Barb's Bench Memorial Hike, Thu 12 Nov 2026, 8:45

The annual Barb's Bench Memorial Hike is held every year around 11 November; its purpose is to remember Pathfinders who died during the previous year. Although there were no deaths in 2025, there were three this year: Judy Barlow, John Nicholson, and Ellie Tilton 

Liz Gibbon speaks about Judy Barlow

Carolyn Rumble remembers John Nicholson

It was an unusually cool and wet day after an extended sunny and mild period. A good crowd turned out nevertheless, and followed Hubert through the woods ... but not all descended to the valley. 

• In  the early 2000s, Barbara Laird was a hike leader, hike director, and coordinator of Special Hikes. She was reportedly a stickler for safety and sometimes turned away hikers if they did not have proper footwear. But she always did it in a kindly and cheerful fashion. This Bench at the trail-head recognizes her many contributions to Pathfinders. 

 

Niagara Glen, Monday November 9 @ 7:45

Eleven hikers joined Andrea on this cool, cloudy day for the trip down into the Niagara Glen. For several, it was their first time in the Glen and for one, it was a return to an old stomping ground.

Thanks to Patricia for taking the group shot

There are ~200 steps to get down to the Whirlpool

Making our way to the 'waterfall'

The Super Flywall is a popular bouldering wall in Niagara Glen

Soooo many rocks....Patricia in amongst the boulders, Brian making use of one of the porta potties?, exploring some of the many potholes.

Apres hike, it was a stop at 13th Street Winery for refreshments and butter tarts

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...