Monthly Update for March 2026

A Word from Our President

Dear Members,

With the weather finally turning in our favour, it’s the perfect time to get back out on the trails. As we get closer to spring, I’m asking for our members' help to enhance our trails.

We are launching a Points of Interest (POI) Project to map the hidden gems, stories, and landmarks that make our trails unique. To make this a success, we need your eyes and your memories. We need you to help us create a list of points of interest that will make the hiking experience on our trails even richer and more engaging!

What counts as a Point of Interest?

• The "Tricky" Spots: Do you always get turned around at a specific fork? That’s a point of interest!

• Personal Stories: Is there a spot where a special memory lives… perhaps a proposal or a family tradition you’d like to share? That’s a point of interest!

• The Viewpoints: Where is the absolute best place to stop for a breather or a photo? That’s a point of interest!

• Nature’s Wonders: Have you spotted a rare tree, a unique rock formation, or a frequent wildlife hangout? That’s a point of interest!

• Hidden History: Is there an old foundation or a historical marker that deserves a spotlight? That’s a point of interest!

By gathering points of interest, we can enhance our future handbooks, create interactive trail games (building on Sam’s excellent Bingo activity from this winter), and eventually even look into on-trail QR codes for hikers to scan. 

How to Participate:

• Step 1 (Right Now): Keep your eyes open! As you hike this month, take photos and jot down notes or coordinates of your favorite spots. Hold off on submitting anything… 

• Step 2 (Coming in April): Next month, we will launch a simple submission form where you can officially "pin" your POI to our map.

My goal is to capture 100 points of interest by the end of May and I’m hoping we can work together to map the heart of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club!

Happy Trails,

Justin St-Maurice President, GHTC

GHTC Winter Challenge!

Spring is almost here! As you enjoy the last couple of weeks of winter on our local trails, don't forget to post to our Facebook group with #GHTCWinterChallenge, and check off those boxes!

Champions for Trails: GHTC’s Wider Impact

The Guelph Hiking Trail Club works hard to maintain trails and offer guided hikes, but that isn’t all we do – not even close!  Members of the Executive Team also work with other groups to advocate for continued and better access to trails and nature for everyone.  Here’s a snapshot of some of that work. 

Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) - Rhonda McMahon has just begun to meet with this group of citizens who work, through education and advocacy, to maintain and increase the health, integrity and area of Guelph’s urban forest. Rhonda will be working with GUFF to explore ways we can work together to support our shared goal of providing access to forests, including urban forests, for all. 

City Nature Challenge /Yorklands Green Hub – Samantha Gow has been meeting with the Yorklands Green Hub and other community groups to prepare for the City Nature Challenge - the local part of a four-day global bioblitz (April 24-27) to find and document wildlife in the city), which aligns perfectly with our club’s goal of helping all people to access and appreciate nature. 

Guelph Trail Users’ Coalition (GTUC) - Bill Mungall represents GHTC on the Guelph Trail User Committee (GTUC) an independent group of all types of trail users that informally advises the City of Guelph on trail related matters within the City limits. 

Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail (G2G Rail Trail) - Bill Mungall represents GHTC on the G2G Rail Trail group.  They host an unnamed working group that meets weekly to guide G2G's action that is leading to the building of a 2.7 km trail to link Guelph to the G2G north of Woodlawn Ave. West. 

Kissing Bridge Trailway Advisory Board – Mike Curtis chairs the Kissing Bridge Trailway Advisory Board.  This group deals with operational matters related to the KBT, which is the easternmost 45 km of the G2G. 

Hike Ontario (HO) – Mike Curtis and Bill Mungall represent GHTC.  Mike is the very long standing GHTC member on the HO Board, which meets quarterly. Bill is a member of the HO executive committee, and reports to it as chair of an HO committee responsible provincially for advocacy, issues and policy. They meet 10 times a year. GHTC hosted the annual Hike Ontario Summit in 2014 and again in 2024.  Reps from all 28 hiking groups from across Ontario (80 representatives) met right here in Guelph! 

Urban Park Guelph – Frank Schoenhoeffer and Jane Bibby have connected with Urban Park Guelph to learn about how we can support the creation of a national urban park in Guelph and how our two groups can work together to promote more fantastic local hiking! 

Grand Valley Trails Association (GVTA) – Wally Vandervaart has teamed up with the GVTA to offer some joint hikes, which gives members of both clubs access to a wider variety of hikes. 

The University of Guelph Arboretum – Jane Bibby connects with the Arboretum to promote our mutual goals of connecting people with nature. 

Doors Open Guelph – Bill Mungall has worked for the past 13 years to coordinate a "Trails Open" experience as a part of the Doors Open Guelph day held each April.  This event has introduced many people to local hiking over the years. 

Local landowners, including the City of Guelph and the Grand River Conservation Authority – Bill Mungall and Frank Schoenhoeffer work with all the landowners who so generously allow us to have trails across their properties along the Speed River and Radial Line Trails. They meet regularly with the private landowners, the City of Guelph, and the Grand River Conservation Authority to foster open and respectful relationships that allow us to continue to maintain and access these two popular trails, including Starkey Hill and the Smith Property Loop. 

GHTC also works with many other local groups informally in various ways.  And many members of GHTC also have individual memberships and volunteer for other community groups such as Nature Guelph, GCAT, Waterloo Wellington Canoe and Kayak Club, GORBA and 4th Line mountain bike clubs, many other various cycling groups, Ignatius Jesuit Centre, RARE Charitable Land Trust, Eden Mills and Guelph Nordic cross country ski clubs, and other adjacent trail clubs. One of our hike leaders also is a guide for the Guelph Arts Council's historic walks. And finally, our club is a member of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce and 10C Shared Space.   

The Guelph Hiking Trail Club is truly a respected, influential and important voice promoting hiking and access to trails in our community. 

Looking to Get Involved?

Volunteer with the Guelph Hiking Trail Club!

Our club thrives because of the energy, enthusiasm, and generosity of our volunteers. If you’ve ever thought about helping out, now is a wonderful time! We have several opportunities - some short‑term, some ongoing - and we would love to welcome new volunteers to the team.

Here are the current ways you can get involved:

Event Support: Registration Tables

We’re looking for friendly, organized helpers to greet guests and manage sign‑ins at:

• Trek & Tell evenings
• Doors Open Guelph (April 25) – at our Trails Open table

These roles are perfect for anyone who enjoys meeting people and helping events run smoothly and who is interested in a one-time commitment. 

Summer BBQ Planning Committee

Do you enjoy organizing events, sharing ideas, or creating community fun? Join the planning committee and help shape one of our biggest social gatherings of the year! The committee will meet from now until June 21 when the BBQ is scheduled.

Fundraising Committee

Help us support trail maintenance, programming, and club initiatives. No experience required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to brainstorm and collaborate.

️We Also Need a Merchandise Manager!

If you like organizing, keeping track of items, and offering great service to members, this role might be a perfect fit. The Merchandise Manager will

• Keep inventory of trail handbooks, badges, calendars, note cards, and club clothing (t‑shirts, caps, etc.)
• Mail badges to people who order them
• Arrange pickup of orders at 10C Shared Space, the Guelph Farmers’ Market, or a Trek & Tell evening
• Help ensure members can proudly represent the GHTC with our merchandise!

Time commitment: about 2–4 hours per month
No monthly executive meetings required

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to

• Meet others who love trails and nature
• Contribute to the future of local hiking
• Support events and programs that bring our community together
• Share your skills—or learn new ones!

If any of these roles sound like a good match, we’d be thrilled to hear from you.

To volunteer or learn more, reply to this email and let us know how you would like to get involved.

Thank you for considering lending your time and talents to the GHTC. Together, we strengthen our trails, our community, and the joy of hiking for everyone!

Guelph City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual four-day nature census in which cities around the world use biodiversity recording platforms like iNaturalist to document nature in their neighbourhoods.  These contributions become data to understand and protect nature worldwide. Guelph is joining this census event for the first time this year!

Together, GHTC and at least 12 other local organizations and their supporters will work with Yorklands Green Hub to provide pre-census iNaturalist training, walks and bio-blitzes in different natural areas of the City over four days from April 24 to April 27. Specifically, the Guelph Hiking Trail Club will be leading guided hikes to support this initiative in finding wild plants and animals.

Save the dates and stay tuned!

For more information, please click here! 

2026 GHTC Executive

Back row: Justin St. Maurice, Frank Shoenhoeffer, Sue Alderson, Bill Mungall, Colin McCusker, Sam Gow, Jane Bibby, Lisa Gregson  |  Front row: Rhonda McMahon, Mike Curtis

Absent from photo:  Gayle Jeffery, Wally VanderVaart

Click here to contact any of the members of the Executive Team!

An Evening at the Arboretum

Cherry trees in full bloom - April 30, 2025 - U of G Arboretum

Wednesday, April 29 • 6:30–8:30 PM
Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph Arboretum

GHTC members and their friends are invited to a special spring event celebrating nature, learning, and community partnership!

Join us for An Evening at the Arboretum, hosted in collaboration with the University of Guelph Arboretum. This event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the important work happening at the Arboretum, including exciting updates coming to the JC Taylor Nature Centre, and enjoy time with hikers.

Part 1: Guided Walk (6:30–7:30 PM)

We’ll begin outdoors with a guided walk led by Arboretum staff. Learn about ongoing research, conservation initiatives, and the plans for the upcoming JC Taylor Nature Centre renovations as you explore the Arboretum’s beautiful spring landscape.

Part 2: Talk with the Arboretum Director (7:30–8:30 PM)

After the walk, we’ll gather inside the Arboretum Centre for a presentation by Justine Richardson, Director of the Arboretum. Justine will share insights into the Arboretum’s vision, current projects, and the future of the Nature Centre.

There is no fixed fee for this event. Donations will be accepted at the door, with all contributions supporting the JC Taylor Nature Centre renovation project. Please donate what you are able.

Beverages and light snacks will be provided.

We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring evening of learning, community, and connection with nature.

All GHTC members and their friends are warmly welcome!

Click here to register!

Trek & Tell

Exploring New Zealand with Emily Sturgeon

Get ready for an inspiring night of stories, scenery, and adventure!
Join us for a special Trek and Tell evening featuring a wonderful guest speaker, Emily Sturgeon, who will share her hiking and travel adventures in New Zealand — a land of mountains, forests, coastlines, and unforgettable trails.

Event Details

There will be complimentary pizza thanks to the generous support of Domino's Pizza.

About the Evening

The Milford Sound Track is a 4 day hike through the heart of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. Trekking along valleys carved by glaciers, through ancient rainforests and past cascading waterfalls, it’s no wonder the Milford track is consistently rated as being one of the top hikes in the world. Emily will be sharing her experience from the trail as well as sharing a little bit of information on native plants and bird life she gathered during her time in New Zealand.

Emily lived and worked out of Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. She has been traveling and working for the last 5 years to acquire the title of "Dirtbag Hiker." Making the most of New Zealand's fantastic hut program, she explored as much as she could, completing over 160km on Great Walk trails.

Capacity is limited, so we need people to register online in advance to be sure there is enough seating.

Click here to register!

We look forward to seeing you for this fascinating, free evening filled with adventure, connection, and great food!

Annual Blue Jays Hike SALE!

‼️ATTENTION Toronto Blue Jays and hiking fans!‼️

Guelph Hiking Trail Club invites you to join us for our 3rd annual Blue Jays Bus Hike!  Our 2026 epic summer hiking event takes place on Sunday, July 19th, 2026.  Our OPENING DAY SPECIAL is ON NOW! You SAVE $35 OFF REGULAR PRICE until MARCH 28 at 12 PM ET!

Join us for a unique experience that combines hiking with seeing your 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 with beautiful views of Lake Ontario waterfront!

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

OPENING DAY SPECIAL Price: $230/Person (All-In); SAVE $35 OFF Regular Price until Sat, March 28 at 12 PM ET.

 Your registration 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)
• A tax receipt for a portion of your registration

We welcome everyone who wishes to be part of our special event - both members and non-members!

Now, go take a hike with us!

View event details or REGISTER here! 

GHTC Hikes

Check out the GHTC calendar regularly for updates on all hikes!

Wednesdays - Arboretum afternoon hikes are offered every Wednesday afternoon.  For more information contact Christa at arb.naturalist@uoguelph.ca or ext. 53615. Level: easy. Speed: slow.

Upcoming Hikes

March 11 - Riverside Park to Guelph Lake Hike

March 14 - Bruce Trail: Short Hills to Louth Hike

March 15 - Smokey Hollow Loop Hike

March 17 - Hockley Valley St. Patrick's Day Hike

March 18 - Wednesday morning hike

March 21 - BT Iroquoia E2E - Day 4

March 22 - Crawford Lake Loop Hike

March 25 - Wednesday morning hike

April 11 - BT Iroquoia E2E - Day 5

Thanks to our hike leaders for building these hikes.

We appreciate your time and efforts! 

GHTC Trail Users' Code 

As a member you agree to follow the GHTC Trail Users' Code when on the trails:  

• Hike only along marked routes; do not take shortcuts.  

• Obey all signage. 

• Use the stiles; do not climb fences.  

• Walk around a farmer’s cultivated field and avoid their livestock.  

• Where dogs are permitted, manage their behaviour and safety.  

• Keep the trail clean by carrying out all litter (incl. stoop & scoop). 

• Refrain from camping or building fires.  

• Protect nature by leaving flowers, plants, trees, and wildlife as they are. 

• Leave only footprints and take nothing but pictures.  

• Share your gratitude. 

Save the Date!!

March 17 - Trek & Tell (Hiking in New Zealand)

March 28 - GHTC at the Guelph Farmers' Market

March 29 - Hike Leader Training

April 24-27 - City Nature Challenge

April 25 - Doors Open/Trails Open -volunteers needed!

April 29 - An Evening at the Arboretum

June 21 - First annual Summer Members' BBQ

July 19 - Annual Blue Jays Hike

Other Hiking and Outdoor News

Tree impacts the top concern for plans to widen Victoria Road

Friends of the Kortright Waterfowl Park to celebrate conservation win

New book highlights hiking gems throughout Ontario's Greenbelt

Funding moves Guelph closer to closing gap in the G2G Rail Trail

Helpful Links

Visit our Calendar of All Events often as hikes are posted on an ongoing basis.

Check our website’s home page to see announcements and short articles about initiatives that are in progress.

Always be mindful of Trail Closures and Cautions while hiking our trail system.

If you ever have comments or questions for your Executive Committee, then feel free to send us an email; we always welcome your messages!

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PO Box 1, Guelph, ON, N1H 6J6

www.guelphhiking.com