Hike Schedule

Peninsula End to End - Stained Glass Badge

Hosting Club: Iroquoia, Peninsula
Category: Stained Glass Badge End to End Fundraiser Hike
Location (Google Maps): Coveney’s Rd and Crooked Toe Rd, Wiarton

Hike Leader(s): Anita Bergsma Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Slippery and Steep Sections, Slippery Sections Likely, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 165kms

Description

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 165km over 8 days ~ 20km – 25 km+ per day.

Description

Overview

Important – Please do not register for this hike unless you can attend all 8 days. You may only miss 1 day if you have to but you will need to make it up prior to our last date.
This is a special series of 8  hikes to complete the Peninsula section of the Bruce Trail.  The organization, guidance, logistics and Turkey Vulture stained glass badge are included in your fee which is non-refundable. (You may swap out the stained-glass badge for the regular end-to-end flowerpot badge) Proceeds support the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club which in turn supports the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s mission to “Preserve a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.”

Along with the stained glass badge, we will explore the Birder 100 Badge, Fern Badge, Orchid Adventurer Badge and the new Tree Badge.  These are optional and hikers can collect photos and submit directly to the club.

For this E2E in 8, we will be following the main trail northbound, eventually finishing in Tobermory. Please note that you are signing up for the entire series of 8 hikes as a Group Hike. The Peninsula in 8 series is geared toward experienced long-distance hikers with the expectation of a 3  to 4 km/ hr. pace maintained over a 20km plus day.  The section is approximately 165km, so daily distances will be based on available parking. No dropout points have been established, and therefore, hikers who must drop out will be responsible for their transportation back to their vehicle. Please note that public transportation back to your car is pretty much non-existent in this section.  Please be honest about your hiking abilities. We will hike at a steady pace, but there will be plenty of time to take pictures and enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful but challenging section.  This particular set of 8 hikes is intended to be Moderate.  It is a group hike, so you must be able to keep pace with the person in front of you.

Attire and Daily Hikes. 

Hikers will be expected to be wearing proper hiking boots and layered clothing with the expectation of cool/warm and possible wet weather.  Sufficient food and water for a full day of hiking is required as well as hiking poles (if you use them), and wet weather gear is strongly recommended. Bug spray is also suggested. Clothing adjustments and bio-breaks are as needed. Please let the sweep person know and they will wait for you. A morning break around 10 am and a 10-15 minute on-trail lunch break will be scheduled. An afternoon break will be based on our expected finish time. Depending on weather conditions, these times may vary. Everyone must carry a First Aid kit.

Since this is an end-to-end that would normally be held over 10 days, please do not sign up for this hike if you need to miss any of the days. Your attendance is needed on each of the days for sharing of car shuttling. One day may be made up if you absolutely must miss a day but please try to do this before the last day so that a badge can be given to you.

All participants will be expected to take turns either driving to the start or driving the drivers back at the end of the day. Carpooling to our meeting spot with 2 people in the car is generally ok but we would like to minimize and equalize the driving/shuttling as much as possible so it is fair for all participants.

Parking Fees

Some parking locations require paid parking, and hikes that enter Bruce Peninsula National Park.  The fee for this E2E-in-8 does not include any parking/entry fees for hikers. These costs, where applicable, will be shared amongst all participants unless you have a parking or park pass.

Leave No Trace

Please remember, like all hikes, this is a Leave No Trace hike. Pack out whatever you pack in. Do not toss anything onto or into any sections of the trail. We will also try to leave the trail better than we found it so we will be collecting collectable garbage we might see along the way. Daily volunteers to collect trail trash will be supplied with a bag. Dogs will not be welcome on this hike.

Accommodations

It is strongly recommended you make reservations for accommodations as soon as you register for the hike if you need them. If you would like a roommate, I can share your email with any other registered participants who are also looking for shared accommodations. Please let me know.

Daily

We meet for each hike by at 7:30 am each day. A schedule for meeting and start locations will be sent to each participant in May. We will hike northerly each day. The schedule is subject to change.

End-to-End Makeup Hike in 8: Crane Lake Gate to Cyprus Lake, Marr Lake Trail

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula E2E
Location (Google Maps): Cyprus Lake, Marr Lake Trail

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

Pace: Medium (3.0 – 4.5 km/h): A comfortable pace for most hikers with steady progress.
Terrain: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: 20.4

Description

Expectations: Expect to be on-trail for 7-9 hours each day, depending on the daily distance. Time on the trail may vary based on terrain, conditions, and the pace of the group. Breaks will be taken for lunch, snacks, photography, and to appreciate the scenery.

Meeting Time: Please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

Participant Requirements:

• Intermediate/experienced hikers, comfortable with longer distances and elevation gains.
• Must be physically fit for group hiking.
• Proper hiking boots, layered clothing, and wet weather gear required. Hiking poles recommended.
• Essentials: Lunch, snacks, water, bug spray.
• Breaks for photography and appreciation of local flora and fauna.

Car Shuttle: Ensure your vehicle is passenger-ready.

Accommodations: Early reservations recommended, especially near meeting points or in Lion’s Head. Suggested options: motels, campgrounds, hostels, and B&Bs.

Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club Pre-AGM / Waterfall Hike

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Special Event
Location (Google Maps): St. James United Church (Parking Lot)
306 Parkside Drive, Waterdown (Hamilton)

Hike Leader(s): Joe Borges Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 8 km

Description

Please join us for a pre-AGM hike to and from the location of the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club AGM.

The hike route will be:

1) St. James to Smokey Hollows (1.7 km)
2) Smokey Hollow to Norman Pearson Side Trail (0.8 km)
3) Norman Pearson ST (1.4km) – tough hills for some
4) McNally ST (.5) to Donor Wall + Seed Garden
5) Return to Smokey Hollow (1 km)
6) Return to St. James (1.7 km)

We should be back just in time for the Meet and Greet, before Lunch and AGM.

Please bring enough water and snacks for your hike. Trails may be muddy, so gaiters would be useful.

We encourage Hikers to register and stay for the AGM after our Hike. Connect with other members, help commemorate a wonderful year for the Club and to celebrate all our amazing volunteers.
Full AGM Details and Agenda below.

AGM LOCATION:
St. James United Church, 306 Parkside Drive, Waterdown

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
MEET-AND-GREET
NEW THIS YEAR! CONNECT WITH YOUR TRAIL COMMUNITY

12:00 1:00 PM
LUNCH
ENJOY A DELICIOUS MEAL TOGETHER

1:00-1:45 PM
AGM & VOLUNTEER AWARDS
CELEBRATE THE HEART OF OUR CLUB

1:45-2:15 PM
GUEST SPEAKER MARK HARRIS
AUTHOR OF WATERFALLS OF ONTARIO

Mark Harris is a professional geoscientist and a leading authority on Ontario’s waterfalls—with over 20 years of dedicated work in this field. He holds a BSc and a Master’s Degree in Physical Geography and is licensed as a professional geoscientist in Ontario. His academic background, combined with his passion for field exploration, has driven him to study the geomorphology and hydrology behind these natural wonders.

In addition to his professional work in water resources management and environmental protection, Mark has channeled his expertise and enthusiasm into the “Waterfalls of Ontario” project. This project not only documents hundreds of waterfalls across the province but also educates the public on their geological and historical significance. His book, Waterfalls of Ontario: Revised Edition (published May 10, 2022, ISBN: 9780228103615), co-authored with photographer George Fischer, is a comprehensive travel guide and pictorial celebration of Ontario’s waterfalls. The book features full-page colour photographs, detailed descriptions, driving directions with GPS coordinates, and insights into the history and natural characteristics of each fall. This blend of scientific insight and practical guidance has made Mark Harris a trusted figure among outdoor enthusiasts, nature photographers, and anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty of Ontario.

School Bus Hike: Niagara E2E #3 of 6

Trip Information
Departure Time: 08:30
Return to City Time: 18:00
Departure Point: Kipling Departure Point

Optional Items

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Bus Hike
Location (Google Maps): Niagara Section Kms 29.9 to 46.7

Hike Leader(s): Tim Wainwright, Felix Wan Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 16.8

Description

Join us for a lovely hike through Short Hills Provincial Park outside of St. Catharines. We begin at the DeCew House Heritage Park, and then follow the shore of Lake Moodie, and cross Twelve Mile Creek on the way to Short Hills Provincial Park.  In the park we’ll pass a couple of waterfalls, before ending at Rockway Falls in the Rockway Conservation Area. There will be a refreshment stop on the way back to Toronto.

Bring a packed lunch, two litres of water and sun/rain/bug protection as needed. Be prepared for some muddy ground along the way.

Drop-out point at 7 kms.

See Map 3 in the Bruce Trail Guide.

The remaining hikes in the Niagara E2E are:

1. May 17
2. May 24
3. June 7

Peninsula BTC Trail Running End-to-End

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula E2E
Location (Google Maps): PBTC E2E, starting in Bluewater Park, Wiarton, ON

Hike Leader(s): Margie Gloade, Natalie Mechalko, Shawn Radcliffe Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Fast (5.5 – 7.0 km/h+): A quick pace maintained by experienced hikers or trail runners.
Terrain: Difficult: Steep ascents/descents, rocky scrambling, and some rugged escarpment paths.
Distance: Approx. 171km total [~21km per day]

Description

The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club (PBTC) is excited to offer its first-ever trail running End-to-End series in 2025. Join the fun and earn a specially-designed trail running PBTC E2E badge! The trail running Peninsula E2E series will take place over 4 weekends and 8 days, starting at 8:30am. Below are the start-end locations and estimated distance each day (subject to change slightly). Bus transportation will be provided, as necessary.

Please carefully read the details below to understand the logistics, costs, and fitness required for this challenge.

1. Saturday, May 10, 2025; Wiarton Bluewater Park to Coveney’s Rd.; 22km
   • meet at Bluewater Park; bus at end only to return to vehicles.
2. Sunday, May 11, 2025; Coveney’s Rd. to Hope Bay; 22km;
   • meet at Bluewater Park; bus transports to start point and returns to vehicles.
3. Saturday May 17, 2025; Hope Bay to Hawthorn ST parking, Barrows Bay; 23km;
   • meet at Hawthorn ST parking; bus transports to start point only; route ends at meeting point.
4. Sunday, May 18, 2025; Hawthorn ST to Richardson ST parking; 21km;
   • meet at Hawthorn ST parking; bus at end only to return to vehicles.
5. Saturday, May 24, 2025; Richardson ST parking to Cape Chin North; 19km;
   • meet at Richardson ST parking; bus at end only to return to vehicles.
6. Sunday, May 25, 2025; Cape Chin North to Crane Lake Rd; 16km;
   • meet at Hwy#6 & Dyers Bay Rd. parking; bus transports to start point and returns to vehicles.
7. Saturday, May 31, 2025; Crane Lake Rd to Cyprus Lake Horse Lake trail; 22km;
   • meet at Hwy#6 & Dyers Bay Rd. parking; bus transports to start point and returns to vehicles.
8. Sunday, June 1, 2025; Cyprus Lake Horse Lake trail to Tobermory Cairn; 19km;
   • meet at Legion Street public parking lot in Tobermory (paid parking); bus transports to start point only; route ends close to Legion Street parking lot.

When you register, you are registering for the whole series. Depending on access points, daily distances will vary, ranging from 16-25km, with back-to-back days each of the four weekends. These are group trail runs; it is not a race. Participants are expected to have some experience trail running as this is difficult terrain. There may be a couple different pace groups that naturally form, but you will be expected to stay with a group and wait to regroup at key locations. Anticipate each day to be running for about 3+/- hours, at a pace ranging from 7-9 min./km.

Trail runners will need to carry their own water and fuel. At approximate mid-way points each day, there will be volunteer support arranged so you can fill up water bottles and to collect any additional fuel/gels that you drop-off in their vehicle in advance. We will be looking for at least one volunteer with a vehicle each day; please keep this in mind if you have someone joining you that may be available to assist.

There will be a school bus that transports the group to and from vehicles at the start and end points, as required (varies each day). You may be able to leave your water, snacks, and dry clothes on the bus or with a volunteer support vehicle.

The fee is $200. This fee covers bus transportation (at a weekend rate), bus parking and entrance fees at the National Park, parking fees for volunteer support, the new E2E badge, and a donation to PBTC. This E2E series is for BTC members only. To become a member, click here: https://development.brucetrail.org/. The designated meeting points will not incur any additional personal parking fees, but participants are encouraged to car pool if possible.

There will be a maximum number of 25 participants.

A minimum number of 15 participants is required to ensure bus costs are covered. If 15 participants are not secured, the trail running E2E will continue but without the bus transportation. Participants will be refunded $150; bus will be cancelled; and personal vehicle shuttling will be used to get the group from start to end points each day. This decision will be made 14 days before the series starts (by April 25, 2025).

No refunds will be considered after April 25, 2025.

The trail run will go ahead rain or shine, however, in extremely inclement weather, a date may be cancelled and rescheduled, ideally prior to the June 1st finish date.

If you are not available for one or more of the series, you can complete the route(s) on your own to earn the new PBTC trail running E2E badge.

9:15 Spring Blooms and Blossoms along the Niagara Parkway

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps): Centennial Lilac Garden

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

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Experience the colours and scents in the Centennial Lilac Garden featuring over 200 varieties. Next, stop at the Floral Clock, one of the largest in the world, for a close-up view of its unique floral design.  Then, walk along the Niagara River Parkway to loop through the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, stopping to enjoy the spring flora.

Geology Hike #6B Inglis Falls loop

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Geology Hike
Location (Google Maps):

GSCA

Hike Leader(s): Carol Graham-Mullin Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Easy: Mostly flat and good footing., Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing., There are crevices or holes which may be hidden by layers of snow. Hike with extreme caution.
Distance: 5.5 km. approx

Description

This is part B of Geology Hike #6 (Inglis Falls loop) following Beth Gilhespy’s book  “Walking Through Time” in the Sydenham Bruce Trail Section. This is a loop hike, starting from the parking lot at Grey Sauble Conservation Area parking lot behind the main building. We will hike in a southerly direction on the main trail towards Inglis Falls, cross the Inglis Falls Road and continue on main trail to join the Creamery Hill sidetrail and back to our cars.

Copies of Beth’s book will be available for purchase. Special member’s only price of $37.00 . Cash, cheque or etransfer. If paying with cash, please bring exact change. A special guest may join us ! Please bring water and a snack if  you wish. Proper hiking footwear and hiking poles are recommended.

Urban Walk: Toronto Urban Badge Hike - 3 of 7

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

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

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 10.4 km

Description

Please join me at the south west corner of Lakeshore Blvd West and Ellis by 10 AM.  We will hike east along the Waterfront Trail to the Distillery District (km 8.3 to km 71.4).  Here is an online map with km markings of our route for all 7 hikes for the Toronto Urban Badge.

Please make sure you bring at least 2 liters of water, a lunch, bug spray and sunscreen.

10:30 Taylor Property Nature Walk and Pull Party

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: In and Out
Location (Google Maps):

Taylor Property, Leonard Crescent, Lincoln, Beamsville, ON

Hike Leader(s): Helen Hermansen Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: about 3 km

Description

Welcome to my second annual Pull-Party! We will park on Leonard Crescent in Lincoln (south of Beamsville) to explore the Taylor Property. On the way in we will look at the spring ephemeral flowers and learn to recognize the two invasive plants, garlic mustard and greater celandine, which we will be pulling out on our return.

Bring your gardening gloves and a snack to enjoy during the break.

This is a beautiful section of the trail so we won’t work too hard!

Note that the orange sap of the greater Celandine can be irritating to skin and eyes, and both unpalatable and toxic if ingested; And it can stain your clothes. Much to learn about this plant.