The Halton Outdoor Club upcoming events

Paddling Algonquin-Canisbay Lake Car Camping (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Paddling Title	Paddling Algonquin-Canisbay Lake Car Camping
Type of Trip	Car Camping
Date(s)	September 17 to September 20, 2026
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 B (Comfortable Beginner) Mild currents; Up to 2-3 kms/hour
Open Crossings	Grade C (Intermediate) Up to 3 kms
Landing Type	Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Pebble; more steep; sand bars
Landing Frequency
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	Every morning we will confirm itinerary as we evaluate weather conditions. We will be driving to paddle in nearby lakes, Lake of Two Rivers, Canisbay Lake, Source Lake and Cache Lake. We will be driving to the launch sites, which will be within 30 minutes of our campground at Canisbay Lake Parking fees, if any, at the launch are not included in the trip. We will have opportunities to hike and swim, please bring appropriate gear. Maximum number of tents on each campsite is 3 on 3 sites (max 6 people). Maximum number of cars per site is 2. Additional cars will park in common parking areas. Campsite parking is not included in the trip fee and to be paid by the participants. Firewood is not included and must be purchased from the campground. We will share the cost of firewood for a fire each evening. Participants are self sufficient for food. Quality of cell service is unknown and is dependent on your service provider. There are bathrooms, showers in the park. Flip flops are a good idea when you go for a shower.
Body of Water	Interior Lakes - Algonquin Park
Registration Opens	Car Camping - 8 weeks before the trip start date
Registration Opens on this date (at 12:00 am)	July 23, 2026 Go on your device on July 22nd just before midnight and at the stroke of midnight, sign up
Name of Volunteer Trip Leader(s)	Judy Dragun, Rosi Zirger, Kate Rantanen, Maria-Eugenia Ricote
Email of Volunteer Trip Leaders(s)	Cleojade001@yahoo.ca; mricote.citizens@gmail.com; katherine.groom@bell.net
Contingency Phone, Name	Judy Dragun 905-466-1048;Maria-Eugenia Ricote 647-405-2943
Trip Address	Campsite: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mMZ3jPWP1a3J54m86
Google Pin For Parking Payment	https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMcoksiAwA4K5mXt6 (registration - parking permit office)
Paddling Vessels Permitted	Recreational kayaks not permitted
Google Pin of Boat Launch	TBD each morning for the following day pending weather forecast.
Arrival time - To get boats, equipment ready for launch	Check in 2 pm on September 17, check out 11am on September 20. Please ensure you go to the Park Office upon arrival to register and receive vehicle permit, West Gate, information above.
TIME - SHORELINE SAFETY MEETING (PRE-LAUNCH) (PDFs on; Kayaks, equipment on the shore, ready to go)	TBD each morning for the following day pending weather forecast.
Maximum number of paddlers including leader(s)	10
Bathroom Facilities	Bathroom facilities on location
After Paddle Leisure Time
Go to Restaurant After Paddle	To be determined
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	$58
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 Under $100	No refund unless your spot is filled from the waitlist. Should you qualify for a refund, a $5 cancellation fee will be applied. To cancel your trip at any point; you must email the Club Manager: manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca or phone: 905 634 2012

CANCELLED Cycling Level 2: Centennial, Waterfront, and Breezeway Trails (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 13:15:00 GMT

RIDE	LEVEL 2: Centennial, Waterfront, and Breezeway trails, Burlington to Grays Rd Hamilton
DATE	Sunday September 20 2026, 9:15 am-1:00 pm
RIDE LEADER	Marlis Butcher
RIDE LEADER CONTACT	m.butcher@live.ca 647-983-6529
CADENCE/PACE	LEVEL 2 Up to an average of 18 km/hr
DESCRIPTION	Paved, flat trail. Quite a few street crossings. A few quiet side streets.
DISTANCE	40km +/-
MEETING PLACE & TIME	Meet at Sherwood Forest Park, Fothergill Rd, off Prince William Drive at 9:15 for 9:30 start.
MEETING PLACE MAP	https://maps.app.goo.gl/pMmgWhFiP8rD7AdWA
START POINT	Parking lot out & back
SOCIAL	Bring water and snacks. Quick stop at the turn around point. We will stop for coffee/ snack during the ride at Hutch’s on the Beach.
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
IMPORTANT REMINDERS	Bring Mask for potential midges. WATER, Snack, 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.

Hiking Nordic Walking – Shell Park (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:30:00 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	Nordic Walking – Shell Park
DATE	Tuesday, September 22, 2026
HIKE LEADER(S)	Sue Elias
LEADER EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER	fselias@cogeco.ca 416-556-2638
MEETING TIME and START TIME	Meet: 9:30 a.m. Start: 9:45 a.m.
MEETING/ PARKING LOCATION	Shell Park – 1^st Parking lot on the right 3307 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6L 6S6 43.380418, -79.717985
MEETING MAP (link)	Shell Park Google Map
ENTRANCE FEES	N/A
DISTANCE	Approx. 5-6 km.
DURATION OF HIKE	1.5 - 2 hours
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	Low
TERRAIN Easy: wide trail, usually good footing Moderate: some areas of tricky footing Challenging: rugged trail with tricky footing	Easy
TYPE OF HIKE: i.e. Loop, There & Back or Combination	There & Back
GENERAL ROUTE DESCRIPTION Points of Interest and Special Notes	From the park, we head east and take the trails to Shelburne Park then from South Shell Park go west to Burloak Waterfront Park. On the way back, we will take the multi-purpose trail on Lakeshore Rd W. back to Shell Park. Depending on weather, may add in the trail to Spruce Park, between Burloak and Great Lakes Blvd.
Other Specifics to Your Hike i.e. social to follow hike	This is a Nordic Walk so bring your telescoping hiking/walking poles with rubber booties. Sue will review the Urban Poling technique for Nordic walking for anyone interested. Sue is a certified Urban Poling Instructor. Check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-fuF1pUaws Using poles adds to the full body workout but you are welcome to join even if you do not have poles.
REGISTRATION is required and opens 2 weeks prior to the hike.	Up to 10+ 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 are not mandatory • 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 Another Side of Dundas Valley (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:15:00 GMT

HIKE TITLE	Another Side of Dundas Valley
DATE	Wednesday, September 23, 2026
HIKE LEADER(S)	Nancy de Guerre & Ellen de Guerre
LEADER EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER	ndeguerre@cogeco.ca 289-242-1261
MEETING TIME and START TIME	9:15 a.m. arrival for 9:30 start time
MEETING/ PARKING LOCATION	Dundas Valley Conservation Area
MEETING MAP (link)	https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ha83Y18dVsPSchez7
ENTRANCE FEES	Enter and pay at the Main Gate on Highway #99. Drive to the main parking lot and then walk 300 meters to meet at the Trail Centre (former train station). BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME FOR THIS SHORT WALK. If you do not hold an annual pass, entrance at the main gate is $11.50 per vehicle, $9.50 for seniors. Pay at the gate by credit card.
DISTANCE	8 to 8.5 km
DURATION OF HIKE	Appx. 2.5 hours
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 to high – mostly gentle hills with a few longer/steeper hills.
TERRAIN Easy: wide trail, usually good footing Moderate: some areas of tricky footing Challenging: rugged trail with tricky footing	Moderate
TYPE OF HIKE: i.e. Loop, There & Back or Combination	Combination - there and back, exploring two loops in addition to the Dundas Valley Main Loop trail.
GENERAL ROUTE DESCRIPTION Points of Interest and Special Notes	From the Trail Centre we’ll begin the Main Loop, branching onto the Headwaters Trail, crossing a couple of rural roads along the way, and completing two other short loops: Reforestation and Lookout Trails. We’ll enjoy forest paths, lovely meadowlands, streams, and gorgeous valley views.
Other Specifics to Your Hike i.e. social to follow hike
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.