Shell Park West, Thu 5 Nov 2026, 8:45

This hike had it all: a good turnout of 20 members with several newish ones, perfect weather including a warm breeze to send the fallen leaves scudding along, a surprise beach (for some), and the small tanker Gaia Desgagnes, transporting petroleum products between Montreal and the Suncor Pier in Bronte. 

On the beach, enjoying the sunshine

 

 

It may be rated E/E, but it was a beauty this day. 

Gaia Desgagnes makes frequent trips between Montreal and Bronte, reminding us that this is a commercial as well as a recreational waterway. 

Cootes Paradise South, Mon 2 Nov 2026, 8:45

 Yet another of our extended fall beauties -- perfect hiking weather with the thermometer hovering around 18C. John led 19 hikers up hill and down dale on this attractive woodsy walk of about 6.5 km. 

Fall colour was subdued. With the occasional wild exception. 

We stopped at many of the lookouts to admire the setting and the swans. 

This descent into the valley has evolved a lot over the years. A staircase has replaced rough stone and RR tie steps. 

It also helps when the steps are not ice-covered, as they were on a previous hike here...

Mad River, Monday Nov 2 2026 @ 7:45

Eight hikers joined Andrea on this warm (20 degree!) day for the second of the Seven Rivers hike series. Although it was a relatively short hike, a couple of big climbs made it a challenging one.

At the lookout over the Mad River valley. If you look closely, you can see the Devil's Glen ski hills in the background. Thanks for the picture, Patricia.

Down into the valley

And out again

The best apple is always the one that is just out of reach! 

Thanks for the seating and firepit, Andrea!

Apres hike, it was a stop at Superburger for burgers, fries, onion rings and drinks:-) 

The Great Esker, October 29, 2026 8:15 am

Richard led 12 hikers on the Great Esker along the Bruce Trail.

The weather was perfect. A gentle fresh breeze carried falling leaves. An early morning fog had dissipated as the hikers set off. The forest floor was a mat of colourful Fall leaves. The familiar friendly chatter resumed after hikers learned to be vigilant of leaf-covered crevices, preferring to step on exposed rock. The Bruce Trail portion presented a couple of rocky hill-climbs, but also up onto and along the Great Esker. From there the views onto the forest floor below were as much begging us off-trail as boasting their beauty. At one point an animal, its snooze interupted, unnecessarily bolted for cover as it was entirely unnoticed except by one.

Trekking into the woods.

Trekking through the forest.

Occasionally some equipment fails. Today it was a boot sole. Hubert applied duct tape, and John, a crampon. With Richard's approval we were back on trail.

Hiking boot repair

Hyrdration break as the temperature approached 20 Celsius

Shall we venture "off trail" onto this colourful carpet?

How many hikers fit onto this bridge?

Thank you to Richard we all had an enjoyable hike.