Winter 2016-2017 THE QUARTERLY OF THE TORONTO BRUCE TRAIL CLUB Vol. LIII No. 4

www.torontobrucetrailclub.org | 416-763-9061 | [email protected]

Grand Opening of the Todd Bardes Meadowlands Side Trail by Nancy Tilt, TBTC Conservation Committee

Friends and family, hikers, and Toronto Bruce Trail Club Conservation Committee members, about 75 in all, gathered at Limehouse Com- munity Hall on a beautiful early September Sunday. The occasion was the Grand Opening of a new Side Trail in memory of Todd Bardes, a dedicated and treasured Bruce Trail volunteer. Car and bus thru-hikes had been organized for the day to coincide with the early afternoon opening of the Trail.

Peter Leeney, friend of Todd and currently Land Stewardship Director and past President of the Toronto Club, spoke of Todd's long history with the Bruce Trail. Todd joined the Bruce Trail Association in 1994 and had been actively involved with trail activities since 1996 both at the club level, the broader Board level, and most recently as President. In 2001 the Bruce Trail purchased the 39-acre Springle property just north of Limehouse. Todd and his wife, Christina, subsequently took on the role of Land Stewards. Existing ATV disturbance in the mead- owland portion of the property was an issue needing attention. Fellow Bruce Trail volunteer, Andrew Costley, came up with the idea of a community-based and monitored Side Trail through the meadow. Todd, along with support from other volunteers, wholeheartedly agreed, and through their efforts the Side Trail came to life.

Andrew Costley, on behalf of all volunteers who knew Todd, spoke Hike Leader Training 2017 of him as a friend and mentor, providing both advice and leadership with wise and patient counsel. "Todd was a great ambassador for the Saturday April 8th and Sunday April 9th, 2017 Bruce Trail," said Andrew. One of his notable accomplishments was the "Flying Squad", a means of recruiting volunteers from all clubs Have you ever considered becoming a Hike Leader for the to form large work parties to assist with projects requiring significant Toronto Bruce Trail Club (TBTC)? This is your opportunity to labour wherever needed. These parties made huge strides in Trail give back to your Club and be a trailblazer. completion and maintenance along the length of the entire Trail and encouraged increases in local club member numbers. Todd, as well, The Hike Leader Apprenticeship Program: particularly enjoyed recruiting young people to connect with the 1. Attend the two­‐day training workshop. Bruce Trail. 2. Service as an assistant leader on three TBTC hikes. 3. Organize and lead one TBTC hike with a certified leader Todd had a breadth of interest in all aspects of the workings of the from the Club. Bruce Trail Conservancy from providing access to the Niagara Escarp- ment to encouraging continued preservation of its many features. Prerequisites: Andrew noted, "The Springle property, and the Meadowlands Side 1. You must have completed a two­‐day Standard First Aid Trail, have become the inspirational and interactive property Todd and Level C CPR course prior to attending the workshop. envisioned." 2. Hiking experience with the TBTC is recommended.

The gathering then hiked a short distance to the start of the Side Trail Register by January 31, 2017 and receive a complimentary where Todd’s family participated in the unveiling of a commemora- copy of the 28th edition of the Bruce trail Reference. tive sign. The sign reads, “Created to honour the memory of long- Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program time Bruce Trail volunteer, Todd Bardes. The trail meanders through the TBTC will refund the $60 registration fee and $75 towards an open meadow with wildflowers, newly planted trees and milkweed the cost of the First Aid certification. plants coupled with birdhouses, bee and butterfly way stations.” To Register and for more information: Visit the Toronto Bruce ...continued on page 19. Trail Club website, www.torontobrucetrailclub.org or contact the registrar: Andrew Wood, [email protected]. www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

Table of Contents Footnotes Toronto Bruce Trail Club is published quarterly by the Board of Directors

Todd Bardes Side Trail P1 Toronto Bruce Trail Club President: PO Box 597 John Grandy 2938 Dundas Street West [email protected] Hike Leader Training P1 Toronto, Ontario M6P 4E7 Past President; Land Stewardship Director: [email protected] Peter Leeney, 905-822-1877 President’s Pen P3 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org [email protected] ISSN 0380-9354 BTC Director; Trail Director: A member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy Marlis Butcher, 2017 Ski/Snowshoe Program P4 [email protected] Many thanks to all the volunteers who Hiking Director: helped in the production of this issue. Wayne Crockett, General Information P5 647-786-4537 Send address changes to: [email protected] The Bruce Trail Conservancy Secretary: Activities Calendar P6 PO Box 857, Hamilton, ON L8N 3N9 Robert Gillespie www.brucetrail.org 1-800-665-4453 Treasurer : Malcolm Sanderson, Outreach Hikes P20 For missing copies of Footnotes 905-294-5866 call 1-800-665-4453, [email protected] Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Public Relations & Education: Hiking Director’s Notes P20 Magdalena Van Der Kooy Opinions expressed in Footnotes are not 647-983-7938 necessarily the views of the TBTC unless [email protected] stated as such. Advertising does not Land Owner Relations imply endorsement by the TBTC. Paul Vanhanen, 905-877-1294 [email protected] Log in to the Members section of Footnotes Resource Support the Club website using your BTC Fundraising: (not members of the Board) membership number and your vacant own password Land Management Committee Chair; Publication Editor: Sharon Magor Land Securement Secretariat BTC Footnotes Editor: Brent Michaluk Representative: Proofreaders: Marilyn MacKellar David Tyson, 416-966-1379 Kathryn Emirzian [email protected] Advertising & Mail Coordinator: Volunteer Co-ordinator: Publication Deadlines Jude Keast Kevin B. Warburton, ISSUE: ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL Activities Editor: Victor Ramautar 416-717-4163 Webmaster: Stephen Kamnitzer [email protected] Spring 2017: Dec.15/Dec.20 e-Notes Editor: Brent Michaluk Membership: Summer 2017: March 11/March 18 Archivist: John Drew Sima Patel, 416-844-5640 Fall 2017: June 17/June 24 Information Line: Judy Leeney [email protected] Winter 2017-18: Sept. 15/Sept. 24 City of Toronto Liaison: Send advertisements to: John Hough Director of Communications: [email protected] Halton Hills Chapter: Sharon Magor Janet Le Lievre Directors at Large: The Toronto Bruce Trail Club is one of nine clubs Olena Stevenson Graham Allen making up the Bruce Trail Conservancy, which is dedicated to the conservation of the Niagara Escarpment. You are invited to visit the Toronto Club’s website at www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

2 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org President’s Pen: The Future of Footnotes - Part 2

by John Grandy

In our last edition, I raised the question of whether it is worthwhile for our club to continue to publish Footnotes. Today, I would like to talk about the current and future forms communication will take within the club as we move forward from Footnotes.

The Internet and its associated social media give us a new way to talk to each other. Footnotes, like all publications, is “one-to-all” – that is to say, the club’s executive and our editor decide what material we want to broadcast out to our thousands of members, and we have to hope that this material will be of interest. Our editors have done all they can to encourage interesting content from contributors, and many members have sent in really good stuff about their hiking experiences in Canada and abroad; about conservation work; about the flora and fauna of the Niagara Escarpment, and so many other subjects. But it remains a one-way conversation.

Social media, in contrast, are “all-to-all” conversations – free for alls in which anyone who has something to say, or a photograph or other material to post, can contribute in real time. Imagine the kind of get-together we have when we go to the pub after a great day’s hiking. The conversation flows happily back and forth, and everyone is encouraged to contribute. That is the great appeal of social media – it knits our club members together, and through the Internet can make us feel that we truly belong.

So my objective, and that of our Communications Director, Sharon Magor, is to encourage the growth of our social media initiatives. How are we doing so far?

• The public pages of the Toronto Bruce Trail Club website have been completely rebuilt, and I believe we now have a website we can be proud of. The “Let’s Hike” section is extremely easy and intuitive to use, and has rapidly become very popular with our hiking members.

• Our Facebook page recently reported more than 1,100 “likes”, meaning that close to half of our membership – or other interested people - follow our Facebook contributions. Conversations on our page are lively and the photos and other material posted are superb.

• Our hike leaders have recently started using Meetup.com as a way of advertising Club hikes to both members and non-members. This initiative has allowed us to reach out to an entirely new, generally younger, audience. So far more than 650 people have regis- tered on the site for the Toronto Bruce Trail Club, three quarters of whom are not members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

• Our Twitter page has 902 followers. This is a great way for us to stay in touch with people who are mobile, or whose preferred means of communication is a cellphone rather than a computer.

• Finally, our most recent initiative, launched at the start of October, is our Instagram page for photo sharing. Instagram is a mobile app that makes sharing of photos and videos an easy process. Within one week of launch, we already had 100 followers.

• Last but by no means least, our venerable E-Notes service continues to provide regular updates on hiking and other Club activities to the majority of Club members.

Our hope is that through all these forms of outreach and service platforms, we will achieve three goals:

1. Permit all our members to stay in touch in “real time” with the Club and with each other, and be fully informed about all Club activities;

2. Grow our membership base by reaching out electronically to the many thousands of Greater Toronto Area residents who are not familiar with our Club or the services we offer;

3. Educate the general public about our Club and about the conservation objectives of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

I believe we are now well on the way to achieving these objectives, thanks to all the hard work of our volunteers. So as Footnotes edges into history, our Club is moving forward into the future.

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 3 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

2017 Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe Program by Martina Furrer

Enjoy the outdoors this winter. From January 7 to March 18, 2017 join the Toronto Bruce Trail Club for Saturday trips to some of On- tario’s best Nordic ski centres. Glide through forests and dunes on trials groomed for classic and skate skiing, or make fresh tracks on guided or self-guided snowshoe hikes. Leave the driving to professionals and travel with us in luxury highway coaches.

Beginners are welcome on all trips. Our certified instructors are happy to offer 45 minute complimentary beginner classic ski lessons. If you enjoy your lesson and your day on the snow, we encourage donations to the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Some guided snowshoe hikes are for experienced snowshoers only. On these trips beginner snowshoers are welcome to explore resort trails on their own. Read the hike descrip- tions online for details.

Departure Location All trips depart from York Mills Subway station. Buses park on York Mills Rd (in front of the York Mills Centre), at the southeast corner of Yonge St and York Mills Rd. Departure times vary. Read the schedule carefully.

Bus fare Bus fare is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Trail fees vary by resort. See the trip details online.

Registration Please register online. New members and non-members should contact Martina (705-768-3250 or [email protected]) to regis- ter. Registration starts at 9 pm on the Sunday before each trip.

Cancellation Policy The cancellation deadline is 9 pm on the Wednesday before each trip. If you cancel late or don’t show up for a trip you will have to pay the bus fare. If you cancel twice you will not be allowed to sign up for subsequent trips. Please only sign up if you are serious about attending. Don’t disappoint your fellow skiers and snowshoers.

We will go wherever snow conditions are the best, so the schedule may change on short notice.

If you have any questions contact Martina at 705-768-3250 or [email protected].

Date Destination Leader Departure Rentals? Food Time Services? Jan 7 Highlands Nordic David Royle 8:30 am  Classic and Skate Ski Yes equipment  Snowshoes for on resort use Jan 14 Scenic Caves Sophie Chuchra & 8:30 am  Classic and Skate Ski Limited Chiara Frigeni equipment  Snowshoes Jan 21 Horseshoe Wayne Crockett 9:00 am  Classic and Skate Ski Yes Resort equipment  Snowshoes Jan 28 Hardwood Ski Sarah Hopton & 9:00 am  Classic and Skate Ski Yes and Bike Ted Iseman equipment  Snowshoes for on resort use Feb 4 Arrowhead Lucy Leung & Luisa 7:30 am  Classic Ski equipment No Nordic Lee  Snowshoes Feb 11 Mansfield Wayne Crockett 9:00 am  Classic Ski equipment Yes Outdoor Centre  Snowshoes Feb 18 Horseshoe To Be Announced 9:00 am  Classic and Skate Ski Yes Resort equipment Feb 25 Kawartha Nordic Sarah Hopton & 8:00 am  Classic and Skate Ski No Ted Iseman equipment  No snowshoe rentals March Scenic Caves Al Brown & Ed 8:30 am  Classic and Skate Ski Limited 4 Brown equipment  Snowshoes March Wasaga Nordic Luisa Lee & Smiti 8:30 am  Classic Ski equipment Very 11 Gupta  Snowshoes limited March Highlands Nordic Sarah Hopton & 8:30 am  Classic and Skate Ski Yes 18 Ted Iseman equipment  Snowshoes for on resort use

4 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

Comfortable General Information Bus Hikes Hiking Holidays Hikers are discouraged from meeting bus hikes at the Trail in their own vehicles, unless the hike (416) 445-2628 description includes this option. www.letshike.com Meeting Place:

For maps, see www.torontobrucetrailclub.org under General Information on Bus hikes. • York Mills subway station: buses park on Old York Mills Road near the south exit of the PATAGONIA station (not the exit for TTC buses) Southern Chile & Argentina March 5 to 17, 2017 • Islington subway station: buses wait at the Beer Store on Bloor Street, two short blocks west In Chile, visit penguins on Isla of the subway station and opposite the TTC parking lot Magdalena. Then journey even further • Clarence Square: located south of King Street, north of Front Street, at 49 Spadina Avenue south to Torres Del Paine NP - sleep on the east side (south of the gas station). Buses wait at the west side of the Square. in geodesic ECO-DOMES, hike up to “The Towers”, and see icebergs & glaciers on Grey Lake. Return: Then join the gauchos in Argentina. • usual return time is 6 pm; late returns are noted in the listing Travel to El Chalten and El Calafate in Los Glaciares NP, a UNESCO World Seating: Heritage site. Hike over to view Mt. • based on a first-come, first-seated basis — guests are welcome but they must pre-register Fitz Roy and even visit the renowned • check the listings for exceptions — leaders may give priority to defined groups Perito Moreno Glacier. This exciting adventure concludes in the • some outings involve extra costs; some require advance registration cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Bus Fare (includes $1 donation to the Escarpment Legacy Fund): AMALFI COAST • $17 members, $23 non-members; $5 children under 12 April 17 to 29, 2017 • Long distance fares (over 140 km one-way) $22 for members and $28 for Italy never fails to captures the hearts non-members (and stomachs) of its visitors, and the Amalfi Coast lives up to that reputation - towns perched impossibly on Car Hikes mountainsides, one of the most • meet at the point stipulated in Footnotes and travel by car shuttle to the starting point; contact famous stretches of coastline in the world, sapphire-blue water in every Hike Leader if you have questions direction, an infamous volcano and some of the finest Limoncello Car-Pool Hikes anywhere. Come hike in Sorrento, • meet at the point listed in Footnotes and ride or drive to the starting point as a group; save fuel Positano, Amalfi and on the posh island of Capri. and reduce pollution • passengers are expected to contribute to the driver’s costs (the suggested amount is $10, which THE “CAMINO” should be offered — the driver should not have to request it) May 1 to 13, 2017 The Camino de Santiago is an iconic Skiing and Snowshoeing: look for the and icons for winter fun! trek covering some 800km across the north of Spain. Our journey encompasses the last 152km from Map References O’Cebreiro to Santiago de • the 28th edition of the Bruce Trail Reference is used Compostela, including many “extras” in order to make it a complete Galician experience. Thousands of pilgrims Things to Remember have walked before us, and it is time to Changes are also posted in the Members section of the website (www.torontobrucetrailclub. add your footsteps to this famous trail. org). Members log in using their BTC membership number and their own passwords. IRELAND • all Club events are non-smoking June 6 to 16, 2017 With more shades of green than you • carry your BTC membership card at all times can imagine, the Emerald Isle lives up • bring a lunch, 2 litres of water, suncreen and insect repellent to its deserving reputation. From • arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure time for any hike historical Dublin to picturesque • dogs are not permitted on bus hikes with the exception of registered guide dogs. Dogs may Killarney & parts in between, we will take you hiking through some of the only be taken on urban and car hikes if published in advance by hike leaders. most sought-after scenery the country has to offer - and we'll even make a Pre-registration ( Online, Email or Phone ) few pub stops along the way!

You must pre-register even though the meeting time and place may be listed.Please register using the listed method before the deadline.

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 5 Activity Calendar www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

Winter 2016-2017 Saturday, December 3 -- Dufferin Hi- Land, Mono Cliffs (Map 19) Tuesday, December 6 -- Toronto, Level II Car hike Length of Hike: 18 km, Christmas Market in the Distillery Notice to Participants Pace: 4.5 km/hr, District All Hike Leaders are volunteers. You Terrain: Hilly, Variable. No dropout, Level II Urban walk Length of Hike: 8 km, are welcome to take part in their Hiking boots, No dogs, dress for the Pace: 4 km/hr, activities, but you do so at your conditions, icers may be necessary. Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout, Hiking own risk. Only written complaints Depart 9 am, Mono Community Centre boots, Refreshments after, Pub stop after, against a Hike Leader or end person parking lot (200m south of Mono Centre Dress to suit the conditions, will be considered. Complaints (or Rd, just of 2nd Line EHS). Pre-registration Online using Website. commendations) may be addressed to From Orangeville, travel north on Hwy 10. Depart 10 am, Broadview subway station the Hiking Director, Toronto Bruce About 10k north of Hwy 9, turn right on (street level). Trail Club, PO Box 597, 2938 Dundas Mono Centre Rd. After about 4k, turn left Ruth Dorey, [email protected] St. W., Toronto, ON M6P 4E7. The onto Dufferin Rd 8/2nd Line EHS. After Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm focus of the complaints policy is on another 2k, the parking lot will be on your Enjoy a short hike from Broadview subway improvement rather than discipline. right. There is free parking on the gravel lot. station to the Distillery District. Enjoy the Smadar Junkin, (905) 881-6080 or Xmas festivities and lunch at the Loaded Please note that the maps and kilometre [email protected] Pierogi after. This is a one way hike. references in this listing are from Tanya Cora, 647-705-4137 till 10pm the 28th Edition of the Bruce Trail or [email protected] Saturday, December 10 -- Waterfront Reference. Join us for a late fall hike through beautiful Trail, High Park to Lakeshore Yacht Club Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Using a Level I/II Urban walk Length of Hike: 10 Thursday, December 1 -- Toronto, combination of main and side trails, we will km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Holiday Dinner for Hike Leaders enjoy beautiful views, a beaver dam, quiet Terrain: Mostly flat, walk the waterfront Sophie Chuchra, (416) 482-9843 or lakes and ponds. Bring lunch and plenty of trail, roads and parks. Dropout, Beginners, [email protected] water. Icers may be necessary. Depending Families, Refreshments after. Wayne Crockett on weather conditions, the hike may be Depart 9:30 am, High Park Grenadier Celebrate the season with good friends and shortened. Restaurant/ Starbucks in Port Credit. good cheer at Tabule Restaurant. Tabule The High Park group will meet at the features uniquely inspired savoury and restaurant, a short walk south from the hearty Middle Eastern cuisine. You will High Park Subway. There is parking there select your meal from the dinner menu: Saturday, December 3 -- Niagara, too. The Port Credit Hike will meet at http://tabule.ca/dinner-yonge. Individual Short Hills (Maps 2/3) bills will be provided. Tabule is located Level II/III Car hike Length of at 2009 Yonge Street midway between Hike: 23 km, Pace: 4 km/hr, Eglinton and Davisville Avenues. Start time Terrain: Variable, Challenging. is 6 p.m. No dropout, Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after, Pre-registration by Email to Saturday, December 3 -- Toronto Leader. Section, Speyside (Maps 11/12) Depart 8:30 am, Map 2 ,Km Level II Bus hike Length of Hike: 12 km, 21.9. Pace: 4 km/hr, Parking Lot on north side of Terrain: Rocky. Dropout at 3, 9 km, Glendale Ave where Merritt Trail Hiking boots, Refreshments after, Pub stop Cross. QEW to St Catharines after, Ice footwear may be needed, turn right onto Highway 406 to Pre-registration Online using Website. Glendale Ave turn left go about Depart 9:30 am, Islington. 300 m turn left. Barbara Euler, (416) 695-1838 before 10 Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 pm or [email protected] 7-10 pm Nijole Mockevicius, (416) 783-5282 or or [email protected] [email protected] Car shuttle to km 45.1,Map A walk along the edge of the Escarpment 3. Hike back through the Short with great views. We’ll include the Hills Provincial Park. Restoration Side Trail. Depending on conditions, pace may be slower.

6 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Activity Calendar

Starbucks, on south side of Lakeshore Blvd, about 4 hours on the trail. After the hike we west of the Credit River. The meeting place will take a quick drive down to Orangeville Sunday, December 18 -- Toronto, is accessible be GO Train, Westbound to and have a late lunch/early dinner to West Deane Park Port Credit. celebrate the 2016 hiking season with a little Level I/II Urban walk Length of Hike: 12 Peter Tomlin, (905) 791-9156 Mon-Wed, Christmas cheer. The Mill Street Inn can km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, 7-9 pm accommodate the whole group and I hope Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout, Beginners, Vladimir Bosnar, (905) 273-7569 7-9 pm you will all join me for a relaxed celebration. Refreshments after, Tony Edmonds, (416) 221-6716 Mon-Wed Bring extra snacks or a light lunch as it will Pre-registration Online using Website. 7-9 pm be around 3 before we get to the venue. Depart 11 am, Kipling Subway Station, This has become an annual pre-holiday Bus Platform Level West End. walk. There will be a hike walking west Meet at the west end of bus platform at from High Park to the yacht club and a Saturday, December 17 -- Iroquoia, Kipling Station (near the washroooms). hike walking east from Port Credit to the Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point (Map Thomas Swales, (416) 912-2329 or yacht club. A tasty Chili will be available 11) [email protected] at the end including dessert! $6.00 each. Level II Car hike Duration of Hike: 3.0 hrs, Join us to hike up the path along Mimico It is a short walk to TTC bus line to the Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Creek to Eglinton Avenue West and Kipling subway or the Queen/Lakeshore Terrain: Hilly, Variable. No dropout, return to Dundas Street. Optional stop at streetcar. This is a combined hike for BTC Hiking boots, Bring icers, a snack lunch, Montgomery’s Inn Museum for Afternoon and members of the yacht club who host us and something to drink. Tea (or hot cider) and seasonal savoury for lunch. Depart 10 am, Crawford Lake treats. Preregistration is optional but helps Conservation Area, GPS co-ordinates N 43 speed up the sign in process. 28.204’, W 79 57.070’. Saturday, December 10 -- Dufferin Take Guelph Line to Conservation Rd, Hi-Land, Mono Cliffs, My last hike of and park in the outer parking lot. Note

2016 (Map 19) that an admission fee will need to be paid Sunday, December 18 -- Toronto Level II Bus hike Duration of Hike: 4.5 hrs, in accordance with Conservation Halton Section, Speyside (Map 12) Pace: 3.5 km/hr, policy. Level II Car hike Duration of Hike: 3.0 hrs, Terrain: Variable. Dropout at 7 km, Hiking Bob Humphreys, (519) 883-1840 7-10 pm Pace: 3.5 km/hr, boots, Pub stop after, or [email protected] Terrain: Variable. No dropout, Hiking Pre-registration Online using Website. An opportunity to relax for a day away boots, No dogs, Pub stop after, Depart 8:30 am, Islington. from the craziness of the malls! A double Pre-registration by Email to Leader. Wayne Crockett, [email protected] loop hike, we will be using the Leech Porter Depart 9 am, Map 12 Km 11.2. Nijole Mockevicius, (416) 783-5282 or Side Trail, the Canyon Bypass Side Trail, Bruce Trail Pear Tree Park-on 15 [email protected] and the Crawford Lake Side Trail, all linked sidereal,200 M southwest of Halton Rd 25. Join me for my annual hike around Mono together by the Main Trail. Dogs permitted, Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm Cliffs Provincial Park. We will start with but must be leashed and owners scoop the or [email protected] the Splitrock Side Trail and work our way poop. Loops hike on difficult blue trails and the south through a combination of the Main main trail. Trail and the variety of side trails available. The actual length of the hike will depend on weather and trail conditions but expect

Hike Difficulty Levels Trail Users’ Code Our level of difficulty ratings follow these general guidelines: • Hike only along marked • Camp at designated camp routes. Do not take short cuts. sites. Level Average Pace Distance Terrain • Do not climb fences - use the • Leave flowers and plants for I 3 km/hr 10 km Easily managed stiles. others to enjoy. II 4 km/hr 15 km Variable • Respect the privacy of people • Do not damage live trees or III 5 km/hr 20 km May be difficult living along the Trail. strip off bark. • Leave the Trail cleaner than • Keep dogs on a leash and These are general guidelines. In rating their hikes, hike leaders you found it. Carry out all under control at all times. use a “two out of three” rule. For example, a Level II hike could litter. • Do not disturb wildlife. correspond to the table above for average pace and terrain but be • No open fires are allowed on • Leave only your thanks and considerably longer or shorter than indicated there. Be sure you the Trail. Use a portable stove. take nothing but photographs. look at both the rating and the description to decide whether the • Obey all signs. hike suits your abilities and preferences.

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 7 Activity Calendar www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

Sunday, December 25 -- Toronto, Terrain: Rocky, Challenging. Dropout, side of Leslie St., just south of Eastern Ave Christmas Hike with Lunch Families, Hiking boots. and North of Lakeshore Blvd. This is about Level II Urban walk Duration of Hike: 2.5 Depart 9 am, Scotsdale Farm parking lot. 1 km North of where we used to meet at hrs, Pace: 3 km/hr, Take Trafalgar Rd exit off Hwy 401 and Leslie and Unwin. Lots of parking spaces Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout at as you travel north on Trafalgar Rd through available or walk down south from the wish, Hiking boots, No dogs, Refreshments Stewarttown and continue to lights at merge Queen St. streetcar. after, Dress for weather conditions of the with Hwy 7. Turn left at lights and continue Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm day, including icers if necessary. traveling north for about 4 km where Hwy or [email protected] Depart 10 am, High Park subway station 7 carries on to left and Trafalgar Rd exits on Victor Ramautar, 905-294-6718 Before 9 main entrance on Quebec Ave. right. Continue north on Trafalgar Rd and pm Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm after about 2 km turn right into Scotsdale Repeat of an annual event to start the New We will depart from High Park Subway Farm. Drive east along the gravel road to Year off on the right foot. There is usually Station at 10:00 am. After our hike we the parking lot on the left in front of the quite a crowd, so arrive at least a half hour will arrive at the Old Mill Restaurant for farmhouse. before departure so we can leave on time. a 1:00 pm sitting. I have reserved a table Remi Fahy, 416 903-7572 before 9:00pm An opportunity will be provided to make for 12 people in the Terrace Room. No or [email protected] a donation (bills only) to the Bruce Trail pre-registration for the hike, but call me Brandon Fahy, (416) 903-7572 before Escarpment Legacy Fund. if you wish to be one of the twelve for an 9:00pm unlimited buffet luncheon. (about $65 tax or [email protected] Sunday, January 1 -- Toronto Section, and tip included) Merry Christmas. A loop hike, we will use the Main Trail and Hilton Falls (Map 11) a selection of side trails. No refreshment Level II Car hike Duration of Hike: 3.0 hrs, Monday, December 26 -- Toronto, stop so we should have an early return. Pace: 3 km/hr, Toronto Island Terrain: Mostly flat, Variable. Dropout, Level II Urban walk Length of Hike: 12 km, Wednesday, December 28 -- Iroquoia, Families, Hiking boots, Refreshments after, Pace: 4 km/hr, Crawford Lake (Maps 10/11) Bring ice footwear, a snack lunch (turkey Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout at any time, Level II/III Car hike Length of Hike: 17 sandwiches optional) and something to Hiking boots. km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, drink. Depart 10 am, Ferry Dock. Terrain: Rocky, Variable. No dropout, Depart 11 am, Meet in the parking lot of Meet at 9:30am inside waiting area for ferry Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after, the Hilton Falls Conservation Area. GPS co- docks at the foot of Bay St. Pre-registration by Mail to Leader. ordinates N 43 30.343’ W 079 57.702’. Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm Depart 9 am, Map 11, Km 102.5. Exit Hwy 401 at Guelph Line, and David Royle, (416) 461-5184 Hwy 401 West to Guelph Line south, Turn take Campbellville Rd, 5th Sideroad to Avoid the Boxing Day crowds. The islands right on Conservation Rd. left on Twiss Conservation Area entrance and follow to are quiet in winter. We will catch the 3:15 Rd to where trail crosses Road .Roadside parking lot. or 3:45 pm ferry to be back in Toronto parking. Bob Humphreys, (519) 883-1840 7-10 pm about 4 pm. Ferry return fares: $7.50 adult, Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm or [email protected] $5.00 student/senior. An opportunity will Loop hike around Crawford Lake on both An opportunity to keep that New Year be provided to make a donation (bills only) Blue and Main trail. resolution to get more exercise, and walk to the Escarpment Legacy Fund. off some of the excess of the night before! Note the “sympathetic” late start time. Join Tuesday, December 27 -- Toronto Section, Sunday, January 1 -- Toronto, Leslie us for the annual loop hike around the Scotsdale Farm (Map 13) Street Spit many paths and trails in the conservation Level II Car hike Length of Hike: 12 km, Level II Urban walk Length of Hike: 12 km, area. Dogs permitted, but must be leashed Pace: 4 km/hr, Pace: 4 km/hr, and owners scoop the poop. After the hike Terrain: Mostly flat. those who want to can repair to a local  Dropout, No dogs, franchise of “Canada’s coffee shop” for some  Refreshments after, of their delicious hot beverages, for we will  Pre-resgistration will have earned it. Note that an admission fee   facilitate waiver sheet will need to be paid in accordance with signing but is not Conservation Halton policy.   mandatory,  Pre-registration Monday, January 2 -- Oak Ridges Trail,  Online using Website. Long Sault Conservation Area (Map   Depart 1 pm, Tim ORTA 7)     Horton’s Leslie St. Level II Car hike Length of Hike: 15 km,    We will meet at Tim Pace: 4 km/hr, Horton’s on the west Terrain: Hilly, Challenging. Dropout, 8 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Activity Calendar

Families, Hiking boots. hike for both beginner and experienced Terrain: Mostly flat, gravel path, may be Depart 9 am, Long Sault Conservation snowshoe hikers. We will have plenty icey.. Dropout at any time, Beginners, No Area parking lot. of time to take frequent breaks to enjoy dogs, Pub stop after, Hwy 401 Exit 431 at Waverley Rd. Travel the scenery and catch our breath! Or Pre-registration by Email to Leader. north for 17 km on Regional Rd 57. Turn snowshoe on the resorts’ trails on your Depart 2 pm, Vic Johnston Community right at Regional Rd 20. After 2 km, turn own. Skiers: Enjoy self-guided tours on Centre - Church St, Streetsville- lower lot left at Woodley Rd and travel 2 km to 25 km of trails groomed for classic and near ball diamond. conservation area parking lot. Bring some skate skiing. Beginners take advantage of From Hwy 401 go south on Mississauga toonies/loonies for the parking meter. a complimentary classic ski lesson. Rates: Rd. Pass Argentia Rd and, at the next lights, Remi Fahy, 416 903-7572 before 9:00pm Ski trail passes $16, Snowshoe trail passes turn left to stay on Mississauga Rd. Follow or [email protected] $10, Classic ski rentals $17, Skate ski 3 km into Streetsville (where Mississauga Brandon Fahy, (416) 903-7572 before rentals $30, Snowshoe rentals for on resort Rd becomes Queen St) and turn left on 9:00pm use $10. Snowshoes rented at Highlands Church St. or, From QEW or Hwy 403 or [email protected] Nordic cannot be used on the Bruce Trail. come north on Erin Mills Pkwy, then just A loop hike in forest-covered rolling hills, If you plan to join David for the guided south of Erin Mills Town Centre Mall – typical of the Oak Ridges Moraine. No car snowshoe hike on the Bruce Trail bring turn right on Eglinton, then left at lights on shuttles required. We return to the parking your own snowshoes, borrow a pair from to Mississauga Rd. Follow for 2 km to right lot for lunch so that people can leave if they a friend, or rent a pair in Toronto. For turn at Church St. only want to hike half day. information about the resort visit http:// Tessa Shelvey, 416-320-8555 or tjshelvey@ www.highlandsnordic.ca. Bus departs York yahoo.com Saturday, January 7 -- Toronto Section, Mills Station at 8:30 am. Afternoon walk along the Credit River. We Speyside (Map 12) will hike north for approx. 4 km and then Level II Car hike Duration of Hike: 3.0 hrs, return the same way. Bring icers as trail Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Sunday, January 8 -- Toronto, may be slippery in sections. There will be Terrain: Mostly flat, Variable. No dropout, Birkdale Ravine/Thomson Memorial Park an early dinner after the hike at Cagney’s Hiking boots, No dogs, Refreshments after, Level I/II Urban walk Length of Hike: 12 Steakhouse. Pre-register via e-mail, please Bring drinking water, a snack lunch and ice km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, indicate if you are coming for dinner. Hike footwear. Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout, Beginners, will be cancelled if driving conditions are Depart 10 am, Pear Tree parking Lot, at km Pre-registration Online using Website. poor. 11.2. Depart 11 am, Scarborough Centre RT Exit 401 in Milton, and take Highway 25 Station. north to 15th Sideroad at Speyside. Turn Meet at the bus platform level at left, and the parking lot is 300 metres along, Scarborough Centre RT Station on the left hand side. GPS co-ordinates, N by 10:40 am to take Brimley 43 34.676’, W 79 58.619’. Road #21 bus at 11:00 AM. Bob Humphreys, (519) 883-1840 7-10 pm Preregistration is optional but or [email protected] helps speed up the sign in An opportunity for a winter walk in the process. woods, what more can be better. We will Thomas Swales, (416) 912-2329 hike part of the Main Trail, the Al Shaw or [email protected] Side Trail, Vanderleck Side Trail, and maybe Join us to follow this tributary the Speyside North and South Side Trails. of Highland Creek from Note, depending on the snow coverage we Ellesmere Road to Markham will either hike or use snowshoes. Road and return. Along the way we will pass an 1818 church and cemetery, 1790’s homes Saturday, January 7 of the Thomsons (founders of -- HIghlands Nordic Scarborough), and the buildings (Duntroon) of the Scarborough Historical Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or Museum. [email protected] David Royle

Snowshoers: Come out and join David Saturday, January 14 -- Royle for a guided snowshoe hike on the Culham Trail - Mississauga Bruce Trail in Duntroon. We will cover Level I Urban walk Length of approximately 12 kilometres. This is a Hike: 8 km, Pace: 3 km/hr,

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 9 Activity Calendar www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

Saturday, January 14 -- Toronto, Theater PM at a local restaurant and then attend on 3rd Line E.H.S., GPS co-ordinates N 43 Hike - THIS HIKE FOR MEMBERS the Village Playhouse Theater at 2190 59.562’, W 80 02.881’. ONLY Bloor Street west (lower level) at 8 PM to Take Highway 10 north from Orangeville, Level I/II Urban walk Duration of Hike: see “Cake-Walk”A gentle comedy about turn right on Hockley Rd (County Rd 7), 3.0 hrs, Pace: 3 km/hr, life in a small Ontario town. CALL THE follow to 3rd Line E.H.S. and turn left. Terrain: Mostly flat, 4 steep staircases. THEATER DIRECTLY 416 767 7702 Roadside parking 1 km north on right hand Dropout at any time, Beginners, Families, to reserve your ticket ($24.00 regular and side. No dogs. seniors)and state that you are with the Bruce Bob Humphreys, (519) 883-1840 7-10 pm Depart 3 pm, South East corner of Scarlett Trail Hiking Club. You may hike only, join or [email protected] Road and Eglinton Ave West. in for dinner or just come to the theater We will hike the Isobel East, Tom East, and Use Subway line to Runnymede subway performance, or do all of the above. THE Glen Cross side trails, linked together by station. From there take bus 79 to the ONLY RESERVATION REQUIRED is the Main Trail. All old favourites, but note meeting place. DO NOT take the Eglinton for your ticket to the show with the Village we are starting from a different location. West bus it is very slow on Saturdays!. Playhouse. Please bring a flashlight. It gets Note, depending on the snow coverage, we Miriam Stevens, (416) 443-6242 6-10 pm dark early and there are a few steep staircases will either hike or use snowshoes. Dogs are THIS HIKE IS FOR MEMBERS and one hidden path with obstacles. permitted, but must be leashed and owners ONLY. Bring your valid BRUCE TRAIL scoop the poop. CONSERVANCY CARD. Depart 3 PM, Saturday, January 14 -- Toronto Section, south east corner of Scarlett Road and Speyside (Map 12)

Eglinton Ave West. From Runnymede Level I/II Car hike Length of Hike: 8 km, Saturday, January 14 -- Toronto subway station take the 79 bus to the Pace: 4 km/hr, Section, Hilton Falls (Map 11) meeting place. For bus frequency and Terrain: Rocky, can be icy in places. No Level II/III Car hike Length of Hike: 22 times call the TTC at 416 393 4636 (416 dropout, Beginners, Families, Hiking boots. km, Pace: 4 km/hr, 393 INFO). Parking is available east of Depart 9 am, Tim Horton’s Milton north Terrain: Rocky, Variable. No dropout, Runnymede station, north of Bloor on side of 401 on Hwy 25. Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after, streets. DO NOT PARK at the starting Take 401 west to Milton , exit at 25 and go Pre-registration by Email to Leader. point of the hike. We finish the hike at north on road to Tim Hortons on the right Depart 8:30 am, Map 11 Km 9.2 On the south side of bloor and Runnymede. hand side of road. Hike leader will then lead Hilton Side Trail. Will walk along the Humber River park car pool to start of hike. Hwy 410 ,North on Hwy 25 ,Turn left southbound and Swansea Village via ravines Vladimir Bosnar, (905) 273-7569 7-9 pm unto Campbellville road and right on Sixth and city streets. We will have dinner at 6 P. Lynn McFerran, (905) 791-9156 or Line to PARKING LOT on your left. [email protected] Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm This hike is a nice walk, along or [email protected] the main trail then loop back Map 12 .Loop hike the Hilton Falls Side SUSQUEHANNOCK LODGE and TRAIL CENTRE Hiking in the Highlands of North Central Pennsylvania on the side trail . Be sure to Trail. bring your hiking poles and Icers as it could be slippery. Dress in layers. watch for the Saturday, January 14 weather conditions. If unsure -- Scenic Caves of hike due to snow and winter Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or driving conditions call hike [email protected] NEW YEARS Dec. 28 - Jan 1, 2017 leader Saturday early morning Sophie Chuchra Time to ourselves after the hectic season. Outside everyday and a little longer by the fireplace. 416-518-5203 Vlado 905-866- Chiara Frigeni 4173Lynn. Come ski and snowshoe with us at Scenic EASTER April 14 - 17 Caves. Snowshoers join Sophie Chuchra Welcome spring on the trails. Saturday, January 14 -- and Chiara Frigeni for a fabulous guided The Lodge is located in Potter County, Caledon Hills, Hockley Valley snowshoe hike or explore the resorts’ trails Pennsylvania, 2.5 hours south of Buffalo. There is no agriculture or industry in the area, just great trails. Daily (Map 18) on your own. Skiers explorer 27 km of trails hikes of 10 to 15 km are led through hardwood forest, many Level II Car hike Duration of groomed for classic and skate skiing on top beside mountain streams. Our lodge provides comfortable accommodation & excellent meals for $70.00 semi-private or Hike: 3.0 hrs, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, of the beautiful Niagara Escarpment with $75.00 private USD per day per person. These outings have Terrain: proven to be popular with the lodge filling quickly. Hilly, Variable. No great views of Georgian Bay. Beginners take dropout, Hiking boots, Dogs advantage of our complimentary classic For more information, including driving directions, please see hikevincent.wordpress.com or contact Greg Vincent at welcome, Bring something to ski lesson. Rates: Adult Trail Pass (Ski or 519-579-8210 or [email protected] drink, a snack lunch, and ice Snowshoe) $16, Senior Trail Pass (Ski or

For reservations call Carol Szymanik at 1-814-435-2163 footwear. Snowshoe) $15, Classic Ski Rental $22, Depart 10 am, Parking location Skate Ski Rental $32, Snowshoe Rental $16.

10 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Activity Calendar

Bus departs York Mills Station at 8:30 am. We’ll explore some of the scenic trails and snow covered ridges and frozen ponds For information about the resort visit http:// lookouts in the provincial park. If weather and soak in the splendors of the Muskoka www.sceniccaves.com/activities/nordic- or trail conditions are unfavourable, hike wilderness. This guided day trip is a centre/. will be shortened to 12 km and pace will be combined outing of the Toronto Bruce Trail slower. No refreshment stop so we should be Club and Five Winds Backcountry Ski Club Sunday, January 15 -- Toronto, Earl Bales back in the city before 5 pm. and our route will depend on the prevailing Park snow and weather conditions. If you enjoy Level I/II Urban walk Duration of Hike: wilderness hikes, you will appreciate this 3.5 hrs, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Saturday, January 21 opportunity to explore the iconic Canadian Terrain: Variable. Dropout, Beginners, -- Horseshoe Resort Shield winter wonderland. We travel by Families, Hiking boots. Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or highway coach arranged by Five Winds and Depart 11 am, North York Subway station. [email protected] bus fare is $35. There are several bus pick up From the subway station, follow the signs Wayne Crockett locations including York Mills. Click here for Yonge St, West side and North York Come ski and snowshoe with us at for details https://skifivewinds.wildapricot. Civic Centre. Meet inside the City Centre Horseshoe Resort. Snowshoers join Wayne org/page-18121.This is a Member’s Mall, 5150 Yonge St., street level, in front of Crockett for a guided snowshoe hike in the only event and group size is limited to the Food Court. beautiful Copeland Forest, or explore the 16. If you are interested to come along, Monica Feran, (416) 736-6636 Before 9 pm resorts’ trails on your own. Skiers enjoy self- please email Hike Leader to pre-register. or [email protected] guided tours of the Copeland Forest on over Prerequisites: (1) A strong hiker in good Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm 40 km of trails groomed for classic and skate physical condition with prior experience Beautiful park for a winter walk. We will skiing. Rates: Ski Trail Pass $18, Snowshoe snowshoeing 5 to 6 hours in deep snow of walk from the North York subway station Trail Pass $12, Classic Ski Rental $20, Skate one metre or more. Participants will hike to Earl Bales Park and return to the subway. Ski Rental $28, Snowshoe Rental $9. For on snowshoes and carry adequate gear to Bring lunch; we will stop at the Earl Bales information about the resort visit http:// travel safely in winter. (2) An aggressive pair Community Centre (indoors). Ice footware www.sceniccaves.com/activities/nordic- of backcountry snowshoes with front and recommended. Please check with the hike centre/. Bus departs York Mills Station at rear crampons as well as secure bindings leader if it is a very cold day. 9:00 am. that will provide traction traversing in steep and rugged terrain. Late cancellations after Friday January 20, 2017 1.00 p.m. and

Sunday, January 15 -- Dufferin Hi- Sunday, January 22 -- Muskoka no-shows will have to pay the $35 bus fare Land, Mono Cliffs (Map 19) Wilderness Snowshoe Adventure charge regardless. Level II Bus hike Length of Hike: 17 km, Level II Bus hike Duration of Hike: 6.0 hrs, Pace: 4 km/hr, Pace: 4 km/hr, Saturday, January 28 -- Caledon Hills, Terrain: Variable, Some hills. Dropout Terrain: Variable, Challenging. No Forks of the Credit (Map 15) at 12 km, Hiking boots, Ice footwear or dropout, Hiking boots, Late return (after Level I/II Car hike Length of Hike: 9 km, snowshoes may be useful, 6pm), Long distance bus fare applies, Pace: 4 km/hr, Pre-registration Online using Website. Pre-registration by Email to Leader. Terrain: Hilly, Variable. No dropout, Depart 9:30 am, Islington. Depart 7:45 am, York Mills. Beginners, Families, Hiking boots, can be Barbara Euler, (416) 695-1838 before 10 Lucy Leung, (647) 280-8868 or icy. pm [email protected] Depart 9 am, Tim Horton’s at Hwy 10 and or [email protected] Come join us for a fun and challenging Rd. 124 in Caledon. Nijole Mockevicius, (416) 783-5282 or backcountry snowshoe adventure and add Hwy 401 west of Toronto to Hwy 410 [email protected] some pizazz to your winter. Stomp across travel north to Caledon (124) Tim Horton’s Classified Ad:

Beautiful and peaceful country home for rent – No- The Toronto Hiking and Conservation Club vember 1 to April 30 (flexible). Three bedrooms, two organizes Sunday hikes in the countryside baths. Can accommodate up to 8 adults. Privacy and surrounding Toronto tranquility on 47 acres. 90 minutes from Toronto – 30 minutes south of Creemore. Ideal for getaways, Hikes leave each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (unless stated otherwise in the program) from the parking lot on the northwest corner of hiking, skiing and snowmobiling. $3700 per month. Yonge and York Mills, via car-pools. Hikes usually end around 3 Furnished. Includes utilities. p.m. and return to York Mills around 4 p.m. See our program at www.sproulephoto.ca/thcc or call 416-693-8639 for more Email: [email protected] or phone/ information text 416-910-9841.

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 11 Activity Calendar www.torontobrucetrailclub.org is on the left side of hwy 10 at the corner of information about the resort visit http:// 124. Saturday, January 28 www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca. Bus departs Vladimir Bosnar, (905) 273-7569 7-9 pm -- Hardwood Ski and York Mills Station at 9:00 am. or [email protected] Bike P. Lynn McFerran, (905) 791-9156 Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or We will walk through the provincial park [email protected] Sunday, January 29 -- Toronto, and loop back along the trail. dress in layers Sarah Hopton Toronto PATH Network and pack your icers. Trail will be determined Ted Iseman Level I Urban walk Length of Hike: 8 km, with weather and snow conditions. Winter Snowshoers: Snowshoe on your own on Pace: 3.5 km/hr, driving and snow conditions may alter the the resort’s trails or join Ted and Sarah for Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout, Beginners, hike .Call hike leader to confirm. Vlado a guided snowshoe hike on the Ganaraska Refreshments after, 416-518-5203. Trail. The guided snowshoe hike will take Pre-registration Online using Website. 4.5 to 5.5 hours and is aimed at those with Depart 11 am, College Park Mall. intermediate snowshoe skills who are strong Meet in Food Court in lower level of on the trail. Since it is wilderness everyone College Park Mall - Yonge Street/College

Saturday, January 28 -- Toronto will be expected to lead and break trail at Street (opposite Metro Grocery Store). Section (Maps 11/12) some point during the day. No dropouts. Thomas Swales, (416) 912-2329 or Level II/III Car hike Length of Hike: 12 The group will be out all day. Lunch and [email protected] km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, breaks on the trail. Dress in layers so you are Join us for a whimsical exploration of Terrain: Rocky, Variable. No dropout, comfortable all day. Skiers enjoy self-guided downtown Toronto’s interconnected Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after, tours on almost 30 km of trails groomed underground network of paths protected Pre-registration by Email to Leader. for classic and skate skiing. Rates: Adult Ski from the elements. Perhaps learn of a Depart 8:30 am, Map 10 ,Km 121.1 Kelso Trail Pass $23, Senior Ski Trail Pass $19, few hidden treasures along the way. A Parking Lot west end. Snowshoe Trail Pass $13, Classic Ski Rental few stairways (escalators are off during Hwy 401 west form Toronto ,North on $29, Skate Ski Rental $42, Snowshoe the weekend). Most of this walk will be Hwy 25, Left on Compbellville Rd, Left on Rental for on Resort Use $21. Note that indoors but to appreciate the full extent Tremaine Rd to Kelso. snowshoes rented at Hardwood Ski and of the PATH network a few short sections Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm Bike can only be used on Hardwood Ski will be outdoors. Dress to easily adjust. or [email protected] and Bike property. If you plan to snowshoe Preregistration is optional but helps speed Car shuttle to Km 11.2 Map 11.Hike back on the Ganaraska Trail with Sarah and Ted up the sign in process. through Hilton Falls Conservation Area. bring your own snowshoes, borrow a pair from a friend, or rent a pair in Toronto. For

Malta and Gozo - Andalusia 2017 & Catalonia 2018 Registrations are now open: “Malta + Gozo: Walking the Maltese Archipelago” This tour has sold out quickly the past two years and we look forward to returning to these magnificent islands again October 5 to 16, 2017 with Charles Whitlock (born in Malta !) and Walkaway Treks. Final tour price is expected by early December — contact Scott to register!

Andalusia “An Exploration of Moorish Spain”: We return with Charles Whitlock in March 17 to 28, 2017 to southern Spain walking and visiting Granada, Alpujarras (Sierra Nevada Natural Park), Doña Mecia, Cordoba, Medina Azahara, Seville, Antequera, "Caminito del Rey", Malaga (Costa Del Sol) and Gibraltar. WE REGRET THIS TOUR IS SOLD-OUT—WAIT LISTS ARE BEING ACCEPTED

Catalonia and the Islands: Spring 2018 — Advance registrations now available ! This tour is planned for May 2018 and will include 7-nights in the Catalonia area followed by 7-nights in either Corsica or Sardinia. We combine the best of Eastern Spain with an Island—walking, touring and exploring these two destinations with Charles Whitlock. Very limited participation (19 travelers) - register your interest today!

Frederick Travel Waterloo Worldwide Central Trips

572 Weber Street North, Unit 1, Waterloo, On N2L 5C6 TICO: 50015067 (519) 745 1860 ext 303 (800) 578 8958 e-mail to: [email protected] Scott cell (519) 897 9673 12 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Activity Calendar

Sunday, January 29 -- Toronto Saturday, February 4 Sunday, February 5 -- Toronto Section, Hilton Falls (Map 11) -- Arrowhead Section, Silver Creek (Maps 13/14) Level II Bus hike Length of Hike: 11 km, Provincial Park Level II Bus hike Length of Hike: 15 km, Pace: 3 km/hr, Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or Pace: 4 km/hr, Terrain: Rocky, Expect ice.. No dropout, [email protected] Terrain: Rocky, Some hills. Dropout at Hiking boots, Refreshments after, Icers Lucy Leung 7, 13 km, Hiking boots, Ice footwear or essential, Luisa Lee snowshoes may be useful, Pre-registration Online using Website. Come make some tracks this winter Pre-registration Online using Website. Depart 9 am, Islington. in the heart of Muskoka at Arrowhead Depart 9:30 am, Islington. Wayne Crockett, [email protected] Provincial Park just north of Huntsville. Barbara Euler, (416) 695-1838 before 10 Barbara Euler, (416) 695-1838 before 10 There are 33 km of groomed Nordic ski pm pm trails (22 classic and 11 skate) as well as 8 or [email protected] or [email protected] km of marked snowshoe trails in a beautiful Nijole Mockevicius, (416) 783-5282 or Join me for a hike to Hilton Falls, always wilderness setting. Warm up shelters, heated [email protected] scenic but particularly beautiful in the washrooms and a waxing hut are provided. Terra Cotta to Scotsdale Farm using the winter. The trail has no major hills but it Equipment rental is available For the more Main Trail and side trails. This area is lovely is rocky in parts and it will likely be icy. adventurous snowshoers, you can join in the winter. If there is heavy snow or icy Snowshoes are welcome if conditions are Lucy Leung for an off-trail snowshoeing conditions, pace will be slower and distance suitable but icers will be essential. There is adventure through backcountry mature may be shortened. No refreshment stop so no dropout but the pace will be moderate hardwood forests. The off-trail snowshoeing we should be back in the city before 5 pm. and afterwards we will drive to Milton for group is limited to 25 participants and refreshments, a good selection of warm is suitable for fit, advanced hikers with and warming drinks are available. We will appropriate backcountry snowshoes. We Sunday, February 5 -- Blue begin and end at the parking lot for the will be outdoors traversing different terrains Mountains, Pretty River (Maps 22/ 23) Hilton Falls Conservation Area. There is an for 5 to 6 hours. Bus departs York Mills Level III Car hike Length of Hike: 10 km, admission charge of $6.50 per person. Station at 7:30 am. Pace: 3 km/hr, Terrain: Challenging. No dropout, Hiking boots, snowshoes, Pre-registration by Email to Leader. Depart 9:30 am, Map 23 km 43.0 at

BOOK YOUR 2017 WALKING & HIKING TRIP!

(770) 713-8773 [email protected] www.swisshikingvacations.com

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 13 Activity Calendar www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

9:30am. of road. HIke leader will then provide Wayne Crockett Ted Iseman, 416 219 1663 cell phone directiosn to car shuffle. Come ski and snowshoe with us at or [email protected] Vladimir Bosnar, (905) 273-7569 7-9 pm Mansfield Outdoor Centre. Snowshoers Sarah Hopton, 416 319-3736 (cell) before or [email protected] join Wayne Crockett for a guided snowshoe 10 pm P. Lynn McFerran, (905) 791-9156 or hike. Skiers enjoy 40 km of trails groomed A challenging outing, well worth the effort. [email protected] for classic skiing and 10 km groomed for A snowshoe hike on the Bruce Trail between This will be a car shuffle hike,to walk into skate skiing. Rates: Ski Trail Pass $16, km 35.9 map 22 and km 43.0 map 23. the falls on the side trail and loop around Snowshoe Trail Pass $11, Classic Ski Rental Those who wish will have an opportunity the reservoir to the park entrance. There $18, Snowshoe Rental $11. For information to lead and break trail; snowshoeing on is a charge for parking in the Hilton Falls about the resort visit http://www. trails that have not been groomed involves Conservations area. Bring your hiking poles mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca. Bus departs York breaking through the snow to establish the and icers. This can be slippery. Winter Mills Station at 9:00 am. way. For those who would like an additional weather may alter the hike planned. Contact challenge we will loop on the Standing hike leader Vlado 416-518-5203 Saturday

Rock and Caves Side Trail; an easy passage morning. Saturday, February 18 -- Iroquoia, through a crevice in the scarp face but with Crawford Lake (Map 11) a difficult climb out at the end. This hike is Level I Car hike Length of Hike: 8 km, not for novices. Limited to 20 hikers. Saturday, February 11 -- Toronto Pace: 3 km/hr, Section, Limehouse (Map 12) Terrain: Mostly flat, Rocky. No dropout, Saturday, February 11 -- Toronto Section, Level II/III Car hike Length of Hike: 15 Beginners, No dogs, Lunch after, Hilton Falls (Map 11) km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Pre-registration by Email to Leader. Level I/II Car hike Length of Hike: 100 km, Terrain: Rocky, Variable. No dropout, Depart 10 am, Crawford Lake parking lot. Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop after, Take Hwy 401 west to Guelph Line Terrain: Rocky, Variable. Dropout at 6k, Pre-registration by Email to Leader. in Milton, go south on Guelph Line to Beginners, Families, Hiking boots, can be Depart 8:30 am, Map 12 Km 11.2 Pear Conservation Rd (formerly Steeles Ave), icy. Tree Parking Lot. turn left and follow to end. Depart 9 am, Tim Hortons, on Hwy 25 BTC Pear Tree park- Kw 11.2 on 15 Tessa Shelvey, 416-320-8555 or tjshelvey@ just north of the 401 on east ( right side of Sidereal. 200 southwest of Halton 25. yahoo.com the road). Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm Hike or snowshoe, whichever you prefer. Take Hwy 401 west to Milton. Take exit or [email protected] Admission of about $7.25 per person hwy 25 then Tim Hortons is on right side Car shuttle to Km 26.9, Map 12.Hike applies. Snowshoe rentals are available for back through Limehouse around $10. Lunch after at Thai House Conservation Area and Cuisine in Milton. Pre-register via e-mail. Speyside. Indicate whether you are joining for lunch. Hike will be cancelled if driving conditions are unsafe. Saturday, February 11 -- Mansfield Outdoor Saturday, February 18 Centre -- Horseshoe Resort Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or or martinabeatrice@hotmail. [email protected] com Come ski and snowshoe with us at

4 Easy Steps to get Footnotes, hike schedules and updates by E-mail

1. Visit brucetrail.org and click on “Subscribe to Newsletters” https://brucetrail.org/subscribers/new 2. Login as a member (or create a member login first) 3. Add or update your email address 4. Choose to receive any or all of the following by email: BTC eNews, Trail Change Notices, Footnotes Newsletter, E-mail Updates from the Toronto Club

14 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Activity Calendar

Horseshoe Resort. Snowshoers can join km, Hiking boots, Refreshments after, Ted Iseman a guided snowshoe hike in the beautiful Pre-registration Online using Website. Join us for a fun day in the snow at Copeland Forest, or explore the resorts’ Depart 9 am, York Mills. Kawartha Nordic. Skiers can explore an trails on your own. Skiers enjoy self-guided Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm Ontario winter wonderland on groomed tours of the Copeland Forest on over 40 or [email protected] trails (39 km classic, 23 skate). Warm up km of trails groomed for classic and skate Ruth Dorey, [email protected] and feed the chickadees at trail side cabins. skiing. Rates: Ski Trail Pass $18, Snowshoe Family Day hike. Enjoy the company of Snowshoers join Sarah Hopton and Ted Trail Pass $12, Classic Ski Rental $20, Skate your fellow hikers and whatever weather Iseman for a guided snowshoe hike. We Ski Rental $28, Snowshoe Rental $9. For winter provides. will split into two groups going in opposite information about the resort visit http:// directions on the trail. Each snowshoer will www.sceniccaves.com/activities/nordic- Saturday, February 25 -- Toronto Section, have the opportunity to lead and possibly centre/. Bus departs York Mills Station at Scotsdale Farm (Map 13) to hike alone on the trail. Rates: Adult Ski 9:00 am. Level I/II Car hike Length of Hike: 10 km, Trail Pass $21, Senior Ski Trail Pass $19, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Snowshoe Trail Pass $8, Classic Ski Rental Sunday, February 19 -- Toronto, Lawrence Terrain: Hilly, Rocky. No dropout, $29, Skate Ski Rental $40. There are no to Edward Gardens Beginners, Families, Hiking boots. snowshoe rentals. For information about the Level I/II Urban walk Duration of Hike: Depart 9 am, Mc Donalds In Georgetown. resort visit http://www.kawarthanordic.ca/. 3.5 hrs, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Travel the 401 west to Winston Churchill Bus departs York Mills Station at 8:00 am. Terrain: Variable. Dropout, Beginners, Blvd turn off. Go right(north on Winston Families, Hiking boots. Churchill to Guelph St ( Hyw 7) at Norval. Depart 10:30 am, Lawrence subway There turn left and follow Guelph St into Sunday, February 26 -- Toronto, G. station. Georgetown. McDonalds is at Mountain Ross Lord Park/Finch Hydro Corridor Meet at the NE corner of Yonge and View Rd on right hand side. HIke leader Trail Lawrence. will then provide directions to start of hike Level I/II Urban walk Length of Hike: 12 Monica Feran, (416) 736-6636 Before 9 pm at the Bennett farm. km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, or [email protected] Vladimir Bosnar, (905) 273-7569 7-9 pm Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout, Beginners, Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm P. Lynn McFerran, (905) 791-9156 Refreshments after, Beautiful park for a winter walk. We will We will be walking through Scotsdale farm Pre-registration Online using Website. walk from Lawrence subway station to to Silver Creek, then back. depending on Depart 11 am, Finch Regional Bus Sunnybrook park and Edward Gardens. the weather we will walk the Great Esker Terminal. Optional extension to Bayview and York side trail too. can be slippery along the trail, Meet inside waiting area Finch Regional Mills. Bring lunch. We will have lunch bring your icers and hiking poles. Dress in Bus Terminal (just north of Finch Subway indoors. Ice footware recommended. Please layers for the weather. Winter conditions Station). check with the hike leader if it is a very cold may alter hike contact the hike leader Vlado Thomas Swales, (416) 912-2329 or day. 416-518-5203. [email protected] We’ll follow the Finch Hydro Corridor path from near Yonge street west to G. Monday, February 20 -- Oak Ridges Saturday, February 25 Ross Lord Park west of Bathurst Street. Trail, Uxbridge (Map 5 ORT) -- Kawartha Nordic After entering G. Ross Lord Park we’ll Level II Bus hike Length of Hike: 10 km, Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or follow the trail north to Steeles and return Pace: 4 km/hr, [email protected] towards Finch Ave on the west side of the Terrain: Mostly flat. Dropout at 4 and 8 Sarah Hopton park. Refreshment stop for warm beverages

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E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 15 Activity Calendar www.torontobrucetrailclub.org at Coppa’s Fresh Markets. If weather is Terrain: Variable, Likely icy.. No dropout, Snowshoe) $15, Classic Ski Rental $22, questionable please email/call hike leader Refreshments after, Icers essential, Skate Ski Rental $32, Snowshoe Rental $16. regarding changes. Preregistration is Pre-registration Online using Website. Bus departs York Mills Station at 8:30 am. optional but helps speed up the sign in Depart 9 am, Islington. For information about the resort visit http:// process. Wayne Crockett, [email protected] www.sceniccaves.com/activities/nordic- Join me for a winter outing that will centre/. Apres ski and shoe potluck wine take in Crawford Lake and the Main Trail, and cheese social at 3 pm in our private log

Sunday, February 26 -- Muskoka including the Nassageweya Canyon. We’ll cabin. Wilderness Snowshoe Adventure loop back to the parking lot at Crawford Level II Bus hike Duration of Hike: 6.0 hrs, Lake at the end of the hike. Snowshoes are Saturday, March 11 -- Toronto, Theater Pace: 4 km/hr, welcome if conditions permit (they can Hike - THIS HIKE FOR MEMBERS Terrain: Variable, Challenging. No be rented at Crawford Lake) and icers are ONLY dropout, Hiking boots, Late return (after strongly recommended. We’ll drive into Level I/II Urban walk Duration of Hike: 6pm), Long distance bus fare applies, Milton afterwards for warm or warming 3.0 hrs, Pace: 3 km/hr, Pre-registration by Email to Leader. refreshments. No dropout but we’ll be Terrain: Mostly flat, 4 steep staircases. Depart 7:45 am, York Mills. moving at a moderate pace. Dropout at any time, Beginners, Families, Lucy Leung, (647) 280-8868 or No dogs. [email protected] Depart 3 pm, South East corner of Scarlett Come embrace winter and unleash your LOOKING AHEAD Road and Eglinton Ave West. sense of adventure. Enjoy the day exploring Use Subway line to Runnymede subway the pristine Muskoka backcountry in an station. From there take bus 79 to the energizing snowshoe hike. This is the second Saturday, March 4 -- Toronto meeting place. DO NOT take the Eglinton combined outing of the Toronto Bruce Section, Terra Cotta (Maps 13/14) West bus it is very slow on Saturdays!. Trail Club and Five Winds Backcountry Ski Level II/III Car hike Length of Hike: 22 Miriam Stevens, (416) 443-6242 6-10 pm Club this winter. If you enjoy wilderness km, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, THIS HIKE IS FOR MEMBERS hikes, you will be thrilled to experience the Terrain: Variable, Challenging. No ONLY. Bring your valid BRUCE TRAIL marvels of backcountry snowshoeing and dropout, Hiking boots, No dogs, Pub stop CONSERVANCY CARD. Depart 3 PM, appreciate this opportunity to explore the after, south east corner of Scarlett Road and iconic Canadian Shield winter wonderland. Pre-registration by Email to Leader. Eglinton Ave West. From Runnymede We travel by highway coach arranged by Depart 8:30 am, Map 13,Km 26.2. subway station take the 79 bus to the Five Winds and bus fare is $35. There are West on 401 ,north on Trafalgar Road ,left meeting place. For bus frequency and several bus pick up locations including on Hwy 7 ,Left on 22 sideroad and right on times call the TTC at 416 393 4636 (416 York Mills. Click here for details https:// Sixth Line roadside parking. 393 INFO). Parking is available east of skifivewinds.wildapricot.org/page-18121. Ron Granger, (519) 485-0879 7-10 pm Runnymede station, north of Bloor on side This is a Member’s only event and group or [email protected] streets. DO NOT PARK at the starting size is limited to 16. If you are interested Car shuttle to Km 47.5 ,Map 14. Hike point of the hike. We finish the hike at to come along, please email Hike Leader back through Terra Cotta Forest and Silver the south side of bloor and Runnymede. to pre-register. Prerequisites: (1) A strong Creek Conservation Areas. Will walk along the Humber River park hiker in good physical condition with southbound and Swansea Village via prior experience snowshoeing 5 to 6 ravines and city streets. We will have dinner hours in deep snow of one metre or more. Saturday, March 4 at 6 PM at a local restaurant and then Participants will hike on snowshoes and -- Scenic Caves attend the Village Playhouse Theater at carry adequate gear to travel safely in winter. Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or 2190 Bloor Street west (lower level) at 8 (2) An aggressive pair of backcountry [email protected] PM to see “Powers And Gloria”by Keith snowshoes with front and rear crampons Alex Brown Roulston,Drama with a lot of comedy. as well as secure bindings that will provide Edmond Brown CALL THE THEATER DIRECTLY 416 traction traversing in steep and rugged Come ski and snowshoe with us at Scenic 767 7702 to reserve your ticket ($24.00 terrain. Late cancellations after Friday Caves. Snowshoers join Al Brown and Ed regular and seniors)and state that you are February 24, 2017 1.00 p.m. and no-shows Brown for a fabulous guided snowshoe hike with the Bruce Trail Hiking Club. You may will have to pay the $35 bus fare charge or explore the resorts’ trails on your own. hike only, join in for dinner or just come regardless. Skiers explorer 27 km of trails groomed to the theater performance, or do all of for classic and skate skiing on top of the the above. THE ONLY RESERVATION beautiful Niagara Escarpment with great REQUIRED is for your ticket to the show Sunday, February 26 -- Iroquoia, views of Georgian Bay. Beginners take with the Village Playhouse. Please bring a Crawford Lake (Map 11) advantage of our complimentary classic flashlight. It gets dark early and there are Level II Bus hike Length of Hike: 12 km, ski lesson. Rates: Adult Trail Pass (Ski or a few steep staircases and one hidden path Pace: 3 km/hr, Snowshoe) $16, Senior Trail Pass (Ski or with obstacles. 16 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Activity Calendar

Saturday, March 11 -- Wasaga Nordic Saturday, March 18 -- Highlands Nordic Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or Martina Furrer, 705-768-3250 or [email protected] [email protected] Luisa Lee Sarah Hopton Smiti Gupta Ted Iseman Join us for a wonderful winter day in the dunes and forests of Snowshoers: Join Sarah Hopton and Ted Iseman for a guided Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Snowshoers join Luisa Lee and Smiti snowshoe hike on the Bruce Trail between km 35.9 map 22 and km Gupta for a guided snowshoe hike or explore the resort trails on 43.0 map 23. Anyone who wishes will have an opportunity to lead your own. Skiers enjoy self-guided tours on over 30 km of groomed - snowshoeing on ungroomed trails involves breaking trail through trails. Bus departs York Mills Station at 8:30 am. For information the snow. For those who would like an additional challenge we will on the resort visit http://www.wasagabeachpark.com/index. loop on the Standing Rock and Caves Side Trail. Of course you php?action=display&cat=28 or https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/ may choose to hike independently on the resort trails. Skiers: Enjoy wasagabeach. Rates: Ski Trail Pass $9, Snowshoe Trail Pass $7, Adult over 25 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing at one of Classic Ski Rental $15, Senior Classic Ski Rental $12, Skate Ski southern Ontario’s best nordic ski resorts (http://highlandsnordic. Rental $20, Adult Snowshoe Rental $15, Senior Snowshoe Rental ca/). Classic and skate ski rentals available. Snowshoes can be rented $12. for on resort use only. Rates: Ski Trail Pass $16, Snowshoe Trail Pass $10, Classic Ski Rental $17, Skate Ski Rental $30, Snowshoe Rental Sunday, March 12 -- Toronto, Finch subway to Donalda Golf for On Resort Use $10. Bus departs York Mills Station at 8:30 am. course Level I/II Urban walk Duration of Hike: 4.0 hrs, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Sunday, March 26 -- Toronto, North along the East Don River Terrain: Variable. Dropout, Beginners, Families, Hiking boots. Level I/II Urban walk Duration of Hike: 3.5 hrs, Pace: 3.5 km/hr, Depart 11 am, GO-Viva Bus Terminal, north of Finch subway Terrain: Variable. Dropout, Beginners, Families, Hiking boots. station. Depart 11 am, Leslie subway station. Meet at the GO-Viva bus terminal, on Yonge St, East side, just Meet on the SW corner of Leslie and Sheppard. north of the Finch subway station. Monica Feran, (416) 736-6636 Before 9 pm Monica Feran, (416) 736-6636 Before 9 pm or [email protected] or [email protected] Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm Larry Haigh, (416) 432-1239 before 8 pm We will walk from Leslie subway station, north along the East Don We will walk through ravines and parks, starting at Finch subway River, to Steeles. The walk will continue with an optional loop north station, ending at Donalda Golf course (Don Mills north of of Steeles, finishing at Steeles and Don Mills. Bring lunch. Lunch at Lawrence). Bring lunch and water. Lunch is indoors. Ice footware Cummer Community Centre. Ice footware recommended. recommended. Please check with the hike leader if it is a very cold day. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME starts today.

1. Independent outings: Independent outings are not Other Hikes sanctioned by the Toronto Bruce Trail Club (TBTC). The TBTC accepts no responsibility Friday, February 17 -- Peninsula, Tobermory for how these events are run, nor Family Day Weekend at Tobermory Feb. 17-20 The days are longer, there is lots of snow and is it involved in the collection of we enjoy this mid winter break at the “Tip o’ the Bruce”: Tobermory. We stay and have our funds or administration of these meals at a comfortable hotel overlooking Little Tub Harbour in Tobermory. We will snowshoe events. The events listed here the trails in the area with lots of views of Georgian Bay. New to snowshoeing? We will help are not commercial operations you. Contact Greg Vincent [email protected] or (519) 579-8210. but are offered by members of the TBTC on a cost shared basis. For membership information, call the 2. Commercial Trips: Bruce Trail Conservancy Head Office at FOOTNOTES has a number 1-800-665-HIKE (1-800-665-4453) of advertisements from 8:30 am -4:30 pm commercial hiking and outing Monday - Friday organizations. or visit www.brucetrail.org

E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 17 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

WINTER AND SPRING 2017 WALKING HOLIDAYS

Lanzarote and Tenerife, Canary Islands Two-week, two-island combination with weekly departures from London, England. Jan, Feb and Mar, 2017. Enjoy the sunny climate, varied landscapes, choice of two levels of walking daily and staying in 4-star hotels.

Malta and Gozo Two-week, two-island combination with weekly departures from London, England Feb 18 to March 18. Combine guided walking with sightseeing in historic Malta.

Cuba Jan 16 – 30 or Feb 20 – Mar 06 Experience tropical winter weather as you enjoy a combination of walking and sightseeing in both city and beautiful countryside . Havana, Vinales, Trindad, Cienfuegos, the Sierra Escambray.

Spain CAMINO DE SANTIAGO May 5 - 20 15 nights across Northern Spain from Roncesvalles to Santiago de Compostela. Support bus, two levels of guided walking,

Spain CAMINO DE SANTIAGO SELF-GUIDED -start any day. Luggage transferred, comfortable inns pre-booked. 100 km in 6 days or 239 km in 13 days

Tuscany May 13 – 20 A week of guided walking based in a small village. Pickup in Florence. Walks include beautiful Tuscan countryside as well as fabled towns Montepulciano, Siena, San Gimignano.

Britain Teachers’ Travel is Canadian representative for HF Holidays who offer guided walking holidays based at 17 British locations from Cornwall in the south to Scotland in the north. HF have holidays based in Wales, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, the Cotswolds. Stay at HF comfortable country houses and choose from three levels of guided walking each day. Ask for an HF Holidays 2017 brochure.

Walkers World Teachers Travel Service Ltd 21 St Clair Ave East # 1003 Toronto, ON M4T 1L9

Phone 416-922-2232 1-800-268-7229 e-mail [email protected]

www.teacherstravel.com www.walkersworld.com 18 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org

Grand Opening...continued from page 1 Development of the Todd Bardes Meadowlands Side Trail, and on-going stewardship activities, are projects of the Toronto Club's Conserva- tion Committee. Committee members at several stops along the Trail explained the purpose and progress of various activities.

Sandy Gillians and Janet McColeman explained how native wildflower plantings enhance the diversity of existing habitat for food and shel- ter for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Plots for planting native wildflowers were prepared by laying a tarp on the ground for several months to reduce competition from existing vegetation. Plants propagated from locally collected seed were transplanted this past spring by the 3rd Waterdown Scouts and included Milkweed, Asters, Black-eyed Susan, Culver's Root, Tall Coreopsis and Mountain Mint. While predation by deer and this summer's drought limited success, efforts will continue to increase native vegetation diversity.

Anne Clock, a 3rd Waterdown Scout and the Committee's youngest member, displayed a poster showing the importance of "Milkweed for Monarchs". The large leathery milkweed leaves are the only place where Monarch butterflies lay their eggs and the sole source of food for monarch larvae. A toxin in the milkweed sap remains in the tissue of larvae and mature butterflies making them unpalatable to bird predators. When the milkweed is in flower between mid-summer and early fall, butterfly and bird pollinators feed on the nectar. Common Milkweed is increasing on the property and welcome sightings of seven Monarch butterflies added a measure of excitement to the signifi- cance of the day.

The Springle property has been certified and registered as a Monarch Way Station for its provision of nectar, shelter and watering stations for Monarch butterflies (MonarchWatch.org). Kevin Warburton discussed the importance of providing habitat for a variety of insect and bird pollinators. Casting a golden sweep of colour across the trail's path, the existing abundance of goldenrod is another significant source of nectar for Monarch butterflies, as well as other pollinators.

To increase bird nesting opportunities Kevin Warburton and Vlad Bosnar have installed 29 bird nesting boxes, built and donated by the 6th Willowdale Scouts. One of the boxes was open for hikers to see a Tree Swallow nest inside. Over the past couple of seasons, the nest boxes saw near total occupancy by Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and House Wrens. Committee members and other volunteers clean out the boxes prior to each spring's nesting season.

Invasive species are an issue on the property. Part of the Meadowlands Side Trail was routed through a remarkably dense distribution of Buckthorn, partly as an excuse to make a concerted effort at removing a significant number. Since Buckthorn will sucker up from the root if cut, it is best to remove them by the roots. Hikers were treated to a lesson on Buckthorn identification by Marlis Butcher and a demon- stration by Sam McColeman of an Extractigator, a piece of equipment that efficiently pulls out woody material by the root. The Extractiga- tor was used with great success by several very determined Conservation Committee members on a very muddy day last spring to remove over 100 Buckthorn.

At the end of the hike Sean Holmes and Leslie Saffery displayed a sign board offering hikers a chance to add their names to the official Side Trail opening and honour Todd Bardes' contribution to the Bruce Trail. A hiker commented on the beauty and significance of the day, say- ing that "Meadowlands Side Trail is truly unique."

Todd Bardes’ family at the Side Trail. photograph by Marlis Butcher. E-mail: [email protected] Winter 2016-2017 19 www.torontobrucetrailclub.org Outreach Hikes by the Toronto Bruce Trail Club by Wayne Crockett, Hiking Director

In the last few months the TBTC Club has arranged for hike leaders to assist a number of outside groups in running hikes for their mem- bers, employees or students. This has been a great opportunity for the Club in reaching a broad band of non-members to introduce them to the activities of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, the TBTC and to get new boots on the ground on the Bruce Trail. The participants have been very enthusiastic about the experience and hopefully they are spreading the word about the Trail and what we do.

This is a call for members to help make this a regular feature of the Club’s activities. Many companies have wellness programs that are a good fit with hiking outings. Church and social organizations are looking for activities for their members with a green or environmental aspect that we emphasize. I would ask that if you are an employee or a member of such an organization please let them know that the TBTC is interested in helping to organize such outings. Or send me contact information and I will approach the group. It would be best if the company or group organize its own transportation but we can be flexible about organizing a bus if the numbers warrant it, charging the usual non-members fee. The Club would arrange for a certified hike leader for the trip. A donation to the BTC can be requested as part of the arrangement.

These are the events that have been scheduled in the last year of this type:

- October 2015, Young Urban Environmental Professionals, urban walk in the Moore Park Ravine and the Brick Works, Wayne Crockett leading. - July 2016, Toronto Settlement Services, ESL students, Toronto waterfront to Fort York, Wayne Crockett leading. - August 2016, Steamwhistle Brewery employees, Scotsdale Farm, Al Brown leading. - October 2016, Secondary School Eco Club members, Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point, Doris Harper leading.

I would like 2017 to see as many of these kinds of outings as possible. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide in this initiative. Hiking Director’s Notes by Wayne Crockett Another winter is upon us and we all know how much harder it is to drag ourselves out of a warm bed and out into the cold dark of morning. But we do it for the love of hiking and snowshoeing and cross country skiing. And so your hike leaders have again prepared a variety of outings for your enjoyment and to beat the winter time blues.

A good variety of urban hikes within Toronto and Mississauga are currently in the schedule. The ravines and rail trails are beautiful in the winter but the city does not do winter maintenance on them so icers are a wise investment if you are going to be out on these trips. Who knows if the city will have any snow this season but if there is I’ll try once again to run a snow shoe clinic between Christmas and New Years in High Park. Check the online calendar and Enotes for that.

For the more adventurous there are car hikes on offer both within a quick drive from Toronto and further afield. If you are uncertain about the difficulty of the trip or the conditions, contact the hike leader identified in the schedule. They frequently offer an opportunity for smaller groups in sections of the trail that will have pristine snow conditions.

The Winter Coach program is back under the leadership of Martina Furrer. Details on the program and the schedule are found elsewhere in this issue of Footnotes but I encourage those who have never participated in the program to take a look and try it out. The demand for seats is intense and we would ask that you only book a seat if you are committed to going on a particular trip. The end of week scramble to deal with last minute cancellations adds an extra burden on our already busy volunteers. We also recognize that life and emergencies happen. There are also a number of winter bus hikes scheduled on Sundays and holiday Mondays for your consideration.

Every season offers challenges for outdoor activities and winter is probably the most complicated. Hydration of course remains as important as during the hot months though it is easier to lose sight of it. Warm beverages or a hot thermos lunch are good ideas. Dressing in layers to provide insulation and to facilitate clothing adjustments as you warm up walking is essential. Extra socks and warm layers for after the hike will make your trip home much more comfortable.

The hiking schedule continues to evolve so be sure to keep an eye on the online calendar and for monthly hiking Enotes for additions or changes to the schedule. If you do not already subscribe to Enotes I recommend you do on the main page of the Club’s website, http:// torontobrucetrailclub.org/100~Newsletter_Signup/. If you have any concerns about an experience on a hike please contact me at [email protected]. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy 2017. As always I wish you an enjoyable and safe hiking experience for the coming year. 20 Winter 2016-2017 Club Info Line: 416-763-9061