Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club Hike Schedule

For full details of each individual hike go to the Newsletter

Bruce Trail Club Events & Hikes


All organized hikes across all 9 Clubs are being cancelled until April 30, 2020.

We recognize the hike program represents an important outlet for many of our members to reduce stress, socialize and stay physically active. The Bruce Trail Conservancy has made this important decision to be proactive, to do our part to support the health care system, and to keep our volunteers and members safe.

The following other Club events and programs are affected through April 30th:
  • Club social events & workshops are cancelled or postponed
  • Club Annual General Meetings to be held by teleconference
  • Trail Angels (trailhead transportation program) cancelled
  • Trail maintenance group activities cancelled
 

Bruce Trail



In an E-mail sent Friday March 27, 2020 Michael McDonald the CEO, Bruce Trail Conservancy said:

"We didn’t think we’d ever be encouraging people to stay off the Bruce Trail, but unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. For the safety of our communities, and to assist the province with its efforts to keep our communities safe as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolves, I have an important request:

Please postpone your use of the Bruce Trail for walks or hikes until further notice, to minimize the spread or contraction of COVID-19.
...
Many parks, conservation areas, municipalities and other landowners along the Bruce Trail have already made the difficult decision to close their facilities and access to trails. In these areas, hikers should consider the Bruce Trail closed. We support these organizations and landowners in their closures to halt the spread of the virus."


 

Remember

Please be sure to follow the advice of Public Health Officials to stay safe and keep others safe. You'll find trusted information here:

BMBTC Newsletter 2020 Winter Spring


Notes:

 

a)  Unless stated otherwise, all hikes meet in the parking lot behind Tim Horton’s on First St. in Collingwood

 b)  Hikers should come prepared, having read the Hiker’s Checklist below.

 

c)  Hikers will be required to sign a waiver similar to that set out below prior to the commencement of the scheduled activity:

 

“I acknowledge that this activity of the Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club in which I am participating involves risks which are be-yond the control of the club. Notwithstanding the acknowledgment of such risks, I hereby release the Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club, its contractors, employees, volunteers, agents, assigns and executors from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this or any other activity organized by the club. I agree to pay the cost of any emergency evacuation of my person or belongings that may be necessary. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of the activity, its approximate length, duration and degree of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation.

 

d)    Hike Rating Criteria. – (This is being adopted by all Bruce Trail Clubs as of 2014) 

Pace: 
  •  Leisurely - 3 km/hr. or less
  •  Medium - 3 to 4 km/hr
  •  Brisk - 4 to 5 km/hr
  •  Fast - 5+ km/hr
Terrain: 
  •  Easy - Mostly flat and usually good footing.
  •  Moderate - Some hills and/or some poor footing
  •  Strenuous - Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.

http://www.bmbtc.org/2014NLSF/HCL.pdfBlazes


Hiker's Checklist

1. Check distance, pace and terrain of hike to ensure it is within your fitness level. Call the hike leader before the hike if you have any questions or concerns.

 

2.  If you have any health problems that could affect your hiking performance, inform the hike leader.

 

Note: If you have any known asthma, allergies or hay fever, carry antihistamines. Asthma sufferers should carry their asthma medications or inhalers and, in winter, always carry an inhaler. Allergy suffers should carry an EpiPen(s) and ensure someone on the hike knows where you carry these. Diabetics should carry their medication.

 

3.  Wear comfortable boots/shoes. Hiking poles help on hills and with balance.

 

4. Take a spare pair of shoes to change into at the end of the hike. Carry plastic bags to protect the car from muddy boots and remember your car keys.

 

5.  Have a backpack or waist pack to carry the following:

 

Cell Phone

 

Water or other beverages in screw top containers (extra in summer or on longer hikes)

 

Snacks (plus lunch if indicated in the hike write-up)

Plastic poncho/rain gear to conserve heat and provide seating and rain protection

 

Spare pair of socks and boot/shoelaces, duct tape, whistle, 2 aspirin

 

In winter: Thermal blanket/space blanket, extra layer of clothing

 

In other seasons: Insect repellent, sun block. Check for ticks after hiking.

6.   Enjoy your hike!