A Canadian Camino on the Bruce Trail in Ontario, Canada Dates: August 9-18, 2013 Walking Dates: August 10-17 Route: Queenston to Dundas, Ontario Distance: Approximately 130 kilometers Category: Day hiking. Note: Some of the areas along the trail are rugged terrain and can be dangerous and difficult. The path is well signed and has been traveled by thousands, but caution must be considered.
History of the Bruce Trail- It's only 50 years old! In 1960 the idea of a public footpath spanning the entire Niagara Escarpment was born. Never before in Canadian history had a trail of this scope been realized. Raymond Lowes articulated this vision of a footpath to friend Robert Bateman at a meeting of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists. The first meeting of the Bruce Trail Committee was in 1960. The four members attending: Norman Pearson, Ray Lowes, Dr. Robert MacLaren and Philip Gosling, each became instrumental in building the Bruce Trail. Gaining access to the Niagara Escarpment was the critical first step in building the Bruce Trail. From 1960 to today, Escarpment landowners have been key to the existence of the Bruce Trail. Understanding that building relationships was essential, then Trail Director Philip Gosling, visited major towns along the proposed trail route to solicit help. Literately going door-to-door, Philip Gosling and his team of volunteers discussed their vision of a trail along the Niagara Escarpment with landowners. Happily, they were greeted with support all along the way. Regional Clubs were established by 1963. Each Club was responsible for organization, landowner approvals, construction and maintenance. In Tobermory, 1967- Canada's Centennial Year - the cairn at the northern terminus of the Bruce Trail was unveiled. Seven years of determination, support, vision and hard work were realized when the Bruce Trail was officially opened. We plan to start in Queenston near Niagara on the Lake on the shore of Lake Iroquois, at the southern terminus cairn of the trail. You will be required to carry a day pack and walk approximately kilometers a day on average. We will walk for a 12 days in a rugged natural setting, and have a lot of fun too! You are not obligated to stay with the group the entire day, however, we will agree to a destination to meet up at the end of the day. Sue Kenney walked from Tobermory to Collingwood in September 2013 as a fundraiser for Vision One Walk, a foundation to pay artists. It was a journey that inspired her to encourage others to trek along this unique conservation corridor on this Canadian UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Itinerary - 130 kilometers Day 1 Queenston to Taylor Road, near Welland Canal (16.2) 16.2
Day 2 Taylor Road to Morningstar Mills (34.6) 18.4kms Day 3 Morningstar Mills to Louth Side Trail (50.5) 15.9kms Day 4 Louth Side Trail to Quarry Road (66.2) 15.7kms Day 5 Quarry Road to Main St Grimbsy (81.1) 14.1kms Day 6 Main St to Battlefield Park, Stoney Creek (20.9) 21kms Day 7 Battlefield Park to Iroquois Heights, Hamlton(40.7) 20.2 Day 8 Iroquois Heights to Syndenham Lookout Trail, Dundas (58.4) 18.3 To facilitate ease of transport to the trail and back to our accommodation, I'll arrange a shuttle service on behalf of the everyone to transport the group to the start of the walk each morning at 8:00 am and then back to our accommodation at the end of the day. The pickup time for the end of the day will be decided each day based on weather, walking distance and the needs of the group. The shuttle will be co-ordinated from our accommodations: the Holiday Inn in St. Catherine's from August 9-14, the Holiday Inn in Hamilton/Stoney Creek from August 15-17. Costs: Estimated $1500.00 A deposit of $300.00 is required by March 1, 2013 to secure your place. Balance of $1200.00 to be paid by May 31, 2013. Includes accommodation* (4-5 to a suite) for 9 nights, continental breakfast, daily twoway shuttle and co-ordination of services. (minimum 4 people plus Sue) *If you prefer private or semi-private accommodation, please advise as additional costs will be incurred. Not included: Travel, food/meals/snacks, equipment, medical coverage, travel insurance and any other expenses you incur.