Hiking Speed & Terrain Rating Info

Guests are welcome on our guided hikes. Choose a hike suited to your interests and physical abilities. Be honest with yourself in judging your abilities, remembering that we tire more quickly when walking on snow/rough terrain. Consult the hike description for the hike speed, length, and difficulty of terrain (if in doubt, contact the hike leader) which are explained in the charts below. 

Speed of Hike

 Slow 2 to 3 km/hr
 Moderate 3 to 4 km/hr
 Brisk/Fast 5+ km/hr

Terrain of Hike

Level 1  Well defined trails, gentle inclines. Hiking boots not required. Beginner-friendly; recommended for newcomers to club activities.
Level 2Generally on trail. May be hilly, with light bushwhacking, some rough spots or obstacles. Boots recommended.
Level 3Rough terrain (one or more of extensive bushwhacking, steep sections, long climbs and descents, beaver dams or other obstacles, rock scrambling). Boots, experience and a high level of fitness essential.

Calendar of Hikes by Difficulty

Upcoming events by Difficulty

    • 1 Nov 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Dundas Valley Conservation Area
    Register

    Dundas Valley Conservation Area Hike

    When: Saturday, November 1st, 2025

    Start Time: 9:30 am - approx. 1:00 pm

    Start Location: Trailhead parking on Governors Road https://w3w.co/tight.terminal.name

    Dundas Valley Conservation Area, 650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E3

    Parking fees, payable at entrance gate, for all visitors are required.

    Meet in the second, furthest from gate, parking lot at 9:20 for 9:30 hike time

    Dundas Valley map and information: DV-BROCHURE-2024.pdf

    Difficulty:Level 2 

    Pace: Moderate 4-4.5/hour pace.

    Terrain: Extended steep inclines on Bruce Trail

    Length:Approximately 10 km

    Trail: We will take the Main Loop through the Dundas Valley starting from the main conservation centre, accessed by the Governors Road parking area. The Trail Centre has washrooms, maps, and interpretive displays. We will cross the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail to descend into the well-marked, and spacious pathways.  Going right, counterclockwise on the loop at the initial split, is a challenging, extended uphill portion of the trail. Then we follow the Main Loop, which includes now forested roads that were indigenous and British military pathways designed to confront the American invasion of Upper Canada in 1812.  We will then switch to the Heritage Trail leading along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment.  Along with great views, we reach Canterbury Waterfall and Sherman Falls before looping back to complete the rest of the Main Loop trail. We will break to enjoy lunch at Sherman Falls.

    Required: water, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, health card, personal first aid kit; dress for weather.

    Recommended:  lunch, hiking poles, snacks, hat, sunscreen.

    No dogs please

    Carpool option: Meet at the Covered Bridge parking lot on Gordon Street, Guelph at 8:15 for 8:30 departure to trailhead. https://w3w.co/honey.tailed.monitors                         

    Please let hike leaders know if you are meeting at the trail head parking lot.

    Hike Leaders: Barbara Bethune: barbara.bethune@gmail.com

    Mira Soni: mirasoni1964@gmail.com                                                                                  cell contact number for morning of hike: 519-763-6113

Easy Hike       Moderately Difficult      Difficult

                

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Guelph Hiking Trail Club is a charitable organization Registration#11894 9395

PO Box 1, Guelph, ON, N1H 6J6 

ghtccommunications@gmail.com

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