Neilson Drive, Toronto. Neilson Drive runs north off of Dundas St. W, west of the 427 HWY and The West Mall.

Hike Leader(s): Andrew Proczek; Thomas Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat, Other (Refer to Description), Variable
Distance: 11.5 km

Description

Join Tom Swales and me for a scenic romp along Etobicoke Creek to the Waterfront. Starting from Bloor St. & Markland Dr. to the Neilson Park Creative Centre, the route will be entirely in nature along a winding, up and down, dirt path until the Middle Road Bridge at around 4.5 km, after which we will be mostly on paved path with a few off path dirt trails near the creek. Please be advised that the trail is uneven in places with a short sloping section near the start where hikers will need to exert caution. Once we arrive at Marie Curtis Park we will do a short loop on the west side of the creek through a wooded area and then cross back over to meet up with the beach boardwalk before finishing the hike at Long Branch TTC loop. Hiking shoes are a necessity and hiking poles will be an asset. Public washrooms at either end of the hike, at Neilson Park and at Marie Curtis Park. There will be an optional pub stop at the end of the hike. Anyone coming to the Neilson Park Creative Centre by car, I will accompany you by transit and make sure you make it back to your car at the end of the hike. Bring a Presto Card or change for the bus. Transit users will be able to catch a Go Train from Long Branch Station or a bus from the Long Branch Loop back to the Subway.

The route: https://onthegomap.com/s/fhamqdi1

Hiking in the Forest

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Halton Agreement Forest, Guelph Line N. Across from the Mohawk/Woodbine Casino and Raceway.

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

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

Description

Please join me in hiking in this incredible forest with its numerous trails, from flat to rocky, rooty and twisty, twiny terrain. Our route today will be mostly flat, with one section that is rocky. We will pass through some marshy areas.  Please meet in the north east corner of the Mohawk/Woodbine Casino parking lot at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Bring water, a snack or lunch, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Urban Walk: Ajax to Whitby

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

Hike Leader(s): Brian Rideout Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 17 km

Description