Hike Schedule

Bluebirds and Meadowlarks

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Bruce Trail Parking lot on 5 Sideroad Mono, east of Airport Road, at km 45.4 on the north side of the road where the trail crosses.

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 km

Description

This will be a car hike. From our meeting place, we’ll make a short car pool to the Bruce Trail Parking lot on the 7th Line Mono (corner of 7th Line and Airport Road) . We’ll begin by exploring the Humber Heights property and listen and watch for Bluebirds, Meadowlarks, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows as well as other grassland species. We’ll then retrace our steps on Humber Heights and follow the main trail through Twin Waters (a new BTC property), Mathilde’s Way and The Gosling Forest and Nature Reserve and finish at the car park  on 5 Sideroad. With the exception of a 600 metre walk along the 7th Line, the hike will be entirely on BTC properties – four in all. Bring binoculars, camera, and cell phone. The Merlin App will help identify bird songs.

Urban Walk: Toronto Islands Evening Walk

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps): Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, near the gates to Wards Island Ferry. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to check in with hike leader.

From Union Station take the LRT and get off at the stop Ferry Docks.Walk up to the Ferry Docks on Queens Quay West, street level. at the foot of Bay Street.

Hike Leader(s): Miriam Stevens Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 6-9 km

Description

After a day’s work come and “cool off” on the Toronto Islands free of fumes and traffic. Enjoy the view of the city skyline and Toronto’s beautiful island parkland.
Pack a dinner for a sit down picnic. Food is not available for purchase on the Islands early in the season. Also bring a warm jacket and flashlight.
Return fare ticket for the ferry approx $10.00 less for seniors.
Hikes will take place rain or shine.
Toronto Island evening hikes will take place every THURSDAY in MAY and JUNE 2024.
Same time and same meeting place. No preregistration is required – just show up at the ferry docks at 5:40 PM and sign with the hike leader.

** As of the publication of the hike entry the start date of the Spring schedule is not available – current departure time to Wards Island is 6:00 PM, check back closer to the date to confirm the time **

Car Hike: 21th Annual Excellent Orchid Adventure – Chi-Cheemaun Weekend (2 overnights)

Hosting Club: Toronto, Peninsula
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Princess Hotel
34 Bay St, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0

Hike Leader(s): Jeanette Vincent. Brenda Menezes. David Royle. Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Hilly, Rocky, Variable
Distance: 10 – 12 Km

Description

We continue Greg Vincent’s legacy of weekends away. Please join Jeanette Vincent, Brenda and David Royle as we explore the Tip o’ the Bruce, Tobermory in search of orchids and other flowers.  Our search will extend to Flowerpot Island (cost approx. $60.00 for the glass bottom ferry and Parks Canada fee).   The wildflowers in the Tobermory area at this time of year are wonderful and our slow paced walks will focus on these flowers and the area’s great views. We stay and have our meals at a comfortable hotel overlooking Little Tub Harbour.  Approximately 10km/day.

This outing is restricted to those staying with us at the Princess Hotel in Tobermory for the weekend – the hotel fills quickly. You will need a car to access this outing. Please contact the Princess Hotel for a reservation.1-519-592-8282 or info@tobermoryprincesshotel.com and mention Vincent/Royle Excellent Orchid weekend.

Before registering at the hotel please contact Jeanette: vincentjeanette1604@gmail.com | 519-588-5916 For prices and more details.

Car Hike: Beaver Valley E2E Fundraiser Badge in 8 hikes.

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Toronto, Beaver Valley
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Hike 1- Maple Lane, km 67.3 Blue Mountain on map 24. It is also km 0.0 of the BV. Coordinates N 44504973,W 80.331780

Hike Leader(s): Smadar Junkin Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Hilly, Variable
Distance: 13.7 km

Description

This is a fundraiser hike to keep the pledge of “ ribbon of wilderness for everyone forever “.  The funds will be collected by the Toronto Bruce Trail Club and will be transferred to the Beaver Valley Club to help continuing the gear maintenance work that the team of volunteers doing.

this hike will earn you the special stained glass badge of the BV.
you will be permitted to miss two of the organized hikes and make them up on your own to get the badge.
hike2- meet at km 27.9  parking- a 100 meters south of the main trail across the 10th line coordinates N 44.416209,W 80.443557 we will shuttle to 6th line. Map 25

hike 3- meet at at the same place as hike 2 and shuttle to km 43.5 map 25

hike 4- meet at km 43.6 side road 7B coordinates N 44.395310,W 80.518495 we will shuttle to km 56.1 north street. Map 26

hike 5- meet at km 71.7 Johnston side road parking. Coordinates N 44.315674,W 80.549984 we will shuttle to NorthStreet.
hike 6- we will meet at the same place as hike 5 and shuttle to km 86.9 side road 13A map27

hike 7-  we will meet at km 86.9 side road 13A coordinates N 44.420867,W 80.562233 we will shuttle to km 99.9. Map 27

hike 8 badge day we will meet at Blantyre km 117,3 and shuttle to km 99.9. Please note that at this time the parking in Blantyre is closed. The resident across the street kindly offered us parking in an area in his property. At this time I’m not sure if the the parking will be open. More information to come at the later date.

after each hike I will be hiking a  geology hike to to learn about the geology of the beaver valley and to earn the badge. If you wish to join me, let me know and I’ll send you information closer to the time of the hikes. These will not be official Bruce Trail hikes. If you are interested it might be a good idea to get Beth Gilhespy’s book “Walking Through Time” from. The conservancy office.
please bring two litres of water to each hike, bug prevalent and sun screen.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St near Centre St, at the entrance to Veteran’s Memorial Park, 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

Margaret Northfield & Robin Garrett

Dufferin Hi-Lands End to End in 2 Hikes ~ Stained Glass Fundraiser Badge

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land, Sydenham
Category: Fundraiser
Location (Google Maps): Jun 15: Lavender Cemetery, Mulmur Nottawasaga Townline, Creemore, ON GPS Coordinates: 44.2689881 -80.1573367. Shuttle to Parking area on 1st Line E
Jun 16: Mono Community Centre, Mono Centre Road, Mono, ON; GPS Coordinates: 44.0270957 -80.0710983. Shuttle to Parking area on 1st Line E

Hike Leader(s): Margaret O’Dell Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk: 4 to 5 km/h, Fast: more than 5 km/h
Terrain: Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Distance: Jun 15: 27 km; Jun 16 28.5 km;

Description

This series of hikes is a Fundraiser for the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club. All proceeds fund the activities of the Club directly. You are signing up for 2 hikes, and must be present for both  to receive the beautiful Stained Glass Lady Slippers End to End badge, included in your registration

We will hike Northbound on Jun 15 from 1st Line E to Lavender Hill for 27.0 km. We will hike Southbound on Jun 16 from 1st Line E to Mono Centre for 28.5 Km. The GPS coordinates are provided for each day’s meeting location. This hike series is intended for experienced distance hikers only; hikes will be lead at a brisk to fast pace. Be aware of your ability to join this series.

• Hikes will average 4.5 km per hour including breaks, moving pace is 5 km per hour;
• Expect to be on-trail for 6-7 hours;
• Meeting time is scheduled for an early start at 7:00am so that we’re on the trail at the earliest part of the day and avoid the heat in the afternoons;
• You must arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the meeting time to organize shuttle; all participants are expected to participate in the shuttle;
• Any applicable parking fees will be shared within the group.
• Hikers must carry sufficient hydration, accessible snacks, small lunch, first-aid kit, rain gear, extra socks, bug spray, etc; Check the weather as you pack your gear;
• If you have any questions or concerns, please use the Contact the Hike Leader above.

Just For Fun - Hike Through Six BTC Protected Natural Areas

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Bruce Trail Parking Lot on Mono 5 Sideroad on the north side of the road where the Trail crosses. Google GPS Coordinates: 43.974055, -79.984988

Directions: From Airport Road turn east onto 5 Sideroad and drive for 600 metres. The parking lot is on the left hand side.

Hike Leader(s): Sandy Green and Dylan “Lana” Hubbard Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 10 kilometres

Description

Hike through six Bruce Trail Conservancy protected natural areas in the south eastern area of Hockley Valley. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. This hike can be counted towards your 60 for the 60th Connecting People With Nature badge.

9:30 Queenston Heights Loop "NOTE NEW THEME AND ROUTE"

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):

Locust Grove Picnic Area

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6-8 km

Description

Hike the main trail and side trails, in and around Queenstown Heights while we enjoy the flowers that Niagara Parks has on display.

Much of this hike is in the open, so participants are reminded to come prepared for the sun and heat (e.g., sunscreen, hat and water).

Chi-Cheemaun Festival Hike in Tobermory

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Meet at Little Tub Harbour at the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club Tent in Tobermory

Hike Leader(s): Darci Lombard Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Distance: ~ 5 KM for entire hike. Or, ~2 KM for the shorter hike.

Description

Join local PBTC hike leaders for a guided hike of the nearby Bruce Trail – both main trail and the Burnt Loop Sidetrail. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the cedar forest, as you witness the pretty waterviews of Little Dunks Bay and  pretty vistas of Georgian Bay, Flower Pot Island, Bears Rump Island, and Middle Island.   You will also pass the Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor Centre – a must-see – if you are visiting Tobermory for the first time! And, don’t forget the iconic northern Bruce Trail Cairn – where the official opening of the Bruce Trail occurred in 1967. The main trail is wheelchair accessible to the first lookout on the Burnt Loop Access Trail. This hike is suitable for families with children 8 years and older. Here, you may choose to retrace your steps to the village on your own. Or, consider continuing with the hike leaders on the rest of Burnt Loop Sidetrail . If joining the hike for the entire Burnt Loop Sidetrail , be prepared for rocky and rooty terrain which requires good balance. Wear sturdy footwear and sun protective clothing. Bring a backpack to carry your waterbottle and a light snack. If hiking the full hiking route, be prepared for about a 3 hour hike. If hiking to the first lookout and back, this will take approximately 1 hour.

Toronto Urban Badge Hike - 7 of 7

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps):

Toronto

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 9 km

Description

Please join me at the south east corner of Overlea Blvd and Don Mills Rd by 10 AM.  We will hike south on the Don Trail to the Distillery District (km 62.4 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.

iNaturalist Summer Solstice Hike #2

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Special Events
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Prince of Wales and 15 Sideroad. Registration is not required

Hike Leader(s): Tom Thayer Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Registration is not required for this event. Please feel free to join us with or without registering.

Join us for a hike through Pine River Nature Reserve and learn how to use the iNaturalist App to help the Bruce Trail protect endangered/at-risk species, monitor existing species, identify invasive species that need to be removed, and learn about the plans to enhance and enrich biodiversity.

Interact with the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Conservation and Ecology specialists, meet some of our new trail ambassadors, and learn more about how the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club is working with the BTC to provide a sustainable and healthy future for generations to come.

Please Note: You will need a mobile device with the iNaturalist App installed and updated in order to take part in this event. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.  More information about the iNaturalist program is available here: https://development.brucetrail.org/what-we-do/#iNaturalist

Everyone is welcome, member and non-member alike.

Nature Seekers - Exploring the Hockleycrest Area

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Introductory
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Bruce Trail Parking Lot on Mono 5 Sideroad on the north side of the road where the Trail crosses. Google GPS Coordinates: 43.974055, -79.984988

Directions: From Airport Road turn east onto 5 Sideroad and drive for 600 metres. The parking lot is on the left hand side.

Hike Leader(s): Sandy Green and Dylan “Lana” Hubbard Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5.5 kilometres

Description

Loop through the Hockleycrest area on main and side trails. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. This hike can be counted towards your 60 for the 60th Connecting People With Nature badge.

iNaturalist Summer Solstice Hike #3

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Special Events
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Prince of Wales and 15 Sideroad Registration is not required

Hike Leader(s): Tom Thayer Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Registration is not required for this event. Please feel free to join us with or without registering.

Join us for a hike through Pine River Nature Reserve and learn how to use the iNaturalist App to help the Bruce Trail protect endangered/at-risk species, monitor existing species, identify invasive species that need to be removed, and learn about the plans to enhance and enrich biodiversity.

Interact with the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Conservation and Ecology specialists, meet some of our new trail ambassadors, and learn more about how the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club is working with the BTC to provide a sustainable and healthy future for generations to come.

Please Note: You will need a mobile device with the iNaturalist App installed and updated in order to take part in this event. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.  More information about the iNaturalist program is available here: https://development.brucetrail.org/what-we-do/#iNaturalist

Everyone is welcome, member and non-member alike.

Urban Walk: Lynde Shores Conservation Area

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

Lynde Shores Conservation Area – New Parking Lot on Halls Road

Transit riders coming from Toronto can meet Tom Swales at Union Station in the Great Hall at 8.35 am. You will be taking the 8.50 GO Train to Whitby, taking a short bus ride, and will be walking down Halls Rd. to meet the drivers.

Parking Fee at the Conservation Area is $6.00 flat rate for the day

Hike Leader(s): Tom Swales, Lisa Lifshitz Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 10 km

Description

We will hike a couple of loops, including the Chickadee Bird Feeder Trail and the Lake Ontario Trail, around the lovely Lynde Shores Conservation Area, 1225 Victoria Street, Whitby. This is a great spot for birds and other wildlife. Optional refreshment stop at the “Oak and Ale Whitby Shores” after the hike.

Terrain and Speed – Flat, 3.5k, with stops for photos, viewing wildlife, or appreciating the beauty (approximately 4 hours)

Please let us know in the “Additional Information” field if you plan to take the GO Train or drive and park at the Lynde Shores Conservation Area.