Car Hike: Jefferson Forest and Bond Lake

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

1235-1245 Bethesda Side Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 1A2 ( Bethesda Trail Head Parking lot)

Hike Leader(s): Amir Alemohammad Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate (3-4 km/hr)
Terrain: Hilly, Level 2 (Intermediate – some hills and uneven surfaces, rocks and roots underfoot), Variable
Distance: 14-15 km

Description

Join us for a wonderful hike in Jefferson Forest and have a snack/lunch beside the Bond Lake with amazing winter views. We will hike among tall trees and bushes of the Jefferson Forest and across the Bayview-Yonge corridor to reach to the Bond Lake and back. Winter boots and icers mandatory, poles recommended, bring at least 2L of water, snack/lunch and dress according to the weather conditions. Please avoid parking along the road.

Please arrive @8:15 AM for start 8:30 AM.

Speyside to Vanderleck ST return

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Meet at the Speyside Pear Tree parking lot on 15 Side Road at 9:15 am.

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 kms

Description

We will hike the main trail from Speyside, to the Al Shaw ST, Hilton Falls ST and onto the Vanderleck ST up to 17 Side Road and then return the same way.  There are some very technical (rocky) sections on this hike but no major hills.  Bring icers for your boots.

Sunday Ramble - Redhill Valley

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Red Hill Valley Trail – South Parking lot

Hike Leader(s): Carol Swanson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 5-6 Km

Description

Bring water, snack and icers

Hike 2 of 5 - Toronto Winter E2E

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: End-to-End
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 9:15 at Scotsdale Farm

Shuttle to 10th Line

Hike Leader(s): Jennie Greenfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hour
Terrain: Moderate – some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 9.96 km

Description

Hike 2 of 5, this time heading south on the main trail from 10th line into Silver Creek Conservation area. Begins with a steep climb to the top of the escarpment and follows along the edge of Silver Creek Valley.  The trail descends down and back up the escarpment, then passes through mature woods, some wetlands and along fields. Bennett Heritage Trail to the parking.

Some Hills

38.8 to 29.8 + 0.96 side trails = 9.96 km

Cold Creek

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 10 am at the main gate entrance. Park roadside near the gate. The GPS coordinates are for the main gate entrance. Please do not drive into the park past the main gate, as we are starting out on the loop from this point. The park address is 14125 11th Concession, King (near Nobleton).

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: Approximately 6 km

Description

Cold Creek Conservation Area packs so much variety into a short hike, making a 6 km loop. Come and hike it in the winter season! Be prepared for winter conditions by bringing warm gear, icers, and poles. Bring water and a snack, if desired. There will be a short break. No dogs please.

1st Full Moon for 2025 Wolf Moon - Meet 17:45pm

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

Hike Leader(s): Madeline Grady Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7

Description

1st Full moon for 2025. Park in the lot to the left just as you enter.  Parking fee may be in force.  We need to be inside before 6 pm, the gates close at 6pm and only allow for exits after closure.

We’ll hike to and along the shore line to start. There are some nice look outs along the trail.  Mostly even walking with some ups and downs.  Dress for the weather, hiking boots, poles and icers are recommended. Bring a snack and a drink.   A head light too in case the moon doesn’t cooperate.

Moonlit Hike Series - Wolf (or Spirit) Moon (Hike 4 of a 6 part series)

Hosting Club: Sydenham, Peninsula
Category: Moonlit Hike Series
Location (Google Maps): 388 Cape Chin North Rd – Bruce Trail Roadside Parking. Just past the Cape Chin Micro Farm.

Hike Leader(s): Bill Floyd and Natalie Mechalko 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.
Distance: 6km (in/out)

Description

🌕 Full Moon Hike Series: Part 4 of 6 🌕

Join us for a captivating evening hike through the recently acquired 533 acres by the Bruce Trail Conservancy at Cape Chin!

Date: Monday, January 13th
Time: 6:00pm

Moonrise: 4:40pm

Sunset: 5:04pm

Hike length: 6 km (in/out). Note: This hike is longer than the previous full moon hikes.

Durati0n: 3 hours

Location: Cape Chin Trailhead.  Parking along the road. Just past the Cape Chin Micro Farm

We’ll traverse a scenic 3 km flat trail that meanders through beautiful forest and meadow areas, culminating at a stunning architecturally-designed home on the estate. This is the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the breathtaking views of Georgian Bay—especially under the glow of the full moon!  Bring something to sit on, a snack, water or hot beverage.

Important Notes:

• If there’s little to no snow, expect an easy hike on somewhat flat terrain.
• In case of significant snowfall, feel free to bring snowshoes to help pave the way for others.  Please note – the hike will be more difficult if there is a lot of snow.

I will update the trail conditions the closer we get to the hike date – probably the Thursday or Friday before the hike.

What to bring:

• Illuminate the path with a red light headlamp (or flashlight).
• Sturdy boots
• Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions (layers are great)
• Hiking poles could be helpful (but not mandatory)
• something to sit on, snack, water or hot beverage

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the night sky! We hope for clear skies to make the evening even more special.

7:00 pm Moonlight Night Hike in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Veteran’s Memorial Park, park just outside the park on King St.

Hike Leader(s): Robin Garrett Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

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

Description

Moonlight Night Hike – Take in the magic of the rising moon over Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. This hike includes a stop to connect with your senses – sights, sounds, smells and the rhythm of your breath. Counts towards your night hike badge (5 night hikes).

Good Companions - Eastward and Return from Chedoke Golf Course

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

Chedoke Golf Course Parking Lot, Hamilton (See map below)

Hike Leader(s): Ted Bossence Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery Sections Likely
Distance: 7.5 km

Description

We will head east from the Chedoke Golf Course parking lot along the radial line and then onto the Bruce Trail  (with some hills and one steep section) up the escarpment.  We will need to cross busy Beckett’s Drive/Queen Street Hill.  We  will then follow the Bruce Trail to the top of the escarpment and then descending to the city streets and return via the tree lined streets to the radial trail and the golf course parking lot.

Bring icers, water .  Walk will be cancelled in case of poor weather/driving conditions (please check your email the evening before).

Please arrive for 9:45 and we will start walking at 10:00 am sharp!  I will email you on the day before the hike with contact information should you need to cancel after 4:00 pm on that day.

Winter Badge Wednesdays: Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve

Hike open to BTC Members only.

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: General
Location (Google Maps): Meet at 10 am at the parking area (10 cars) on 3rd Line, north of Hockley Road. (Note: We are not meeting at the main parking area on Hockley Road. Go north on 3rd Line. The parking area is on the east side of the road.) 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): Jennie Greenfield; 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, Strenuous – hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: Approximately 4 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 is a hilly challenge as we use side trails and the main trail to make a 4 km loop in the Hockley Valley 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 Jennie Greenfield. Registrants can expect a reminder/update message from Jennie 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.