Hike Schedule

Spring Birding: Wetlands, Meadow and Forest Hike

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Birding
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the corner of Crooked Toe Road and Boundary Road. Please carpool, if possible.

Hike Leader(s): Marg Glendon & Miptoon 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 km

Description

Join us for a guided birding hike on the Saugeen Peninsula. Miptoon, a respected Knowledge Holder and local birding enthusiast from Neyaashiinigmiing will share his joy and knowledge of birds throughout our hike. As migrating birds return for the spring and summer, we’ll explore diverse habitats—including wetlands, forests, and meadows—offering a chance to observe a variety of bird species. Bring binoculars, a light backpack with essentials (snacks, water, and ID resources), and dress appropriately with long-sleeved clothing, a hat, and waterproof hiking boots. Be prepared for possible wet terrain. Hiking poles, gaiters, bug net hat and insect repellent are optional. This hike will be ~2 hours in duration. Participants are welcome to linger longer, if they wish. Raindate – May 28th.

Urban Walk: High Park and Toronto Waterfront Trail

Hosting Club: Toronto

Location (Google Maps):

High Park Subway Station Street Level (East Exit – High Park Avenue (by the bus loop)

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

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Flat, Level 1 (Easy – mostly on flat, well maintained trails with hard-packed surface)
Distance: 10 KM

Description

Join us for a leisurely hike through High Park and then east along Toronto’s Waterfront Trail to Harbourfront Centre passing though many small parks including the Music Garden. Refreshments at a coffee shop on Queens Quay at Harbourfront. Bring lunch and drinking water. Dropout any time. We’ll arrive at Harbourfront Centre around 2:00 PM. This will be repeated Tuesday May 13th, Tuesday May 27th, Tuesday June 3rd, and Tuesday June 24th. No pre registration is required. Just show up 15-20 minutes before to departure time to sign in with the hike leader.

Afternoon Hike - Crawford Lake

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Afternoon/Evening Hikes
Location (Google Maps): Meet in the first parking lot at 4:15 pm

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: 6 kms

Description

We will hike around the park loop and perhaps the boardwalk.

Niagara Glen Short and Sassy

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Good Companions
Location (Google Maps):

Niagara Glen, 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Hike Leader(s): Craig Sim Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 6-7k (approximate)

Description

Loop hike in beautiful Niagara Glen, NOT using Whirlpool Trail. We meet in between Niagara Glen parking lot and building near lot.  Pay parking or Niagara parks pass. Trail ranges from moderate to quite rocky, has hills and stairs. Watch footing. Lots of boulders and great views close to Niagara River. We descend steel stairs before and after hike. Wear hiking boots or shoes. Bring water, snack, appropriate layered clothing for the weather and rain gear. Optional beverage/food after.  Niagara Glen is close to both Butterfly Conservatory and Floral Clock.

WEEKNIGHT RAINBOW HIKE: Escarpment Rail Trail plus Stairs

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Afternoon/Evening Hikes
Location (Google Maps): We’ll meet at the bottom of the Wentworth Stairs (below Charlton St.) and follow Escarpment Rail Trail

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: 8 km

Description

This all-inclusive LGBTQ-friendly hike is indeed “mostly flat.” But, as your mama no doubt told you: “Men can lie.” 🙂 This weeknight fitness walk actually includes two Escarpment Stairs. The good news: You’ll climb only one and dance down the other.

From the bottom of Wentworth Stairs, we’ll follow the flat Escarpment Rail Trail all the way to the historic Uli Stairs, which we’ll climb up to Mountain Brow. Upon reaching the top, we’ll take a break, stretch, have a snack and gulp some water before we saunter along the Mountain Brow path to Margate Stairs. There, we’ll descend to the Rail Trail, and head back to the starting point at Wentworth.

Bring water and energizing snacks—especially if you’ve come directly from work. Insect repellent is a good idea, too.

Consider this 8-km weeknight hike good training for longer weekend hikes.

Hidden Valley to Hendrie Valley

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

Meet at the parking lot at 1137 HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD -east side of Road -by the Hidden Valley Park washrooms(NOT the south lot off Lemonville Rd)

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

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 8 kms

Description

We will follow a community trail from Hidden Valley Park in Burlington following Grindstone Creek to RBG Hendrie Valley where we will hike the Bridle

and Grindstone Marsh Trails with some road walking to connect the trails –

Lots of wildlife can be seen in this area -birds, deer, swans and wildflowers too

Spring like conditions-wet areas-dress for the weather, bring water, hiking poles, boots, lunch or snack.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ajsLB5BP3zwBGtCCA

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.

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