Hike Schedule

Laura Secord Special Event Hike

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Event Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Niagara Region Office, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON

Hike Leader(s): Debbie Demizio Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Distance: 32 kms

Description

This is a self-led hike. Hike along the Bruce Trail from Laura Secord’s Homestead in Queenston to Decew House in Thorold. Participants will be transported by bus from check in at Niagara Region office to the start of the hike and will hike at their own pace to the final checkpoint. There will be volunteer drivers available to drive you back to your car once the hike is over. You may be asked to wear a mask in the car.

Bring snacks, water and bug spray. We also recommend sunscreen, basic first aid supplies, spare socks and a cell phone. There will be 3 checkpoints (2 along the trail and one at the end) to replenish water and snacks and anyone wishing to drop out of the hike should do so at a checkpoint. Hikers are responsible for informing club volunteers of their intention to drop out.

You will receive a reminder email two days before the event with further details about the hike.

CANCELLED Niagara Benchlands Badge Hike

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at Jordan Hollow Park, King St (Hwy 81) across from Boo’s Restaurant 3039 King St, Jordan Station
After completing the Ball’s Falls hike, we will drive to Jordan Main Street Parking Lot beside RPM Bakehouse ( 43.1492718 -79.3696930) and complete the walking tour of the town.
Hikers have the option to do the next hike from Mountainview Conservation (43.157888 -79.498415) independently or with the leader on the same day.

Hike Leader(s): Sam Rutherford Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 9-15 km dependent on doing 3rd hike from Mountainview Conservation Area the same day

Description

This series of 3 hikes is a joint effort of NBTC and the Lincoln Museum to introduce hikers to the Niagara Benchlands area.  We will complete the Ball’s Falls hike first, then move to the town of Jordan and explore the historical homes in town as well as the Museum. Art Lives Here is a community wide festival and art trail that celebrates the vibrant arts and culture offerings of Lincoln on the weekend June 21, 22 & 23. Costumed interpreters will be onsite at the schoolhouse that weekend to add to the fun.

Please refer to the following site for badge requirements:  http://niagarabrucetrail.club/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Niagara-Benchlands-Badge.pdf

It is also recommended to download the following pdf:  https://qrco.de/bch3Qi and print the map on page 10 of the PDF

After these 2 sections are completed, hikers will have the option to 1) continue to Mountainview Conservation to complete the third hike with the hike leader or 2) complete this hike independently when convenient.  If #2 is the choice, then hikers will need to submit the required information independently to receive the badge.

If completing all 3 hikes, then badges will be available after the third hike.  Members $10, Non members $15

Scotsdale Farm the Easy Way CANCELLED. UNSETTLED WEATHER WITH A POSSIBLILTY OF THUNDERSTORMS, RAIN AND HIGH TEMPERATURES.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Easy Does It Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Scotsdale Farm, 13807 Trafalgar Rd. N.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 8 – 9 km.

Description

Scotsdale Farm is on of my favourite places to hike. One can follow the main Bruce Trail over some rather challenging trails or relax with some of the many side trail. We will follow the Bennett Side Trail east from the farm house and barn to where it meets 27th Side Road and then return to the farm. Snack/lunch will be beside a pleasant creek. Meet in the main parking lot at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen, insect repellent. Poles might be useful as there is one section with small rocks and tree roots. Depending on our timing I may extend the hike slightly.  I will contact you a couple of days before the hike to give you more contact information.
Leader: Anne Armstrong

Orchids and Wildflowers at Petrel Point

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Petrel Point Nature Reserve. Roadside parking at Trail Entrance.
Driving Directions: From Highway 6 turn west at the town of Mar on Red Bay Road. Drive along Red Bay Road to its end at Huron road. Drive north on Huron Road roughly three kilometres, then turn left (west) on Petrel Point Road. Petrel Point Road divides the northern and southern halves of the reserve. Please park only on the north side of the road.

Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: ~2 km

Description

Explore Nature’s Garden of Wildflowers and Orchids with botanist Barbara Palmer at the Petrel Point Nature Reserve on Monday, June 24th.

This pretty nature reserve managed by Ontario Nature is home to many native wildflowers, orchids, and carnivorous plants. Due to the unique conditions in this Great Lakes Coastal Meadow Marsh, special plants have adapted to live in this environment, and Barbara will discuss why they thrive here. You will also learn about orchid etiquette and the importance of protecting orchids. Orchids observed on this hike, will qualify toward earning the PBTC Orchid Badge.

This “walk-and-talk” hike is a loop hike which meanders through the nature reserve joining a short gravel road section to complete the loop. Walking terrain is flat, mostly boardwalk with some natural, uneven forest hiking trail.  Be prepared to walk approximately 2 km. Hike duration will be about 2 – 2 1/2 hours.

Orchids viewed on this hike will contribute toward the PBTC Orchid badge.

Please bring a light back pack with snacks and water.  Wear a hat, long-sleeved sun protective clothing, and sturdy hiking boots. Be prepared for flying insects and bring a net hat and insect repellent.

Bring binoculars and/or a camera. If planning to post photos or using your I-Naturalist app, please turn off your location identifiers.

If you have reference sheets or books – bring them along. An excellent local reference is the Orchids of Bruce Grey available through Owen Sound Field Naturalists. You may also want to view the BTC webinar Spring Ephemerals: https://development.brucetrail.org/events/#webinars .

Note: There are no bathroom facilities at this location.

Thank you to Barbara for sharing her knowledge with us! Thank you to Ontario Nature for protecting this rare ecosystem!

Falling Water - Beaver Valley (1 Day independent)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the south end of the Beaver Valley Ski Club lower parking lot off Grey Road 30, Map 26, Edition 31

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

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: approx. 30 km

Description

Please join me on my birthday for this 1 day independent Falling Water badge! (cost of badge is $10 for members, $12 non-members)

In this challenging loop we will hike the east and west sides of the valley from Beaver Valley Ski Club, connecting them with the Valley Crossover Side Trail.

This hike is for experienced hikers only. You must be able to hike 4-5km per hour for 30km. 

This will be a long day and we will stay together as a group. 

Bring lots of water (electrolytes)  and food 

Please no dogs

Please 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.

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.