The Halton Outdoor Club upcoming events

Paddling Lake Opeongo with Water Taxi to East Arm Backcountry Campsite (20 Aug 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Paddling Title	Lake Opeongo with Water Taxi to East Arm Backcountry Campsite
Type of Trip	Backcountry Trip
Date(s)	August 20-August 23
OVERALL RATING FOR THIS TRIP	GRADE B (COMFORTABLE BEGINNER)
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP Skills required to deal with the following anticipated conditions.	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Comfortable forward stroke; Comfortable reverse stroke; Comfortable turning strokes; Able to perform assisted rescue as swimmer within 2 attempts and as a rescuer *
Anticipated Trip Conditions
Wind	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Light to Moderate; 11 to 20 kms/hour; Wind noticeably affects movement of the paddler
Waves, Breaking Waves, Swell	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Waves up to 2 feet; Small breaking waves Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop; scattered whitecaps)
Current	Grade A (Beginner) None or mild
Open Crossings	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Up to 2 kms
Landing Type	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Pebble; more steep; sand bars
Landing Frequency	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) No more than 3 kms between landings
Total Distance Per Day	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Up to 15 km
IMPORTANT HOC TRIP RATING INFORMATION AND CANCELLATION	We can only anticipate what the trip conditions will be prior to the trip; and they are subject to change based on the weather information for that day; therefore, the overall trip rating and the required skills needed to safely attend the trip, may be upgraded on the day of the trip. This eventuality includes the possible cancellation for some or all its participants; or the postponement of a trip for the following day. By signing up for a club trip, the participant assumes the risk that such a cancellation may occur, even as late as on the shoreline. HOC Paddling Trip Rating Tool-2024-02-29
Important Trip Details	The trip begins with an overnight stay on Thursday at Wolf Den Nature Retreat, located just outside Algonquin Park. Accommodation includes two shared bunkies(2 ppl each) and two private rooms in the Main Lodge Hostel (1/rm). On Friday morning at 7:30 a.m., we will drive to Algonquin Outfitters on Lake Opeongo to transfer kayaks and gear onto the water taxi. No need to load gear into the kayaks as all goes in hull of taxi. Upon arrival at the East Arm campsite (sites cannot be reserved, though we hope to be near Annie’s Bay), we will unload and set up camp. Unloading may occur in shallow water to transport gear to and from campsite. Friday activities may include a short exploratory paddle and an evening paddle. Saturday will be spent exploring Annie’s Bay, subject to campsite location. Sunday will begin with a sunrise paddle, followed by campsite breakdown. Water taxi pickup is scheduled for approximately noon, with an estimated departure from Algonquin Outfitters at 2:00 p.m. after unloading. Trip cost to include 1 night at Wold Den, camping fees and water taxi. Algonquin Park day parking passes are required for the three days in the park at the participant's own cost @ $12.43/day, $9.94/day-senior rate (August 21, 22 and 23) to be purchased in advance or one can use a seasonal Ontario Parks Pass. This cost is not included in the trip fees. Trip fees include accomodations at Wolfden (1 night), camping (2 nights) and water taxi to and from East Arm, Opeongo Lake. Trip is self sufficient, meaning participants are responsible for their own food, water, camping/sleeping and cooking equipment. An introductory meeting will take place 2 weeks in advance virtually with registered participants to address any last minute details or questions.
Body of Water	Lake Opeongo / East Arm
Registration Opens
Registration Opens on this date (at 12:00 am)	June 25 (a stroke past midnight June 24)
Name of Volunteer Trip Leader(s)	Sandy Gardner, Gabriela Sebestyen
Email of Volunteer Trip Leaders(s)	sandy.gardner@bell.net solis.sebestyen@gmail.com
Contingency Phone, Name	905-580-5763, Sandy Gardner
Trip Address	Wolf Den Nature Retreat: 4568 ON-60, Algonquin Highlands, ON P0A 1E0
Google Pin of Parking	Wolfden nature Retreat: https://maps.app.goo.gl/auHgemuArqg8SatLA
Is this a scouting trip?	Yes
Paddling Vessels Permitted	Recreational kayaks are NOT permitted
Google Pin of Boat Launch	Lake Opeongo: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h3aqi4Ls5SqGP9ma9
Arrival time - To get boats, equipment ready for launch	Wolf Den Nature Retreat: after 3pm on Thurs Aug 20
TIME - SHORELINE SAFETY MEETING (PRE-LAUNCH) (PDFs on; Kayaks, equipment on the shore, ready to go)	Algonquin Outfitters Lake Opeongo on Friday Aug 21 at 8:15am to load kayaks and equipment onto water taxi
Maximum number of paddlers including leader(s)	6
Bathroom Facilities	Portapotty
Trip Safety Requirements, What to Bring	Kayak with sealed fore and aft bulkhead compartments unless the paddle has been specified to permit recreational boats; Inflatable boats are not permitted; A properly fitting PFD or lifejacket must be worn at all times while in your kayak; Inflatable PFDs are not permitted: One (1) buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long; One (1) bailer OR One manual bilge pump; One (1) pealess whistle; If paddling before sunrise or after sunset or in periods of restricted visibility like fog, one (1) all-round light (A light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees); For multi day trips, one (1) magnetic compass (handheld or deck); For kayaks over 6m (19’8”): One (1) watertight flashlight with working batteries AND Six (6) flares of Type A (Rocket parachute flare), Type B (Multi Star flare) Type C (Hand flare) Type D (Smoke Signal), however, only two (2) can be Type D; A minimum of one spare paddle per 2 participants; A spray skirt is required unless you are in a recreational boat (a boat which lacks either a fore or aft sealed bulkhead) or on a Grade A trip; Each participant must have completed their wet exit practise within the past 12 months Please note the club does not provide equipment. If rentals are noted above, it is at the expense of the club member. Please read the details.
Trip Cost Per Participant	$197
Incidental Costs	Additional expenses may arise on this trip and the participant assumes the financial responsibility. These are costs which have not been factored in the trip budget and will typically, but not exclusively, entail unforeseen expenses, such as evacuation, ambulance, treatments, food, lodging due to illness.
Trip Cancellation Policy - Trips Over $100	Payment in full. No refund unless your spot is filled from the waitlist and a $25.00 cancellation fee will apply. To cancel your trip at any point, you must email the Club Manager: manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca or phone 905-634-2012

CANCELLED Cycling Brantford Dikes, Mohawk Park to Mt Pleasant (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

RIDE	Level 2 Brantford Dikes, Mohawk Park to Mt Pleasant
DATE	Sunday August 23, 2026, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
RIDE LEADER	Heather Wilson
RIDE LEADER CONTACT	heatherwlsn249@gmail.com 289-259-5099
CADENCE/PACE	Level 2 - up to 18 km/hr on average
DESCRIPTION	Hard packed flat gravel & paved trail.
DISTANCE	50km +/-
MEETING PLACE & TIME	Meet at Mohawk Park, Forest Rd, Brantford at 9:00 for a 9:15 start.
MEETING PLACE MAP	43°08'11.4"N 80°13'49.7"W https://goo.gl/maps/2DX5JYx2z6h5MMSC8
START POINT	Parking lot out & back
REGISTRATION REQUIRED	Yes. It’s important. Leaders appreciate early registration but you can register at the last minute. Trip leaders will be able to email you with updates and last minute changes.
TO CANCEL	Self-serve online. Leader will be checking the website list to see who to expect.
REGISTRATION OPENS	2 weeks before the ride
SOCIAL	We stop for a picnic lunch & snacks at Point Pleasant Park.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS	Helmet, tire repair kit including spare tube

Ride Types and Descriptions:

Level 1 - In general, shorter, more gentle rides (20-40km) with frequent stops, up to 15km/hr on average. Check the ride description for more details.

Level 2 - Medium, faster paced, with fewer breaks, these rides will vary from 40-60km with stops as needed, up to 18 km/hr on average. Check the ride description for more details.

Level 3 - Long, with breaks as needed, these rides are over 60km, more than 18 km/hr on average or road rides where speeds are always over 20 km/hr. on average. Check the ride description for more details.

Attention Non-Members: If you are thinking about becoming a member, The Halton Outdoor Club invites you to take part in up to two (2) club activities as a Non-Member. After that, please join our club so we can welcome you as a member.Registration is required for all events, and you will have to agree to the waiver of participation when registering.

Attention Past Members: You are not entitled to two trial activities. Please renew your membership to take advantage of all that the Club has to offer.

CANCELLED Hiking Bruce Trail – Battlefield Park Stoney Creek (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:15:00 GMT

The difficulty of a hike is determined by the speed, distance, elevation gain and terrain. Please read the template to determine if the hike is right for you. More descriptors are included in the Guiding Notes below the template.

HIKE TITLE	Main loop of the Bruce Trail – Battlefield Park Stoney Creek
DATE	Sunday, August 23, 2026
HIKE LEADER(S)	Jeff Spence
LEADER EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER	Jeffspence6@gmail.com, 905-516-8204
MEETING TIME and START TIME	9:15 am meet for a 9:30am start
MEETING/ PARKING LOCATION	Park and meet at main parking lot of Battlefield Park 77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, L8G1H9
MEETING MAP (link)	77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Ontario, L8G1H9 Stoney Creek Battlefield Park
ENTRANCE FEES	Not Applicable
DISTANCE	10 km approx.
DURATION OF HIKE	2 1/2 hours approx.
SPEED Leisurely: 3 km/hour or less Moderate: 3-4 km/hour Fast: 4-5 km/hour	Moderate
ELEVATION GAIN Low: mostly flat - a few hills Moderate: some ups and downs High: lots of hills, steep and/or long	Moderate: A mix of flat sections and hills including one long hill with rocks and roots.
TERRAIN Easy: wide trail, usually good footing Moderate: some areas of tricky footing Challenging: rugged trail with tricky footing	Moderate: Expect forest trails including rocks, tree roots, as well as rocky uphill sections, flat forest sections, a few paved paths and some grassy sections at start and finish.
TYPE OF HIKE: i.e. Loop, There & Back or Combination	Out and back
GENERAL ROUTE DESCRIPTION Points of Interest and Special Notes	This route will take us from historic Battlefield Park along a short grassy section and across a railway track onto the main loop of the Bruce trail.
Other Specifics to Your Hike i.e. social to follow hike	Large free parking lot. Washrooms available at parking lot.
REGISTRATION is required and opens 2 weeks prior to the hike.	Up to 15 hikers may register. Leaders appreciate early registration, but you can register at the last minute. Please join the waitlist if the hike is full.
CANCELLATION	• If your plans change, please self-cancel as soon as possible so that other HOC members may take your spot. • The club may cancel due to bad weather that may impact the safety of participants or due to low attendance.
WHAT TO BRING	• Wear supportive hiking boots with good tread. • Hiking poles will be helpful. • Dress in layers according to weather; wear/bring waterproof rainwear. • Bring snacks and enough water for the duration of the hike. • Sun and bug protection as required

GUIDING NOTES:

HIKE PACE - Pace refers to the speed of walking. Rest stops are not figured in to the overall pace, however they are figured in to the Duration of the Hike. These paces represent an average and may vary depending on the terrain, weather, group size, etc.

Leisurely: 3 km/hour or less.

Moderate: 3-4 km/hour

Fast: 4-5 km/hour.

TERRAIN – This refers to the footing on the trail itself and is influenced by the presence of rocks, roots, step-ups and step-downs, as well as the width of the trail. Please note variations can be expected with wet or icy conditions.

Easy: wide trails, may be paved or hard packed, mostly good footing, i.e. rail trails, waterfront trails

Moderate: some tricky footing, i.e. Bruce Trail, Dundas Valley, Conservation Areas, RBG trails

Challenging: significant areas of tricky footing (some parts of the Bruce Trail, some trails in Short Hills, up and down the escarpment).

ELEVATION: This refers to the accumulated elevation gained over the course of the hike.

Low: route is mostly flat but may include some gentle ups and downs

Moderate: route has hills, a few may be steep and/or long, but also some flat areas

Challenging: route has lots of hills, some of which are steep and long and few areas that are flat

Attention Non-Members: If you are thinking about becoming a member, The Halton Outdoor Club invites you to take part in up to two club activities as a Non-Member. After that, please join our club so we can welcome you as a member. Registration is required for all events, and you will have to agree to the waiver of participation when registering.

Attention Past Members: You are not entitled to two trial activities. Please renew your membership to take advantage of all that the Club has to offer.

Hiking Crawford Lake Back Door (25 Aug 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT

HIKE TITLE	Crawford Lake Back Door
DATE	Tuesday August 25, 2026
HIKE LEADER(S)	Joe Dinolfo, Jeff Spence
LEADER EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER	Joe.dinolfo@gmail.com, 416-779-7681
MEETING TIME and START TIME	9:30am meet for a 9:45am start
MEETING/ PARKING LOCATION	Park and meet where Walker’s Line ends (Walkers Line north of Derry Road). Walkers Line ends at the trail head
MEETING MAP (link)	https://maps.app.goo.gl/BR3r2cBmyoUZPr7k9
ENTRANCE FEES	Not Applicable
DISTANCE	10km https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54459033
DURATION OF HIKE	3-4 hours
SPEED Leisurely: 3 km/hour or less Moderate: 3-4 km/hour Fast: 4-5 km/hour	Moderate to fast
ELEVATION GAIN Low: mostly flat - a few hills Moderate: some ups and downs High: lots of hills, steep and/or long	Many ups and downs. Recommend some experience hiking Bruce Trail
TERRAIN Easy: wide trail, usually good footing Moderate: some areas of tricky footing Challenging: rugged trail with tricky footing	Expect forest trails including rocks, tree roots, some small water crossings as well as rocky uphill sections
TYPE OF HIKE: i.e. Loop, There & Back or Combination	Loop
GENERAL ROUTE DESCRIPTION Points of Interest and Special Notes	This route will take us into Crawford Lake then to some of the Rattlesnake point trails as we hike back to the meeting/parking area
REGISTRATION is required and opens 2 weeks prior to the hike.	Up to 22 hikers may register. Leaders appreciate early registration, but you can register at the last minute. Please join the waitlist if the hike is full.
CANCELLATION	• If your plans change, please self-cancel as soon as possible so that other HOC members may take your spot. • The club may cancel due to bad weather that may impact the safety of participants or due to low attendance.
WHAT TO BRING	• Wear supportive hiking boots with good tread. • Hiking poles will be helpful. • Dress in layers according to weather; wear/bring waterproof rainwear. • Bring snacks and enough water for the duration of the hike. Sun and bug protection as required