Guelph Hiking Trail Club upcoming events

Spencer Gorge (8 Nov 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Registration is now closed

Spencer Gorge

We will visit the bottom of Sydenham, Tew's and Webster's Falls on the north side of Dundas. We will take the BT's Tew's Falls Sidetrail to climb up to "The Peak" overlooking the town and the valley. With the leaves off the trees, the better to see the cliffs, rapids and boulders along the creeks.

Level 2++ due to some unmaintained trails and a stiff climb up the Escarpment

Distance: 13 km

Pace moderate

Bring a lunch, water/drink

Meet to carpool at the covered bridge lot on Gordon Street at 9 AM. (Or, meet the carpool on the west side of the Dundas Driving Park at about 9:45.)

Leader: Bill Mungall: mungallbill@gmail.com

The O.R. Trail (9 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Monday, November 9, 2026

Hike name: The O.R. Trail

Time: arrive at 9:20am for check in - hike leaves promptly at 9:30am –

Hike description: Starting from the gatehouse on York Rd., we will follow the trail through the forest along the Eramosa River to the Stone Rd. Bridge, then return back to York Road. The trails have uneven terrain and several small hills to go up and down. Due to weather conditions, we may encounter muddy and wet trails. Please note: we will pass the meat factory and see the closed Ontario Reformatory.

Pace: moderate pace (3.5km/hr), approx. 4km

Parking: roadside parking along York Road – 905 York Road, Guelph (just past the intersection of York Rd. and Elizabeth Rd.) Watch for the no parking signs. Bus Route #4, 17, and 18

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

Optional: pole(s)

No dogs please.

If you have any questions, please contact the hike leader

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon : milebon231@gmail.com

Wednesday hikes (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 05:00:00 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.

St. Helena Rd. to Hilton Falls (E2E) Fitness Hike (12 Nov 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

St. Helena Rd. to Hilton Falls (E2E) Fitness Hike

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Location: Meet at 9:10 at Hilton Falls Conservation Area, 4985 Campbellville Rd., Milton. We will carpool to the trailhead at Helena Rd., 10549 St. Helena Rd., Halton Hills (south of 15^th S.R on west side of Hwy. 25)

Time: Hiking 9:30 AM – approximately 1:00 PM

Distance: 8.5 km., moderate to brisk pace, depending on the terrain

Limit: 15 hikers

Hike Rating: Level 2+ The rocky, uneven terrain, with tree roots & leaf coverage is challenging. Confidence navigating this landscape is essential. A good level of fitness is required.

Carpool option (recommended): Meet at Rockmosa Community Centre, 110 Rockmosa Dr., Rockwood, at 8:30 AM (across from tennis courts) for an 8:40 AM departure.

Please let John know if you will be meeting at the Hilton Falls parking lot.

Recommended: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes, hiking poles, water, snacks/lunch, Health Card/ID, personal first aid kit, rain gear (just in case). Dress for the weather.

No dogs please.

Details: Our hike will start from St. Helena Rd. We will hike through beautiful forests where we can view large moss-covered crevices and enjoy incredible views of Milton from the ridgetop trails. This route takes us to the Dufferin Gap – the only break in the entire 725k long, 450-million-year-old Niagara Escarpment. This 40m-long gap is now spanned by a bridge that was built in 1991. We will have a break at the viewing area of the Dufferin Quarry. We will hike the main Bruce Trail along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and eventually follow the Philip Gosling Side Trail (named for one of the founding pioneers and first Trail Director of the Bruce Trail), till we arrive at the Hilton Falls parking lot.

Note: Please let John know if you have a valid Conservation Halton Parks membership.

For those leaving their car at Hilton Falls, you will need to reserve your time at conservationhalton.ca.

Hike Leaders:Marie Burland burlandmc@gmail.com

John Wright john.wrightyfr@gmail.com

Belwood Lakes Perimeter Loop (Moved to Dec 12) (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Hike name: Belwood Lakes Perimeter Loop (Moved to Dec 12, 2026)

Location: Belwood Lake

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026

Time: 8:30am - 1:30am

Check in at 8:15 am for a 8:30 am start

Location: Belwood Lake

Hike description:The route follows the perimeter of Belwood Lake.The trail is a challenging, multi-surface loop spanning roughly 19 km that circles the reservoir and surrounding terrain. There is approximately a 450m elevation gain making it a solid workout for experienced hikers. The path crosses the historicShand Dam built in 1942, features views of the reservoir, and passes near the village of Belwood.

Pace: 4-5 km/hr – approximately 19kms, 5hrs. Note: this is a fast paced and long distance with ~450m of elevation gain.

Parking: Maple Park, 37 Queen St, Belwood, ON43.7912° N, 80.3220° W

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

Recommended: snacks, bug spray

No dogs please.

Hike leaders:

Tanya Simpraga tsimpraga@yahoo.com 226-791-4565

Brandon Correia brandoncorreia8240@gmail.com

Sparkles in St. Jacob's YogaHike & Lunch (14 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us for our annual hike, lunch & holiday shopping event amid thousands of twinkling lights in the village - a true holiday experience!

We will enjoy a leisurely YogaHike along the Health Valley Trail, stopping for some yoga stretches. Following our hike, join us for lunch @ the Stonecrock following our hike.

Enjoy The Village of St. Jacobs’ many unique shops following out hike and lunch.

SORRY - no dogs, unless you are only coming for the hike. Restaurant doesn't allow dogs. LOL

10:00am - Meet @ the trailhead (behind Home Hardware).

12:00pm - Lunch @ Stone Crock

1:30-2:00pm - Enjoy the holiday festivities and shopping.

Please confirm with me via email, if you are joining us for lunch (reservation needed) Deadline: Friday, Nov. 13.

City View Park to Smokey Hollow Falls (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026

Hike name: City View Park to Smokey Hollow Falls

Time: arrive at 9 am for check in – hike leaves at 9:15 am

Hike description: Starting from City View Park, we will follow the Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail to Smokey Hollow Falls. After viewing the falls, we will continue along the Bruce Trail and return to the parking lot using side trails and the main trail. There will be hills to go up and down, rocky and muddy trail sections.

Pace: moderate pace (4km/hr), approx. 12 km

Parking: City View Park, 2500 Kerns Road, Burlington

Carpool option: meet at 8am in the parking lot downtown Guelph by the covered bridge

Required: hiking footwear, dress for the weather, I.D., water, first aid kit

Optional: pole(s)

No dogs please.

If you have any questions, please contact the hike leader

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon : milebon231@gmail.com

Smith Property Loop (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Monday, November 16, 2026

Hike name: Smith Property Loop

Check in at 9:20am for hike start at 9:30am

Hike description: We will start from the Watson Rd. entrance and follow the trail through the forest with a stop to view Eramosa River. Then we will continue on the trail, up a hill, through the forest and back to the entrance. The trail will have roots, puddles, rocky, and muddy sections.

Pace:3- 4 km/hr – approximately 4.5km – 1 ½ hr

Parking: roadside on the east side of Watson Rd. – just south of the lights at Stone Rd. and Watson Rd.

Required: hiking shoes/boots, dress for the weather, I.D., water, first aid kit

Recommended: pole(s), bug/tick repellent

No dogs please.

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon, milebon231@gmail.com

Trek & Tell - Hiking in Krugyzstan (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic, formerly known as Kirghizia, is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan — spectacular mountains, alpine lakes, nomadic traditions and an unforgettable adventure.

Come hear about an incredible trek, in an area just opening up to tourists.

Bill Summers is an avid traveller and hiker who enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, discovering new cultures, and finding adventure in the great outdoors.

Doors Open @ 6:30pm

Presentation @ 7:00pm

Cash Bar

Event Sponsor: Domino's Pizza

Wednesday hikes (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 05:00:00 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.

Scotsdale Farm (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Date: Thursday, November 19 2026

Hike name: Scotsdale Farm

Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Hike description: Level 2 – fast pace (4-5km/hr), Distance: 9 km - This is an adventurous hike along the main Bruce Trail and side trails at Scotsdale Farm and the Silvercreek Conservation Area. The hike will meander through forests, along meadows, and creeks. There will be hills to go up and down with great views of the valley. Trails have rocks, roots, boardwalks, bridges, and muddy sections. We will navigate a very rocky trail.

Parking: 13807 Trafalgar Road, Halton Hills

Guelph carpool option – meet in the parking lot in downtown Guelph by the covered bridge at 8:30am

Please email Michelle if you are meeting at the carpool spot or the trailhead parking lot.

Required: sturdy hiking footwear, dress for the weather, I.D., water, first aid kit

Recommended: pole(s)

Optional: lunch at a nearby restaurant

No dogs please.

If you have any questions, please contact the hike leader

Hike leader: Michelle Lebon: milebon231@gmail.com

2026 GHTC 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

All active members are invited to join us at The Arboretum Center - University of Guelph at 6:30 pm on November 19, 2026. The Arboretum Center is located at 200 Arboretum Road, Guelph. Please register in advance so we can have enough refreshments for everyone.

The 2025 Annual General Meeting draft minutes will be emailed to members for review in advance of the meeting along with the proxy form for anyone for whom it is necessary to designate a proxy. The 2026 agenda and annual financial report will also be posted closer to the meeting date.

At the AGM we will move to accept the minutes of the 2025 AGM, receive reports from the Executive Committee, and vote for twelve Director positions.

After the official meeting closes, Justin Saint-Maurice, President of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, will share some highlights from 2026 and some key goals for 2027.

We look forward to seeing you in-person at our 2026 GHTC AGM!

Wednesday hikes (25 Nov 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 05:00:00 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.

2nd Annual Guelph Lake Perimeter (28 Nov 2026)

Sat, 28 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

2^nd Annual Guelph Lake Perimeter

When: Saturday, November 28, 2026

Where: Opposite the old Guelph Lake Nature Centre on Conservation Rd., Guelph

https://w3w.co/gracefully.bonnets.tell

Meet at 9:15 AM in this free parking lot on Conservation Road across from the old Nature Centre. We suggest carpooling with friends to limit the vehicles in the parking lot.

Time: 9:30 AM – approximately 2:30 PM

Distance: Approx. 16 km

Registration:Limit 20 hikers

Difficulty: Level 2+ due to the distance & varied terrain

Details: This hike is a mixture of shoreline beach walking and some wooded trails. Expect conditions to vary from soft, sometimes sticky and muddy, other times rocky, as well as some roots, rocks and leaves mixed together. Last year we hiked in snow the whole way! Note: Hike may be postponed in the event of heavy rain, wind etc.

Highlights include the hidden bridge and two roads, Watson & Jones Baseline, which are only visible when the lake is mostly drained. This unique hike is doable only when the water is low! Most importantly you will earn bragging rights, since not many people get to do this!

Recommended: Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots, not running shoes. Dress in layers to be able to adjust to conditions. Bring at least a lightweight packable windbreaker, rain gear (just in case), insulation layer(s), gloves, sunglasses (low sun in the sky and likely reflection off the water), sunscreen, hat, mud baskets on hiking poles. Bring snacks, lunch and water. We will stop for lunch along the way. Bring Health Card/identification and personal first aid kit. No dogs please.

Hike Leaders:

Marie Burland burlandmc@gmail.com

John Wright john.wrightvfr@gmail.com

Gary Barton garybarton317@gmail.com

Please let John know if you have a valid GRCA pass.

Wednesday hikes (2 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 05:00:00 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.

GHTC Hike – James Str Extension Trail Photo Hike (6 Dec 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 19:00:00 GMT

GHTC Hike – James Str Extension Trail Photo Hike

When : Sunday Dec 6, 2026 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Where : Meet at the west end of the Guelph Covered bridge for a 2:00 PM departure

Description :- Bring a camera that you are comfortable using. We will head past the Boathouse over the Speed River on the bridge on Gordon Str. We will then walk through Marions’ Park and onto the James Str Extension Trail. We will explore the trail, at a slow pace, taking lots of time to find some great photographs.

[1.5 hrs / Level 1. Easy pace / Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or fanbobam@gmail.com]

Belwood Lakes Perimeter Loop (12 Dec 2026)

Sat, 12 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Hike name: Belwood Lakes Perimeter Loop

Location: Belwood Lake

When: Saturday, December 12, 2026 (moved from Nov. 14)

Time: 8:30am - 1:30am

Check in at 8:15 am for a 8:30 am start

Location: Belwood Lake

Pace: 4-5 km/hr – approximately 19kms, 5hrs. Note: this is a fast paced and long distance with ~450m of elevation gain.

Parking: Maple Park, 37 Queen St, Belwood, ON43.7912° N, 80.3220° W

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

Recommended: snacks, bug spray

No dogs please.

Hike leaders:

Tanya Simpraga tsimpraga@yahoo.com 226-791-4565

Brandon Correia brandoncorreia8240@gmail.com

Ugly Sweater Holiday Hike (19 Dec 2026)

Sat, 19 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Ugly Sweater Holiday Hike

Hike Description:

Please join Tanya and Tom for a holiday stroll through the pretty perfect Preservation Park wearing your best ugly holiday sweater or onesie. It’s all about balance, right? We will walk approximately 7km on fresh powder blankets winding woodland trails, occasionally marked by the crisp tracks of snowshoe hares, deer, or weasels darting toward tree wells. Breathing in the cold air as it slows down sound waves, creating a deep, muffled quiet broken only by the soft crunch, crunch of snow under your boots. Enjoy a warm drink of hot cocoa, a snack and light hearted conversation before heading out into the hustle and bustle that the holiday brings.

When: Saturday, December, 19 from 9:00am - 11:00pm

Meet for 8:50am check-in at parking lot: 505 Kortright Rd W, Guelph

GPS:https://maps.app.goo.gl/UGdNTfxCBgy8vPrR7

43.511477, -80.225564

Where:Preservation Park

Length: ~7km

Level 1

Pace: 4 km/hr – approximately 6.5 – 7.0km- pace may be altered due to snowy/icy trail conditions

What to wear and bring:

Hiking boots, warm layers, warm clothing
Water, snacks
Hat, gloves, buff depending on weather
Hiking poles if you like using them
icers/crampons
health/ID card

Hike leaders:

Tanya Simpraga:tsimpraga@yahoo.comtext: 226-791-4565

Tom Riellyt.rielly@rogers.com

The Shortest Sun Stroll **Work towards a Badge! (21 Dec 2026)

Mon, 21 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Shortest Sun Stroll **Work towards a Badge!

Please join Tanya for a quiet, mindful journey on the shortest day of the year. Winter solstice is a celebration of the turning seasons, offering a peaceful connection to bare forests, frosty trails, and the return of lengthening days. As we walk, we can think about using the silence to reflect on the past year and about what to let go of or welcome next. It is a time of stillness in the excitement, reflection of the passing of time, and intention of what is to come.

This is a series of Solstice/Equinox hikes.Badgeswill be offered for those hikers who complete a hike for the winter and summer solstices as well as the fall and spring equinoxes totaling approximately 80kms over the four hikes. For those who have already completed the June summer solstice and the September fall equinox, these records have been kept for your credit. Going forward, new hikers can begin their journey to obtain the four.

Date: Monday, December 21, 2026

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Meet Location: Covered Bridge (Gordon St parking lot)

Hike Location: From Covered Bridge to Guelph Lake Dam and back.

Distance: 20km

Difficulty: Level 2 due to length. Pace 4+ km per hour. Flat, with a mix of hard packed gravel, pavement and dirt.

Maximum 20 participants. No dogs please.

What to Bring:

Water: 2 litres minimum

Snacks: Short break on Guelph Lake Dam.

Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes.

Rain gear, warm layers, warm clothes

Hat, gloves, buff

Hiking poles optional.

Optional: Continue the walk to Found Coffee for a warm beverage and/or a snack, and some festive conversations before the holiday begins.

Hike Leader:

Tanya Simpraga tsimpraga@yahoo.comor text 226-791-4565

Howl at the Moon (23 Dec 2026)

Wed, 23 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Howl at the Moon

When: Wednesday, Dec. 23

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Hike Description:

Please join Tanya for a calming after dinner walk through the woods and by the lake to pause for a moment in time to spot the Cold Moon Super moon. Walking near a calm lake under a massive super moon will feel like stepping into another world. The bright lunar orb will turn the night into day as silver light dances on the dark water and trees cast long, soft shadows on the dirt path. The peak time of the moon will take place at 8:28 pm when we will be just finishing up our hike to ready ourselves for the next days hustle and bustle.

Where: Guelph Lake, Meet at Victoria Rd entrance,~1.5 km north of Woodlawn and Victoria at 6:20pm for check-in and introductions

Length: 5 - 6 km

Pace - medium

Level 2

What to wear and bring:

Hiking boots or running shoes that can handle a little mud
Rain gear, warm layers, warm clothing
Hat, gloves, buff
Hiking poles if you like using them
Headlight or small flashlight

Hike leader:

Tanya Simpraga: tsimpraga@yahoo.comtext: 226-791-4565

Clear the Cobwebs (1 Jan 2027)

Fri, 01 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

Clear the Cobwebs

Details coming after the AGM 2026

GHTC Photo Hike –Annual Yorklands Winter Photo Hike (3 Jan 2027)

Sun, 03 Jan 2027 19:00:00 GMT

GHTC Photo Hike –Annual Yorklands Winter Photo Hike

When :- Sunday Jan 3, 2027 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Where :- Meet at the main entrance to the OR property at 905 York Rd. for a 2:30 PM departure. Note that there is a bus stop adjacent to this spot. ( Bus stop # 363 on the 785 York Eastbound bus route.)

If driving note that parking is prohibited in the vicinity of the entrance. You can park along the side of York Road where you can see the ponds. (Look for the signs indicating Parking vs No Parking.)

Description :- We will explore the Yorklands property looking for interesting ice formations on the small waterfalls and the surface of the stream and ponds, as well as lots of interesting stone formations, dried plants, landscapes, etc. Bring a camera that you are comfortable using. We will take the time to enjoy the area and find some great pictures.

This will be a good opportunity to explore the area that has been proposed as a new National Urban Park.

NB – Be sure to DRESS WARMLY so that you can enjoy the afternoon.

[2 – 2.5 hrs / Level 1. Easy pace ]

Bob Fanning 519 822-5181 or fanbobam@gmail.com

Emergence of Dormancy - Spring Equinox Hike (20 Mar 2027)

Sat, 20 Mar 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Emergence of Dormancy - Spring Equinox Hike

Working towards a Badge

Please join Tanya for a walk to discover new beginnings at the time when day and night are of equal length.Unlike a sudden shift, the Spring Equinox honours the hidden, quiet energy that builds up underground during the winter and begins to press upward into life. Celebrate the transition from the chill of winter to the warmth of spring. Witness the forest floor begin to thaw and perhaps spot early green shoots, melting frost, and returning migratory birds like songbirds and waterfowl along the waters path.

This is a series of Solstice/Equinox hikes. Badges will be offered for those hikers who complete a hike for the winter and summer solstices as well as the fall and spring equinoxes totalling approximately 80kms over the four hikes. For those who have already completed the June summer solstice, the September fall equinox, and the December winter solstice, these records have been kept for your credit. Going forward, new hikers can begin their journey to obtain the four.

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2027

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm - check in at 8:50 am

Meet Location: Covered Bridge (Gordon St parking lot)

Hike Location: From Covered Bridge to Guelph Lake Dam and back.

Distance: 20 km

Difficulty: Level 3 due to length. Pace 4+ km per hour. Flat, with a mix of hard packed gravel, pavement and dirt.

Maximum 20 participants. No dogs please.

What to Bring:

Water: 2 liters minimum.

Snacks: Short lunch break on Guelph Lake Dam.

Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes.

Rain gear, warm layers, warm clothes

Hat, gloves, buff

Hiking poles optional

Icers if weather warrants them

Optional: Head out for a coffee or a bite to eat afterwards - we can decide as a group where we would like to go

Hike Leader:

Tanya Simpragatsimpraga@yahoo.comor text 226-791-4565

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,