Our Hiker Initiation Program has introduced over 1000 people to hiking since its inception in 2009. For more information about 2022, see below

Join our Hiker Initiation Program if you would like to:

• Learn about the Bruce Trail, the Bruce Trail Conservancy, and the Toronto Bruce Trail Club.
• Learn about the types of hikes and special events like Earth Day and Bruce Trail Day celebrations, end-to-ends, weekend trips, and ski and snowshoe trips that the Toronto Bruce Trail Club offers.
• Learn about hiking and the benefits of hiking with the Toronto Bruce Trail Club.
• Learn about parks and trails in your backyard, and across southern Ontario.

Hiker Initiation Program 2022

For those who would like to know more about hiking the wonderfully scenic trails in Southern Ontario, the Toronto Bruce Trail Club is offering a Hiker Initiation Program (HIP). The 2022 program has 2 parts:

I.  Hiking Overview Session – Zoom

Webinar Monday, May 2, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Provides an overview of the ins-and-outs of hiking, presented by experienced hike leaders from the Toronto Club. Learn from Trail Club hike leaders about hiking safety and equipment, including boots, socks, clothing, backpacks, poles, water containers, and other hiking accessories.

 This session will be held Via Zoom webinar.  To register go here 

II.  Hiker Initiation Program –  Introductory Hikes

To register for these hikes go to our hike registration calendar two weeks before the event and reserve your spot. Look for the Hiker Initiation Program tab for the May 7 and 14th dates.

Saturday May 7th
Urban Hike – High Park – Hiking Tips Workshop then a 2-hour hike in High Park
Hike Leader: Marie-Josée Roy
Time: 10:00 AM

Meeting Location: High Park Nature Centre, 375 Colborne Lodge Drive, Toronto  Let’s get started on the right (hiking) foot! Join us for a workshop on hiking tips and basic survival skills. Topics covered: proper gear/clothing/footwear; essentials to carry in your backpack; priority survival skills; First Aid; communication; navigation; and more. The workshop will be followed by a 2-hour hike in Toronto’s beautiful High Park. Please remember that the park is closed to vehicle traffic on weekends. The Nature Centre is a 5-minute walk south from High Park Subway Station.

Car Hike- Scotsdale heritage  Farm
Hike Leaders: Alina Lin, Dariush Khanbeigi, Frank Ye, Jen Zhang
Time: 8:30 AM

Meeting Location: Scotsdale Farm Parking – : From Hwy 401 at Exit 328 take Trafalgar Rd north for 10km to where Trafalgar joins Hwy 7 at traffic lights. Turn left and follow for 3 km until Hwy 7 swings left. At that point continue straight ahead on Trafalgar for 2 km. Entrance to Scotsdale Farm is on your right. BTC Map 13.  Join TBTC hike leaders for a scenic loop hike on the Main Bruce Trail and Side Trails at Scotsdale Farm near Georgetown. There will be a 10 KM hike and a shorter 5 KM hike option. Hiking boots are strongly recommended. Hikers must have their own transportation to the meeting location. Limit: 20 hikers per group.

Saturday May 14th
Car Hike – Scotsdale Heritage Farm
Hike Leaders: Peter Leeney, Tom Swales
Time: 8:30 AM

Meeting Location: Scotsdale Farm Parking – From Hwy 401 at Exit 328 take Trafalgar Rd north for 10 km to where Trafalgar joins Hwy 7 at traffic lights. Turn left and follow for 3 km until Hwy 7 swings left. At that point continue straight ahead on Trafalgar for 2 km. Entrance to Scotsdale Farm is on your right. BTC Map 13. Join TBTC hike leaders for a scenic 10 -12 km loop hike on the Main Bruce Trail and Side Trails at Scotsdale Farm near Georgetown. Our group will hike in the opposite direction (eg: of the Bus Hike being held the same day. Hiking Boots are strongly recommended. Hikers must have their own transportation to the meeting location.  Limit: 20

Sunday May 15th
Bus Hike – Scotsdale Heritage Farm
Hike Leaders: Fred Berktin, David Royle, Andrew Proczek
Time: 8: 30 AM

Meeting Location: York Mills Subway Station, Meet at north side of York Mills, east of Yonge. Bus Fare: $10.00 (Special Rate For H.I.P.) To be paid online by credit card with registration. Join TBTC hike leaders for a scenic 10-12 km loop hike on the Main Bruce Trail and Side Trails at Scotsdale Farm near Georgetown. Hiking boots are strongly recommended. There will be an optional drop out point and a refreshment stop on the way back to Toronto.   Limit: 43

For more information, contact: eventstbtc@gmail.com