Guelph Hiking Trail Club upcoming events

Downey Trail (9 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Hike name: Downey Trail

Time: 6:15 – 7:45 meet at 6:15pm for check in and meet and greet time. Hike starts at 6:30

Hike description: Starting from Teal Drive, just 100 metres east of Downey Road, we will head south on the City Parks - maintained trail and follow it through wide, flat multi-use pathways (hikers have right of way over bikes) of wood chips, and crushed stone. We will pass through wetlands, meadows, forested areas, and a large pond, almost to Laird Road, circling out and back to make a figure-8 loop. The trails are generally level with a short section along a sidewalk. We will pass behind the Guelph Humane Society Shelter and other warehousing and industrial buildings. This hike is an experience of planned and engineered trails through the new industrial lands at the south end of Guelph. It is an insightful contrast to what we may have become accustomed to.

Pace: 4 km/hr, 5 km, approx. 1 hr, 10 mins.

Parking: roadside parking along Teal Drive – 18 Teal Drive, Guelph (just east of Downey Road). Guelph Transit Route #19 – the last stop on Downey Road before leaving the City”

Required: hiking footwear, sunblock, dress for the weather, and I.D.

Recommended: Hat, water, hiking pole(s), small first aid kit, bug/tick repellent, although little to no tall grass next to trail.

No dogs please.

If you have any questions, please contact the hike leader: Izaak de Rijcke: izaak@izaak.ca – Tel: 416-941-9147

Summer Picnic Meeting for Volunteers (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Arkell Springs - Radial Line and Side Trails (13 Jul 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:15:00 GMT

Date: Monday, July 13, 2026

Time: 6:15 – 7:30pm

Hike name: Arkell Springs - Radial Line and Side Trails

Hike description: The trail meanders through forests and meadow areas. The terrain will be uneven due to rocks, roots, and there may be muddy sections.

Pace: 4 km/hr – approximately 5 km, 1 ¼ hr

Parking: roadside parking by Gate C at 662 Watson Rd. S. Puslinch (there is a billboard with a Canadian flag across from Gate C).

Required: hiking shoes, dress for the weather, I.D.

Recommended: poles, water, insect/tick repellent

No dogs please.

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon, milebon231@gmail.com

The Dufferin Gap from Speyside. (15 Jul 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 9:30 am.

The Dufferin Gap from Speyside.

Level 2, Moderate pace, 9 kms, approximately 3.5 hours.

This is a beautiful in-and-out route, through forests, wetlands, and deep moss-covered fissures. The route takes you to the Dufferin Gap – the only break in the entire 725k-long, 450-million-year-old Niagara Escarpment. This 40m-long gap is spanned by a bridge built in 1991 and funded by a combination of corporate, private and public funds. (Nicola Ross, Loops and Lattes). The ground is rocky but mostly level. There is an incredible view of Milton from the ridgetop and we might even see soaring raptors!

Meet at 10549 Helena Rd., Halton Hills (south of 15th Side Road, south of Acton on the west side of Hwy. 25). There are a few parking spots on the gravel near Hwy 25. You can also park on the right side of the road up the hill near the start of the trail.

Bring water, snacks and/or lunch, sunscreen, hat, bug repellent. Hiking boots and poles recommended.

Carpool at 9 am from the Ethnic Market in the plaza at the corner of York and Victoria Roads (near Victoria Rd), Guelph.

Please let the hike leader know if you wish to meet at the trailhead.

Optional lunch after the hike at Olympic Greek Souvlaki, 15 Mill Street in Acton.

Hike Leader: Mary Mitchell, mhmitchell1@gmail.com, 819 321-5378

Cancelled - YogaHikes with Rhonda (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Due to prior commitments this summer, these hikes will be cancelled until September.

BT Iroquoia E2E - Day 9: Rattlesnake Point to Hilton Falls (18 Jul 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday July 18, 2026

9 am to 2:30 pm

Where: The Bruce Trail Reference, Edition 30, Map 11.
Length: Approx. 15 km
Category: Linear with car shuttle.
Pace and duration: Moderate, 3.25 km/hr. About 5 hours + car shuttle time.
Hike level: Moderate to difficult. Some hilly sections and uneven terrain. Some road walking. Be also aware of the length of the hike and spring conditions.

Hike description:
Series of End-to-End (E2E) hikes through the Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail. This is a series of 9 hikes, to complete ~ 122 km of this section, running from Grimsby to Milton along the Niagara Escarpment. Come and hike with Joanna, earn a badge or just have fun and, socialize. The Iroquoia section has lots to offer: beautiful waterfalls, few wineries, spectacular views specially passing near Hamilton, Mount Nemo and Kelso, and a varied terrain. For those whose goal is to earn a badge we will create a log. Badge cost is 10$ for BTC members or 15 for non-members. Note, you need to hike the full length of Iroquoia section to earn a badge, but if you are not able to join us on one of the hikes, you can re-do the hike on your own.

Day 9: Rattlesnake Point to Hilton Falls. This is the end of our journey on the Iroquoia section of BT. We will start at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, continue towards Kelso and end up in Hilton Falls. There will be ~ 3 km of road walking. At the end of the hike we shall celebrate - maybe ice cream in Cambellville! It is summer after all! Car shuttle involved. See note below about car shuttle.

Meeting point: All meet 8:30 am at Carpool Lot Hwy 401 exit 299 Morriston Queen St/Brock Rd S (Hwy 6), (43.451406, -80.120985). We will carpool and car shuffle from this location. Leaving at 8:45 at the latest. Please note: this is a linear hike we will need to make car shuffle.

Parking and departure: From meeting point we will drive to Hilton Falls Conservation Area parking lot (43.505705, -79.961589). From there we will all car shuffle to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area parking lot (43.469506, -79.913648).

Park Fees: If you have Conservation Halton Parks membership your entry is free. If not entry can be purchased online / or at the gate. Click here to learn about entry fees. We will communicate 1 week before the hike to those who registered about the carpooling and organize the car shuffle, as well regarding the park fees.

Car shuffle: All participants will be expected to take turns either driving to the start or driving the drivers back at the end of the day. Carpooling to our meeting spot with 2 to max 3 people in the car is generally ok but we would like to minimize and equalize the driving/shuttling as much as possible so it is fair for all participants.

Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.

What to wear and bring: This is a summer hike, please dress according to weather; bring a hat and sunscreen, sunglasses. Long pants are recommended. Wear good hiking boots. Bring rain gear. Bug repellent might be needed. Hiking poles if you like using them. Bring water, snacks and pack a lunch - we will stop for lunch around noon.

Leader contact info Joanna Mazur, 519-497-2254 or hugyourday@gmail.com

Blue Jays Bus Hike 2026 - REGISTER TODAY: Our trip is already over 50% SOLD OUT! (19 Jul 2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:45:00 GMT

REGISTER TODAY: Our trip is already over 50% SOLD OUT!

LET'S GO BLUE JAYS!!!

Hike start time: 7:45 AM; Meet at Covered Bridge Parking Lot near 114 Gordon Street, Guelph; Board school bus headed for Toronto; bus departs 8:00 AM.

Hike end time: Hike takes place 9 AM to 11:00 AM ending at the Rogers Centre; Bus will have us home by 6 PM in Guelph following conclusion of the Toronto Blue Jays game.

Limit number of hikers: 40 is maximum hikers allowed; Only 40 spots on the bus for hikers.

Hike description GHTC is excited to invite you to our third annual Blue Jays Bus Hike! This is a GHTC fundraising event that started in 2024.

This year’s proceeds will go toward improving GHTC's operations. Operational improvements such as updating our website, upgrading trail maintenance tools, and enhancing trail infrastructure will help us further our mission by attracting new members/donors, improve member/donor experience, and help GHTC raise our public profile. This short-term investment will have lasting impact putting additional funds back into our community!

Our goal is to raise $6,000 toward these important Club initiatives. The Blue Jays Bus Hike is one of our 2026 events that will help us reach our goal.

Join us for a unique experience that combines hiking with seeing your defending American League Champion Toronto Blue Jays take on the Chicago White Sox at the newly renovated Rogers Centre! Hikers will have two different hike-types from which to choose. Hike # 1 drop-off location will be at the Humber Bay Bridge (1 Palace Pier Ct) in Etobicoke). Hike # 1 is ~7.5 km in length; moving at 3.5 km/hour pace along Toronto’s boardwalk adjacent to the waterfront. Hike # 2 drop-off location is Alberta Circle near CNE grounds. Hike # 2 is ~3.4 km in length; moving at 1.7 km/hour pace along Toronto’s boardwalk adjacent to the waterfront. Both hikes offer beautiful views of Lake Ontario and Toronto’s skyline as we approach the Rogers Centre by foot. Once at the Rogers Centre, hikers will be able to offload any gear inside of our bus and then proceed into the Rogers Centre to take in the Blue Jays game!

PRICING

Regular Price: $265/Person (All-In)

Once spots are gone, they're going, going, gone!

Your registration fee includes:

Roundtrip school bus transportation from Guelph to the Rogers Centre
One premium Blue Jay ticket to the game (Section 214 along first-base line; all seats are sun-covered)
Portion of your registration is eligible for charitable tax receipt; final amount determined by price paid and total number of spots sold. Eligible tax receipt amount will range between 10 to 20% of purchase price.

Registration is open to both GHTC members and non-members. We welcome everyone who wishes to be part of our special event!

Payments can be made by Interac E-transfer, cash, or cheque. As this is a fundraising event, we will not accept credit card nor PayPal. Your spot is not confirmed until payment has been made in full and receipt has been issued.

Upon registration, you will receive an invoice that indicates payment options. By registering for this event online, you agree to pay the above amounts in full upon receipt. Due to limited capacity, there are NO REFUNDS for this event. This event will be taking place, rain or shine. It is your responsibility to wear weather-appropriate attire.

Spaces are limited so be sure to reserve your spot today!

What to bring: bagged lunch (if you wish), water, bug repellent, sunscreen, weather-appropriate attire, hat, sunglasses, athletic or hiking shoes; backpack

Hike Rating

Long Hike (7.5 km): Athletic/Faster Pace; 2 hrs; Level 3; Experienced hikers only; 4-5 km/hr pacing.

Short Hike (3.4 km): Easy/Walking Pace; 2 hrs; Level 1; Leisurely hike; 2 km/hr pacing.

Leader contact info: Colin McCusker, colin_mccusker@yahoo.com; 647-527-6271

Email hike information and hike cancellation requests to colin_mccusker@yahoo.com; 647-527-6271

Ignatius Jesuit Centre Trails (20 Jul 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:15:00 GMT

Date: Monday, July 20, 2026

Hike name: Ignatius Jesuit Centre Trails

Check in at 6:15pm for hike start at 6:30pm

Hike description: We will follow the trail through the forest, by the meadows and gardens. The trail varies with sections of dirt with rocks and roots and grassy areas.

Pace: 4 km/hr – approximately 5.5 km, 1 ½ hr

Parking: 5420 Hwy 6, Guelph (north of Woodlawn Rd) – enter and drive through along the laneway – use the second lot

Required: hiking shoes, dress for the weather, I.D.

Recommended: water, sunscreen, bug/tick repellent

No dogs please.

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon, milebon231@gmail.com

Wednesday hikes (22 Jul 2026)

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday hikes by leaders: Gitta, Mary, Michelle and Tuula

About 2 hrs, speed moderate, level 1/2, starting 9:30 am. Registration will be open and details closer to the date.

Section 5/Bear Den Loop – Radial Line Series (26 Jul 2026)

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Section 5/Bear Den Loop – Radial Line Series

Hike check in: 8:45am with hike starting at 9am

Trail: Radial Line and Side Trails Series

Hike description: From Pineridge we will walk north on 6th Line Nassagaweya to pick up the trailhead at the Blue Heron Scout Camp parking lot. The trail passes through woods, meadows, fields, coniferous and hardwood forests. We’ll enjoy hiking the Blue Springs and Sugar Shack Side Trails. We’ll then cross over a stile to walk north on 5th line to pick up the main GHTC trail again and walk on the abandoned rail bed. Hikers will enter the Blue Springs Scout reserve, then walk on a boardwalk, built by the Scouts and now maintained by the GHTC. We’ll follow this trail and make our way back to 6th Line.

Trail conditions: The trail is dirt packed with uneven sections with rocks, and roots. There are hills, some steep inclines, and depending on the weather, the trails may be muddy and buggy. There is also some walking on the road.

No dogs please.

Pace: 4km/hr, approximately 9km -- about 2.5 hrs

Parking: 5120 Pineridge Dr., Milton (6^th Line Nassagaweya & Pineridge Dr.) parking roadside just past mailboxes

Carpool option – 8:15am at the covered bridge in downtown Guelph – please email Michelle if you are meeting at the carpool location

Required: hiking shoes, dress for the weather

Recommended: water, sunscreen, bug spray/bug netting

Optional: poles

No dogs please.

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon, milebon231@gmail.com

Guelph Lake (27 Jul 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:15:00 GMT

Date: Monday, July 27, 2026

Hike name: Guelph Lake

Check in at 6:15pm for a 6:30pm hike start.

Hike: we will hike along the hiking trails that meander through the forest, along the lake and river, and past meadows. The trail is uneven with rocks and roots, and there are some inclines.

Pace: 4km/hr, approximately 6km, 1 ½ hr

Parking: roadside parking on both sides of Victoria Rd North – by the crosswalk lights and entrance to the Guelph Lake trails (about 1km north of Woodlawn Rd.)

Required: hiking shoes, I.D., dress for the weather

Recommended: water, insect/tick repellent

No dogs please.

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon, milebon231@gmail.com

Wednesday hikes (29 Jul 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday hikes by leaders: Gitta, Mary, Michelle and Tuula

About 2 hrs, speed moderate, level 1/2, starting 9:30 am. Registration will be open and details closer to the date.

Cancelled - YogaHikes with Rhonda (30 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Due to prior commitments this summer, these hikes will be cancelled until September.

Wednesday hikes (5 Aug 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Wednesday hikes by leaders: Gitta, Mary, Michelle and Tuula

About 2 hrs, speed moderate, level 1/2, starting 9:30 am. Registration will be open and details closer to the date.

Honey Bee Research Centre Tour (6 Aug 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Discover Honey Bees at the Luckevich Pinchin Honey Bee Research Centre!

We are pleased to offer members and their friends or family - kids and adults alike - a special guided tour of the Luckevich Pinchin Honey Bee Research Centre (HBRC) at the University of Guelph, a two-hour experience that explores the fascinating world of honey bees and pollinators.

Participants will meet their tour guides in the Discovery Zone of the newly opened HBRC and enjoy a short interactive presentation covering honey bee biology, the importance of pollination, and pollinator-friendly plants. The tour will also include guidance on how to behave safely around stinging insects and a demonstration of beekeeping safety practices in the outdoor bee yard.

For an up-close look at life inside a hive, beehive components will be brought into the apiary for participants to examine. Members will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the new HBRC, including areas not normally accessible to the public.

The visit concludes with time to browse the honey shop, where a variety of honey products and other fundraising items will be available for purchase.

We hope you will join us for this special opportunity to learn about the vital role honey bees play in our environment while connecting with other GHTC members.

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm (Please arrive by 9:50am)

Location: Luckevich Pinchin Honey Bee Research Centre, 460 Stone Road, East, Guelph

Cost: $10.00 per person

*Please note - each participant is required to complete this waiver before the start of the tour. If you are not able to print the form at home, then there will be some paper waivers available for signing at the Honey Bee Research Centre before 9:50am on the day of the tour.

Cancelled - YogaHikes with Rhonda (13 Aug 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Due to prior commitments this summer, these hikes will be cancelled until September.

Summer Members Picnic (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Leave No Trace Members Summer Picnic

Join us for a fun, social potluck picnic as we celebrate our shared love of hiking and the outdoors—with a Leave No Trace mindset.

Please bring your favourite appetizer, entrée, dessert, or snack to share (enough for approximately 10 people). Electrical hook-ups will be available if you’d like to bring a crockpot.

The Club will provide hotdogs, cold beverages, and napkins.

To support our zero-waste goal, we kindly ask that you:

Bring a refillable water bottle
Bring your own plate, cup, and cutlery

Backyard Games Welcome!

Do you have any outdoor games you could bring along? We’d love to add to the fun!
Ideas include:

Hula hoops
Beach balls
Cornhole
Badminton
Lawn or table games

Afternoon Hikes & Activity

After lunch, our hike leaders will guide a variety of hikes.

As well as a scavenger hunt.

More details to follow.

We hope you’ll join us for this relaxed and enjoyable members (and guests) event!

Note: There are picnic tables for limited seating, bring a chair.

If you are available to help with the event, please contact Rhonda McMahon (email)

Cancelled - YogaHikes with Rhonda (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Due to prior commitments this summer, these hikes will be cancelled until September.

RLT E2E (19 Sep 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Radial Line Trail E2E

One day hike, 38 km

Two day hike will be available, September 19 and 20

Hike Leader: Wally VanderVaart

May the 4th be with you hike, 50th Anniversary (4 May 2027)

Tue, 04 May 2027 13:30:00 GMT

May the 4th be with you hike

Star Wars 50th anniversary hike.

Hike path to be determined

HIke Leader: Marie Burland

Izaak, Tom,