Bronte Provincial Park West, Thu 19 Mar 2026, 8:45

We observed the last day of a long winter with near-perfect conditions -- mild enough for comfort but cool enough for the mud to stay frozen. At least until the last bit exiting the park.😁 But hey, we didn't pay to get into the park (walking in is free), and we saw lots of enthusiastic kids enjoying the park's annual maple festival. We even had some samples of new maple syrup ourselves. And we got a mysterious intersection cleared up. Jane did a fine job of leading her 9 charges. 

"Back in my day, we did it like this...."

This magnificent oak is estimated to be about 350 years old. 

Bronte Creek, looking north

East Bank - Shannon Creek, Thu 12 Mar 2026, 8:45

 Perfect late-winter weather brought out a good-sized group of hikers for this hike along a part of Sixteen Mile Creek. Jane took us on a short detour to see a hitherto-unknown "cascade" on Shannon Creek, enlivened by the recent heavy rain. 

Sixteen Mile Creek was flowing like we seldom see. 

A perfect late-winter day

 

Crooks Hollow - Christie Lake, Monday March 9 2026 @ 7:45

And it was another great day for a hike. Seven hikers joined Brian for this walk from Webster's Falls, along Spencer Creek and around Christie Lake. It was cold enough that the expected mud was still fairly firm.

The bridge picture

Webster's Falls was roaring and there was an occasional rainbow sighting in the mist. 

Icers were required on the north facing slopes 

Water levels were high so a strategically placed rock helped keep feet dry.

DV - Griffin House +, Mon 9 Mar 2026, 8:45

 We hit the sweet spot today: blue skies, warm breezes, soft ice, and little mud (yet). Sid set a gentle pace for the 15 hikers, and treated the hills and hikers with great respect. Finally, there appears to be serous work underway on Griffin House -- if being wrapped securely in tarps is any indication. 

 

Headed up yet another hill, as seen by Susan M. 

"You are here."

Soft ice and sunshine

At the Hermitage

Will there be a test?

 

Taplow Creek - Glen Oak, Thu 5 Mar 2026, 8:45

Sixteen Pathfinders registered for this hike and 13 showed up, a sign of the weather. While yesterday was sunny and warm, today was blustery and cool -- some would say cold. It must be Spring! Regardless, Hattie did a fine job of leading -- from the front, middle and rear -- and safely marshalled us across many streets. 

Some parts of the path were bare, but for the most part it was soft snow. We decided that was worth 1.5 x the nominal distance. 

Taplow Creek, or maybe it was another of Oakville's numerous creeks.... Can you spot 4 mallards here?

Hattie appeared to be taking attendance at every road crossing. She finished the hike well within the 10% loss allowed to all Pathfinder leaders. :) 

 

Hockley Valley Nature Reserve, Monday March 2 2026 @ 7:45

It was a spectacular day for a hike. This is arguably one of the toughest Pathfinder hikes, but we took our time and stopped often to enjoy the sights and catch our breath.

Practicing the selfies...glad to have glasses on this sunny day.

The trails were perfect...hard-packed snow

Clearing off the bench for elevenses.
Note the depth of the snow around the bench.

Apres hike...coffee and dessert sampler at the Black Birch.
The lemon tart was the hands down favourite.

River & Ruins, Mon 2 March 2026, 8:45

 The sunny and cold weather continues -- does this make March a lamb or a lion to start? Michael led and 15 others followed, apparently willingly. Another gorgeous winter day. 

 

Iroquois Shoreline Woods, Thu 27 Feb 2026, 8:45

 It was another day of pleasant surprises -- wintry conditions but no real ice to speak of. Sid led a good turnout of 16 on a very pleasant local hike. 

Some stairs ARE maintained in the winter. Thankfully. 

Urban explorers, playing it safe 

Where next? There seems to be some discussion.

Winter conditions don't get much better than this. 

 

Dundas Valley - North, Monday February 23 2026 @ 7:45

Temperatures hovered around 0 and there was a light dusting of snow from the previous night.

Six hikers joined Hubert on Spring Creek Trail, Bruce Trail, beside Spencer Creek and along rail trail.

The light dusting of snow made the scenery spectacular

Elevenses in the dugout

With all of the precipitation last week, Spencer Creek was raging 

Apres hike it was a visit to the local Timmy's to rehydrate and refuel. Sadly, there were no 'Roll up the Rim' winners today.

Hilton Falls - North, Thursday February 19 @ 8:15

Seven hikers joined Fran on this post ice storm day. Surprisingly, the footing was fairly good and the trails were not slushy.

Great outing at Hilton Falls 

Beaver Dam viewpoint

Hilton Falls - breathtaking frozen beauty

Hungry little chickadees - come and get it

 

Terra Cotta, Mon Feb 16 2026 @ 7:45

Two hikers joined Ann on this new version of an old hike. The new hike features much less rail trail and road, and more Bruce Trail and side trail.

The temperature hovered around zero with the occasional sun sighting!

The trails were mainly hard-packed snow with some 'sandy' bits.

 

Stepping off the hard-packed treadway resulted in a knee-deep posthole.

 Navigating a tricky spot on the trail

Happy Valentine's Day

Ball's Falls Mon Feb 16, 8:45am

Leader John Burgers

19 hikers enjoyed this first warm day after the snow and Arctic vortex cold snap to trek along the Bruce Trail from Vineland to Ball's Falls. On return 9 members enjoyed a light lunch at Penny's Kitchen (Diner and Coffeehouse).

Below is a classic photo of the iced over Lower Ball's Falls. In the foreground are sprigs just about to bud.

The Ball's Falls Conservation Area offers a glimpse into Mills for wood, wool and grist driven by waterwheels. The upper and lower waterfalls are cherished by vistors for their volume of water, height, and most of all their natural setting. You experience the feeling of an orignial settler living by the Falls as it was in the 1800's.

Two hikes testing the view of the Lower Falls from an exaggerated park bench. The idea didn't work. The bench is intended to miniaturize the scale of people seated on it.

A picturesque view of the Lower Ball's falls completely iced over. Water is running underneath the ice, which is just begining it's spring break up.

The upper Balls Falls sidewall displaying icicles formed from water seeping from the Escarpment rock layers.

Pathfinders hiking group photographed at the Lower Ball's Falls.

We'll denote this photograph of a tiny snowman pair walking on a fallen log as "The Winter hiking group". Some perfer Winter as the best season to hike the Bruce Trail.

Downtown Oakville Trails, Thurs Feb 12 @ 8:45

Ten hikers joined Ann on the downtown trails. Sadly, she only came back with four!! You'll soon see why. It was a beautiful day...-5 and no wind.

In St Jude's Cemetary
photo credit - Karen Nourse

Climbing up to the Tannery Hill Beacon.
photo credit - Tom Stephens

Homecoming Trail in Lakeside Park.
Trails were hard-packed snow, no ice.
 Shortly after this pic was taken, 4 hikers had to leave early for an important appointment. 

 

Back at the cars, we discovered that the important appointment was with some hot cross buns at Cobs