Hike Schedule

Welland Canal Series: Port Dalhousie

Hosting Club: Niagara, Sydenham
Category: Historical Hike
Location (Google Maps): Port Dalhousie Public Parking lot. N43.203031 W79.265362

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

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Easy: Mostly flat and good footing., There might be muddy sections.
Distance: Varies depending on day: 7km with optional 9 km hike along the Merritt Trail afterwards

Description

Day 1 Port Dalhousie loop (~7 km *+ 9 km optional Merritt trail)

This hike series begins with a loop near the original entrance to the Welland Canal (the First, Second and Third versions). When the Fourth Welland Canal was built, the entry point was changed to Port Weller, thus making a new, more direct route to Port Colborne and Lake Erie. This is Hike #4 of the Welland Canal Badge.

Park at Port Dalhousie Public Parking lot. Free parking in the off season. N43.203031 W79.265362

* If people wish to hike longer, we will have an option to do about 9 km of the Merritt Trail which starts at the same location. If interested in that option, please contact me so I can make arrangements for car shuttling prior to the hike.

To the Lake and Back

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Easy Does It Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Oakville, Maplegrove Plaza

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approx 9 km.

Description

This hike replaces one previously scheduled for Feb. 9, cancelled because of weather. This semi urban hike takes us from Maplegrove Plaza to Lake Ontario and back. We will follow Joshua Creek to the lake and return via the same route. There are a few short hills. Bring water, a snack and icers. Trails could be snow covered and icy. There are a number os small hills. Meet near the Rexall Drug Store at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Optional refreshment stop afterwards.
Leader: Anne Armstrong

9:00 am Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

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

Veterans Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King Street

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7 km

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

9:00 am Celebrate Winter with Tai Chi at Woodend

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

Woodend Conservation Area – km 15.5; Enter from Taylor Rd., 140 north of Warner Rd.

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6 km

Description

The celebration of Winter 2025 continues! Join in a hike that includes intermittent simple Tai Chi movement breaks led by Mike VanNatter. Gaiters, hiking poles and/or icers are recommended, depending on the conditions.

This hike counts as 1 of 15 needed for a 2024/2025 Winter badge.

Family Day in Tobermory – Bruce Trail Hike (Rescheduled)

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Winter Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Peninsula National Park at the Visitor’s Centre located at 120 Chi sin tib dek Rd, Tobermory ON. Meet at the front of the Visitor’s Centre.

Hike Leader(s): Shawn Radcliffe 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., Medium (3.0 – 4.5 km/h): A comfortable pace for most hikers with steady progress.
Terrain: Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 4.8 km

Description

Family Day in Tobermory! Bruce Trail Hike, Campfire at the Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor Centre and Family Activities at the Tobermory Community Centre!

Our Family Day hike starts at the BPNP Visitor’s Centre. We will hike the  Main Bruce Trail to the Burnt Loop Side Trail. This is a lovely winter hike (~4.8 km) through an enchanting forest with pretty views of Georgian Bay, Flower Pot and Bear’s Rump Islands taking approximately 2 1/2 hours. We will hike at steady pace with brief stops for drinks/snacks and water views.

The terrain on the first part of this trail is level, however the Burnt Loop Side Trail is a meandering, rocky trail with some short ups and downs and includes a short rocky beach section. If snow is deep, the remainder of the hike may be challenging for some. For those wishing to return to the Visitor Centre after reaching our first lookout (~1 km), a PBTC Hike Leader will return with you while the rest of the hiking group continues.

Winter hikes require extra thought and preparation. Weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared to bring snowshoes, icers and gators (optional). Hiking poles are essential for winter hikes. Make sure to wear layers of clothing, warm winter hat, winter hiking boots and mittens. Bring a light backpack for water and snacks.

Don’t have your own snowshoes? No problem! Arrive early to the Park Visitors Centre to borrow a pair of snowshoes for this hike (limited supplies).

After the hike, everyone is welcome to gather together by the fireplace or outdoor campfire at the Visitor’s Centre. Indoor washrooms are available here. The hike is free. However, park admission and parking fees apply.

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: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Between 4 and 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 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 9/11 – Ajax GO to Pickering GO

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: GO Train Hike
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: 11 km

Description

Please join me under the clock in the Great Hall at Union Station by 9:05 am.  We will take the eastbound Lakeshore Train departing Union Station GO at 9:20 am, arriving Ajax GO at 10:15 am.  You may choose to join the group at Ajax GO Station.

We will hike south to Lake Ontario (washrooms in the park), west to Sandy Beach Rd, and north to Bayly St with a pub stop at Irish Times adjacent to Pickering GO. Trains to Toronto depart at 25 minutes and 55 minutes after the hour.

Here is an online map of our route (please click on the link): Ajax to Pickering

You can buy a GO Transit day pass for $10.

Terra Cotta/Heritage Road loop

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Roadside on Winston Churchill Blvd, just north of Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Meet at 9:15 am, earlier if you can, as parking is limited.

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: 8.5 kms

Description

Hiking along the main trail, across Heritage Rd and around to the Rockside Side Trail and back on the main trail to the cars. This trail has some easy parts and some challenging rocky parts, so come prepared. There’s a bit of road walking.  Bring icers for your boots.

Urban Walk: Waterfront Trail 8/11 – Beechgrove (Port Union) to Pickering

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: GO Train Hike
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: 11.9 km

Description

Please meet me at Kennedy Station by 10:04 am.  We will take the 86 Scarborough bus departing 10:19 am. We will transfer to the 54 Lawrence Ave bus, arriving at Port Union Rd at 10:54 am. We start hiking 11:00 am.

We will hike south to Lake Ontario and along the Waterfront Trail through Port Union and Rouge Hill to Pickering GO. The estimated distance is 9.8 km.  Here is an online map of our route – Port Union to Pickering.

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