Hike Schedule

Biodiversity Spring Nature Walk: 3rd Annual Pools, Ponds & Peepers

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Location: Meet at roadside parking at the dead end of Boston Mills Rd., about 400 m west of Mississauga Rd. Directions: From Hwy 10 take Boston Mills Rd. 6 km west to the dead end just west of Mississauga Rd. An alternative is to take Mississauga Rd. north from King St. about 3 kms, turn left on Boston Mills Rd. for about 400 m

Hike Leader(s): Richard Smythe Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 3.8 km

Description

“There and back” on both the Main Trail and the Rockside Side Trail, about 3.8 km, with some hills and rugged sections. Hiking poles can be a great help. The pace will be slow at times with numerous stops to observe the spring ephemerals, listen to bird song and take photos. Bring your binoculars, camera and cellphone. Apps like Merlin, Seek, and iNaturalist will help identify flora and fauna along the route.

Nature Seekers Exploring Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Mono Community Centre, 200 m south of Mono Centre (County Road 8). 44.026195, -80.071516

Directions: From ON-10 head east onto Dufferin Rd. 8/Mono Centre Rd. for 6.0 km. The Community Centre is on the right.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5 kilometres

Description

Join with other friends of the Caledon Hills Club to leisurely explore the emergence of spring on our Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. This hike can be counted towards the 60 for the 60th Anniversary Badge.

Hilton Falls and Beyond

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Thursday Group
Location (Google Maps): Hilton Falls Conservation Area, Campbellville Rd.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 10 km.

Description

Join us for a hike on some of the various trails within this conservation area. We will hike to the falls and then cross the creek to explore some of the trails beyond. Who knows, we may spot some early Spring wildflowers including some good patches of Walking Fern. Some of the trails will be rocky. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and insect repellent (hopefully not needed!). Hiking poles will be useful for some sections.
Leader: Phill Armstrong  You will be contacted a few days before to receive more contact information.

9:00 Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St near Centre St, Niagara-on-the-Lake

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 different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL

Spring Ephemeral Hike Series: Woodford Escarpment

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Botany Hike
Location (Google Maps): Woodford Community Centre Parking Lot

Hike Leader(s): Jeannine Kralt Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing
Distance: 4km

Description

The second in our series of spring ephemeral hikes – Woodford Escarpment has a wide variety of spring ephemerals, including both native Dicentra species, Bloodroot, Trout Lilies, Wild Ginger and Violets, amongst others. We’ll see what we can find. We’ll be completing a loop including the Woodford Escarpment Side Trail. Portions of this trail are quite rocky, with some up and downhill sections – good footwear is a must. There is an optional bypass of a stretch through a notable crevice.

This leisurely hike will be a classic Discovery Hike, with a focus on spring wildflowers – participants are encouraged to ask questions, and we’ll briefly stop to look at things we find. This section also has interesting geology, which can briefly be discussed if participants are interested. Photographers welcome. There is a chance that this hike might be moved slightly, given the warmer end to winter this year (it’s been hard to predict timing). Participants will be contacted in advance if that is to be the case.

This hike also appears in Ron Savage’s book Exploring Sydenham – sufficient time will be available to locate the code.

Carpooling encouraged – get in touch with the hike leader if you are in need of a ride. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance of the start time. An email confirming conditions will be sent out in advance of the hike. Please contact Jeannine via the hike leader contact form should there be any questions or concerns.

Afternoon Hike - Crawford Lake (reservation required)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Afternoon/Evening Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 4:15 pm in the first parking lot at Crawford Lake.

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: 5 kms

Description

We will hike the loop around the park, which includes both side trails and main trail.

Fort to Fort ENTIRE 2 DAY, April 20, 21, 2024

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Event Hikes
Location (Google Maps):

Kingsbridge Park, Chippawa, Ont

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 57 km

Description

This is a self led hike
Hike the entire length of the Niagara Parkway, from Fort George to Fort Erie, over two days.  Enjoy approximately 27 KM each day of beautiful river scenery.  Small hills involved but mostly paved paths with some road walking.

*****Currently, the bridge at Black Creek (Day 2 of hike) is under repair and expected to open by April 26th.  If that is the case, then there will be a 3 km reroute on the 2nd day, making Day 2 30 km.

Meet at Kingsbridge Park each day at 6:45. You will be bussed to starting point each day.

Masks are optional on buses.

Registration is $65 (members) or $75 (non-members). Fee includes bus, checkpoints and badge.

Event Coordinator: Lauren Doig, ldoig52@gmail.com

Dufferin End to End Fundraiser Hike for the Stained Glass Badge - 3 concurrent days - April 20, 21, 22, 2024

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Dufferin Hi-Land End to End
April 20/24 – 17km Meet in front of the Lavender Cemetery (Capacity 10 vehicles) Car shuttle to Roadside pkg on 15 Sideroad at Prince of Wales Rd (Cap 7 vehicles)
44.172483, -80.157538
April 21/24 – 17.3km Meet on roadside parking 15 Sideroad and Prince of Wales as above and car shuttle to Roadside parking on 1st Line East below 5 Sideroad (Cap 5)
44.119199, -80.112593
April 22/24 – 20km Meet at the Mono Community Centre (Cap 40) 44.026195, -80.071516 Car shuttle to 1st Line East as above (Cap 5)

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, Slippery and Steep Sections, Slippery Sections Likely
Distance: 17-20km per day

Description

This is a special series of  3  hikes to complete the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Bruce Trail.  The organization, guidance, logistics and the Yellow Lady Slipper  stained glass badge is included in your fee which is non-refundable. Proceeds support the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club which in turn supports the Bruce Trail Conservancy mission to “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

Please note that you are signing up for the entire series of 3 hikes as a Group Hike. The Dufferin Hi-Land  in 3  is geared to experienced distance hikers with the expectation of a 3  to 5.0 km/ hr. pace maintained over a 15km plus day.  The section is approximately 55km km so daily distances are based on available parking. No dropout points have been established and therefore hikers who must drop out, will be responsible for their own transportation back to their vehicle. Please note that transportation back to your vehicle is very limited in this section.  Please be honest about your hiking abilities. We will hike at a steady pace but there will be plenty of time to take pictures and to enjoy the flora and fauna.  This particular set of 3 hikes is intended to be Medium/Brisk.  Please be honest about your degree of physical fitness and ability prior to registration. It is a group hike so it is important you are able to keep pace with the person in front of you.

Attire and Daily Hikes. 

Hikers will be expected to be wearing proper hiking boots and layered clothing with the expectation of cool and possible wet weather.  Sufficient food and water for a full day of hiking is required as well as hiking poles (if you use them), and wet weather gear is strongly recommended. Bug spray and sun screen as you require. Clothing adjustments, bio-breaks are as needed. Please let the sweep person know and they will wait for you. A morning break around 10am and a 10-15 minute on-trail lunch break will be scheduled. An afternoon break will be based on our expected finish time. Depending on weather conditions, these times may vary. Everyone must carry a First Aid kit.

Missing Hikes/Making-up Hike

Since this is a 3 day hike, it is expected that everyone registered will plan to attend all three days. Since this is a car shuttle hike, please ensure your vehicle is car shuttle ready. All participants will be expected to take turns either driving to the start or driving the drivers back at the end of the day. Carpooling to our meeting spot with 2 people in the car is generally ok but if more than that, please let the hike leader know.

Leave No Trace

Please remember, like all hikes, this is a Leave No Trace hike. Pack out whatever you pack in. Do not toss anything onto or into any sections of the trail. We will also try to leave the trail better than we found it so we will be collecting trail trash we might see along the way.

Daily

We meet for each hike by at least 7:45am each day with the hope that we can leave as soon as everyone has arrived and no later than 8am.  This meeting locations are indicated above.  The schedule is subject to change.

Dufferin Hi-Land Stained Glass Badge Fundraiser Hike - Weekend E2E in 3

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps):

Hike Leader(s): Freddy Wang 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: Varies – 17-20 km per day

Description

This is a special series of 3 hikes (April 20, April 27, and May 4) proceeding northbound to complete the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Bruce Trail. The organization, guidance, logistics and the Yellow Lady Slipper stained glass badge is included in your fee which is non-refundable. Proceeds support the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club which in turn supports the Bruce Trail Conservancy mission to “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

The Dufferin Hi-Land in 3 is geared to experienced distance hikers with the expectation of a 3 to 5 km/hr pace maintained over a 17 km to 20 km day.  The section is approximately 55 km km so daily distances are based on available parking. No dropout points have been established and therefore hikers who must drop out, will be responsible for their own transportation back to their vehicle. Please note that transportation back to your vehicle is very limited in this section.

This particular set of 3 hikes is intended to be Medium/Brisk.  Please be honest about your degree of physical fitness and ability prior to registration. It is a group hike so it is important you are able to keep pace with the person in front of you.

Hikers will be expected to be wearing proper hiking boots and layered clothing with the expectation of cool and possible wet weather.  Sufficient food and water for a full day of hiking is required as well as hiking poles (if you use them), and wet weather gear is strongly recommended.

Missing Hikes/Making-up Hike

Since this is a 3-day hike, it is expected that everyone registered will plan to attend all three days.

TRANSPORTATION

Since this is a car shuttle hike, please ensure your vehicle is car shuttle ready. All participants will be expected to take turns either driving to the start or driving the drivers back at the end of the day. Carpooling to our meeting spot with 2 people in the car is generally ok but if more than that, please let the hike leader know.

April 20 (20km):

Meet at the Mono Community Centre (Cap 40) 44.026195, -80.071516

Car shuttle to 1st Line East (Cap 5) 44.119199, -80.112593

April 27 (17.3km):

Meet on roadside parking 15 Sideroad and Prince of Wales (Cap 7) 44.172483, -80.157538

Car shuttle to Roadside parking on 1st Line East below 5 Sideroad (Cap 5) 44.119199, -80.112593

May 4 (17km):

Meet in front of the Lavender Cemetery (Capacity 10)

Car shuttle to Roadside pkg on 15 Sideroad at Prince of Wales Rd (Cap 7)
44.172483, -80.157538

NEW DATE Spring Ephemeral Hike Series: Massie Forest

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Botany Hike
Location (Google Maps): Massie Hills Management Area parking lot off of Concession Road 6S (South of Sideroad 6)

Hike Leader(s): Jeannine Kralt Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Easy: Mostly flat and good footing.
Distance: Upwards of 5km+

Description

The first in our series of spring ephemeral hikes – Massie Forest has a notable population of Hepatica, Spring Beauty, Trout Lilies and White Trillium amongst others. We’ll see what we can find. We’ll be hiking part of the Spey River Side Trail, and possibly small portions of the main trail. These sections are relatively easy strolls (fairly flat).

This leisurely hike will be a classic Discovery Hike, with a focus on spring wildflowers – participants are encouraged to ask questions, and we’ll briefly stop to look at things we find. Photographers welcome. There is a chance that this hike might be moved slightly, given the warmer end to winter this year (it’s been hard to predict timing). Participants will be contacted in advance if that is to be the case.

This hike also appears in Ron Savage’s book Exploring Sydenham – sufficient time will be available to locate the code.

Carpooling encouraged – get in touch with the hike leader if you are in need of a ride. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance of the start time. An email confirming conditions will be sent out in advance of the hike. Please contact Jeannine via the hike leader contact form should there be any questions or concerns.

The Great Wildflower Hunt

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps): Hilton Falls Conservation Area, 4985 Campbellville Rd., Milton

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 9 – 10 km.

Description

Join us for this hike at Hilton Falls Conservation Area as we begin the annual search for early wildflowers. Hopefully we’ll spot some. Meet in the parking lot of Hilton Falls Conservation Area at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Bring water, a snack and sunscreen as well as hiking poles if using. We will do a there and back/ loop hike taking us around the Beaver Meadows loop as well as a stop at the falls. A reservation through Halton Parks is required.
Leader: Anne Armstrong

Toronto Urban Badge Hike - 2 of 7

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps):

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 10.9 km

Description

Please join me at the south east corner of Eglinton and Scarlett by 10 AM.  We will hike south on the Humber Recreational Trail to Lakeshore Blvd and Ellis (km 19.2 to km 8.3).  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.

Nature Seekers Exploring Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Mono Community Centre, 200 m south of Mono Centre (County Road 8). 44.026195, -80.071516

Directions: From ON-10 head east onto Dufferin Rd. 8/Mono Centre Rd. for 6.0 km. The Community Centre is on the right.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5 kilometres

Description

Join with other friends of the Caledon Hills Club to leisurely explore the emergence of spring on our Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. This hike can be used towards earning the 60 for the 60th commemorative badge.