Hike Schedule

Fall Colours Two-day End-to-End

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): On Saturday and Sunday, meet at Coolihans Side Road at km 35.0, east of where the Trail crosses the road, 43.937967, – 79.934650.

From Airport Rd., head east on Coolihans Side Road for 850 metres. Park well off the road on the north side.

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hour
Terrain: Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 37.4 kilometres

Description

Challenge yourself to complete our 72.4 section of Trail over two days during the peak display of fall colours. Daily bus shuttles and a finisher’s commemorative badge are included in the registration fee. Refreshments and beverages will be served at checkpoints every 7 – 11 kilometres. Participants are expected to hike at a minimum pace of approximately 4 km/hr.

Description:  The bus leaves at 7:30 am sharp each day. Please plan to arrive at least 20 – 30 minutes before the departure time.

On Saturday and Sunday, meet at Coolihans Side Road at km 35.0, east of where the Trail crosses the road, 43.937967, – 79.934650.

From Airport Rd, head east on Coolihans Side Road for 850 metres. Park well off the road on the north side.

On Saturday, the bus will drop participants off at the northern end of the Caledon Hills section, at County Rd. 8. Hikers will then head south back to Coolihans Side Road.

Checkpoints are located 11.3 km, 18.2 km, 29.1 km (Cut-off Time:  4:00 pm), and 37.4 km into the hike.

On Sunday, the bus will drop the group off on Creditview Road at km 0.0. Hikers will then hike north, back to Coolihans Side Road.

Checkpoints are located 9.5 km, 20.8 km, 27.8 km (Cut-off Time:  4:00 pm), and 35.0 km into the hike.

For further details visit caledonbrucetrail.ca.

Fall Colours Three-Day (Early Start) End-to-End

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): On Saturday, meet at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi-International Centre
248305 Side Road 5, Mono, ON L9W 6C3. Google Maps GPS Coordinates: 43.975421, -79.989252.

From Airport Road, turn east onto Side Road 5. Drive 270 metres to the entrance of the International Centre on the left. Enter the driveway and head straight for approximately 50 metres. Parking is in a field on the right. The buildings and facilities of the International Centre are off limits to participants during this Bruce Trail event.

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hour
Terrain: Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 27 kilometres

Description

Experience the spectacular fall colours while completing our 72.4 kilometre section of Trail over the Thanksgiving long weekend. Bus shuttles for the three days and a beautiful finisher’s commemorative badge are included in the registration fee. Refreshments and beverages will be served at checkpoints every 7-11 kilometres. Participants are expected to hike at a minimum pace of 4 km/hr.

Note:  As in past years, registration for the extreme 2-day event did not reach capacity. Participants of this early start 3-day E2E option fill the bus. The bus picks up the 2-day participants and then makes a second stop to pick up the 3-day early hikers. Both 3-day E2E events are exactly the same except for different start times.

Description:

The bus leaves at 7:45 a.m. sharp on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, the bus and trail angels will transport hikers at 8:30.  Please plan to arrive at least 20 – 30 minutes before the departure time.

On Saturday, meet at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi-International Centre

248305 Side Road 5, Mono, ON L9W 6C3. Google Maps GPS Coordinates:  43.975421, -79.989252.

From Airport Road, turn east onto Side Road 5. Drive 270 metres to the entrance of the International Centre on the left. Enter the driveway and head straight for approximately 50 metres. Parking is in a field on the right. The buildings and facilities of the International Centre are off limits to participants during this Bruce Trail event.

The bus will take participants to the northern end of the Caledon Hills section, at County Rd 8. The group will then hike south, back to the International Centre.

Checkpoints are located 11.3 km, 18.2 km (Cut-off Time: 2:00 pm), and 26.9 km into the hike.

On Sunday, meet at km 20.8, the north/east corner of Escarpment Side Road and Heart Lake Road. Park on the north side of Escarpment Side Road, well off of the road, 43.859911, -79.947606.

The bus will take hikers to km 0.0 on Creditview Road. Participants will then hike back to the meeting place on Escarpment Side Road.

Checkpoints are located 9.5 km (Cut-off Time:  11:45) and 20.8 km into the hike.

On Monday, meet at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi-International Centre.

The bus will take participants to Escarpment Side Road and Heart Lake Road. Everyone will then hike back to the International Centre.

Checkpoints are located 10.7 km, 18.4 km (Cut-off Time:  2:00 pm), and 25.1 km into the hike.

Please note that on Saturday and Monday, the final checkpoint (the end of the hike) is slightly off the Bruce Trail. There will be signs in place to direct hikers. Also note that the meeting place on Sunday is different than the other two days.

School Bus Hike: Niagara Glen and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:30
Return to City Time: 18:00
Departure Point: Kipling Departure Point

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hike Leader(s): Celia Ho; Tom Swales; Leila Damband Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr), Mixed (See Hike Description), Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Other (Refer to Description), Variable
Distance: 8-9 km

Description

Join us to visit Niagara Glen (https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-glen) and Niagara-on-the-Lake (https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/).

There will be 4-5 km of trails at Niagara Glen (excluding the rocky Whirlpool Trail). The terrain is Moderate (Difficulty Level 2) trails suitable for most hikers with basic trail experience and with infrequent obstacles and gently rolling areas with some short, steep sections. There are steep staircases going down into the gorge and coming back up.

After Niagara Glen the bus will take us to Niagara-on-the-Lake where we will do a 4 km loop on the Heritage Trail with paved and unpaved trails between Fort George, Butler’s Barracks, and Paradise Grove. The trails link Fort George National Historic Site and Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site. The terrain is Easy with hard-packed surface, no obstacles, minimal stairs and little or no change in elevation. Please refer to the route map: https://onthegomap.com/s/gi8t3622

After the hike free time will be given to explore the streets of the Historic Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and stop for refreshments.

Pro-rated parking fee of $1.35 for bus parking at Niagara On The Lake will be added to the bus fare when registering.

Fall Colours Three-day End-to-End

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): On Saturday, meet at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi-International Centre
248305 Side Road 5, Mono, ON L9W 6C3, 43.975421, -79.989252.

From Airport Road, turn east onto Side Road 5. Drive 270 metres to the entrance of the International Centre on the left. Enter the driveway and head straight for approximately 50 metres. Parking is in a field on the right. The buildings and facilities of the International Centre are off-limits to participants during this Bruce Trail event.

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hour
Terrain: Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 27.0 kilometres

Description

Experience the spectacular fall colours while completing our 72.4 kilometre section of Trail over the Thanksgiving long weekend. Bus shuttles for the three days and a beautiful finisher’s commemorative badge are included in the registration fee. Refreshments and beverages will be served at checkpoints every 7 – 11 kilometres. Participants are expected to hike at a minimum pace of  4 km/hr.

Description:

The bus leaves at 8:30 a.m. sharp, each day. Please plan to arrive at least 20 – 30 minutes before the departure time.

On Saturday, meet at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi-International Centre, 248305 Side Road 5, Mono, ON L9W 6C3, 43.975421, -79.989252.

From Airport Road, turn east onto Side Road 5. Drive 270 metres to the entrance of the International Centre on the left. Enter the driveway and head straight for approximately 50 metres. Parking is in a field on the right.

The bus will take participants to the northern end of the Caledon Hills section, at County Rd. 8. The group will then hike south, back to the International Centre. 

Checkpoints are located 11.3 km, 18.2 km (Cut-off Time: 2:00 pm), and 26.9 km into the hike.

On Sunday, meet at km 20.8, the north/east corner of Escarpment Side Road and Heart Lake Road. Park on the north side of Escarpment Side Road, well off of the road, 43.859911, -79.947606. 

The bus will take hikers to km 0.0 on Creditview Road. Participants will then hike back to the meeting place on Escarpment Side Road. 

Checkpoints are located 9.5 km (Cut-off Time:  11:45) and 20.8 km into the hike.

On Monday, meet at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Tai Chi-International Centre.

The bus will take participants to Escarpment Side Road and Heart Lake Road. Everyone will then hike back to the International Centre. 

Checkpoints are located 10.7 km, 18.4 km (Cut-off Time:  2:00 pm), and 25.1 km into the hike.

For further details visit caledonbrucetrail.ca.

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 stop at several points of interest for information to be shared. The hike will follow several side trails and paths through and around Queenston. A final stop at the Landscape of Nations Memorial will be included.

The climbs up and down the escarpment can be slippery and offer poor footing, and may be strenuous, 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

Please 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.

Hike Ontario - Certified Hike Leader Course - October 12 - 9-5pm - Please read all the details before signing up for this course.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Trail Conservancy Board Room – 55 Head St, Dundas

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

Distance: N/A

Description

This is a one day course to certify volunteers as Certified Hike Leaders for leading hikes on the Iroquoia Bruce Trail. A student manual will be sent electronically ahead of time, to all qualified applicants. You will be required to participate in an all day course delivered in person. There will be about an hour outside. Typically you will have already participated in many group hikes on the Bruce Trail and are ready to lead your own hikes. The fee of $85 is payable on registration but is refundable on completion of leading at least 4 hikes by the end of 2025.

This course is intended for individuals who wish to volunteer their time leading hikes and will include a manual, a badge and guidance on how to complete a hike for the BTC hike schedule.

If you have any questions, please reach out through this form .

Fireman's Park Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the upper parking lot of Fireman’s Park, Dorchester & Mountain Rds, Niagara Falls

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 9-10km

Description

We will be hiking a mixture of the Bruce Trail as well as paved and dirt trails in and around Fireman’s Park.  Poles recommended.  Bring water and a snack.

Geology Hike # 3 Silent Valley to Woodford

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps): Woodford Community Hall, 107 Woodford Crescent, Owen Sound, N4K 5W4. Please park behind the hall. We will carpool to trailhead from here. Car shuttle.

Hike Leader(s): Carol Graham-Mullin Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Easy: Mostly flat and good footing., Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Distance: 6.4 km

Description

This is Geology Hike # 3, from Silent Valley to Woodford, following Beth Gilhespy’s “Walking Through Time” book re: geology of the Sydenham Bruce Trail section. We will immerse ourselves in the beauty of the crevices, wetlands, fossils and views and discover some local settler history. Please bring water and snacks. Proper footwear and hiking poles are recommended. A very special guest may join us ! Copies of Beth’s book will be available for purchase. Special member’s price of $37.00 , cash, cheque or etransfer. If using cash, please bring correct change.

Peninsula Blue Series: Scenic Loop Hike Through Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps):

Cemetery Road Parking (44.967285, -81.230603) in Lions Head

Hike Leader(s): Saabir Sohrab, Beige Mcintosh Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Difficult, Moderate
Distance: 17km

Description

This is a scenic loop hike covering several side trails in the Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve, starting at the Cemetery Road side trail. The hike will include:

• Cemetery Road Side Trail: A connector trail.
• Ilse Hanel Side Trail: Named after a Lion’s Head resident who was an active supporter of the Bruce Trail.
• Giant Cauldron Side Trail: A short trail leading to a pothole.
• Lion’s Head Pothole Side Trail: Another short trail leading to a pothole formed over 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.
• Inland Side Trail: This trail winds through a mixed forest, featuring diverse flora and navigating a series of ridges and gullies.
• Donna Baker Side Trail: Named in honor of Donna Baker, a key figure in revitalizing the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club and significantly contributing to its growth and operations.
• McKay’s Harbour Side Trail: This trail leads to McKay’s Harbour, offering scenic views of the harbor area.
• Geodetic Side Trail: Leads to the 45-degree Geodetic Benchmark.

The hike will include about 6.4 kilometers of the main trail and will return to the meeting point at Cemetery Road Parking.

The total distance is approximately 17 kilometers, which should take about 7 hours at a moderate pace of 3 km/h, including time for breaks and exploration. Expect rough terrain with ascents and descents, and be prepared to navigate rocks and tree roots along the path. Wear sturdy footwear and bring sunscreen and bug repellent.

All kilometer references are based on the Bruce Trail Guide Book, Edition 31, Map #38.

Frontenac Trek October 15, 16, 17, 18, 2024

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Snug Harbour Resort and Frontenac Provincial Park

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

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 5km – 21km

Description

This is a special, 4 day,3 night trip to Frontenac Provincial Park. This special hiking event is a series of 6 loop hikes called the Frontenac Trek held in Frontenac Provincial Park each year. Frontenac Provincial Park is about 3.5 hours from Toronto and an hour north of Kingston. The 6 loops are from 5km to about 14km not including the trail to access the trail head. Our daily distance on one of our hiking days will be about 21km which is two loops combined. Each of the 6 loops has a special code word which you keep track of to submit for a badge. The cost for registering for the Trek in 2023 was $5. This includes a badge and certificate for your first trek. 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. Three shareable cabins (#2, – 5 bds,  #11 – 4 bds, & #12 – 4bds) 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. Check in is October 15, 2024 Check out is October 18, 2024.

Once you register, please let me know if you want your name shared with others to share your cabin. The rate is per cabin plus tax no matter if there is one or more sharing. This rate also includes access to boats (at your own risk), fire pits and GBBQs as needed.

Check in is October 15/24 and check out is October 18/24 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 +tx)  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, please check-in first and we’ll carpool from Snug Harbour over to the park to complete our first loop.  Parking fees and reservations apply to all vehicles and 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/2024
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 Trek which is 6 loops.

There is often wild life and the trees are usually in full autumn colour.  On at least one evening, we’ll have a campfire where we will have a hotdog roast and/or a pot luck.

Please ensure you carry enough water and food each day as well as all the other things you require for day hikes. First aid kit, bug spray, rain gear etc. It is very important that hikers check everyday for ticks as the area is endemic.

Beaver Bites #6 of 8

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): park on Sideroad 7B at km 43.5, Map 25, Ed 31

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: hike #1 6km hike #2 4.5km

Description

This is a two part hike including a shuttle

Part 1 – we will meet at 7B then shuttle to the bottom of Old Baldy Side Trail. Yes, that’s right… I like to hike up. We will then use the main trail to get to Mac Kirk Side Trail and then over to Ken Young Side Trail. Once we have all returned to our cars we will drive over to Margaret Paull Side Trail.

Part 2 – park on 6th Line at km13.7. We will hike a loop taking in Main Bruce Trail and Margaret Paull Side Trail.

Add on – Mushroom Hunter Badge. Let’s go hunting for mushrooms and other fungi. The magic of the search is in the slowing down and noticing. From the forest floor to trunks of trees, keep a keen eye out as you search for a minimum of 20 different varieties of fungi.

This day will take a bit longer due to shuttles and second locations

Bring a snack and water

Please no dogs

Text Kristina @ 519-410-9077 for morning of cancellations.

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.