Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Port Lambton Start: 10:30 a.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point:RiverviewCentralSchool (3926 St. Clair Parkway, Port Lambton) GPS:42.68511,-82.49378 Trail website:www.stclairrivertrail.com
Come join us for River Trail Celebration Day! The tour begins at RiverviewCentralSchool in Port Lambton and will travel 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north along the St. Clair River Trail to SombraVillage, ending at SombraMuseum. The asphalt trail is suitable for walking or bicycling. Participants will experience the unique character of Bluewaterland. 1-hour guided tour.
The tour begins at the Backus-PageHouseMuseum and travels 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) through centuries-old hardwood forests. Participants will view a broad variety of tree, plant and bird species and will have access to 15 interpretive signs located along the route. More than 30 tree species will be identified. 1-hour guided tour.
Pearce Williams Christian Centre
Date: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Community: Fingal Start: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Main Parking Lot, Pearce Williams Christian Centre (8009 Iona Road, Fingal) GPS:42.67238,-81.36960 Trail website:www.pearcewilliams.org
Pearce Williams Christian Centre is a 73-hectare (180-acre) camp and retreat facility with more than 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) of marked trails leading through ravines, rolling hills, wooded areas and open fields. Participants on the guided tour will experience a Carolinian ecosystem, view an Indian Marker Tree and learn about the history of the facility. 2-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010 Community: Tillsonburg Start: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: Partially Location/Start point: Just north of the pond in CoronationPark (Van Street, Tillsonburg) GPS:42.85444,-80.72351 Trail website:www.tillsonburg.ca
The tour begins in CoronationPark and follows Otter Creek along a limestone section of the Tillsonburg Trail. Participants will visit a railroad trestle built in the late 19th century, experience the beautiful scenery of The Bridges at Tillsonburg Golf Course, and view many species of tree that are unique to the Carolinian forest. 1-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, June 5, Saturday, June 12 and Saturday, September 18, 2010 Community: Dunnville Start: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Dunnville Memorial Arena (226 Main Street East, Dunnville) GPS:42.90135,-79.61691 Trail website:www.haldimandmuseums.ca
The tour begins at the Dunnville Memorial Arena and explores the DunnvilleFeederCanal, originally built in 1829 to bring water from the Grand River to the FirstWellandCanal. Participants will learn the history of the canal and view one of the largest expanses of provincially significant wetlands in Ontario. 50-minute guided tours hourly.
Downtown Dunnville Walking Tour (Walk through Time)
Date: Saturday, June 5, Saturday, June 12 and Saturday, September 18, 2010 Community: Dunnville Start: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point: Dunnville Chamber of Commerce (231 Chestnut Street, Dunnville) GPS:42.90289,-79.61715 Trail website:www.haldimandmuseums.ca
This guided walking tour of historic downtown Dunnville begins at the Chamber of Commerce and will wind through the streets of this quiet and picturesque community. The tour will highlight bygone businesses and industries and revive Dunnville's rich and fascinating history through stories and memorabilia. 50-minute guided tours hourly.
Date: Saturday, June 5, Saturday, June 12 and Saturday, September 18, 2010 Community: Dunnville Start: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Partially Location/Start point:DunnvilleRiversideCemetery (660 Main Street West, Dunnville) GPS:42.90668,-79.63368 Trail website:www.haldimandmuseums.ca
RiversideCemetery was established in the early 1800s, with the earliest recorded burial in 1819. Guided walking tours of the cemetery's oldest sections highlight the stories of early settlers, notable citizens, merchants and members of the military, as well as local Black history. 50-minute guided tours hourly.
Date: Sunday, October 3, 2010 Community: Niagara-on-the-Lake Start: 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point:NiagaraCollege – Niagara-on-the-LakeCampus (135 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake) GPS:43.15380,-79.16250 Trail website:www.niagarabrucetrail.org
This hike begins at kilometre 15.9 of the Niagara section of the BruceTrail and travels along the edge of a vineyard to a reclaimed wetland. Hikers will view the multi-layered rock formations of the Niagara Escarpment and the vineyards and orchards of the plains below. Students from NiagaraCollege will lead the tours. 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. tours are 30 minutes each/2 p.m. hike is 1.5 hours.
Gilkison Flats Trail
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010 Community: Brantford Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Picnic Shelter (Gilkison and Mount Pleasant streets, Brantford) GPS:43.11735,-80.27339 Trail website:www.brantford.ca/trails
The 2.5-kilometre (1.6-mile) loop hike starts and finishes at the picnic shelter in Gilkison Flats, and will be routed along the lands adjacent to the Grand River – a CanadianHeritageRiver. The Carolinian forest along the river's banks will be experienced via a historical interpretation themed "Flood Control – River and Man."1-hour guided tour.
Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo (TH&B) and Lake Erie & Northern (LE&N) Rail Trails
Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010 Community: Brantford Start: 12 p.m. Difficulty: Demanding Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Picnic shelter (Gilkison and Mount Pleasant streets, Brantford) GPS:43.11735,-80.27339 Trail website:www.brantford.ca/trails
This 20-kilometre (12.4-mile) cycling tour starts and finishes at the picnic shelter in Gilkison Flats and will be routed along the TH&B and LE&N Rail Trails. Riders will follow the TH&B Rail Trail, a component of the Trans Canada Trail, to the Village of Mount Pleasant, where refreshments can be obtained. They will return to Brantford along the LE&N Rail Trail. 1.5-hour guided tour.
This tour begins at the BloomingdaleMennoniteChurch and follows the Grand River through lands formerly used for an aggregate operation and now subject to an environmental reclamation project. Participants will hike alongside the flood plains, wooded areas and ponds that form a sanctuary for various species of wildlife, including osprey, deer, beaver and wild turkey. 2.75-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010 Community: Elmira Start: 9 a.m. Difficulty: Demanding Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Intersection between the Kissing Bridge Trail and Waterloo Regional Road 21 (adjacent to 20 Arthur Street North, Elmira) GPS:43.60359,-80.55526 Trail website:www.guelphhiking.com
Enjoy an energetic 25-kilometre (15.5-mile) spring hike that passes through Mennonite farmland and small rural communities, such as Millbank, Linwood and Wallenstein. This will be a challenging hike; there may be some stream crossings where no rail bridges remain. Bring water, lunch and sunscreen, as this will be a full-day hike with no dropout points. 6-hour guided tour.
This tour begins in EramosaRiverPark and follows the rail bed of the legendary electric Toronto Suburban Railway, passing numerous interesting historic and geological features. Hikers will view Guelph's own escarpment – the Guelph Formation – and see fossilized coral reefs that tower over the trail. 40-minute guided tours hourly, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1.5-hour tours, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Date: Sunday, September 12, 2010 Community: Ariss Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point: Trailway parking lot (eastern terminus of Schuett Road, Ariss) GPS:43.57481,-80.36271 Trail website:www.wellington.ca
The tour departs from the Village of Ariss, located northwest of Guelph, and follows the trailway through the rural Ontario countryside. Participants will take in the late summer colours, observe local wildlife and enjoy views of the local farms as the fall crops are being harvested. 2-hour guided tour.
Maitland Trail (Ball's Bridge)
Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010 Community: Auburn Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Ball's Bridge (Little Lakes Road, west of County Road 8/Base Line, Auburn) GPS:43.73068,-81.54456 Trail website:www.maitlandtrail.ca
This hike begins at Ball's Bridge – one of Ontario's last surviving "Pratt truss and pin" iron bridges. Participants will travel the Maitland Trail through woodlots, across fields and along river valleys to BoundaryBridge. The 3-kilometre (1.9-mile) trek includes lovely views and provides great photography opportunities. Parking is available on County Road 8/Base Line at Little Lakes Road. 2-hour guided tour.
Date: Sunday, October 24, 2010 Community: Goderich Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Canadian Pacific Railway Station (Harbour Road, Goderich) GPS:43.74323,-81.72391 Trail website:www.maitlandtrail.ca
The hike begins at the former Goderich Canadian Pacific Railway Station near the western terminus of Harbour Road. Participants will travel 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) to the Tiger Dunlop Tomb, where they will hear a historical interpreter tell the colourful story of Dr. William "Tiger" Dunlop's association with the Canada Company and the founding of Goderich in 1827. Anniversary activities at the trailhead will follow the hike. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Date: Sunday, October 17, 2010 Community: Kincardine Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point:GeddesEnvironmentalPark (east of the Queen Street bridge, Kincardine) GPS:44.17319,-81.63721 Trail website:www.kincardinetrails.net
This 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) hike begins at GeddesEnvironmentalPark and meanders on varied terrain through wild fruit orchards, cedar forests and riverside meadows. Participants will experience the various flora and fauna of the area and will traverse the recently installed NorthPenetangoreRiver bridge. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Date: Sunday, June 6, 2010 Community: Port Elgin Start: 1:30 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point: MacGregor Point Provincial Park Main Office parking lot (1593 Bruce Road 33, Port Elgin) GPS:44.40895,-81.44697 Trail website:www.saugeenshores.ca
This hike begins at the main office of MacGregorPointProvincialPark and is routed along the Rotary Way Trail through mixed forest and wetland habitats. Participants will experience the natural beauty of SaugeenShores. This hike is offered as part of the Saugeen Shores Walking Festival. Visit www.saugeenshores.ca for information on other activities offered during the festival. 1-hour guided tour.
Sauble Beach Cross Country Ski Trails
Date: Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19, 2010 Community: Sauble Falls Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Sauble Beach Cross Country Ski Trails parking lot (931 Sauble Falls Parkway, SaubleFalls) GPS:44.68586,-81.25534 Trail website:http://skisauble.freehostia.com
Participants have a choice between a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) or 5-kilometre (3.1-mile) hike. Both hikes begin at the chalet and are routed through a unique system of rolling ski trails, traversing hardwood and softwood forests. Participants of the long tour will carry on to a dam on the RankinRiver. Both tours offer spectacular opportunities for bird watching. Short tour, 45 minutes; Long tour, 75 minutes.
Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010 Community: Goderich Start: 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Location/Start point: Parking lot of the Knights of Columbus Hall (390 Parsons Court, Goderich) GPS: 43.72945,-81.69397 Trail website: www.mvca.on.ca
Join Maitland Valley Conservation Area staff and Maitland Trail Association volunteers on a guided hike through the Maitland Woods in Goderich. Fill in an "I Spy Nature" card while you walk and enter a draw for prizes. Please wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. 1-hour guided tour.
Meet at the SkateboardPark in CentennialPark in Strathroy to participate in a day of paddling on the SydenhamRiver. Canoe Water Adventuring (local canoe outfitter) will supply canoes at no charge to people interested in exploring the water trail. Participants can also bring their own canoes or kayaks. 4-hour event.
Trails Open Hike (Eramosa Karst Conservation Area)
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Stoney Creek Start: 10 a.m., 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Location/Start point: Main parking lot (Upper Mount Albion Road, Stoney Creek) GPS: 43.18714,-79.81188 Trail website: www.conservationhamilton.ca
Join us for a day of exploration at the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area. Discover underground caves and streams, learn about the new East Mountain Trail Loop beginning construction this spring, and talk to the experts about Hamilton’s extensive regional trail system. Guided hikes will be led by Friends of the Eramosa Karst at 10 a.m. and by expert Marcus Buck at 1 p.m. Running or hiking shoes are recommended. 1- to 2-hour guided tours.
Date: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6, 2010 Community: Owen Sound Start: Multiple start times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair Accessible: No Location/Start point: Inglis Falls Conservation Area Pavilion (237785 Falls Road, Owen Sound) GPS: 44.52569,-80.934570 Trail website: www.greysauble.on.ca
Grey Sauble staff will host this Trails Open Ontario event at the Inglis Falls Conservation Area where they will greet visitors at the pavilion and offer a guided hike (mill pond sink holes, and cedar growth forest) that will include an opportunity to see inside the lit cavern of the Inglis Falls Filtration Plant. Please bring water and wear appropriate hiking footwear.
Date: Sunday, June 6, 2010 Community: St. Marys Start: 10 a.m. Location/Start point: Wildwood Conservation Area Shelter B (Highway 7, St. Marys) GPS: 43.26846,-81.06839 Trail website: www.wildwoodconservationarea.ca
Join us for the grand opening of the new 25-kilometre (15.5-mile) loop trail around Wildwood Reservoir. The trail is open for mountain biking, hiking or running; all activities start at Shelter B. There will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. 5-hour event.
Outdoor Day (Fanshawe Conservation Area)
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010 Community: London Start: 8 a.m. Location/Start point: Fanshawe Conservation Area (1424 Clarke Road, London) GPS: 43.03754,-81.18353 Trail website: www.fanshaweconservationarea.ca
Join us at the Fanshawe Conservation Area for Outdoor Day! In addition to showcasing our trails, we will be hosting a camper’s garage sale and barbecue. Fanshawe Lake Trail will be available for mountain biking and hiking and the Fanshawe reservoir will be open for fishing! Note: all hiking and biking tours will be self-directed. 5-hour event.
A Geocaching Adventure (Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area)
Date: Sunday, September 12, 2010 Community: Petrolia Start: 9 a.m. Location/Start point: Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area (3653 Petrolia Line, Petrolia) GPS: 42.87939,-82.18735 Trail website: www.scrca.on.ca/Events.htm
Explore the Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area with a geocaching twist. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt that uses a global positioning system (GPS) unit to locate a hidden cache (treasure). Bring your GPS receiver (and connection cable) and upload the coordinates from our laptop to your GPS. A limited number of GPS receivers will be available to borrow. 6-hour event.
The GreenockSwamp (GreenockSwamp Wetland Complex)
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010 Community: Chepstow Start: 1 p.m. Location/Start point: GreenockSwamp parking lot (Schmidt Lake Road, Chepstow) GPS: 44.17416,-81.30889 Trail website: www.svca.on.ca
Staff from Saugeen Conservation will greet visitors in the parking lot with a brief talk on the history of this vast swamp and its role in the settlement of the area. Afterwards, staff will guide visitors down the trail to the viewing platform at SchmidtLake where they can take in the fabulous views. 3-hour event.
Trails at Apps' Mill Nature Centre
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2010 Community: Brantford Start: Multiple start times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point: Apps’ Mill Nature Centre (308 Robinson Road, Brantford) GPS: 43.13283,-80.37101 Trail website: www.grandriver.ca
Join us for interpretive guided hikes through the historic Apps' Mill property near Brantford. Kids will enjoy nature crafts and "stream slosh" activities.
Date: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Community: Sparta Start: Multiple start times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Location/Start point: Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area (Sparta Line, Sparta) GPS: 42.70259,-81.04513 Trail website: www.catfishcreek.ca
There will be guided tours by Catfish Creek Conservation Authority staff and independent hiking on four new trails. Wander through more than 200 acres (80.9 hectares) of CarolinianForest and see the Herb Kebbel Wetland and all its wildlife. Free Interpretive Trail Guides will be provided. Bring water and foot gear.
Fall Colour Tour (WawanoshValley Conservation Area)
Date: Sunday, October 3, 2010 Community: North Huron Start: 1 p.m. Location/Start point: Wawanosh Nature Centre (38854 Nature Centre Road, North Huron) GPS: 43.82546,-81.45704 Trail website: www.mvca.on.ca
JoinMaitlandValley Conservation staff for a walk along the MaitlandRiver as part of the annual Fall Colour Tour. The hike leaves from the Nature Centre at 2 p.m. and will traverse moderate terrain, featuring rolling hills, old field meadows and forest cover. Dress appropriately for the weather. Stop by the Nature Centre after the hike for hot apple cider, displays and children's activities. 3-hour event.
Date: Sunday, June 6, 2010 Community: Caledon East Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point:TransCanadaTrailPavilionPark (west side of Airport Road between Larry and Emma streets) GPS:43.86781,-79.86548 Trail website:www.caledon.ca
This hike begins at the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion and follows the multi-use rail trail west towards nearby wetlands. Participants will learn the history of the Trailway, the Trans Canada Trail and Caledon's Walk of Fame, discuss railway history and observe local flora and fauna. Parking is available just north of the park on Emma Street. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Claireville Conservation Area (Wiley/Lawrence Heritage Hike)
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010 Community: Brampton Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Claireville Conservation Area (northern terminus of Gorewood Drive, Brampton) GPS:43.74683,-79.65253 Trail website:www.trca.on.ca
Experience the history of Clairville during a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) hike near the banks of the HumberRiver. The hike begins at the northern terminus of Gorewood Drive and leads participants through a pioneer-era landscape that includes farmstead ruins and the WileyBowstringBridge. Recent archaeological finds from the site will showcase nearly 10,000 years of history. 2-hour guided tour.
Samuel Wilmot Nature Area
Date: Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6, 2010 Community: Newcastle Start: 2 p.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Samuel Wilmot Nature Area parking lot (southern terminus of Cobbledick Road, Newcastle) GPS:43.90231,-78.60566 Trail website:www.clarington.net
The Samuel Wilmot Nature Area is a 77-hectare (190-acre) nature area located in Newcastle on the shores of LakeOntario. The hike follows the Lake Meadow Trail, a 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) limestone trail, to the Wilmot Wetland and the bluff overlooking the lake. Several interpretive signs detailing the area's history, wildlife and ecology are located along the path. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturdays and Sundays from May 1 to October 31, 2010 Community: Campbellville Start: 11 a.m. Location/Start point: Mountsberg Conservation Area Visitor Centre (2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville) GPS: 43.46300,-80.02500 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
The perfect outing for you and your little one! Enjoy crafts and kid-friendly treks as you explore Mountsberg's birds, pond, forest and barnyard. Tiny treks are suitable for children aged 3 to 7 and their families. Little brothers and sisters are also welcome! Park entrance fees apply. 1-hour guided tour.
Guided Nature Hike (Mountsberg Conservation Area)
Date: Saturdays and Sundays from May 1to June 30, 2010 Community: Campbellville Start: 1 p.m. Location/Start point: Mountsberg Conservation Area Visitor Centre (2259 Millburough Line, Campbellville) GPS: 43.46300,-80.02500 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Explore the natural wonders of the park with one of our experienced guides. Discover what’s "in" – that is, what's in bud, in bloom or in flight! Park entrance fees apply. 1-hour guided tour.
Nature Babies (CrawfordLake Conservation Area)
Date: Saturdays and Sundays from May 1 to June 30, 2010 Community: Milton Start: 10 a.m. Location/Start point: Crawford Lake Conservation Area Visitor Centre (3115 Conservation Road, Milton) GPS: 43.47000,-79.95100 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Caregivers and infants in strollers will meet with a guide to discover CrawfordLake's stroller-friendly trails. Park entrance fees apply. 1-hour guided tour.
Boots & Bugs Club (CrawfordLake Conservation Area)
Date: Saturdays and Sundays from May 1 to June 30, 2010 Community: Milton Start: 11 a.m. Location/Start point: Crawford Lake Conservation Area Visitor Centre (3115 Conservation Road, Milton) GPS: 43.47000,-79.95100 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Families with young children will enjoy a themed story, nature activity, craft and guided hike. Park entrance fees apply. 1-hour guided tour.
Wildflower Walks (CrawfordLake Conservation Area)
Date: Saturdays and Sundays from May 1 to June 30, 2010 Community: Milton Start: 2 p.m. Location/Start point: Crawford Lake Conservation Area Visitor Centre (3115 Conservation Road, Milton) GPS: 43.47000,-79.95100 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Enjoy a guided tour of CrawfordLake's wildflower wonders. Learn about the fascinating secret lives of trilliums, jack-and-the-pulpits, trout lilies and more! Park entrance fees apply. 1-hour guided tour.
Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2010 Community: Toronto Start: Multiple start times between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Location/Start point:TommyThompsonPark (3 Leslie Street, Toronto) GPS: 43.65169,-79.32292 Trail website: www.springbirdfestival.ca
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the 10th annual Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival! Learn about songbirds and the amazing phenomenon of migration. Explore interpretive displays, see live bird banding demonstrations and participate in birding hikes and specialized workshops. There will be activities for everyone. Register for hikes and workshops at www.springbirdfestival.ca. Hikes range in length from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Wildflower Walk for Mom (CrawfordLake Conservation Area)
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2010 Community: Milton Start: 11 a.m. Location/Start point: Crawford Lake Conservation Area Visitor Centre (3115 Conservation Road, Milton) GPS: 43.47000,-79.95100 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Celebrate Mom's special day with a beautiful spring slideshow followed by a guided wildflower walk and a serving of Nature's Tea. Park entrance fees apply. 3-hour event.
Mother's Day Wildflower Hike and Tea (Long Sault Conservation Area)
Date: Sunday, May 9, 2010 Community: Clarington Start: 1 p.m. Location/Start point: Long Sault Conservation Area (Northern Terminus of Woodley Road, Clarington) GPS: 44.04987,-78.74198 Trail website: www.cloca.com
Pamper Mom this year by treating her to Central Lake Ontario Conservation’s 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike and Tea. Bring your Mom and join our staff for a leisurely wildflower hike and old-fashioned tea at Long Sault Conservation Area. Hikers are asked to dress for the weather, wear walking shoes and remember to bring their cameras. Register online at www.cloca.com or contact Cathy Grant at 905-579-0411, ext. 108 (email: cgrant@cloca.com). 2-hour event.
Date: Saturday, May 29, 2010 Community: Terra Cotta Start: 10 a.m. Location/Start point: (14452 Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta) GPS: 43.72237,-79.95596 Trail website: www.creditvalleyca.ca
Join us on a guided hike to learn about the historical uses of plants and wildflowers – and see how we still use them today. The hike is recommended for adults and children over the age of seven and follows maintained trails with some steep or uneven terrain. Register online at www.creditvalleyca.ca/education or call 905-670-1615, ext. 221. Park entrance fees apply. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Colonel Samuel Smith Spring Bird Festival
Date: Saturday, May 29, 2010 Community: Toronto Start: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. Location/Start point:ColonelSamuelSmithPark (Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Toronto) GPS: 43.59196,-79.51340 Trail website: www.trca.on.ca/events
Join the City of Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority at ColonelSamuelSmithPark for a morning of guided walks, bird watching and interpretive displays. The bird walk will depart from the parking lot at 8 a.m. will pass through a variety of diverse habitats at the park. Hour-long family walks will depart from the parking lot at 10 a.m. and 11a.m. Please bring water and appropriate footwear. 2-hour guided tour.
Fall Into Nature (Conservation Halton)
Date: October 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17, 2010 Community: Multiple locations in Halton Region Start: Multiple start times between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Location/Start point: Various locations Trail website: www.fallintonature.ca
Fall into Nature celebrates the natural beauty and fall colours of Halton’s Escarpment Parks: MountNemo, Rattlesnake Point, Kelso, Mountsberg, CrawfordLake and HiltonFalls. The event includes a variety of unique outdoor experiences such as chairlift rides to the top of the escarpment, self-guided and interpreter-led guided tours, live performances (music, First Nations Dancers and storytellers), demonstrations (climbing, geocaching and orienteering) and more. A fee for a passport to all the parks is required.
Bioblitz Fun Day (HiltonFalls Conservation Area)
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010 Community:Milton Start: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Location/Start point: Hilton Falls Conservation Area Visitor Centre (4985 Campbellville Sideroad, Milton) GPS: 43.50600,-79.96300 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.ca
In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, Conservation Halton is holding a Bioblitz Fun Day at Hilton Falls Conservation Area. Come out and enjoy themed guided hikes, guest speakers, birds of prey demonstrations, family activities and more. Guided hikes provide opportunities to learn about forest and tree identification, fish and water quality, forest decay, salamanders and wetland health. Park entrance fees apply.
Fall Colours Weekend
Date: Sunday, October 10 and Monday, October 11, 2010 Community:Milton Start: 1 p.m. Location/Start point: Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (Perth Road, Kingston) GPS: 44.28117,-76.50884 Trail website: www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
Enjoy autumn's colours with a wagon ride to our sugar bush or by sampling pie and cider at the Outdoor Centre canteen. Special children's programming includes puppet shows at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Park entrance fees apply. 3-hour event.
Take a KidMountain Biking Day (Kelso Conservation Area)
Date: Saturday, October 2, 2010 Community:Milton Start: Multiple start times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Location/Start point: Kelso Conservation Area – Summit Gate(Steeles Avenue West and Bell School Line, Milton) GPS: 43.49611,-79.92291 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.com/eventsearch.cfm
Young riders of all abilities, aged 6 to 16, are invited to a youth mountain biking event hosted by Kelso Mountain Bike Staff as part of Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. Staff will lead group rides through the trails at various times throughout the day and will offer tips and guidance as you experience the obstacles and features of the SkillPark. Bring your bike and an approved bicycle helmet. Park entrance fees apply.
Trails Open at HiltonFalls
Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Community:Milton Start: 6:30 p.m. Location/Start point: Hilton Falls Conservation Area Visitors Centre (4985 Campbellville Road, Milton) GPS: 43.50600,-79.96300 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Meet at the Visitor Centre and join us for a hike to the picturesque HiltonFalls along the yellow trail, red trail and sections of the BruceTrail. Participants will learn about the history of HiltonFalls and observe natural features, including beaver dams, streams, flora and fauna. Water and appropriate footwear are required. Park entrance fees will be waived for participants. 2-hour guided tour.
Trails Open at Kelso
Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Community:Milton Start: 6 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Kelso Conservation Area Main Chalet (234 Kelso Road, Milton) GPS: 43.50616,-79.94349 Trail website: www.conservationhalton.on.ca
Meet at the main chalet and join us for a hike along the Niagara Escarpment. Participants will enjoy spectacular views overlooking the surrounding area. Water and appropriate footwear are required. Park entrance fees will be waived for participants. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Collingwood Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: The Station (45 St. Paul Street, Collingwood) GPS:44.50264,-80.21428 Trail website:www.collingwoodtrails.ca
Join the Collingwood Trails Network at The Station to celebrate International Trails Day. One of several activities that will take place is a 28-kilometre (17.4-mile) roundtrip cycling tour through farmland and forests along the Train Trail from Collingwood to Stayner. Watch for times and descriptions of other activities on the Town page of the Collingwood Enterprise-Bulletin newspaper. 2-hour guided tour.
Tiny Trail
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Tiny Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: The forest clearing on the west side of Overhead Bridge Road (780 Overhead Bridge Road, Penetanguishene) GPS:44.75775,-79.95739 Trail website:www.simcoecountytrails.net
This hike begins at the Tiny/Penetanguishene municipal limits in the forest clearing west of Overhead Bridge Road. Participants will have the pleasure of walking the paved trail and viewing the 11 historic bridges between the eastern trailhead and Concession 12. A brief history of each bridge will be provided. 1-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Penetanguishene Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point: The forest clearing on the west side of Overhead Bridge Road (780 Overhead Bridge Road, Penetanguishene) GPS:44.75775,-79.95739 Trail website:www.simcoecountytrails.net
This tour begins at the Penetanguishene/Tiny municipal limits in the forest clearing slightly west of Overhead Bridge Road. Trail seekers will enjoy a 2.5-kilometre (1.6-mile) walk along PenetanguisheneHarbour through RotaryPark. The shipping and railway history of the area will be discussed as participants explore the area where Samuel de Champlain once stood. Those with GPS units can hunt for hidden caches. 1-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Midland Start: 1 p.m., 2 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point:MidlandHarbour (intersection of King Street and Bayshore Drive, Midland) GPS:44.75255,-79.88715 Trail website:www.simcoecountytrails.net
This 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) hike begins at the MidlandHarbour and is routed along the Georgian Bay shoreline. Participants will view several downtown murals and encounter a number of historical markers, public parks and gardens while touring the trail. 45-minute guided tours.
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Victoria Harbour Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point:TrestlePark Roadside picnic area (north side of Highway 12 between Reeves Road and Triple Bay Road, Victoria Harbour) GPS:44.73146,-79.79966 Trail website:www.simcoecountytrails.net
This guided nature tour begins at the Trestle Park Roadside Picnic Area and is open to hikers, cyclists and wheelchair users. It is routed along the Tay Trail and provides participants with an opportunity to examine local flora and fauna with a skilled naturalist/ecologist. Approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) of trail will be traversed. 1-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010 Community: Dorset Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Frost Centre Institute (20130 Highway 35, Dorset) GPS:45.15861,-78.84534 Trail website:www.algonquinhighlands.ca
Two hikes are being offered. (1) The Forest Management Hike is a 1.5-kilometre (0.9-mile) tour where participants will discover both the obvious and obscure members of the forest community. (2) The Geomorphological Hike is a 3.5-kilometre (2.2-mile) tour focused on the features of the Haliburton Highlands. Both hikes will be followed by the Reel Paddling Film Festival at the Dorset Recreation Centre (at 3 p.m. – $15 admission). 2-hour guided tour.
Sylvan Glen Conservation Area
Date: Sunday, June 27, 2010 Community: Port Hope Start: 1:30 p.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Sylvan Glen Conservation Area parking lot (west side of Sylvan Glen Road between Dale Road and 4th Line, Port Hope) GPS:43.98989,-78.32807 Trail website:www.ganaraska-hiking-trail.ca
This 6-kilometre (3.7 mile) hike begins in Sylvan Glen Conservation Area and follows the GanaraskaRiver through mature woodlands to an attractive tributary stream. Hikers will have the opportunity to view a selection of natural and cultural landscapes, such as the historic Harris home and farm, typical of rural NorthumberlandCounty. Participants should bring plenty of water and a snack. 2.5-hour guided tour.
Northumberland County Forest Trails
Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010 Community: Alnwick/Haldimand Start: 10 a.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Beagle Club Road parking lot (west side of Beagle Club Road between Highway 45 and Dunbar Road, Alnwick/Haldimand) GPS:44.09830,-78.10719 Trail website:www.northumberlandcounty.ca
This hike begins at the cross-country ski trail parking lot and explores the natural and cultural heritage of a forest area that was previously used for farming. Hiking boots or substantial shoes are mandatory (no running shoes) and participants should bring plenty of water and a lunch. There will be a couple of dropout points for participants who do not wish to travel the entire 14-kilometre (8.7-mile) route. 4.5-hour guided tour.
Seymour Family Fishing Day (Seymour Conservation Area)
Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010 Community: Campbellford Start: 8 a.m. Location/Start point: Seymour Conservation Area (County Road 30, south of Campbellford) GPS: 44.27641,-77.80959 Trail website: www.ltc.on.ca
Bring your fishing pole and your hiking boots to Seymour Family Fishing Day and Trails Open! Starting at 8 a.m, try your hand at fishing for rainbow trout in the quarry. Later in the morning, join a guided hike through rare alvar oak savannah restoration sites and "pairing ponds" for waterfowl. 6-hour event.
WarsawCaves (WarsawCaves Conservation Area and Campground)
Date: Saturdays and Sundays from July 3 to August 29, 2010 Community: Warsaw Start: TBC Location/Start point: Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Road, Warsaw) GPS:44.46272,-78.12808 Trail website: www.warsawcaves.com
Join us for a guided interpretive hike featuring the caves, kettles, disappearing river and scenic lookout over the Indian River valley. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear. 2-hour guided tour.
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
Date: Sunday, August 15, 2010 Community: Singhampton Start: 9:30 a.m. Difficulty: Moderate Location/Start point: Parking lot of Mylar and Loreta's Restaurant (Grey County Road 124, Singhampton) GPS: 44.35014,-80.25145 Trail website: www.nvca.on.ca
Join the Blue Mountain Bruce Trail Club for a guided hike along 5 to 8 kilometres (3 to 5 miles) of the BruceTrail that meanders through the Niagara Escarpment. This is a great place to hike, offering several options in length, difficulty, beauty and views. Wear sturdy boots and bring water, a snack, insect repellent and appropriate hiking gear for the weather. The hike will be followed by an optional lunch at Mylar and Loreta's restaurant. 2- to 3-hour guided tour.
Join the staff of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority at the Ganaraska Forest Centre for a fun-filled day of activities, including horse-drawn wagon rides and hiking tours through the 11,000-acre GanaraskaForest, food and refreshments, crafts, music, face painting and more! Wear appropriate footwear to hike through the forest. 3-hour event.
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010 Community: Caledonia Springs Start: 8 a.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Kilometre 29 trail marker (northwest of the intersection between the trail and Concession 1 Road, Caledonia Springs) GPS:45.54396,-74.76847 Trail website:www.prescott-russell.on.ca
This 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) walk begins at the kilometre 29 trail marker and follows the trail along an abandoned railway bed. The walk presents a great opportunity to learn about the trail and to enjoy some early summer morning bird watching. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather. Binoculars optional. 2.5-hour guided tour.
Sidney Conservation Area
Date: Monday, May 17, 2010 Community: Quinte West Start: 6 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Sidney Conservation Area parking lot (379 Airport Road, Stirling) GPS: 44.25199,-77.51880 Trail website: www.quinteconservation.ca
Join Quinte Conservation Ecologist Tim Trustham at the Sidney Conservation Area for a guided hike through lands formerly used for experimental purposes by the federal Department of Agriculture. The trail traverses open areas, mixed forests and areas influenced by natural plant succession. Please bring water and hiking footwear. 1-hour guided tour.
Celebrate the official reopening of Morris Island Conservation Area following three years of improvements. The official opening ceremony will be followed by a guided hike along the trails and a light lunch. Bring sturdy walking shoes and your binoculars. Morris Island Conservation Area offers great views of the Ottawa River as well as many different species of birds and wildlife. 1.5-hour guided tour.
CharlottenburghPark Nature Hike
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010 Community: South Lancaster Start: 1 p.m. Location/Start point: Boat launch in CharlottenburghPark (County Road 2, South Lancaster) GPS: 45.08685,-74.52432 Trail website: www.rrca.on.ca
Raisin Region Conservation Authority staff will host a guided nature hike of Charlottenburgh Park that explores habitat enhancement features, wetland areas, Fraser Creek, forest plantations and associated wildlife and plants. Participants will also visit the largest butternut tree in eastern Ontario. Bring water and hiking footwear. 2-hour guided tour.
Date: September 2010 (TBC) Community: Quinte West Start: TBC Location/Start point: Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area (County Road 33, Quinte West) GPS: 44.14672,-77.58461 Trail website: www.ltc.on.ca
Join us at the Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area for the official opening of a new trail link to the LowerTrentTrail, a 17-kilometre (10.6-mile) non-motorized trail along the former rail bed between Trenton and Glen Ross. This event will also provide a great opportunity to visit the "Boulder" – one of the largest known glacial erratics in North America, estimated to be 2.3 billion years old.
The Friends of the Lemoine Point Conservation Area Wildflower Walks
Date: Sunday, June 6 and Sunday, August 29, 2010 Community: Kingston Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Low Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Lemoine Point Conservation Area (Coverdale Drive, Kingston) GPS: 44.23219,-76.60923 Trail website: www.cataraquiregion.on.ca
Join the Friends of the Lemoine Point Conservation Area for a guided trail walk featuring Spring wildflowers (June) and goldenrod and asters (August). With 136 acres (55 hectares) of forest, field and marsh, and a spectacular waterfront, Lemoine Point Conservation Area is a perfect destination for wildflower enthusiasts. Hikers should meet in the north parking lot off Coverdale Drive. Remember to bring water.
Date: Friday, July 23, 2010 Community: Mattawa Start: 9:30 a.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Eau Claire Gorge Trailhead (Graham Road, west of Highway 630 and Peddlers Drive intersection, Eau Claire) GPS: 46.25361,-78.91414 Trail website: www.nbmca.on.ca
Meet at the trailhead or catch the hike bus in Mattawa at the museum (8:30 a.m.) or the arena (8:45 a.m.). This 1.9-km (1.2-mile) guided hike features a spectacular waterfall on the Amabel du Fond River in the Eau Clair Gorge. Learn about the area’s rich logging history by following the hike’s interpretive trail, which features a log slide and logger’s cabin. 2-hour guided tour.
Date: Saturday, July 10, 2010 Community: Cold Springs Start: 10:30 a.m. Difficulty: Demanding Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point: Parking lot (south side of Bidwell Road, west of Highway 540, Cold Springs) GPS:45.89215,-81.92270 Trail website:www.escarpment.ca
This hike begins at the parking lot on Bidwell Road and travels 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) through the oak-dominated forest and cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Participants will experience magnificent views atop the "saucer" before climbing to the "cup," where views are even more breathtaking. Hikers will also have an opportunity to visit the adventure trail at the end of the tour. 4-hour guided tour.
Lewis Twin Peaks Trail
Date: Sunday, June 13, 2010 Community: Sheguiandah Start: 1 p.m. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point:CentennialMuseum of Sheguiandah (10862 Highway 6, Sheguiandah) GPS:45.89215,-81.92270 Trail website:www.townofnemi.on.ca
This tour begins at the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah and follows the 2-kilometre (1.2-mile) Lewis Twin Peaks Trail. Participants will visit two scenic lookouts, atop outcroppings of white and grey quartzite, which offer excellent views of BassLake, Sheguiandah First Nation, SheguiandahVillage and White Rock Corner. The peaks provide excellent spots to enjoy a picnic lunch. 1-hour guided tour.
McLean Mountain Trail
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010 Community: Eads Bush Start: 10:30 a.m. Difficulty: Moderate Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point:McLean Lookout (west side of McLean's Mountain Road, south of Highway 540, Eads Bush) GPS:45.95859,-81.94729 Trail website:www.escarpment.ca
This hike begins at the McLean Lookout and follows an 8-kilometre (5-mile) circle route along the Niagara Escarpment with dramatic views over the North Channel and LaClocheMountains. Participants will learn about the McLean Mountain Wind Farm project and visit the sites where the construction of wind turbines has been proposed. 3-hour guided tour.
La Vase Portages
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010 Community: North Bay Start: 8 a.m. Difficulty: Demanding Wheelchair accessible: No Location/Start point:ChamplainPark (Champlain Park Road, North Bay) GPS:45.95859,-81.94729 Trail website:www.discoveryroutes.ca/north_bay/lavase.htm
Heritage Canoe Day begins with a meeting in ChamplainPark to arrange travel to the Upper Portage at BradyLake. From there, participants will be led by the Friends of La Vase along a 14-kilometre (8.7-mile) section of the historic voyageur canoe route. Participants must supply their own canoes and paddles. An optional shuttle service to the start site and a pickerel lunch will be available for a $25 fee. 4-hour guided tour.
Moonbeam Nature Trails
Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010 Community: Moonbeam Start: 9 p.m. Difficulty: Easy Wheelchair accessible: Yes Location/Start point:Moonbeam Tourist Information Centre (2 Highway 581, Moonbeam) GPS:49.34408,-82.15982 Trail website:www.naturetrails.moonbeam.ca
This tour begins in downtown Moonbeam and follows the principal trail north towards RenéBrunelleProvincialPark. The 11-kilometre (6.8-mile) trail is entirely paved, so participants can opt to explore by foot, bicycle, horseback, skateboard or inline skates. The trail features magnificent views of northern landscapes and wildlife, including stunning views from the shore of BalsamLake. 1.5-hour guided tour.
Timmins Hiking Day (HerseyLake Conservation Area)
Date: Sunday, September 26, 2010 Community: Timmins Start: 10 a.m. Location/Start point: Hersey Lake Conservation Area picnic shelter (Highway 655, Timmins) GPS: 48.51609,-81.28593 Trail website: www.mrca.timmins.ca
Join us at the Hersey Lake Conservation Area for Timmins Hiking Day. Volunteers will lead several guided hikes of differing lengths while describing some of the unique plants and animals of northern Ontario. Dress for the weather and bring sturdy footwear. There will be several outdoor exhibits. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments will also be provided. 3-hour event.
St. Clair River Trail
Spicer Trail (
Pearce Williams Christian Centre
The Carroll Trail (
Grand River Tour (
Downtown Dunnville Walking Tour (Walk through Time)
Dunnville
Wetland Ridge Side Trail (
Gilkison Flats Trail
Toronto
Grand Valley Trail (Snider's Flats)
Kissing Bridge Trail
Radial Line Trail
Kissing Bridge Trail
Maitland Trail (Ball's Bridge)
Maitland Trail (Tiger Dunlop's Tomb)
Kincardine Trails (Geddes Environmental Park)
MacGregor
Sauble Beach Cross Country Ski Trails
Maitland Woods (Maitland Woods Conservation Area)
Water Trail Paddle Day
Trails Open Hike (Eramosa Karst Conservation Area)
Inglis
Trail Day (Wildwood Conservation Area)
Outdoor Day (Fanshawe Conservation Area)
A Geocaching Adventure (Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area)
The 
Trails at Apps' Mill Nature Centre
Yarmouth
Fall Colour Tour (
Caledon Trailway
Claireville Conservation Area (Wiley/
Samuel Wilmot Nature Area
Tiny Treks (Mountsberg Conservation Area)
Guided Nature Hike (Mountsberg Conservation Area)
Nature Babies (
Boots & Bugs Club (
Wildflower Walks (
Tommy Thompson Park Spring Bird Festival 
Wildflower Walk for Mom (
Mother's Day Wildflower Hike and Tea (Long Sault Conservation Area)
Native Wildflower Folklore (Terra Cotta Conservation Area)
Colonel Samuel Smith Spring Bird Festival
Fall Into Nature (Conservation Halton)
Bioblitz Fun Day (
Fall Colours Weekend
Take a 
Trails Open at 
Trails Open at Kelso
Collingwood Trails Network
Tiny Trail
Penetanguishene Trans Canada Trail
Midland Rotary Trail
Tay Shore Trail
Haliburton Highlands Water Trails
Sylvan Glen Conservation Area
Northumberland County Forest Trails
Seymour
Warsaw
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
Ganaraska
Prescott
Sidney
Morris
Charlottenburgh
Bleasdell Boulder Trail Opening (Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area)
The Friends of the Lemoine Point Conservation Area Wildflower Walks
Mattawa
Cup and Saucer Trail
Lewis Twin Peaks Trail
McLean Mountain Trail
La Vase Portages
Moonbeam Nature Trails
Timmins
