Consider all three factors when selecting a hike. For example, a Moderate hike over strenuous terrain is a difficult hike and will usually be rated as an advanced hike. A Brisk hike over easy terrain can be enjoyed by hikers with less experience and will often be rated as an intermediate hike.

Hike leaders have set out their expectations for the participants, and we ask that you be honest with yourself when judging the length, speed and difficulty of the hike you wish to attend. If you are in doubt, please contact the leader. The Hike list (link) feature on the website will help you filter the hikes to meet your needs.

Pace:

• Leisurely – These hikes are slow paced, and can have multiple stops for viewing points of interest. Many of our special interest hikes (ie. Photography or geology hikes) will be leisurely. Don`t expect a work out on these hikes.
• Moderate – These hikes are faster than a leisurely walk, but still relatively slow paced. Moderate hikes are suitable for beginning hikers as well as hikers wanting an outing, not a workout.
• Brisk - Brisk hikes are relatively fast paced and suitable for more experienced hikers. You can expect a work up a sweat on these hikes, but also have time to stop at points of interest along the way.
• Fast - Fast hikes are for very experienced hikers who can go long distances without stopping very often. They are our most challenging hikes. If you are unable to keep up with the pace, the Hike Leader may ask you to drop out.

Terrain:

• Easy - Mostly flat and usually good footing. These hikes are suitable for everyone.
• Moderate - Some hills and/or some poor footing. These hikes require proper footwear – either good hiking shoes or preferable hiking boots.
• Strenuous - Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.

Levels:

• Beginner - These hikes are suitable for hikers with little experience who want to have a hiking experience. They are generally short, leisurely or moderate paced hikes over easy terrain.
• Easy - These hikes are suitable for fit beginner hikers, or hikers who want an outing, not a workout.
• Intermediate - Intermediate hikes are for experienced hikers, or very fit beginners.
• Advanced - Only hikers who are very fit and experienced should select these hikes. If you are unsure of your ability, we encourage you to start with an Easy or Intermediate hike.

Car Hikes

Car Hikes require that you have your own transportation. The hike leader provides a location where they want you to meet. In some cases the hike leader will ask you to meet at a convenient meeting point such as a local Tim Horton`s, and from there you will travel together to the start of the hike.

Car Hikes will either be a loop hike where you start and end where your car will be parked, or a shuttle hike where the hike leader will organize a car shuttle to take all the hikers in half the cars to the start of the hike. The hike will end back at the original meet point and another car shuttle will be organized to pick up the other cars. Since everyone is expected to fully participate in the car shuttles there is no transportation charge involved. There may be extra cost to gain admission to the area where the hike takes place.

Car Pool Hikes

Car Pool Hikes ask that hikers meet at a car pooling location, usually at a TTC stop. From there everyone then drives or rides to the start of the hike, and the hike proceeds in the same manner as a regular car hike. At the end of the hike, car pooling passengers will be returned to the same location they were picked up at. Passengers are expected to contribute to the driver's cost. The suggested amount is $10.00, (or some other amount stipulated in the hike description), and should be offered. The driver should not have to request it. There may be extra cost to gain admission to the area where the hike takes place.

Urban Walks (Hikes)

Urban Walks (hikes) in the city are generally accessible by TTC for both the start and end of the hike. Hikers are asked to meet the Hike Leader at the meeting location specified in the hike details. If the Urban walk is not a loop, hikers who have driven to the meeting location are expected to make their own way back to their cars.

Nordic Ski / Snowshoe Hikes

On winter weekends the Club offers cross-country ski and snowshoe outings. We visit provincial parks, conservation areas and resorts that have trails groomed for classic and skate skiing, and marked snowshoe trails. Skiers ski on their own or with friends. Snowshoers can join guided hikes or snowshoe on their own. Sometimes our hike leaders take snowshoers off resort to enjoy the beauty of winter on trails like the Bruce and Ganaraska. We travel in luxury highway coaches that depart from Yonge St and York Mills Rd. Bus fare is higher on these trips than on regular bus hikes.

Bus Hikes

Bus Hikes take everyone to the start of the hike, then pick up everyone at the end of the hike and the buses return to the pickup point in the city. Hikers meet the bus and the Hike Leader at the Meeting Place indicated in the hike description, see Meeting Places list below.

Seating:

• Seating is generally based on "first-come; first-seated" either via pre-registration or on arrival at the meet point. Many Bus hikes are open to the public, however some outings, like the popular Winter Coach hikes are primarily for TBTC members.

Bus Fare:

• Adult BTC members ~ $17-22
• Non BTC members ~ $23-28
• Children under 12 ~ $5

All fares include a $1 donation to the Escarpment Legacy Campaign.

Please carry your BTC membership card. Some outings involve extra cost because of admission charges at the area where the hike takes place.

Note: Bus hikes are for those coming on the buses. Please refrain from joining the hikes on the trail by car.

Meeting Places:

1. Clarence Square: Buses park near the southeast corner of the square. The Square is located south of King St, north of Front St, at 49 Spadina Ave, on the east side. (just south of the gas station).
   [ Map ] Streetcars to Clarence Square: On Sundays, the following streetcars run by 5:30 am: the 510 Spadina line between Spadina and Union subway stations; the 501 Queen St. line; and the 504 King St. and 505 Dundas St. lines, which both leave from Dundas West station.
   
   Cheap Parking: Available in the Public Parking lot on the south side of Wellington, west of Spadina, across from 462 Wellington for , and on the north side of King St. east of Spadina (west of MEC) for , all day on weekends.
2. Islington subway station: On Sundays, buses wait at the Beer Store on Bloor Street; on Saturdays they park nearby. Free parking available on weekends at TTC lot nearby.
   [ Map ]    [ Parking Information ]
3. York Mills Subway Station: Buses park at 16 York Mills Road in front of the York Mills Centre near the north entrance to the subway.
   [ Map ]   

Independent Outings

Independent outings are not sanctioned by the Toronto Bruce Trail Club (TBTC). The TBTC accepts no responsibility for how these events are run, nor is it involved in the collection of funds or administration of these events. The events listed here are not commercial operations but are offered by members of the TBTC on a cost shared basis.