Hike Schedule

Niagara-on-the-Lake Toura

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Meet on King St near Centre St just outside of Veterans 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

Robin & Margaret

Peninsula Blue Series - Rural Rocks & Obese Side Trail

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps): Meet up at Colpoy’s Bay Government Dock Parking Lot, off Bruce Road 9 . We will carpool a short distance to Rural Rootz Nature Reserve. Map 35 (Bruce Trail Reference Guide 30th Edition)

Hike Leader(s): Margie Gloade Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 4.1 km

Description

Working on your PBTC Blue Series? This Rural Rocks Side Trail loop is a hidden gem! Rural Rocks Side Trail, and its short Obese Side Trail, are part of only few Bruce trail sections not connected to the main trail. The side trails found here follow some difficult terrain – the section passing through cathedral type rock formations is very rugged. You also pass through patches of moss and fern, a maple-birch-balsam forest, and pass by an active beaver pond. Join Margie, a new PBTC new Hike Leader, on her first guided hike. Meet at Colpoy’s Bay Government Dock parking lot, off Bruce Road 9, at 9:00 a.m. We will carpool a short distance to the Rural Rootz Nature Reserve. Expect this hike to be approximately 2 hours. Bring a light backpack with plenty of water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, hiking poles (optional). Wear a hat and sturdy footwear.

Beaver Valley End to End Event (participants hike independently, no hike leader)

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the Kolapore Uplands skiers parking lot on Grey County Road 2, 650 m south of where the trail crosses the road at km 23.8. Plan to be there at 7:30 a.m. for sign in and bus loading.

Hike Leader(s): Glenda Collings Click here to contact the hike leader.

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Some rocky footing, Some steep sections, Strenuous
Length of Hike: The 5 hikes range from approx. 22 km 26 km. You set your own pace but medium will get the job done in a timely fashion.

Description

Beaver Valley 2024 End-to-End

August 24, 25, 31 and September 1, 2

Please note that the event will be subject to current COVID protocols.  

Registration will be through the Bruce Trail Conservancy Online Calendar and will open at 8:30 a.m. on March 1, 2024. Registration is limited to 50 people because of parking area availability.  Once registration is full, names will be added to a wait list by the Online Calendar software. The registration fee of $110.00 (members) $120.00 (non members) includes the online registration fee, bus shuttle, refreshments and the End-to-End badge. There will be no refunds for this event as it is a fundraiser.  Hikers should have experience with hiking 20+ km in a day.

Complete details of the event will be emailed to participants once registration is received. For more information contact beavervalleytrailactivities@gmail.com

Bus Hike: Northern Rouge National Urban Park - Northeast Trail & Harvest Trail (Markham-Pickering-Whitchurch-Stouffville)

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:30
Return to City Time: 17:00
Departure Point: York Mills Bus Pickup

Optional Items
Unionville GO Station Pick-up ($0.01)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps):

Northern Rouge National Urban Park

Hike Leader(s): Celia Ho, Tom Swales Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 15.8 km

Description

On this hike we will continue to explore the Rouge National Urban Park, this time in the section of the park in Markham, Pickering, and Whitchurch-Stouffville, starting in the Black Walnut Day Use Area in Markham.  We will explore the Northeast Trail (10.7 km) and the Harvest Trail (5.1 km).

The meeting point will be the York Mills Bus Pickup location. There is an additional pickup location at Unionville GO Station – select that option when registering if you would like to be picked up there.

The meeting time is 8:30 AM at the York Mills pickup location and 8:45 AM at the Unionville GO Station pickup location.

This will be a relatively easy and leisurely hike. The terrain is relatively flat with some stairs.  The surface condition consist of compacted granular trails and boardwalks. The pace will be a moderate pace of 4 km/hr.

There will be a drop-out point at 10.7 km after the Northeast Trail.  The total distance covering all the trails will be 15.8 km.

After the hike there will be a refreshment stop at the Muddy York Brewery in Whitchurch-Stouffville or on Main Street Stouffville.

For your reference, the Park Map for the Rouge can be found at:

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge/visit/cartes-maps

9:15 SUMMER 2024 BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #5 of 5: Chloe Cooley and the Beginning of the End Black Enslavement in Upper Canada

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on Veteran’s Lane, past tennis courts

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

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

Description

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake  (NOTL) has a significant and nation-shifting Black history. On this hike, voices from the past will tell their stories, enriching hikers understanding of how they shaped this town and nation.

This is the last of the Summer 2024 series of hikes.

*Be prepared for the sun/heat as this hike is largely in the open (e.g., hydration, sunscreen, etc.).

**This hike counts as 1 of the 3 required hikes  in the Summer 2024 series towards the Black History badge.

Please Note: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning, to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are opened to all and offered in a spirit of mutual learning and inclusion.

Summer's End Rainbow Hike

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Bluewater Park, Wiarton (near Dockside Willie’s)

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

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: Two options: ~4km and ~7km

Description

Join us for a free, family friendly guided Summer’s End Rainbow Hike for 2SLGBTQ+ folx and allies. Meet at Bluewater Park in Wiarton. We will leave some cars at Bluewater Park and carpool from here to Wright’s Crescent. At Wright’s Crescent, we will gather together before dividing into two hiking groups. This hike will offer two options – one for a shorter, slower paced (~3.7 km) hike and the other a faster paced and longer hike (7 km). The faster and longer hike participants will  begin their hike along Purple Valley Side Trail to the Main Trail. They will follow the Main Trail through the forest at Malcolm Bluffs Nature Reserve and along the pretty clifftop of Colpoy’s Bay before returning on the Bob Light and Malcolm Bluff Side Trail to the parking lot. This moderately paced hike is relatively flat but on uneven terrain and requires good balance. While the longer hike participants are on their way, the shorter, slower paced hike participants will carpool from Wright’s Crescent to Crawford Drive parking area ( a very short drive). Here we will hike on Crawford Drive Side Trail to the Main Trail – a relatively flat but uneven trail. On the Main Trail we will hike along the top of the Escarpment to the Purple Valley Side Trail, returning to Wright’s Crescent and the rest of the parked vehicles. Bring a light backpack to carry water and snacks. Wear supportive footwear with good tread and closed toes. We will have ample time for taking photos and taking short breaks. Hike duration for both hikes will be about 2 – 2 1/2 hours. Portapotties are available at the Wright’s Crescent parking lot. After our hikes, we will carpool back to Bluewater Park.Please join us for a potluck picnic here.

Peninsula Blue Series: Cape Chin

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps): Otter Lake Side Trail Roadside Parking along the shoulder of Cape Chin North Road

Hike Leader(s): Kathleen Stahlbaum Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 13.49 km

Description

Join us in celebrating charming Cape Chin as we hike several side trails connecting Cape Chin North to Cape Chin South – Cape Chin Meadows Side Trail, Pat Daunt Side Trail, Bard Side Trail, and Otter Lake Side Trail – plus a few stretches of main trail.

The hike will include a little bit of everything – rich coniferous forest and lush deciduous forest to beaver ponds, wetlands and marshy areas rich with flora and fauna, to the stunning views of the emerald and turquoise waters of Georgian Bay from the top of the towering white cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Cape Chin visit without spending some time snacking on the steps of the beautiful MapleCross mansion at BTC’s MapleCross Nature Preserve.

Be prepared for rocky and slippery conditions (especially around Otter Lake)! Hiking poles are helpful and rain gear may come in handy. Pace will be leisurely to moderate and adjusted for slippery conditions, if needed. Bring plenty of water for hydration, plus a light lunch and a snack or two to keep you nourished throughout our ~6 hour adventure!

Urban Walk; Markham Hike and Splash

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Finch Go Bus Terminal, Platform 2

Hike Leader(s): Leonora Rochwerger Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 10 km (approx.)

Description

Join us for a 10 km hike along the Rouge River, through sections of Austin Park and Milne Dam Conservation Park, and ending with a post-hike splash (optional- for those interested) at the Morgan Outdoor Pool in Markham Village.

Route map: https://onthegomap.com/s/mfi28ji6

How to get there and get home:  We will meet as a group no later than 09:30 at the Finch Go Bus Terminal, Platform 2 outside the TTC Finch Station. From there, we will use YRT public transport to get to our hiking starting point.

If you are driving, meet us at the Stiver Mill Community Centre at 9 Station Ln, Markham, at approximately 10:45 am. There is free parking. Please contact the hike leader for precise meeting instructions.

To go back, we will use YRT public transport buses to get to our starting points (either parking or TTC Finch Station). Alternatively, GO trains go from Markham Village GO Station to Union station.

What to bring: Proper walking /hiking shoes, at least 2 litres of water, sunscreen, hat, bug repellent if used and a packed lunch. Appropriate clothing for the weather. No dogs allowed

If going swimming, bring a swimming suit and towel.  There is a fee of $4.60 + tax to enter the pool. Change rooms and showers are available. You will need to bring your own lock for a locker. For more information about the Morgan Pool visit: https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/recreation/community-fitness-centres/morgan-outdoor-pool/morgan-pool

Car Hike: Hike #8 to earn the Dufferin Hi-Land Youth and/or Side Trails Badge!

Hosting Club: Toronto, Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): We will meet at roadside parking on the west side of 2nd Line E, where the road ends a little north of 8 Sideroad (Map 20 of the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, Edition 31).

Hike Leader(s): Monica Pasquali Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 7.4 km

Description

Calling all families with children who love hiking and earning badges!!!

This is the eighth in a series of ten hikes that will be offered throughout 2024 on a roughly monthly basis so that children who are 15 years of age and younger can earn the Dufferin Hi-Land Adventurer Youth Badge and their parents/guardians can earn the Dufferin Hi-Land Side Trails Badge at the same time!!!  Details regarding the requirements for each badge can be found here: https://dufferinbrucetrailclub.org/dufferin-bruce-trail-club-badges/  Each of the ten hikes will be a loop hike so no car shuttles will be needed, and each hike will cover a distance of approximately 6-9 km hiked at a leisurely pace (2-3 km/h) so children and adults alike can participate.

This eighth hike will be a summer hike to explore the following four side trails: 2nd Line ECL, part of the Oliver Creek ST, the Boyne Creek ST, and the Mulmur Lookout ST.  Please dress appropriately for a summer hike by dressing in lightweight and breathable clothing, wearing a sunhat, and wearing comfortable footwear that has good traction.  It is also advised that you bring sunscreen, bug spray, a light sweater, and suitable rain apparel in case conditions require their use.  As well, make sure you bring enough water and food for a 3-4 hour hike since we’ll be covering a total distance of approximately 7.4 km.

Hopefully you’ll be able to join me on Sunday, August 25th!  Until then, happy hiking, everyone!

Urban Walk: Bluffers Park

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

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

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 6.9 km

Description

Please join me at Kennedy Station on the bus platform by 9:45 am.  We will take the 201 Bluffers Park bus departing 10:00 am, arriving 10:22 am. We will wander the trails of bluffers park for an estimated distance of 6.9 km.  Pub stop is at the Dogfish Pub & Eatery in the park.

Please bring at least 2 liters of water, a light snack, bug spray and sunscreen.

Here is an online map of our route.  Bluffers Park

Note: Registration closes 48 hours before the start of the hike.

Mushroom Hunt

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Botany Hike
Location (Google Maps): Parking lot at the junction of Malcolm Bluff Side Trail and Purple Valley Access Trail [44.836895, -81.053576]

Hike Leader(s): Barbara Reuber Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 1 – 2 km

Description

Join mushroom expert and nature writer Jan Thornhill (http://weirdandwonderfulwildmushrooms.blogspot.ca and many children books) as we explore the amazing variety of fungi that can be found on the Bruce Peninsula. We will take the Purple Valley access trail to the main trail and explore the woods along the escarpment. We won’t be covering much ground – this is more of an in-depth look at the biodiversity of mushrooms and other fungi than a hike. It’s also a family-friendly event so you’re welcome to bring children. Since many of the most beautiful and interesting fungi are very small (Eyelash Cups! Turquoise Elfcups!), bring a hand lens, magnifying glass, or binoculars (which you can look through the wrong way to magnify!) if you have them.

Afternoon Hike - Fisher's Pond

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Afternoon/Evening Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Meet roadside on Guelph Line, south of No 1 Sideroad.

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 kms

Description

We will hike up the main trail from Guelph Line, around Fisher’s Pond on the side trail and back. There are a few hills that can be a bit strenuous. Bring bug spray/bug net.