Guelph Hiking Trail Club upcoming events

Wednesday Morning Hike: Starkey Hill Conservation Area (29 Apr 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Wednesday Morning Hike: Starkey Hill Conservation Area

When: Wednesday 29 April, 9:30-11:30 AM

Meet at 9:30 in the Starkey Parking lot, 735 Arkell Road, Puslinch.

What: Spring is coming to beloved Starkey! On this interpretive hike we will be on the lookout for early spring flowers as well as noting interesting features that make Starkey so special: its history; the cleverness of its old split rail fences; the plants found along its trails that trace their roots back more than 400 million years; how glaciers formed Starkey's varied topography; the view from its summit. This hike is rocky, rooty, hilly and probably still muddy in places, so sturdy footwear advised and poles if you use them. Bring water, a snack if you wish, and your health card.

Distance is only 3.5 k but the pace will be easy because of the rough terrain and to allow time to take in points of interest.

Please check this site before departure in case of cancellation due to weather.

Hike leader: Michelle Wan ymaewan@gmail.com cell: 226-820-1783

An Evening at the Arboretum (29 Apr 2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph Arboretum

Registration required.

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!

HAFTA Hilton Falls, Thursday Fast Hike (30 Apr 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:20:00 GMT

HAFTA Hilton Falls, Thursday Fast Hike

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Please note that this hike will be rescheduled in the event of significant rain.

Hike Time: 9:30 am - approx. 11:30 am

Parking/meeting: Northeast corner of the parking lot at Mohawk Racetrack/Casino on Guelph Line

https://w3w.co/tastefully.intelligent.engrave

Please arrive at the parking lot at 9:20 for 9:30 hike departure.

Difficulty: Level 2 (sustained brisk pace, rocky stretches, few short water breaks)

Pace: This is a weekly Thursday fast pace hike: brisk 4.5-5 km/hour (as conditions allow).

Terrain: Stretches of uneven rocky and some potentially muddy terrain.

Length: Approximately 9-10 km

Required: Hiking boots, water, health card, personal first aid kit; dress for the weather.

No dogs please.

Recommended: hiking poles, snacks, sunscreen, spare dry socks.

Trail: We will carefully cross Guelph line from the Casino parking lot to hike along a network of lovely HAFTA cycling/hiking trails leading to/from Hilton Falls, where we will stop for a break.

Hike Leaders: Mira Soni: e-mail: mirasoni1964@gmail.com

cell (for morning of hike): 519-763-6113

Barbara Bethune: barbara.bethune@gmail.com

Lunch option: The Trail Eatery, Campbellville

Speed River Trail End to End (2 May 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Speed River Trail End to End

We will hike the entire Speed River Trail, from Blackbridge Rd in Cambridge, to The Boathouse on Gordon St. in Guelph. See Guelph Hiking Trail Club Handbook for details.

Length: 16 km,

Pace moderate 3-4 km/hr

Time 4.5 hours plus carpool/Bus time to start. (Bus will be ordered if more than 25 hikers register at 10.00 pp.)

Level 2 due to length

Bring Water and a lunch. This hike will run rain or shine.

Meet at covered bridge parking lot on Gordon for the carpool to Blackbridge, (the Cambridge, west trailhead) . 8:30 am meeting and check in time.

We will be taking a bus to Blackbridge Cambridge, please remember to bring $10 for the bus trip)

Bus will be there at 8:15 am

Bus will depart at 8:45 am or earlier if all registered are present

Please also note that the 5 KM trail run also happens at 9:00 am so the parking lot will be busy between 8:30 and 9:00 am.

This hike will be volunteer supported with at least 2 drop out points along the way. Snacks and water provided at Niska Rd.

Registration will open April 4th and close on April 30th.

What to bring: This is a spring hike, please dress accordingly in layers, and bring a hat and sunscreen. Wear good hiking boots: rain, mud is possible. Bring rain gear.

Optional hiking Gear: Hiking poles if you like using them. Bring water, snacks and pack a lunch - we will stop for lunch around noon.

Our badge for this hike includes completing the Radial Line Trail (E2E in middle to late September 2026). Badges can be purchased at the end of the hike for $5.

Hike Leader: Michelle Lebon, milebon231@gmail.com

Co Leaders: Mira S., Tom R., Alison S., Mary M., Emily S, Mike V.

Volunteers to support this event: Rhonda McMahon rmcmahon1957@gmail.com

with Jim H., Michelle W.

If you are able to volunteer for this event, please contact Rhonda. We would love to have members come out and cheer this group on during this event, help with water, handing out snacks and assist with safe road/bridge crossings.

Bruce Trail from Speyside to St. Helena and back (3 May 2026)

Sun, 03 May 2026 12:15:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026 Bruce Trail from Speyside to St. Helena and back

Time: 8:30-am – meet at 8:15am for check in and meet and greet time.

Hike description: Starting at the Pear Tree parking lot, we will go there and back trail. We will hike through the forest and watch and listen for signs of spring – hopefully the trilliums will be still out. NOTE: the trail has rocky sections to hike over as well as small hills to go up and down. Due to weather conditions, we may encounter muddy and wet trails and slippery rocks.

Pace: 4 km/hr, approx. 5.2 km, 1 ½ hrs (includes time for a short break)

Parking: Pear Tree parking lot on Sideroad 15 (use a GPS app and enter Pear Tree parking lot). It is a Bruce Trail designated parking area.

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

Recommended: water, hiking pole(s), snack, small first aid kit

No dogs please.

If you have any questions, please contact the hike leader.

Hike leader : Michelle Lebon : milebon231@gmail.com

“May the 4th be with you Hike” Canada Goose Trail (4 May 2026)

Mon, 04 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

“May the 4^th be with you Hike”

Canada Goose Trail to 15 Sideroad, Speyside

When: Monday, May 4, 2026

9:30 AM – approx. 12:30 PM

Location: Meet at 9:20 AM at 15 Sideroad (about 300m east of Hwy. 25), Milton.

https://w3w.co/candidate.heartbeats.applicationor https://maps.app.goo.gl/fDGhr45EqCrUf5Li7

From there we will carpool to the trailhead on 22 Sideroad.

Pace: Sustained moderate pace, depending on the terrain conditions.

Length: About 8 km End-to-End

Difficulty: Level 2+ (stretches of uneven, rocky terrain, roots, 2 stiles to climb over, trails may be muddy and/or slippery)

Details: This is a one-way shuttle hike. We will carpool from 15 Sideroad to the trailhead at the Bruce Trail parking lot on 22 Sideroad, just west off Fourth Line and hike back to 15 Sideroad, Speyside. We will start this beautiful, moderately challenging hike on the Canada Goose Side Trail at the trailhead on 22 Sideroad and trek along the Main Bruce Trail, as well as the Cliff Hatch Side Trail, finishing back at 15 Sideroad.

Recommended: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles, 1-2L of water, snacks, insect repellent, I.D. & health card, personal first aid kit, bring rain gear (just in case), wear appropriate attire for the weather. No dogs please.

Star Trek costumes and gear optional, as long as not impeding vision or safety.

Carpool Options:

1) Meet Marie at 8:45 AM for an 8:55 AM departure at the Rockmosa Community Centre, 110 Rockmosa Dr., Rockwood (south side of tennis courts).
2) Meet Tom & Izaak at the Covered Bridge parking lot in Guelph at 8:30 AM for an 8:40 AM departure for the trailhead.

Hike Leaders: Marie Burland burlandmc@gmail.com

Tom Rielly t.rielly@rogers.com

Izaak de Rijcke izaak@izaak.ca

Call or Text Izaak at 416-941-9147

Please let the leaders know which carpool location you will be using.

Please let Marie know if you are going to meet us at 15 Sideroad.

Wednesday hikes (6 May 2026)

Wed, 06 May 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.

BT Iroquoia E2E - Day 7: Guelph Line to Killbride (9 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

BT Iroquoia E2E - Day 7: Guelph Line to Killbride

Saturday, May 9^th 2026

9 am – 3:00 pm

The Bruce Trail Reference, Edition 30, Map 10.

Hike start time: about 9:30 am

Hike end time: 3:00 pm

Members only: anyone may register

Limit number of hikers: 10

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.

Seventh hike of the series: Guelph Line to Killbride will take us through Mount Nemo. There will be gorgeous views from mount Nemo. There will be ~ 8-9 km of road walking which will help us make good time. Possibly, if weather is good, we will include a side trail: River and Ruin, near Cedar Springs, which will make this hike a little longer - 19 km instead of 16.5 km.

Carpooling meeting point: 8:20 am at Carpool Lot Hwy 401 exit 299 Morriston Queen St/Brock Rd S (Hwy 6) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z2e68eC2KJwFyubx8. (43.451406, -80.120985). Leaving at 8:30 at the latest. Carpooling is an option. Please communicate to hike leader if you will meet there. Please note ads this is a linear hike we will need to make car shuffle. If you carpool, please make sure to have 2 to 3 spots free in your car.

All meet at 9:00 am parking lot behind the Killbride School at the north end of Panton St. (43.427756,-79.937991).

From there we will carpool to the start of the hike from roadside parking where trail crosses Guelph Line, South of N 1 Sideroad. (43.388366, -79.854231).

What to bring: This is a spring hike, please dress accordingly in layers, and bring a hat and sunscreen. Wear good hiking boots: rain, mud is possible. Bring rain gear. Hiking poles if you like using them. Bring water, snacks and pack a lunch - we will stop for lunch around noon.

Hike rating info so hikers can determine if they are capable of joining

Hike pace: Moderate, 3.5 km/hr.

Hike difficulty: Level 2-3. 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 distance: 16.5 km to 19 km. About 6 hours + car shuttle time

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

Co-Leader: Tanya Simpraga, tsimpraga@yahoo.com

Hilton Falls Mother’s Day Hike (10 May 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Location Starting Point: Woodbine Mohawk Park 9430 Guelph Line, Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0

Time: 9:30 AM – approximately 1:00 PM
Distance: 10k (out & back)
Hike Rating: Level 2 with some rocky, uneven terrain & tree roots.

Hike Description: This is a sequel to the Easter Day hike. Rob and I are joining forces again to bring you a wonderful Mother’s day afternoon of hiking, roasting Weiner’s over a bbq pit and sharing in a ‘potluck’ style lunch. The hike itself will begin at the Mohawk Racetrack where we will wander into Hilton Falls Conservation Area, hike around the reservoir, then stop for lunch at the barbecue pit near the falls. You are free to roam, enjoy roasting your own hot dogs (Rob and I will provide the hot dogs, buns, condiments, paper plates). Please feel free to bring anything you might want to share with the other hikers keeping in mind this will be something you will need to carry along on the hike with you in your backpack. Please ensure all garbage is disposed of respectfully in the provided bins or carry it out with you. After lunch, approximately 30-40 minutes, we will head back to the parking lot to end our hiking experience.

Recommended: Hiking poles and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, health card/ID and wear long pants. Dress for the weather and bring rain gear (just in case). No dogs please.

This hike is limited to 20 hikers.

Hike Leaders: Tanya Simpraga: tsimpraga@yahoo.com or text 226-791-4565

Robert Schieck: robert.schieck@gmail.com

Carpool option: Meet at the Covered Bridge in Guelph at 8:30 for a 8:40 departure time.

Please let Tanya know if you will be meeting at the trailhead at 9:20 AM.

Wednesday hikes (13 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 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.

Long Weekend Bird Hike - Details coming soon! (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Mark you calendars! Join Mike van den Tillaart and Jane Bibby for a morning bird hike during spring migration.

Details coming soon!

Radial Line and Side Trails Series #3 (17 May 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 12:45:00 GMT

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Radial Line and Side Trails Series #3

Time: 9:00-11:45am – meet at 8:45am for check in and meet and greet time.

Hike description: Starting at Gate C, we will walk along the Dave Hull side trail then join the main Radial Line, cross over Arkell Rd., hike on the Starkey Hill side trail then cross back over Arkell Rd. and join the Arkell Springs side trail then follow the Radial Line trail back to Gate C. The trails on the Arkell Springs grounds are relatively flat with uneven terrain. Starkey Hill has several hills to go up and down and uneven terrain. Due to weather conditions, we may encounter muddy and wet trails.

Pace: 4 km/hr, approx. 9 km, 2 ¾ hrs (includes time for a short break)

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 footwear, dress for the weather, I.D.

Recommended: water, hiking pole(s), snack, small first aid kit

No dogs please.

If you have any questions, please contact the hike leader

Hike leader:

Michelle Lebon : milebon231@gmail.com

Wednesday hikes (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 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.

Wednesday hikes (27 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 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.

BT Iroquoia E2E - Day 8: Killbride to Rattlesnake Point (6 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Date: Saturday June 6, 2026

9 am to 2:30 pm

Where: The Bruce Trail Reference, Edition 30, Maps 10/11.
Length: Approx. 16 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.

Day 8: Killbride to Rattlesnake Point will take us through Yaremko-Ridley Park / Crawford Lake Conservation / Rattlesnake Point Conservation Areas. There will be gorgeous views. We will also walk the Nassagaweya Canyon. We will also include a short detour to Crawford Lake - a rare example of meromictic lake. Car shuttle involved. See note below about car shuttle.

Carpooling meeting point: 8:15 am at Carpool Lot Hwy 401 exit 299 Morriston Queen St/Brock Rd S (Hwy 6), (43.451406, -80.120985). Leaving at 8:25 at the latest. Carpooling is an option. Please communicate to hike leader if you will meet there. Please note: this is a linear hike we will need to make car shuffle. If you carpool, please make sure to have 2 to 3 spots free in your car.

Parking and departure: All participants meet at 9:00 am at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area parking lot (43.469506, -79.913648). From there we will car shuffle to the start of the hike, parking lot behind the Killbride School at the north end of Panton St. (43.427756,-79.937991).

Park Fees: If you have Conservation Halton Parks membership your entry is free. If not please purchase the entry online / or at the gate. Click here to learn about entry fees. We will communicate this again 1 week before the hike to those who registered.

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 spring/early summer hike, please dress according to weather; bring a hat and sunscreen. 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

BT Iroquoia E2E Series: Repeat of first hike - Grimsby to Macdui Drive (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Where: Grimsby area: The Bruce Trail Reference, Edition 30, Maps 5/6.

Limited to 10 hikers

Hike Description: Day 1 Repeat: Grimsby to Macdui Drive will take us through the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, and past the Beamer Falls, past Woolverton Conservation area. We will also go by McNeilly West Falls and Vinemount Falls which hopefully we might see. Maybe some other cascades on the way. But as this is a June hike - they might not be big. This is a repeat of the first hike (Iroquoia E2E series). Car shuttle involved. See note below about car shuttle.

About this series of hikes: Join Tanya on this repeat of the first hike from series of 9 hikes: End-to-End (E2E) hikes through the Iroquoia section of the Bruce Trail, to complete ~ 122 km of this section, running from Grimsby to Milton along the Niagara Escarpment. 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.

Carpooling meeting point: 8:00 am at Carpool Lot Hwy 401 exit 299 Morriston Queen St/Brock Rd S (Hwy 6), (43.451406, -80.120985). Leaving at 8:10 at the latest. Carpooling is an option. Please communicate to hike leader if you will meet there. Please note: this is a linear hike we will need to make car shuffle. If you carpool, please make sure to have 2 to 3 spots free in your car.

All meet at 9:00 am on Macdui Dr. (43.207598,-79.712827) east of DeWitt Rd off Dundee Dr. Roadside parking. From there we will organize car shuttle to the start of the hike parking lot at Grimsby Lions Community Pool (enter at 1 Elm St at the South end of Coronation Park); (43.193201,-79.565301).

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 an early summer hike, please dress according to weather; bring a hat and sunscreen. 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 short lunch around noon.

Length: Approx. 16 km

Pace and duration: Moderate, 3.25 km/hr. About 4.5 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.

Hike leaders: Tanya Simpraga: tsimpraga@yahoo.com text: 226-791-4565
Claude Balthazard: claudebalthazard1@gmail.com
Brandon Correia: brandoncorreia_2003@hotmail.com

This is a cooperative hike with the Grand Valley Hiking Club

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.

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.

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