Hike Schedule

8:30 Niagara Winter End to End #3 Glen Road to Roland Road - Rescheduled from last week

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Short Hills Parking Lot at Roland Road. Car Pool to Glen Road

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 13 kms

Description

We will be car pooling, Bring Icers and poles. No dogs. To earn your Niagara Winter End to End badge, it must be completed between December 21, 2024  to  March 21, 2025.
Because of the potential for bad winter trail conditions we have broken this e2e into 6 hikes rather than 5

Winter Badge Wednesdays: Mono Centre

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 10 am at the parking lot at Mono Community Centre. The centre is located at 754483 Mono Centre Rd. Please park in the gravel surface lot. It is best to aim for arriving around 9:45, so we can start hiking as close to 10 am as possible. Thanks!

Hike Leader(s): Dave Dawe; 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
Distance: Between 4 and 5 km

Description

Looking to get outside and enjoy nature in another season? You may wish to join in on one Wednesday hike in this winter series or all five! Complete all five as part of the series or do a combination of hikes within the series and your own winter hikes, and you will be eligible to receive the Caledon Winter Hiking Badge (further details below and on the CHBTC website under Club Badges).

This Wednesday’s hike takes us to the north end of the Caledon Hills section as we use side trails and the main trail to make a 4 to 5 km route in the Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve. Be prepared for winter conditions by bringing warm gear, poles, and icers. You are encouraged to bring water and a snack. No dogs please.

The hike leader for this hike is Dave Dawe. Registrants can expect a reminder/update message from Dave one or two days before the hike.

If desired, this hike may be used towards the Caledon Winter Hiking Badge (5 winter hikes in the Caledon section that are 1 ½ hours or longer in length). Please keep a log of your hikes and follow the directions on the CHBTC website under Club Badges to receive your badge.

Frosty Five Blues Series 3/5

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the BTC parking lot on the east side of 5th Line EHS, just south of Hockley Road. 43.993572, -80.014057 (Map 18, Edition 31)

Directions: From ON-10 turn east onto Hockley Rd/Dufferin County Rd 7. Drive for 9.4 kilometres. Turn south/right onto 5 Line E. Drive for 100 metres.

Hike Leader(s): Sandy Green and Janice McClelland Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 9.5 km

Description

Beat the winter blues! Register individually for one, a few, or all of the Frosty Five Blues hikes. Participants who complete all five hikes are eligible to receive a CHBTC Winter badge and new Sideways badge on the final hike. Hike 3 explores parts of the main Trail and Hemlock Ridge, Griffith Ravine, and Glacier Valley Side Trails in the Hockley Valley south area. Bring your choice of hydration and snacks. Hiking boots and icers/crampons are required. See Jan. 9, 23, &  Feb. 6 & 13 for details pertaining to the other hikes in the series. (Note:  If you wish to purchase badges, the cost of each badge is $10.00 for BTC members and $15.00 for non-members.)

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre St, just outside of Veteran’s Memorial Park

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

Fun Friday Hike - Cape Chin South

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Winter Hikes
Location (Google Maps): South End of Carter Road at entrance to Smokey Head Nature Reserve

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

Pace: Leisurely (2.0 – 3.0 km/h): A relaxed pace with frequent breaks and a focus on enjoyment.
Terrain: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths., Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 3 1/2 – 5 km

Description

Join us for our final Fun Friday hike at Cape Chin South. Meet at the south end of Carter Road a few minutes before we begin the hike.

We will head south along the Georgian Bay shoreline on the Main Trail to the intersection of the Cape Chin Side Trail. Depending on depth of snow, trail and weather conditions, the group will decide if we venture up to the Fred Binding Side Trail and Lookout and back to the sheltered Cape Chin Side Trail, or simply complete the Cape Chin Side Trail Loop. The shorter option is ~ 3 ½ km and will take a little less than 2 hours. Option 2 is ~5 km and includes a short, steady ascent to the Lookout, taking a little less than 3 hours. Winter hiking requires extra thought and preparation. Please prepare by wearing layered clothing, warm winter hiking boots, hat, face covering (if windy), and mittens. Bring a light backpack for snacks and warm drink. Hiking poles and gators are strongly recommended. Snowshoes and icers may be useful depending on trail conditions.

Following the hike, you are welcome to join us for a coffee and camaraderie at Tru Foods located at the corner of Highway 6 and Clarkes Road (3766 Hwy.6 Lion’s Head, Ontario).

Toronto Winter E2E in 3 Hikes

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): Roadside parking; km 17.4 Map 12, on the east side of the road where the trail crosses the Fourth Line. Don’t park in front of the junkyard.

Hike Leader(s): Roopa Dindigal Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 17.4 km

Description

 

Do you have plans to complete the Toronto section this winter? Join us for a winter wonderland adventure as we hike the Toronto section in three exciting hikes!

We will hike North to Southbound, on Hike #1 – Feb 1st we will meet on the east side of the road where the trail crosses the fourth line, do not park in front of the junkyard (43.615163, -79.975157) and we will shuttle to start at Hilton Falls (parking fee at Hilton Falls)

A detailed schedule for the full series, with dates and meeting locations, will be provided when you register.

This hike series is meant for experienced distance hikers, please keep in mind your ability to join this series.

Pack sufficient water and snacks to boost your energy. Wear appropriate attire for the weather conditions and come prepared with icers and snowshoes. Hikers will be contacted the night before if a hike must be canceled due to inclement weather. If you have further questions or concerns email Roopa at chbtcpublicrelations@gmail.com

Lunar New Year Hike - 8:45am

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): City View Park – Burlington – Proceed to the big parking lot off of Kerns Rd.

Hike Leader(s): Ruth Moffatt Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Approx 12km

Description

Year of the Snake

Wednesday, 29th January 2025 marks the beginning of the new lunar year. This year will be the Year of the Snake, the sixth of all zodiac animals. This period stands out for its wisdom, mystery, and transformation, emphasizing introspection, strategic planning, and personal growth.

Please join us for a hike along the Mountains to Sea Greenway Trail which is an International Friendship Trail in Taiwan. https://development.brucetrail.org/international-friendship-trails/
This hike requires that all participants are able to hike approx 12km at a steady pace. Please bring enough snacks, lunch and water needed for an approx 4 hour hike. We will have a morning break and a lunch break. You must bring a pair of icers and wear proper hiking boots. Please dress for the weather.
At the end of the hike, lucky red packets will be given, with our wishes for a very Happy Lunar New Year.

9:00 NOTL BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #1 of 4: Chloe Cooley and the Beginning of the End of 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): Suzanne Gourluck, Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6 km

Description

Since 1995, the government of Canada has officially recognized February as Black History Month; a time when Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. During all the hikes in this series, you will learn about Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Black history. Complete 3 of 4 hikes for the Black History badge.
The link below will take you to a brief overview on this topic, by the Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Museum.

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/niagara-on-the-lake-s-black-history-niagara-historical-society-museum/-QXR3nRTdnmqJw?hl=en

**Dress for the weather and for stopping several times. Paths may be icy; hiking poles and icers are recommended.

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.

Cancelled: Saturday Shorts: Riverside Woods Nature Reserve

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 10 am at the BTC parking lot, 713377 1st Line EHS, Mono. Go north on 1st Line from Side Road 5. Access is closed going south on 1st Line from Hockley Road during the winter. It is best to aim for arriving around 9:45, so we can start hiking as close to 10 am as possible. Thanks!

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Easy – mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Between 4 and 5 km

Description

Due to the forecasted extreme cold with the wind chill, this hike has been cancelled.

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 explores Riverside Woods on side trails and gentler nature reserve trails on a 4 or 5 km route. Be prepared for winter conditions by bringing warm gear, poles, and icers. You are encouraged to bring water and a snack. No dogs please.

Registrants can expect a reminder/update message one or two days before the hike.

If desired, this hike may be used towards the Caledon Winter Hiking Badge (5 winter hikes in the Caledon section that are 1 ½ hours or longer in length). Please keep a log of your hikes and follow the directions on the CHBTC website under Club Badges to receive your badge.

Urban Walk: Waterfront Trail 4/11 – Parklawn

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

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

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 9.1 km

Description

Please join me at Old Mill Station no later than 9:12 am.  We will take the 66 bus departing 9:27 am, arriving 9:40 am.  If you want to meet us at Parklawn and Lakeshore, please be there by 9:40 am.  We start hiking at 9:50 am.

We will hike east along the lake to Spadina.  The estimated distance is 9.1 km.  Here is an online map of our route Parklawn to Spadina

Bring a snack, at least 2 liters of water, and icers.  Dress for cold weather.

Daytime, Snowshoe Adventure Badge #2 - Old Baldy

Hosting Club: Beaver Valley

Location (Google Maps): Meet in the Old Baldy CA parking area, just south off Sideroad 7B on a short connector road, south of km 43.5, Map 25, N 44.392191, W 80.518595

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: Approx. 4.5 km

Description

If you have participated in both Snowshoe Adventure hikes please bring, on this hike, $10 (members) $12 (non-members) for the badge. This will be an in and out hike from the Old Baldy parking lot to views over the valley and back, returning on the Mac Kirk Side Trail.  On winter hikes we may encounter bare ground, light snow, deep snow, or ice.  Please bring snowshoes and icers. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather plus water and a snack.  Participants should have some experience with snowshoeing.

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.

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.