Hike Schedule

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Sydenham Fundraiser End to End in Eight Days for the new Hart's Tongue Stained Glass Badge - June 17 - June 24/24 - Please read all details for this hike before registering.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Sydenham
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Bluewater Park across from the arena

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: The entire section is about 175km which will be split over 8 days. Approx. 20-25km per day

Description

Welcome to Sydenham Bruce Trail Club – This end to end will cover the entire section over 8 days. While the section is approx 175km in length, there are about 50km on road, mostly backroads.

Overview

This is a special series of 8  hikes to complete the Sydenham section of the Bruce Trail.  The organization, guidance, logistics and the Hart’s Tongue stained glass badge, designed by Joe Borges is included in your fee which is non-refundable. A little bit about the Hart’s Tongue Fern: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asplenium_scolopendrium. Proceeds support the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club which in turn supports the Bruce Trail Conservancy mission to “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”  In addition to hiking the main trail, we may hike some of the loops required for the latest book – Exploring Sydenham by Ron Savage. Hiking these loops may occur immediately after the day’s hike or during if it does not take us too far off the main trail. If this is something you wish to participate in, it is suggested you pick up a copy of this book.

For this E2E in 8, we will be following the main trail southbound from Wiarton eventually finishing in Blantyre. Please note that you are signing up for the entire series of 8 hikes as a Group Hike. The Sydenham in 8 ETE is geared to experienced long distance hikers with the expectation of a 3  to 5.0 km/ hr. pace maintained over a 20km plus day.  The section is approximately 175km so daily distances will be 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.  We will hike at a steady pace but there will be plenty of time to take pictures and to enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful section.  This particular set of 8 hikes is intended to be Moderate/Brisk.  Please be honest about your degree of physical fitness and abilities 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 or warm and possibly wet weather.  Sufficient food and at least 2l of 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 is also suggested. 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 Hikes

This is a group hike and it is intended that all participants plan to attend each day, however, if you only need a portion of this section of trail, you are welcome to join for the days or section you need. The cost is the same either way. If you intend to participate in the entire 8 days but absolutely must miss one or two days, you may self-complete these days on your own and still qualify for the stained glass badge.  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 we would like to minimize and equalize the driving/shuttling as much as possible so it is fair for all participants. Hikes that are completed on this series may go toward completion of an independent ETE for the regular Sydenham ETE badge if you cannot finish all 8 days.

Parking Fees

Some parking locations might require paid parking.  The fee for this E2E-in-8 does not include any parking/entry fees for hikers. These costs, where applicable, will be shared amongst all participants unless you have a parking or park pass.

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 any trail trash along the way if there is any.

Dogs will not be welcome on this hike.

Accommodations

It is strongly recommended you make reservations for accommodations for this hike if you are participating from out of town. Accommodations can be made anywhere but Owen Sound has many motels to choose from as well as the KOA Campground. It is pretty central to the northern and the southern sections of the Sydenham section of trail. If  you would like a roommate, I can share your email with any other registered participants who are also looking for shared accommodations. Please let me know.

Daily

We meet for each hike by at least 7:45am each day. A schedule for meeting and start locations will be sent to each participant in May. We will hike southerly each day. The schedule is subject to change.