A series of guided geology hikes
in support of the Bruce Trail Conservancy

Since they began in September 2003, the "Geology 101 on Foot" series has raised over $40,000 to support the Bruce Trail Conservancy's mission to secure and steward a Conservation Corridor on the Niagara Escarpment.  These guided geology hikes continue this Fall - this time with a few mid-week options. If you have an interest in learning about geology, and an enthusiasm for the Niagara Escarpment and its protection, you should join us!

Advanced registration by phone or email is mandatory. A "tuition fee" in the form of a donation to The Bruce Trail Conservancy will be collected on each hike (donations of $10 or more receive a tax receipt).

Weekend Hikes

Forks of the Credit and the Hoffman Lime Kiln (7.5 km)
Sunday September 11 - 10:00 am

We'll start the geology hike season with an old favourite!  We'll hike the Credit River Valley from Cataract up to the top of Devil's Pulpit (yes, up!). We'll see the entire geological profile of the Escarpment in the Caledon area, from the red mud deltas of the Upper Ordovician, through the rippled sandy deltas of the lower Silurian, right up to the busy coral reefs of the Middle Silurian.  We'll also visit the Hoffman Lime Kiln, a spectacular ruin from the industrial days of Forks of the Credit. 

Speyside to Limehouse  (~ 7 km)
Saturday October 8 - 10:00 am  ** FULL **

On this NEW geology hike we'll cover a stretch of the Bruce Trail that has been preserved by the BTC and its conservation partners.  We'll start near a silver maple swamp, wander through the magnificent Speyside Sanctuary, and finish the hike at Limehouse with its fascinating industrial ruins and geology. 

Keyholes and Kilns - Nottawasaga Bluffs (~6.5 km)
Sunday October 16 - 10:00 am  ** FULL **

The Nottawasaga Bluffs are a jewel in the beautiful Blue Mountains section.  We'll explore beaver ponds, crevices and keyhole caves, glacial spillways and signs of past industry.

Weekend on the Bruce I - Boundary Bluffs and Sydney Bay (~5.5 km)
Saturday October 22 - 11:00 am  ** FULL **

On this hike we'll have the opportunity to explore a relatively new side trail near Cape Croker, much of it on land purchased by The Bruce Trail Conservancy.  Geology hikers will be rewarded with glacial cobble beach ridges, wetlands, magnificent cliffs and stunning views over Georgian Bay.

Weekend on the Bruce II - North Bruce Shoreline (~8km)
Sunday October 23 - 10:00 am  ** FULL **

We'll explore the rugged shoreline of Bruce Peninsula National Park to see fascinating rock formations, magnificent views over Georgian Bay and one of the biggest and most intricate caves on the Bruce. This is a rugged hike on hilly terrain; sturdy footwear is a must.

Mid-Week Hikes

Peaks and Valleys - Webster's Falls to Borer's Falls (7.5 km)
Thursday September 8 - 10:00 am

We'll hike down gorges and up peaks, exploring Webster's and Tew's Falls, and a few smaller cascades.  We'll also get up close and personal with the geology of the Escarpment, and enjoy the beautiful views over the Dundas Valley and Burlington Bay.

Waterdown (8 km)
Wednesday September 21 - 10:00 am

Within sight of hundreds of thousands of residents, the Bruce Trail in the Waterdown area is an oasis of trees, rocks, waterfalls and wildlife. On this hike we'll get up close and personal with the complete sequence of Escarpment rock layers in the area, from the muddy deltas of the Ordovician to the rippled sandstones and coral reefs of the Silurian.

Speyside to Limehouse (~7.5 km)
Tuesday October 4 - 10:00 am

On this NEW geology hike we'll cover a stretch of the Bruce Trail that has been preserved by the BTC and its conservation partners.  We'll start near a silver maple swamp, wander through the magnificent Speyside Sanctuary, and finish the hike at Limehouse with its fascinating industrial ruins and geology. 

Advanced registration is mandatory and these events are very popular - register as early as possible to ensure a space.  Maximum of 35 people each hike.

Meeting locations will be announced upon registration.  To register or get more information, please email Beth Kümmling at bkummling@brucetrail.org or phone (905) 529-6821 ext. 23

Printable list of Geology Hikes for Fall 2011:

Geology Hike Schedule - Fall 2011 (.pdf, 523.7 KB)