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.
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Cootes Paradise North Shore Discovery Hike
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DATE
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Thursday, August 20, 2026
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HIKE LEADER(S)
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Debbie Martin
Debbie Ford
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LEADER EMAIL AND CELL NUMBER
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Debbie Martin: Debbielou707@gmail.com,
647-500-2965
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MEETING TIME and START TIME
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Meet at 9:15 for a 9:30 start
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MEETING/ PARKING LOCATION
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Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum
16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton, L0R 2H9
Park in the circular drive and meet at the pavilion.
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MEETING MAP (link)
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RBG Arboretum |
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ENTRANCE FEES
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Payment required for parking $5.00/hr. Free if RBG member
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DISTANCE
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Approx 6.5 - 7 km
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DURATION OF HIKE
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Approx. 2 -2.5 hours
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SPEED
Leisurely: 3 km/hour or less
Moderate: 3-4 km/hour
Fast: 4-5 km/hour
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Moderate
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ELEVATION GAIN
Low: mostly flat - a few hills
Moderate: some ups and downs
High: lots of hills, steep and/or long
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Moderate – some ups and downs
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TERRAIN
Easy: wide trail, usually good footing
Moderate: some areas of tricky footing
Challenging: rugged trail with tricky footing
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Moderate: mainly wide trails with good footing, some small hills, boardwalks, bridges, and stairs.
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TYPE OF HIKE:
i.e. Loop, There & Back or Combination
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Loop hike
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GENERAL ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Points of Interest and Special Notes
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Add the joy of ‘discovery’ to your hike. The Discovery Series is all about exploring hidden secrets, whether it’s in your surroundings, something hidden in the past, or perhaps even something about yourself!
Come discover or re-discover the North Shore Cootes Paradise. We will learn a little about the history and highlight some features of these beautiful trails.
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Other Specifics to Your Hike
i.e. social to follow hike
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REGISTRATION is required and opens 2 weeks prior to the hike.
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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.
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CANCELLATION
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• 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.
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WHAT TO BRING
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• Wear supportive hiking boots with good tread.
• Hiking poles may 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
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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.
