Hike Schedule

Santa's Elves Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Orchard Community Park parking lot, off of Blue Spruce Ave. in Burlington. From QEW take the Burloak exit. Go north on Burloak until you reach Blue Spruce Ave. Turn right and continue until you come to a large parking lot on the right.

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. 9 km.

Description

After the work in Santa’s workshop some of the elves are ready for a day outside. Join Anne and Phill (and maybe some other elves with Stuart Law from Dufferin Hi-land) for an easy and fun “in and out” hike into Bronte Creek Provincial Park. We will take in the Woodlands Trail alongside and down to Bronte Creek, then up to Spruce Lane Farm and the Trillium Trail. We will then head north on an old farm track between two fields to enjoy more woods on our way back to our cars. (We may not see any reindeer but there may be some local species around.) The park amenities will be closed. Please bring icers, a warm drink, some water and a light lunch. Poles recommended for some hills down to the river. PLEASE ARRIVE AT  9:45am. for a 10:00 am. START. You should have plenty of time to get home for Christmas dinner.
Leader: Anne Armstrong

10:30 am Christmas Day Hike

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Floral Shophouse, Niagara River Parkway. Paid parking – can use the annual Niagara Parks Parking Pass or pay for parking there. Avoid parking fees by carpooling.

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

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

Description

Burn off some holiday pressure by hiking around the Falls with your hiking buddies.

Holiday treats will be shared at the end of the hike.

3 Lakes Loop Hike (Cyprus Lake, Marr Lake, Horse Lake)

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Winter Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Peninsula National Park – P2 Parking Lot

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

Pace: Medium (3.0 – 4.5 km/h): A comfortable pace for most hikers with steady progress.
Terrain: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: ~10km

Description

Join us for a winter adventure around the scenic 3 Lakes Loop, a stunning 10 km trek that will take us through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bruce Peninsula National Park. This hike will guide us around Cyprus Lake, Marr Lake, and Horse Lake—three serene bodies of water tucked within the heart of the park. Expect rugged terrain, scenic vistas, and the tranquility of the park in its winter glory.
Hike Highlights:

• Cyprus Lake: We’ll start the hike by circling the picturesque Cyprus Lake, a popular spot in the warmer months but peaceful and quiet during winter. You’ll have views of the snow-covered shoreline and, if the conditions are right, a chance to see frosted trees reflecting off the calm water.
• Marr Lake: As we continue through the forest, we’ll pass the smaller but equally beautiful Marr Lake. Here, we’ll find ourselves surrounded by dense coniferous forests, making for an enchanting winter landscape. Watch for wildlife tracks in the snow!
• Horse Lake: Finally, we’ll make our way to Horse Lake, a serene, less-visited spot that offers some of the best winter views of the surrounding wilderness. The trail will give us access to beautiful views of the lake, with a chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy the quiet beauty of the landscape.

Trail Details:
The route will take us on a combination of backcountry trails and forest paths, with some sections along the Bruce Trail. Expect some uneven terrain, as well as potentially icy or snowy spots, so be prepared for winter hiking conditions. The trail can be muddy in places, and we’ll be mindful of slick surfaces, especially around the lake edges.
What to Bring:

• Winter hiking boots (insulated, waterproof, with good traction)
• Warm layers (fleece or down jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, gloves, hat)
• Waterproof outer layer (weather can change quickly in winter, so a windproof/water-resistant jacket and pants are recommended)
• Microspikes or crampons (depending on the ice conditions, they’ll help with traction)
• Trekking poles (optional, but useful for balance on icy or uneven terrain)
• Snacks and lunch (we’ll take a break to refuel)
• Water (even in winter, staying hydrated is important)
• Camera (for capturing the winter beauty of the park!)

Pace and Terrain:
This hike will be conducted at a moderate pace to accommodate all levels of hikers. There will be regular breaks to allow for rest, water, and photo opportunities, as well as a longer stop for lunch.

Note: While the trails are generally well-marked, winter conditions can make navigation a bit trickier. I’ll be leading the group, so we’ll be sticking together to ensure everyone stays safe and on track.
Safety Considerations:

• Be aware of the potential for icy trails and slippery rocks around the lakes.
• Dress in layers to avoid getting too hot or too cold.
• We’ll keep an eye on the weather—if conditions are extreme, the hike may be shortened or rescheduled.
• If you’re not familiar with winter hiking, please let me know in advance, and I can provide some tips and guidance on staying safe in the colder months.

Park Fees:
Please note that park entrance fees apply for all visitors to Bruce Peninsula National Park. Hikers will be responsible for paying the entrance fee upon arrival at the park. For detailed information on fees, including parking fees, please visit the following link:
Bruce Peninsula National Park Fees

9am NOTL Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St and 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: 6-7km

Description

Each Friday we will explore some history of Niagara-on-the-Lake while getting a moderate paced walk.  Discover where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. Experience the Heritage District, woods and the Niagara Parkway.

Some weeks may be totally on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trail and paved pathways.

Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Plan to stay for conversation and a coffee at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Rd., NOTL

Robin & Margaret

Crawford Lake (reservation required)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the first parking lot at Crawford Lake at 9:15 am. Reserve your time at conservationhalton.ca

Hike Leader(s): Karen Bergmann Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 6-7 kms

Description

We will hike a the loop around the hiking trails.  Bring icers for your boots.

Earl Bales Park

Hosting Club: Niagara, Toronto
Category: Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking Lot Earl Bales Park Trails.

Hike Leader(s): Mehrnoush Ahmadi Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 8-10 km

Description

This trail offers a beautiful lookout and is close to recreational facilities, making it an ideal spot for a short hike.
• Please dress appropriately for the weather. Waterproof hiking boots, ice cleats, and trekking poles are required. A windproof jacket and gaiters are recommended.
• We will have short water breaks and a 10-minute snack break.
Everyone is welcome!
See you there!

Snowshoeing Class to Prepare for Winter Coach Season

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Simpson House at Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester Street, Toronto

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

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 1 (Easy – mostly on flat, well maintained trails with hard-packed surface), Variable
Distance: 2 km

Description

Beginning indoors with a talk and discussion and then the adjustment of our snowshoes, we’ll head outside into Riverdale Park and Wellesley Park for a demo. We will provide support to show that a snowshoe outing is something everybody should try. Bring your own equipment or rent snowshoes for the occasion. We can follow up with lunch together at a nearby pub.