events calendar
Hiking Dundas Valley
Date: Tuesday Sept 29
Start time: Meet for 9:00 am with a 9:15 start.
Meeting location: Sanctuary park. Take Old Ancaster Road to Pleasant Ave. Then take Pleasant to Sanctuary and turn right. Parking lot is at end of street.
Distance: 8-10 km
Terrain: Moderate to challenging with some hills unreasonable footing.
Description: Loop hike starting with short neighbourhood walk then proceed through a variety of trails in Dundas valley with an opportunity of panoramic view of valley.
Bring: water, snacks/lunch, hiking boots, raingear, face mask and poles will be useful. (A personal first aid kit with sanitizer is also a good idea).
Note: As usual, the club’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines will be observed.
Leader: Ruth Merz at ruthmerz1@outlook.com and phone on day of hike is 905 928 5491
Burlington Waterfront
Friday Nights
Start time: 7:30 pm
Meeting Location: Spencer Smith Park. Meet in the Lakeshore Rd parking lot just east of the Waterfront Centre and restaurant.
Distance: 2 hours
Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Easy
Description: A brisk walk along Lake Ontario, to the canal and back.
Note: The club’s COVID-19 Safety Guidelines will be observed.
Leader: Lorne Carruthers 905-315-8762 l.carruthers@hotmail.com
Beginner Hike / North Oakville Trails
Date: Saturday, October 3
Location: Sixteen Mile Creek Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Blvd. North Oakville Trails, Beginner Hike
Start Time: 10:00 am.
Terrain: Some hills, and or poor footing Pace: Leisurely
Distance: 7 - 8 km.
Description: These little known trails take the hiker north, then west to the banks of the Sixteen Mile Creek and then a loop back to our starting point. Formally used by horseback riders the trails are now used by cyclists and hikers. Bring a snack, water, hand sanitizer and a mask. Go north on Neyagawa to the first traffic light about Dundas. Turn left and follow the road to where it bends sharply to the north and continue following to the last parking lot on your right. Meet for a 10:00 am. start. Covid protocols in place.
Leaders: Anne/Phill Armstrong 905 617 3937 hikingrandma@gmail.com
HIKING THE NIAGARA RIVER
PART 4 OF 4
Date and Time: Sun., Oct. 4. Meet at 8:30 for an 8:45 start. Note that this is one hour later than our normal meeting time.
Covid prep: Arrive with only one person per car (i.e. the driver) and bring a mask. If a car owner has to share his or her vehicle for convoy purposes, the passenger will be in the rear seat farthest from the driver. Both driver and passenger will wear masks.
Meeting Place: The historical Fort Erie, called Old Fort Erie on the map. Here's how to get there: 1) Take the QEW east almost all the way to Fort Erie; 2) As you approach the outskirts look for the exit for Sunset Rd.; 3) Turn right on Sunset Rd. and follow it south to Gilmore which is the first turn left; 4) Turn left on Gilmore and take it straight through town to the Niagara Pkwy. at the river's edge; 5) Turn right on Niagara Pkwy. and follow the river to the Peace Bridge connecting Canada to the U.S.A.; 6) Pass under the bridge and keep following the river till you come to Old Fort Erie on your right. Look for my bright red Honda in the parking lot.
The Route and the Misterioso: We'll convoy north along the pkwy. for 12 km to the point that we reached on the last hike and hike back to Old Fort Erie. As for the misterioso, what does it look like upriver from the falls? Does anyone actually go there? Doesn't everyone just drive to the falls and then go back to Burlington or Toronto?
Hike details: We'll hike for about 4-5 kmph. for 12 km. The surface is dead flat and as smooth as a baby's bum.
Bring: Water, a snack, and clothing appropriate for the weather of the day. Hiking boots or running shoes are acceptable.
Apres-hike Social: Join us at Betty's restaurant in Chippawa for the best piece of lemon meringue pie you've ever had.
Leader: Richard Reble, reblerichard@gmail.com or 905-945-0536 before 9:00 p.m.
Escarpment Escape: Hike #2: Grindstone Valley
Sunday October 4
The “A” Hike:
Start Time: Meet at 9:15 for 9:30 start. Finish 11:30 – 12:00
Meeting Location: Smokey Hollow Falls parking lot in Waterdown. Parking lot entrance is on Mill Street half a km. south of Highway #5.
Distance: 8 kms (4 kms. each way)
Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Some ups and downs including a mostly gradual descent and ascent of the escarpment, rocky sections, possible mud.
Description: This is an “out and back” hike, starting at the Smokey Hollow Falls and hiking down along the Grindstone Creek to the bottom of the Valley at Hidden Valley Park and then back up again. Where possible an alternate trail will be used to reduce backtracking on the same path. It is a very scenic, forested trail offering lovely creek side views while sometimes climbing higher out of the river ravine.
Bring: water, snacks, raingear, appropriate “hiking” footwear. Poles will be useful.
Note: The club’s Covid-19 Safety Guidelines will be observed.
Leaders: Jim OR Patti Blair: pblair24@cogeco.ca 905 689 6941
The “B” Hike:
Meeting Location: The end of Hidden Valley Road in Burlington. Access is through Hidden Valley Park in Aldershot
Terrain: Some ups and downs including a mostly gradual descent and ascent of the escarpment, rocky sections, possible mud in wet conditions.
Description: This is an “out and back” hike, starting at the end of Hidden Valley Road and hiking up along the Grindstone Creek to the top of the valley at Smokey Hollow Falls in Waterdown and then back down again. Where possible an alternate trail will be used to reduce backtracking on the same path. It is a very scenic, forested trail offering lovely creek side views while sometimes climbing higher out of the river ravine.
Leaders: Jim OR Patti Blair pblair24@cogeco.ca 905 689 6941
RIDE LEADER
Heather Wilson
CONTACT
heatherwlsn249@gmail.com
289-259-5099
CADENCE/PACE
Level 2
DISTANCE
45km +/-
Martin Goodman Trail
MEETING PLACE
& TIME
Meet at Humber Bay Parking lot, bottom of Park Lawn Rd., at 9:45 for a 10:00 start.
START POINT
REGISTRATION
REQUIRED
Yes. It's important. Leaders appreciate early registration but you can register at the last minute.
Trip leaders will be able to email you with updates and last minute changes.
TO CANCEL
Self-serve online.
Leader will be checking the website list to see who to expect.
OPENS
2 weeks before the ride
EXTRAS
IMPORTANT
REMINDERS
Paddling Season Closer Potluck Paddle Oct 4 2020
Registration opens Sep 4 2020
rideoughd@gmail.com
pekiczula@hotmail.com
LaFortune Park, Caledonia
Address is approx 2378 Haldimand County Rd 54
Going "upstream", it is just past Harrison Landing
Grand River
Date: Wednesday October 7
Start time: Meet at 9:00 for a 9:15 start
Distance: 12-14 km
Terrain: Hilly with reasonable footing.
Description: Loop hike to explore a variety of trails in Dundas valley.
Bring: water, snacks/lunch, hiking boots, raingear, face mask and poles will be useful. ( A personal first aid kit with sanitizer is also a good idea).
Date: Friday October 16 - Sunday October 18, 2020
Description: Join us in the exploration of hiking trails in the Sydenham and Beaver Valley sections of the Bruce Trail, and Wiarton area.
Leader: Isabel Bravo ibravo_13@icloud.com
Accommodation: Best Western Inn on the Bay of Owen Sound
Cost per Person: $174 double occupancy & $332 single occupancy
Registration opens August 4 2020
Please read the Trip Information Sheet for full details before registering.
Hiking El Camino Magnifico
From Crawford to Hwy. 401
This is the last hike in the Iroquoian BTC section of the Bruce Trail. It will touch on or take us through four conservation areas: Crawford Lake, Rattlesnake Point, Kelso and Hilton Falls. The most expansive view will be from the Kelso cliffs towards the north and northeast.
Register only if you have been a part of Camino Magnifico from its start in 2019.
Team members will receive details of the hike through the Camino Chronicles.
Valleys and Hills Hikes - Dundas Valley
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2020
Start Time: Meet at 9:15 for a 09:30 am start. Finish around 12:00 noon.
Meeting Location: Ancaster Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, L9G 3L5 (Park at the rear of the building)
Distance: 9 kms approximately
Terrain: Some significant "ups and downs", trails mostly wide with fairly good footing (after a rainfall, the trails could be muddy).
Description: The hike will be on the trails below Ancaster bordered by Mineral Springs Road and Paddy Greens Road. This hike will take us through hardwood forest, an old pine plantation, side trails, some old road allowances and a short distance on road and rail trail.
Bring: Water, snacks, rain gear and appropriate hiking footwear. Don’t forget your mask and hand sanitizer. Poles are recommended.
Note: The Club's Covid 19 safety guidelines will be observed.
Hike Leader: Clive Wright (fredaandclive@cogeco.ca)
Home: 905 628 0610
Cell: 905 865 3685
Smokey Hollow Loop
Date: Saturday, October 24
Location: City View Park, 2500 Kerns Rd. Burlington/Smokey Hollow Loop
Terrain/Pace: Some hills, poor footing, leisurely pace.
Distance: 9 - 11 km.
Description: There will be a 9 km. and an 11 km. version of this hike. The 11 km. version involves a long climb up Grindstone Creek to Smokey Hollow before heading back to Kerns Rd. Bring a snack/lunch, water, a mask and hand sanitizer. Covid protocols in place.
Curious about our club? Thinking about joining? A perfect opportunity to learn more. Already a member? Gear up for the season or explore a new activity. All welcome.
Halloween Hike
Date: Saturday October 31, 2020 Time: 9:30 a.m. Pace: Medium (4 km/hr) Distance: 14 km. Terrain: Tricky footing, some long strenuous ups and downs Meeting Place: Patterson Rd. "dead-end" @ Hwy. #6 tunnel (km. 66, Bruce Trail Guide-Ed. 29) Description: A there and back hike to "Spooky" Hollow with a few loop variations. Wear hiking shoes and bring hiking poles. Hike can be shortened if wet and muddy conditions exist.
Bring: water, snacks, wear hiking shoes/boots, poles, raingear, mask, hand sanitizer
Leader: Dave Somerville (dsomerville4@cogeco.ca), 905-659-6768
Escarpment Escape: Hike #3: Dundas Conservation Area Headwaters Trail
Saturday November 14
Start Time: Meet at 9:15 for a 9:30 start. Finish at 12:00
Meeting Location: Parking area at Ancaster Lions Outdoor Pool, 263 Jerseyville Rd. West, Ancaster. If required, there is overflow parking across the road at the ball diamond.
Distance: 10kms+/-
Pace: Moderate to Fast
Terrain: Some significant ups and downs. Footing is generally good. There may be some muddy patches in wet conditions.
Description: This hike is a combination of loops and some “out and back” sections. The Headwaters Trail crosses a number of creeks, hence the name ‘headwaters’. The trail features lovely mature hardwood forest ravines and an open field section.
Crawford Lake
Date: Saturday, November 14
Location: Crawford Lake Conservation Area/Guelph Line
Terrain/Pace: Easy, mostly flat and usually good footing; leisurely pace.
Distance: 7 km.
Description: Crawford Lake is always a lovely area to hike, with its meromictic lake, escarpment views and Indian village. You must register with Conservation Halton for this hike. Once registered for Halton, immediately register for a time slot of 10:00 am. or 9:50 am. to match the start of the hike. You may find that you will have to do this closer to the date of the hike. Bring a snack, water, hand sanitizer and a mask. Covic protocols in place.
Date: Tuesday, Jan 12– Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021
Leaders: Heather McClintock, Ralph Gardave adventurelife4212@gmail.com
Description: Two days of skiing and snowshoeing at Arrowhead Provincial Park and Georgian Nordic Ski Club.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express – Huntsville.
Cost: $224 double occupancy and $297 single occupancy
Space is limited to 34 participants with 4 spaces available for single accommodation on first come-first served basis.
Registration opens October 15 2020
Please read the HOC Winter Specific Covid-19 Guidelines before registering.
Trip Title: ITALY / AUSTRIA XC SKI TRIP
Date: Saturday January 23 – Sunday February 7, 2021
Leaders: Jim and Patti Blair
Enjoy 2 weeks of xc skiing in the Dolomites of Italy and the Austrian Alps.
Both destinations offer extensive networks of groomed xc ski trails suited to all levels of skiers. Other possible activities include winter hiking, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and sightseeing. Coach transfer between the airport, Italy and Austria is provided.
Cost: $4,395.00 per person for double occupancy. $4,735 for single occupancy. Space is limited to 24 participants. There is a limit of two rooms available for single occupancy.
Please read all the information on the Trip Information Sheet before you register.
Trip Information Sheet
Registration Opens Thursday 12:00 a.m. (0000) Feb 6, 2020
** On Feb 6, a xc ski trip to Norway will also be open for registration. You may NOT register for both trips on Feb 6. Make a choice and pick one. If, after 24 hours, either trip is not full, you may then register for the second trip on Feb 7. This is to allow a maximum number of club members to experience a European winter trip. However, if you register for one trip and end up on a wait list, it is OK to go ahead and register for the second trip before waiting until Feb 7.
Date: Friday Feb 12 – Sunday Feb 14, 2021
Leaders: Jim and Patti Blair pblair24@cogeco.ca
Description: Enjoy three days on the trails at Arrowhead Provincial Park, North Bay Nordic Ski Club and Georgian Nordic Ski Club
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express in Huntsville.
Cost: $372 double occupancy and $543 single occupancy
Date: Tuesday, Feb 23 – Wednesday, Feb 24, 2021
Leaders: Clive and Freda Wright fredaandclive@cogeco.ca
Description: Two days of skiing and snowshoeing on the lovely trails at Kawartha Nordic Ski Club
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express – Waterfront in Peterborough.
Cost: $230 double occupancy and $295 single occupancy
Space is limited to 34 participants with 6 spaces available for single accommodation on first come-first served basis.
Date: Thursday March 4 – Sunday March 7, 2021
Description: Enjoy three days on the trails at Gatineau Park and Nakkertock Nordic, with time allowed to skate the Rideau Canal and enjoy the sights of Ottawa.
Accommodation: Courtyard Marriott Hotel in the heart of the Byward Market, downtown Ottawa
Cost: $512 double occupancy and $765 single occupancy
Trip Title: NORWAY XC SKI TRIP – DISCOVERY TRIP
Date: Tuesday March 16 – Tuesday March 30, 2021
Leader: Madeleine Davidson
Enjoy 2 weeks of xc skiing in Norway. Time will be spent in the Venabu Mountain Hotel in central Norway as well as in Oslo.
Both destinations offer extensive networks of groomed xc ski trails suited to all levels of skiers. Other possible activities include ski safaris, winter hiking, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and sightseeing. Coach transfer between the airport, Oslo, and Venabu is provided.
This is considered a Discovery Trip as it is the first time that HOC has travelled to Norway to ski, and not all the details can be confirmed.
Cost: $4,350.00 per person for double occupancy. $4,805 for single occupancy. Space is limited to 20 participants.
** On Feb 6, a xc ski trip to Italy/Austria will also be open for registration. You may NOT register for both trips on Feb 6. Make a choice and pick one. If, after 24 hours, either trip is not full, you may then register for the second trip on Feb 7. This is to allow a maximum number of club members to experience a European winter trip. However, if you register for one trip and end up on a wait list, it is OK to go ahead and register for the second trip before waiting until Feb 7.
Great Slave Lake Sea Kayaking
Great Slave Lake is big! We will be exploring the North Arm which is made up of ancient stone. The route takes us 130km through numerous bays and islands. The outfitter and his guides live and have grown up in the Northwest Territories and have deep roots with the rivers and lakes.
Date: July 22-28, 2021
Leaders: Glenda Smith & Sandy Nay
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Cost: $2527.83
Registration opens Mar 1 2020
jump to top of calendar
button >