events calendar
HIKE TITLE
Dundas Valley Romp 15 km
DATE
Sunday April 25
HIKE LEADER(S)
Jim Blair or Patti Blair
EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER
pblair24@cogeco.ca Cell: 905 906 6941
GENERAL LOCATION
Dundas
START TIME
8:45 for 9:00 start
MEETING PLACE OR PARKING LOCATION
Park and Meet behind Shoppers Drug Mart in University Plaza, 101 Osler Dr. Hamilton
DISTANCE
15km +/-
PACE:
Leisurely / Moderate / Fast
Fast 4-5 km per hour
DURATION APPROX
3.5 hours
TERRAIN:
Easy / Moderate / Challenging
Rolling terrain with plenty of short and long hills. Trails are relatively wide and smooth with generally good footing. There may be some tricky footing in muddy areas depending on weather conditions.
TYPE OF HIKE:
A big loop combing a variety of trails as well as some out and back at the beginning and end
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Point of interests
Primarily through beautiful hardwood forest. Creeks, ridges, valleys, and escarpment outcrops will add to the scenery. The hike will also include visits to Canterbury Falls and Sherman Falls.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Yes. A Must. Leaders appreciate early registration and at least 24 hours before the event.
CANCELLATION
REGISTRATION OPENS
2 weeks before the hike
WHAT TO BRING
IMPORTANT COVID REMINDERS
The club’s Covid-19 Safety Guidelines will be observed.
GUIDING NOTES:
HIKE PACE - Leisure: 3 km/hr or less. Moderate: 3-4 km/hr or Fast: 4-5km/hr. All paces are average and depending on the terrain.
TERRAIN - Easy: mostly flat and usually good footing (i.e. rail trails, Confederation Park, Bay Front Park), Moderate: some hills and/or poor footing (Bruce Trail, Dundas Valley, etc) and Challenging: steep hills and strenuous footing (Bruce Trail, some trails in Short Hills, Dundas Valley and Red Hill Valley). Please note variations can be expected with weather conditions.
Attention Non-Members: If you are thinking about becoming a member, the Halton Outdoor Club invites you to take part in up to two club activities as a Non-Member. After that, please join our club so we can welcome you as a member.
Dundas Valley Romp 10+/- km
9:00 for 9:30 start
Park and meet behind Shoppers Drug Mart in University Plaza, 101 Osler Dr. Hamilton
10 km +/-
Moderate 3 - 4 km per hour
3 hours
Primarily through beautiful hardwood forest. Creeks, ridges, valleys, and escarpment outcrops will add to the scenery.
Dundas Valley Romp 7+/- km
7 km +/-
Slow to Moderate: 3- 3.5 km per hour
2.5 hours
Confederation Park Hamilton
Every 2nd and last Tuesday of the month. Feb 23, March 9-30, April 13-27
HIKE LEADER
INFORMATION
NAME
Isabel Bravo
EMAIL ADDRESS
ibravo_13@icloud.com
CELL #
905.746.2217
Hamilton
Meet at 9:45 am for a 10:00 start
Meet at Hutch’s Restaurant, on 280 Van Wagners Beach Rd, Hamilton. Lots of free city parking lot, east side of Hutch’s
PACE
Moderate to fast
DISTANCE (km)
8 km approx.
DURATION APPROX (hrs)
2 - 2.5 hrs
TERRAIN
Easy
TYPE OF HIKE
Out and back hike. Flat trail along Lake Ontario, paved.
Hike will be mostly along Lake Ontario with some detours to see historical War Memorials, nature sites and plenty of nice views across the lake. Every hike will head to different directions to make it more interesting.
REGISTRATION
REQUIRED
Yes. A Must.
Leaders appreciate early registration and at least 24 hrs before the event.
Between 1-2 weeks before the hike
Hamilton Weekly Waterfront Walk
Wednesday Mornings March 31 – May 26
Jim and Patti Blair
pblair24@cogeco.ca 905 906 6941
GENERAL LOCATION (City/Town)
Meet at 9:15 for 9:30 start
Parking at Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton.
Hike starts near the gazebo by the water. No washrooms.
6 kms. with option to lengthen to 8 kms +
Leisure/Moderate/Fast
Moderate: 3 - 4 kms per hour but pace may vary if you prefer a faster or slower pace
2 hours +/-
Easy/Moderate/Challenging
Easy: Flat and paved. Winds off the water can be cool. Be prepared with layers etc..
Loop, out and back, End to End
Out and back, with some possible route variations from week to week (i.e. up to York Blvd., over to pier 4, some city sidewalks)
Along waterfront of Hamilton Harbour, Cootes Paradise and Bayfront Park. There may be some route variations.
Outdoor coffee stop at Williams Pub an option on nice days
Two weeks before the hike
Freda and Clive Wright
fredaandclive@cogeco.ca, cell # 905-865-3685
2021 Volunteer Trip Leader Development Program
Registration opens March 5 2021
Halton Outdoor Club is a non-profit volunteer based club and we are seeking volunteer trip paddling leaders to help shape today and future paddling trips. Become involved by joining us for a five part Volunteer Trip Leader Development Program. The program consists of a virtual three part series, one real live experiential on the water course and a mentor to show you the way and be part of the journey. Our purpose as a Club is:
Active and energized together outdoors.
To create and sustain a community of members engaged in year-round, healthy, outdoor activities, where everyone is encouraged to participate, volunteer, learn and grow.
Today and in the future
Open invitation to all Club Members. Come out to find out more on May 6th 7:00pm. Registration is required.
Course Summary
Three (3) virtual 90 minute classes via Zoom One (1) day water (Kayak Rodeo) Sunday June 27, 2021 Mentorship with current Volunteer Trip Leader
Join for all or for any
Register separately for each event
Course Contact
Sandy Nay , paddling@haltonoutdoorclub.ca
3 Virtual Classes 90 minutes
Guest Speaker Thursday
7:00pm-8:30pm
Via Zoom
May 6, 2021 – Class #1 Come out to find out, HOC handbook & policies Introduction; objectives of the program; skill level required to be a trip leader; HOC best practices; mission, vision, values; types of trips (day, extended); insurance; PC requirements. Guest Speakers: 3 Current HOC Volunteer Trip Leaders.
May 13, 2021- Class #2 Register
Risk Management. When to “pull the plug”, change the plan. Communication, effective positioning as a leader. Looking at the risks when environment/weather/participants are all in ‘the pool’. Guest Speaker: Jeff Arbing OSKC Instructor May 20, 2021- Class #3 Register
Leadership Principles, Effective Group Communication and Management. What skills makes a good leader. How to manage group dynamics pre-during-post a trip. Guest Speaker : Dympna Hayes OSKC Owner
Cost: Free to all Club members
1 Day Experiential Water Course Sunday June 27, 2021
Kayak Rodeo Sunday June 27th Register OSKC Instruction Live on the water experience * please bring tow belt Cost $113.00 HOC sport subsidy 15% available. Contact Paddling@haltonoutdoorclub.ca for details. Spots:12 Wait list available
Mentorship
HOC current Volunteer Trip Leaders available to mentor you throughout the season. They will help you on “how to plan a trip, organize a trip, and lead a trip. Co-leading trip(s) where possible for the season.
# Of spots in total
Virtual online: Open invitation to all Club Members Experiential Water Course: 12 max Mentorship: Open invitation to all Club Members
Costs
Wilderness First Aid Course
May 8 - 9, 2021
This year Ontario Sea Kayak Centre is hosting a Wilderness First Aid course with Wilderness Medical Associates. For any outdoors enthusiast having these skills could prove essential. This course is recommended as a prerequisite to taking your Paddle Canada Level 2 skills course. This course has been offered to Halton Outdoor Club members at a 10% discount on course cost only.
Length of course: 2 daysLevel: Beginner Accommodations & Meal Package: Camp Tapawingo Location: Parry Sound
Start time: Saturday May 8th, 9:00am sharpRegular Course Cost : $325.00 + HST
HOC Course Cost : $292.50 + HST **
** Discount Code required: contact paddling@haltonoutdoorclub.caNote: Additional Cost: $89.00+HST (Camp Tapawingo accommodations and meals)
Registration online at OSKC or call OSKC for more details and to register
ontarioseakayakcentre.com
905-399-1216
Up a creek – no paddle required
Saturday, May 8, 2021.
Clive and Freda Wright
fredaandclive@cogeco.ca. Cell: 905 865 3685 – day of hike
Dundas, Ontario
9:15 for 9:30 start
Municipal Car Park # 7D. 23 Hatt Street, Dundas L9H 2S2. Hike will start from the Hatt Street side of the parking lot. Parking is free.
14 kms
Moderate – 4 km per hour approximately
Approximately 3.1/2 hours of walking time. 4 hours with breaks.
Moderate. Single track with some rocky sections, some sidewalks, wide trails in the valley.
Loop trail.
The hike starts in Dundas and follows the historical Spencer Creek trail, joining up with the Bruce Trail. Once on the BT the trail will start to get undulating with some rocky sections. There will be a break at the Rail Station (washroom facilities). We will head back into Dundas following a short section of the Sulphur Springs Trail then over to the Spring Creek Trail leading us back into Dundas with its great assortment of restaurants, coffee shops and stores.
2 weeks prior to the hike
Paddling Guelph Lake Conservation Area Season Opener May 8 2021
Name of Trip Volunteer
Sandy Nay
Email of Trip Volunteer
Trip Address
Guelph Lake Conservation - Public Boat Launch
Body of Water
Guelph Lake Conservation Area
Boat Launch Location
Public Boat Launch near Island
Arrival Time
10:15 AM
On the water time, ready to paddle
11:00 AM
Maximum number of paddlers including leader
24
Boat Rental Available
No
Launch Conditions
Boat Ramp
Bathroom Facilities at Launch Site
Bathroom facilities on location
Paddling Conditions
Night, Fog or Heavy Rain
Wind
Grade A - Light Less than 7 knots (13 kms/hour)
Waves, Breaking Waves, & Swell
Grade A - Under 1 foot waves; no breaking waves (Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled; no whitecaps)
Landing Type
Grade A - Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping; sand; gravel or grass
Open Crossings
Grade A - No open crossings
Daily Distance
Grade B - 10 to 18 kms (6 to 11 miles)
Current
Grade A - None or mild Less than 1 knot (2 km/hour)
Trip Grade Assessment
A
After Paddle Leisure Time
Go to Restaurant After Paddle
To be determined
Trip Costs
Participants are required to pay conservation area entrance fee.
Additional Information
Circumnavigation of Guelph Lake ~10km Conservation Area Rec kayaks are welcome with Trip Volunteer approval. Bring lunch, water, snacks. Dress for cold water immersion, dry suit,wet suit, cold water appropriate wear. Bring a towel and change of clothes
Every 2nd and last Tuesday of the month. Feb 23, March 9&30, April 13&27, May 11&25
Heather Wilson
heatherwlsn249@gmail.com, cell # 289-259-5099
May 13, 2021- Class #2
Paddling Lake Niapenco (Binbrook Conservation Area) May 15 2021
Mike Eaton
Binbrook Conservation Area
Google Map Plus Code
87M24528+H2
Lake Niapenco
See park map
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
8
Participants are required to pay Conservation Area entrance fee. $15 car and driver, $5 per passenger. May be cash only.
Circumnavigation of Lake Niapenco ~10km at Binbrook Conservation Area Rec kayaks are welcome with Trip Volunteer approval.
RIDE LEADERS
Rob Pegoraro & Lorraine Rohm
CONTACT
rpegoraro@sympatico.ca
647-884-4474
lorraine3@cogeco.ca
CADENCE/PACE
Level 1
30km +/-
Sherwood Forest to Hamilton
MEETING PLACE
& TIME
Meet at 9:45 for a 10:00 start at Sherwood Forest Park off Burloak Dr. at Prince William Dr.
Meeting Place Map
START POINT
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 Rockwood Conservation May 16 2021
161 Falls Street, Rockwood,
Conservation Lake
Public Boat Launch area
12
Grade A - Up to 10 kms (Up to 6 miles)
TBD
Park Entrance Fee
Gentle Paddle in the conservation lake. Recreation boats and sea kayaks are welcome. Bring water, lunch, snacks. Dress for cold water immersion. Dry suit, wet suit, appropriate cold water wear.
Loraine Walter & Nora Fulcher
arctic.lorie@gmail.com
647-283-7304
norafulcher363@gmail.com
905-226-6261
40km +/-
Brantford to Mt Pleasant
Meet at 9:45 a.m. for a 10:00 departure in Brantford at parking area behind Civic Centre
Tammy Ross
tammyross@rogers.com, cell # 905-518-6942
Risk Management. When to “pull the plug”, change the plan. Communication, effective positioning as a leader. Looking at the risks when environment/weather/participants are all in ‘the pool’. Guest Speaker: Jeff Arbing OSKC Instructor May 20, 2021- Class #3
RIDE LEADER
heatherwlsn249@gmail.com
289-259-5099
Level 2
Kissing Bridge Trail
Meet at parking lot on Silvercreek Pkwy N, Guelph at 8:45 for a 9:00 start.
Paddling Cootes Paradise May 22 2021
Donna Barber
End of Macklin St N or end of Longwood Rd N
74F3+J8 Hamilton, Ontario
Cootes Paradise
12:15 - 12:30 PM
1:00 PM
7
Interesting - dock but high - land can be very muddy
Possibly but you may want to stop prior to arrival
Grade B - Light to Moderate Up to 12 knots (22 kms/hour) – wind noticeably affects movement of paddle
Grade B - Less than 1.6 kms (Less than 1 mile)
B
Purchase parking pass at kiosk - credit card required; RBG membership covers parking at this location
Make sure to bring sufficient water, snack, sun screen, all required safety gear.
Gloria Seberras
gloriaseberras@sympatico.ca
416-814-9844
35km +/-
Brickworks to Caledon East
Meet at the parking lot at the Brickworks on Mississauga Rd N at 8:45am for a 9:00 start.
snay1@bell.net
289-878-4050
Paris to Cambridge
Meet at P 58.2 (Paris) on Willow St. at 9:45 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. start.
Janina Vanderpost
vanderpostjm@gmail.com
905-521-2296
Hamilton towards Caledonia
Meet at parking lot at the northeast corner of Arbour Rd and Stone Church Rd East, 1525 Stone Church Rd East, Hamilton at 9:15 for a 9:30 start.
Paddling Upper Grand River (Car Shuttle) May 29 2021
Name of Trip Volunteer(s)
Sandy Nay, Judy Dragun
Email of Trip Volunteer(s)
cleojade001@yahoo.ca
Google 42 Peel St which is a house that is beside the river bank that we can gain access to the river.
Grand River
Peel St Winterbourne
Sand and pebbles
None
Grade B - Mild currents Up to 2 knots (4 km/hour) current increases / decreases group speed by half
Recreation Boat and Sea Kayak appropriate. Upper Grand begins at West Montrose bridge Elmira, finishes at Pioneer Tower (Kitchener). This will be a self/partner car shuttle trip. Drop off gear and then drive cars to parking lot at Pioneer Tower. The spring flow of the river will determine the amount of time we go down the river. Bring lunch, snacks, water. Dress for cold water immersion. Dry suit, wet suit, appropriate cold water clothes. Change of clothes, towel. Depending on volume of water may experience low gravel points in the river during the trip.
50km +/-
Hillsburgh to Belwood Lake
Meet at 8:45 for a 9:00 start at the parking lot on Station Rd., just off Trafalgar Rd., Hillsburgh ON.
Paddling Twelve Mile Creek (Bronte Harbour) May 30 2021
Creek, maybe Lake Ontario based on weather/wind
Meet at upper parking lot, launch in marina area
Grade B - Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks; brush or overhanging trees
Trip up the Twelve Mile Creek in Bronte. Spring flow so may experince some current. May go into Lake Ontario to land at beach for snack. Weather dependent. Open to recreation boat and sea kayak. Dress for cold water immerison, dry suit, wet suit, appropriate cold water clothes. Bring lunch, snack, water.
Liz Gibbon & Ann Benisius
egibbon@cogeco.ca
905-616-4187
ann_beniusis@hotmail.com
289-684-0974
Paved trail, a couple of steep hills.
World Bicycle Day
60km +/-
St Catharines to Merritt Island, Welland
Meet at Charles Ansell Park parking lot, on Bunting Rd St Catharines at 9:45 for a 10:00 start.
20-30 km
Meet for 6:30 pm departure at the parking lot at the corner of Old Upper Middle Rd & McCraney St.
Be sure to register online!
Exclusive to HOC
Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Instructor Certification
Open to all Halton Outdoor Club Members who would like to be certified for Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Instructor. This is an exclusive offer to HOC group rate based.
Course is instructed by Horizons Adventures
Date: Two weekends (1) June 5-6, 2021 (2) June 12-13, 2021
Location: Halton Region
Cost: $635.88
Registration opens Mar 5 2021
Information Sheet
Paddling Practice and Play - Paddle Skills (Session 1) Jun 5 2021
Valens Conservation Area
86MX9VP5+CM
Valens Lake
See Google Map Plus Code above
8:30 AM
9:00 AM
Session is free to HOC members. Attendees are responsible for conservation area admission of $15/car and driver + $5 per additional person.
Come join us for a day paddle on Valens Lake where we will practice many of the fundamental paddle skills to get us ready for the trips and lessons upcoming in the year. Several of the Padddle Committee members will be present to share tips and tricks with anyone interested. At the end of the session we will practice our wet exits, assisted, and unassisted re-entries so you can check that off for the season.
Mohawk Park through Brantford Waterworks & on.
Meet at Mohawk Park, Forest Rd, Brantford at 8:45 for a 9:00 start.
Paddling Welland River/Lyons Creek Jun 5 2021
Paul Humber, Peggy Humber
4379 Lyons Creek Rd. Niagara Falls ON L2G
87M23W2Q+GG
Welland River/Lyons Creek
Same as above
Boat ramp or sand and pebble beach
If we choose to paddle Lyons Creek there are less places to take a shore break. They will be muddy/weedy when a spot is located.
Paddling Practice and Play - Paddle Skills (Session 2) Jun 6 2021
365-778-1811
Humber Valley Trail
Meet at 8:45 for a 9:00 start at the West Humber Parkland parking lot on the west side of Albion Rd & north side of Irwin Rd in the parking lot.
45km +/-
Mt Pleasant to Waterford
Meet at the tennis courts on Burtch Rd., Mt Pleasant. Tennis courts are approximately 500m west on Burtch Rd from the Windmill Country Market. Meet at 9:15 for a 9:30 start.
We stop for lunch & snacks, unless noted, so bring a lunch, snacks & water.
Lunch/break near Waterford Antique Market.
Port Credit to Sunnyside Park
Meet at 8:45 for a 9:00 start at the parking lot closest to the lake at the bottom of Mississauga Rd in Port Credit.
Paddling Practice and Play - Safety and Rescue Skills (Session 1) Jun 12 2021
Come join us for a half day paddle on Valens Lake where we will practice many of the fundamental safety, re-entry, and rescue skills to get us ready for the trips and lessons upcoming in the year. Several of the Padddle Committee members will be present to share tips and tricks with anyone interested. We will be practicing a wide selection of re-entries. As we will be practicing wet exits, assisted, and unassisted re-entries, you can check that off for the season.
Paddling Jordan Harbour Jun 12 2021
Donna Barber and Paul Humber
Jordan Harbour Conservation Area 4579 Twenty - FIrst St, Vineland
Jordan Harbour/Lake Ontario
Jordan Harbour Conservation Area
14
Portapotty
Grade B - Waves up to 2 feet; no breaking waves (Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop; scattered whitecaps)
Bring sufficient water, snack, sun screen, all required safety gear. Paddle will be in two parts - a.m. paddle on Jordan Harbour until approx 12:00 - 12:30; lunch break - bring lunch and snack at the Conservation area. In the afternoon, approx 1:00 we will go out onto Lake Ontario to see the wreck and tour along the shore line. Lake Ontario is weather or condition permitting.
Paddling Practice and Play - Safety and Rescue Skills (Session 2) Jun 12 2021
1:30 PM
Sue Dane
sue@speechability.ca
905-464-0363
Hillsburgh to Forks of Credit
Meet 8:45 for a 9:00 start at the parking lot on Station Rd., just off Trafalgar Rd., Hillsburgh ON.
Trip leaders will be able to email you
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