Hike Schedule

Stained Glass Badge - Hiking the Blue Mountains Section of the Bruce Trail: 3-Day Stained Glass Badge Fundraising Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Blue Mountains
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps):

Hike Leader(s): Robert House 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
Distance: 70KM

Description

Join us for a 3-day fundraising hike through the stunning Blue Mountains section of the Bruce Trail from September 13 to 15. This hike is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature while supporting a great cause. We will meet each morning at 8:30 AM, aiming to begin our hike by 9:00 AM. This moderate hike will cover approximately 70 kilometers in total, with daily distances of around 25 km.

Safety and Risks:

Trail Conditions:  The trail includes forest paths, rocky sections, and some steep inclines and descents. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential to navigate the diverse trail conditions safely.

Weather:  September weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for varying temperatures and possible rain. Bring appropriate clothing for layering and waterproof gear to stay dry and comfortable.

Hydration and Nutrition: Carry sufficient water and high-energy snacks to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels throughout each day’s hike. Plan for regular breaks to rest and refuel.

Wildlife: The Blue Mountain section is home to various wildlife, including deer and smaller mammals. Stay aware of your surroundings and do not approach or feed wildlife. Use bear bells and carry bear spray if advised by local authorities.

Physical Preparedness:  This hike is considered moderate, with some challenging sections. Ensure you are physically prepared for long days of hiking and able to handle a cumulative distance of 70 km over three days.

By participating in this hike, you’ll not only experience the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Mountain section but also contribute to the Stained Glass Badge fundraising effort.

Let’s come together to enjoy a safe and fulfilling hiking experience while making a positive impact!

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre St (just outside of 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: 5-7km

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 & Robin

Seed Orchard Planting at Splitrock Narrows

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the parking lot on 2nd line EHS

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

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 1

Description

Come join staff from the Bruce Trail Conservancy as we plant Dufferin Hi-lands very first seed orchard!
Planting will take place at our Splitrock Narrows property and parking is available on site. The planting will take approximately two hours and will be mostly forest understory species as well as some trees and shrubs in a nearby meadow.

Please bring gloves, bug spray and a shovel or trowel if you have them.

Iroquoia Club End-to-End – 4 days (Two concurrent weekends)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): Two different bus loading locations (one for each wknd) will be provided to registered hikers only. Unregistered hikers who show up will not be permitted to board the buses.

Hike Leader(s): Parvinder Sachdeva Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions
Distance: 122km (30-35 each day) – Self-paced with checkpoint deadlines

Description

Please join us for the annual Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club self-paced End-to-End. You can enjoy and complete the entire club distance of 122 km over four days (approximately 30-35km each day).

Please be honest about your physical abilities. These 4 days are not recommended for new hikers or anyone who hasn’t completed these distances recently.
The registration fee is non-refundable.

The hikes will traverse the varied and often strenuous terrain from Grimbsy in the south, to the 401 in Milton. You will pass many waterfalls and beautiful vistas. Checkpoint stations will be approximately every 10 km offering snacks, water refill, and assistance. Please bring your own First Aid Kit.

The hike is $95 for members and $110 for non-members and includes bus transportation from the meeting point to the hike starting point, refreshments, parking, permit costs, and the official E2E badge. The fee is non-refundable. After costs, the proceeds go to the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club who supports The Bruce Trail Conservancy mission of “Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

Registration opens at 8am on April 1, 2024 for Bruce Trail Conservancy members only. You may be a member of any club. If any spots are still available after the first two weeks, registration will also be opened for non-members at a cost of $110. Like last year, it may be limited to only one bus.

Details will be emailed to participants once registration is received. As mentioned, these are longer hikes and are not suitable for beginning hikers. For both events, hikers are expected to maintain an average pace of 4 km/hr (or more). Hikers will be required to reach each checkpoint on each day by a prescribed time in order to continue, and ensure everyone is off the trail before dark. Please be aware that volunteers are running this event and will  be waiting.

Space is limited, hikes go rain or shine, and no dogs are permitted on this event. For questions, please contact Parvinder Sachdeva at pavvysingh@gmail.com

Saturday Shorts: Riverside Woods

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 9 am at the BTC parking lot, 713377 1st Line EHS, Mono. It is easier to go north on 1st Line from Side Road 5 than it is to go south on 1st Line from Hockley Road.

Hike Leader(s): Elizabeth Ganong Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 6.5 km

Description

Looking to get out on a Saturday but not give up your whole day? Saturday Shorts, a hiking series, will get you out in a small group on a short hike. This Saturday’s hike is another hilly one as we use all side trails to explore Riverside Woods (just south of Hockley Valley Nature Reserve). We’ll hike for about 6.5 km, including walking out to 2nd Line to take a closer look at the heritage house currently owned by the Bruce Trail. Bring water and a snack, if desired. There will be a short break. No dogs please.

Car Hike: Jefferson Forest and Bond Lake

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): 1235-1245 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A2 ( Bethesda Trail Head Parking lot)

Hike Leader(s): Amir Alemohammad Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: 12-14 km

Description

Join us for a wonderful hike in Jefferson Forest and have a snack/lunch beside  the Bond Lake with amazing early fall views. We will hike among tall trees and bushes of the Jefferson Forest and across the Bayview-Yonge corridor to reach to the Bond Lake. Boots mandatory, poles recommended, bring at least 2L of water, bug spray, sunscreen, snack/lunch and dress according to the weather conditions. Sorry dogs are not allowed in this hike. Please avoid parking along the road. Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate)

Please arrive @8:00 AM for start 8:15 AM.

Urban Walk: McMichael Art Gallery via William Granger Greenway (Humber Trail)

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Meet no later than 09.30 am at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre TTC station. From there, we will use YRT public transport buses to get to our hiking starting point (if using a Presto Card the YRT bus is free under the “One Fare” program). If you prefer to drive meet us at the corner of Napa Valley Ave and Islington Ave at 10:30 (there is a Tim Horton’s at the corner). Please contact the hike leader for meeting instructions and parking options if driving to the start of the hike.

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

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat, Level 1 (Easy – mostly on flat, well maintained trails with hard-packed surface)
Distance: 8.5 km

Description

Join us for a 8.5 km hike along the William Granger Greenway  (Humber Trail), to the McMichael Art Gallery and back. We will spend time at the Art Gallery, where you will have the option of visiting the current exhibits and/or exploring the beautiful grounds. Entrance to the Gallery is free on that day. Difficulty Level: Easy – flat terrain, packed gravel and paved surfaces

Route map: https://onthegomap.com/s/n5vnrdkv

How to get there and get home:  We will meet as a group no later than 09.30 at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre TTC station. From there, we will use YRT public transport buses to get to our hiking starting point.

If you are driving, you can meet us at the corner of Napa Valley and Islington at 10:30 (there is a Tim Horton’s at the corner). Please contact the hike leader for meeting instructions and parking options.

To go back, we will use YRT public transport to return  to Vaughan TTC station.

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

For more information about the Art Gallery, visit: https://mcmichael.com/

Ball's Falls Hike 10km + Farm Fruit Pick Up

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Jordan Hollow Park, GPS (43.142022, -79.372672)

Hike Leader(s): Alina Lin

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Challenging, Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Rocky, Variable
Distance: Approximately 10 km

Description

We will hike along the Bruce Trail and side trails for around 10KM, in and around the Ball’s Falls Conservation area. The hike will last about two and half hours.

Bring lunch and at least 1L of water. Wear proper clothing for the weather. Hiking boots are strongly recommended. No dogs or kids under 13 years of old. Difficulty Level: 2 (Moderate)

After hike, you are welcome to join me for some fun of picking-up-your-own-fruit at Cherry Avenue Farms, for blue plums, and  at Lipsitt Orchards, for grapes. Picking up your own activity is optional and there are fees charged by the farms. According to the information given, the entrance fee for Cherry Avenue Farms is $8 per person and comes with a 2L basket for filling. For grape pick up, Lipsitt Orchards may offer different sized basket at different prices.

2:00 pm NBTC Landowner Appreciation Celebration 2024

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Leisurely
Location (Google Maps): Ball’s Falls Conservation Area – Centre for Conservation, Elgin Room – 3292 Sixth Ave. Lincoln. Park in the main parking area it is free for the event.

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

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 1 km

Description

Attention all pastry chefs and fans of the Great Canadian Baking Show! Why not use your culinary skills to impress our valued landowners?

We are looking for hand held treats (ex. squares, tarts, cookies, shortbreads, brownies) for our annual Landowner Appreciation Celebration. We are asking bakers to bring along some homemade sweets for 6-8 people to enjoy.

The event will feature biodiversity hikes which you can sign up for on the day along with information from the biodiversity committee and BTC land stewardship. NBTC merchandise will be available for purchase at the event. Appetizers catered by Smoke & Barrel Niagara. Cash bar. Prize draws. Live music with Brad Boland. Come out and say thank you to our landowners for allowing us to hike across their private properties.

3:00 pm Biodiversity Hikes at Ball’s Falls – Landowner Appreciation Celebration

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Centre for Conservation, Glen Elgin Room, 3292 Sixth Ave., Lincoln. Park in the main parking area it is free for the event.

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

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5 kms

Description

Join us on this Biodiversity Hike led by NBTC nature hike leaders & learn about the ecosystems in this area in recognition of our LANDOWNER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION! Please meet at the Glen Elgin Room and we will split into smaller groups leaving at 3:00 and 3:30 pm depending on numbers.

Come for the hike but stay for the celebration! There will be food by Smoke & Barrel Niagara, a cash bar, prize raffle, biodiversity displays, merchandise sales, live music by Brad Boland and much more! A great opportunity to meet our Niagara landowners and to say thank you for allowing us to cross their private properties.

Hike 2 of 7 - Caledon Hills E2E

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 9:15 at Willoughby Road.
Shuttle to start at Creditview Rd. and the Grange Side Road.

Hike Leader(s): Jennie Greenfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 12.15 km

Description

Hike 2 of 7 for Caledon Hills E2E.  Follows recent trail changes around the Forks of the Credit area

5.2 to 15.9 + 1.45 side trails = 12.15 km (Edition 31)

This hike can be logged towards the “60 for 60th Anniversary” badge