Hike Schedule

Culham Trail/Credit River

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps): Erindale Park, Dundas St.W., just East of Mississauga Rd.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 6-8km

Description

Come and enjoy an easy, leisurely hike up the Credit River, going through part of Erindale Park. There is one rocky but flat section as well as one hill. We will likely encounter some areas which have washout damage from flooding. We should also see some Spring Ephemerals. Bring water, a snack, sunscreen and insect repellent. Poles not necessary unless you like using them for upper body exercise and balance. This hike is to replace the one which we had to move to another location.

Birding at Otter Lake and Maple Cross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Birding
Location (Google Maps): Use the driveway at 388 Cape Chin Road North to park.

Hike Leader(s): Marg 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: Easy: Flat forested sections or lowland trails., Moderate: Rolling hills, mild slopes and rocky paths.
Distance: ~3 1/2 km

Description

This is a “tandem” birding hike – Otter Lake Nature Reserve and nearby Maple Cross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin. Brian Popelier, BTC Ecologist, will introduce us to the wonders of Otter Lake’s Spring birding season, then at MCNRCC for more birding and to learn about habitat restoration here.

The Otter Lake property is part of a larger provincially significant wetland complex. It is comprised of a variety of wetland habitats including meadow marsh, thicket swamp, deciduous treed swamp, Graminoid fen and the properties namesake, the shallow calcareous Otter Lake. The wetlands support water loving plants and host a variety of wetland and marsh birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. introduce you to the wonders of Otter Lake’s spring birding season.

With 523 acres of iconic Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula landscape, a breathtaking 270-degree view of Georgian Bay, and 1.8 kilometers of the Bruce Trail’s Optimum Route, the Maple Cross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin is a natural masterpiece and a true conservation gem.

Finish your morning with a picnic lunch at Maple Cross Nature Reserve (optional).

In total, this hike will take about 3 hours. Bring binoculars, insect repellent, lunch, water and snacks. Wear sunscreen, hat, and sun protective clothing. We may encounter some wet spots, so wear water proof hiking boots and gators.

This is a perfect opportunity to work on your PBTC Birding Badge: https://pbtc.ca/badges/

Whitetail Refuge Citizen Scientist Nature Walk

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Nature Walks
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Mono Community Centre, 200 m south of Mono Centre (County Road 8). 44.026195, -80.071516

Directions:  From ON-10, head east onto Dufferin Rd8/Mono Centre Rd. for 6.0 km. The Community Centre is on the right.

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hour or less
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 5 km

Description

Pique your curiosity about the awakening forest at the Whitetail Refuge Nature Reserve. Learn to use nature identification apps Merlin, Seek and iNaturalist to collect biodiversity data along the Bruce Trail for the BTC’s iNaturalist Project. Badge seekers can work towards earning the CHBTC Citizen Scientist badge.

9:00 Fireman’s Park Circuit

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

Fireman’s Park, Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls

Hike Leader(s): Suzanne Gourluck Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10 km

Description

We will weave around Fireman’s Park on various trails eventually making our way over to the Main Trail and returning to the parking lot.
Dress for the weather and bring poles, water and a snack if you wish.  Note the Brisk pace.

Grindstone Creek to Hopkins Corner (E2E)

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 9:15 am in the dog park parking lot on York Rd (Hopkins Corner)

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: 10 kms

Description

Meeting in the parking lot at Hopkins Corner, we will carpool to Grindstone Creek (Waterdown) and hike back along the main trail to the Ray Lowes Side Trail and back to the cars. Hiking along Grindstone Creek in the spring is amazing, as the water flows heavy and fast.

Bluebell/Wildflower Hike

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Thursday Group
Location (Google Maps): Sixteen Mile Creek Valley, Oakville

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

Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Aprox. 9 km.

Description

This hike will take in the beautiful Sixteen Mile Creek Valley which is a natural area of paths above the Sixteen Mile Creek and paths down into the valley to walk beside the creek. Our goal is to see the Virginia Bluebells but we should see many other varieties as well. Meet at the southeast corner of Neyagawa Blvd and River Glen Blvd., beside the baseball fields at 9:45 am. for a 10:00 am. start. Bring water, a snack, poles might be useful.
Leader: Anne Armstrong

Urban Walk: Toronto Islands Evening Walk

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps):

Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, near the gates to Wards Island Ferry. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to check in with hike leader.

From Union Station take the LRT and get off at the stop Ferry Docks.Walk up to the Ferry Docks on Queens Quay West, street level. at the foot of Bay Street.

Hike Leader(s): Miriam Stevens Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 6-9 km

Description

After a day’s work come and “cool off” on the Toronto Islands free of fumes and traffic. Enjoy the view of the city skyline and Toronto’s beautiful island parkland.
Pack a dinner for a sit down picnic. Food is not available for purchase on the Islands early in the season. Also bring a warm jacket and flashlight.
Return fare ticket for the ferry is $9.11 adults and $5.86 seniors.
Hikes will take place rain or shine.
Toronto Island evening hikes will take place every Thursday in May and June 2025.
Same time and same meeting place. No preregistration is required – just show up at the ferry docks at 5:40 PM and sign in with the hike leader.

Car Hike: Victoria Day Weekend in the Lower Bruce Peninsula (3 nights)

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

Evergreen Resort (Red Bay)
139 Resort Rd.
Wiarton, ON H0H 2T0

Hike Leader(s): Jeanette Vincent, Brenda Menezes, David Royle Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Rocky, Variable
Distance: approx. 13-15 km

Description

We continue Greg Vincent’s legacy of weekends away. Please join Jeanette Vincent, Brenda Menezes and David Royle as we explore the Lower Bruce Peninsula. The spring flowers will welcome us to the trails. We stay and have our meals at a comfortable resort at Red Bay.  Each day we will hike the Bruce Trail and its side trails to form loops with great views of Georgian Bay and its islands.  The carpet of trilliums is the best along the length of the Bruce Trail along with other spring ephemerals.  Approximately 15km/day.

This outing is restricted to those staying with us at Evergreen Resort for the weekend.  You will need a car to access this outing.

Before registering at Evergreen Resort, please contact us for the price package for your accommodation and more details.

Then please contact Evergreen Resort for a reservations 1-519-534-1868 or frontdesk.evergreenresort@gmail.com and mention Vincent Wild Flower Victoria Day weekend.                                  Once you are registered at Evergreen Resort then add your name to the TBTC registration online form for this outing. Space is limited.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Park on King St, Centre St near 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 and Swirls, Community Centre, 14 Anderson Lane, (just off Niagara Stone Rd), NOTL

School Bus Hike: Niagara E2E #4 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 46.7 to 59.3

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

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Variable
Distance: 12.6km

Description

Today’s hike starts at the beautiful Rockway Falls at Rockway Conservation Area.  We’ll pass by another waterfall at Louth Conservation Area, and then on through vineyards to Ball’s Falls, one of the more spectacular falls in Ontario at 2/3 the height of Niagara Falls, before finishing at Fifth Ave.  There will be a refreshment stop on the way back to Toronto.

Dropout point at 9 km.

Bring a packed lunch, two litres of water, and sun/rain/bug protection as needed.

Maps 3-4 in the Bruce Trail Guide

The remaining hikes in the Niagara E2E are:

1. May 24
2. June 7

Saturday Shorts: Glen Haffy

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the roadside parking on Coolihans Sideroad, km 35.0 Map 17, near where the Trail crosses the road. This is just west of the intersection of Glen Haffy Road and Coolihans Sideroad (even though the GPS coordinates are showing just to the east). It is best to aim for arriving around 8:15, so we can start hiking as close to 8:30 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: Approximately 6 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 at Glen Haffy. We’ll hike the main Bruce Trail and conservation trails to make an approximately 6 km route. The pace will be leisurely in parts, so you can take a moment to enjoy the carpet of spring flowers and listen for the Pileated woodpeckers. Consider the following as you prepare for the hike: a hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, hiking boots/shoes, poles. You are encouraged to bring water and a snack as there will be a short break. No dogs please. You can expect a reminder/update message one or two days before the hike.

RAINBOW HIKE: Downtown Dundas to Dundas Peak/Spencer Gorge

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): We’ll meet in the parking lot at Shawn & Ed’s Craft Brewery, 65 Hatt St., Dundas

Hike Leader(s): Doug O’Neill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 10 kms (with optional 3 km extension to Webster’s Falls)

Description

Come by car or HSR transit for this all-inclusive/LGBTQ-friendly hike from downtown Dundas to the top of Dundas Peak/Spencer Gorge with time to explore both Tew and, possibly, Webster’s Falls. FYI: Dundas Peak is an estimated 340 metres (1,100 feet) above sea level. Awesome views.

We’ll rendezvous no later than 9:20 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to Ed & Shawn’s Brewery (corner of Hatt Street and Sydenham). Look for me in olive-green Bruce Trail cap. Bonus for drivers: Parking is free in Dundas on Saturdays.

Tip: If you arrive early or need to use the loo before hiking, Starbucks (45 King St. W., downtown Dundas) is a 2-minute walk around the corner from parking lot.

Coming by bus? One option is to take the 8:49 a.m. 05-HEAD STREET via DOWNTOWN DUNDAS from the King & Bay bus stop (in front of Jackson Square). It could take about 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Get off at the King & Sydenham intersection, just a block from meet-up location. (Yup, public transit can be wonky but rest assured, we won’t leave without you if your bus is running late!)

Bus fares: $2.50-3.50.

The hike: From the parking lot at Ed and Shawn’s Brewery, we’ll head up Sydenham Street to Cascade Park and follow the Tew Fall Lookout Trail all the way up to the top of the escarpment, with stops at the Dundas Peak and Tew Falls lookouts.

You have two options: For those who would like to hike an extra 3 km to Webster Falls and back (1.5 km each way), we’ll do so via Harvest Road & Short Road, and have lunch at Webster’s Falls (for a 13 km hike). Your other option is to explore longer and have your lunch at Tew Falls. The “Webster’s” group will rejoin you on their way back.

We’ll partially retrace our route back along the top of the peak with a detour via Glen Ferguson Trail before we head back down to Dundas, where we can reward ourselves with a pint or other post-hike beverage. It’ll be relatively easy to take one of two bus routes to return to downtown Hamilton.

Please bring at least 2 litres of water, energizing snacks and lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent. Hiking boots or sturdy footwear are recommended—as well a cap.

Complimentary Bruce Trail Rainbow badges and/or stickers to all participants! Email any questions to the Hike Leader – “Click here to contact Hike Leader” on this form.

Geology Hike #7 Memorial Forest and Jones Falls

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

end of Youngs Drive by Pottawatomi Memorial Forest

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 might be muddy sections.
Distance: 3 km. approx

Description

This is Geology Hike #7 (Memorial Forest and Jones Falls loop) following Beth Gilhespy’s book  “Walking Through Time” in the Sydenham Bruce Trail Section. This is a loop hike, starting from the roadside parking area along Youngs Drive and the Pottawatomi Memorial Forest (accessed from Grey Road 17B aka Nicol’s Gully Road.

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.