Exploring Huronia Wendat
Saturday October 19 – Sunday October 20, 2024
Leaders: Tessy Sagan, Jane Walker and Jim and Patti Blair
We hope to catch some fall colour at this beautiful time of the year in the area known as Huronia Wendat. Located at the southern edge of Georgian Bay, yet at the northern tip of Simcoe County, Midland is the economic centre of the region where we will stay for a night at the Hampton Inn.
On this two-day hiking trip, we will travel by coach bus to the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, exploring the trails, marsh and wildlife on day one. The 3000 acres of provincially significant wetland with 25km of trails, are home to a number of diverse species including Blanding’s Turtles and Trumpeter Swans. The Captive Wildlife Care department, which we can visit, hosts birds of prey and turtles who cannot be released into the wild.
Awenda Provincial Park is just 20 minutes north of Midland with over 2,900 hectares of forested land on the shores of Georgian Bay with 31 kilometres of trails and an inland lake for us to explore on day two. Awenda has one of the largest stretches of old growth forest in Canada.
Itinerary
Saturday October 19: Arrive at the Guelph Line Carpool Parking at 7:45 for an 8:00 a.m. departure. We will travel by coach bus to the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre where we will spend the morning on the trails and visiting the birds of prey and turtle exhibit, have lunch and then head into Midland to walk the Rotary Waterfront Trail in the afternoon. We’ll then check into the Hampton Inn in Midland. Guelph line carpool - Google Search
Sunday October 20: We will depart the hotel at 9:00 a.m. and travel by bus to Awenda Provincial Park, a 20-minute bus ride. After hiking and lunch in the park and more hiking, the bus will depart at approximately 3:00 pm for Burlington, a 2-hour drive, arriving at 5:15pm.
*Please note that the order of the hikes may change, and substitutions may be necessary.
The Hiking
Every effort will be made to offer three levels of hikes on each day. The ‘Hale and Hearty’ hikes will cover greater distances (i.e. 13 – 16 kms) at a faster pace of 4-5 kms per hour with possibly more hills. The “Fair to Middlin’ hikes will be approximately 8 – 10 kms at a moderate pace of 3.5 - 4 kms per hour. The ‘Take it Easy’ hikes, will cover 6-7 kms at a more relaxed pace of 3 kms per hour. We will describe the hikes in more detail after the leaders have had a chance to scout the trails.
Hikers should be prepared with appropriate raingear, waterproof and supportive hiking boots, hiking poles and should be able to carry a daypack with ample water and food for a day of hiking.
Accommodation
We stay at the Hampton Inn, Midland where a number of restaurants are within walking distance. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and whirlpool and a 24-hour fitness centre. Each room has a coffeemaker and fridge. A hot buffet breakfast is provided. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yyzmdhx-hampton-midland/
Trip Cost: The trip cost is $270 for double occupancy and $345 for single occupancy.
NOTE: If we are unable to match you up with a roommate and there are no alternative rooming arrangements, we will cancel your registration and process a refund.
The Trip Price Includes:
- transportation by coach bus, including bus driver tip
- one night accommodation
- Buffet breakfast in the hotel
- taxes and gratuities, except gratuity for room cleaning
- guided hikes everyday
- Entrance fees to the two parks
Not included in the Trip Package:
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel, please contact Cheryl, our Club Manager at info@haltonoutdoorclub.ca.
If you need to cancel, a refund (less a $25.00 processing fee), will ONLY be issued if we can replace you from the waitlist.
If the trip is cancelled by the club at any point, you will be given a full refund.
If the trip experiences inclement weather that interferes with our planned activities, the trip will NOT be cancelled. Leaders will try to find suitable alternative activities.
While in progress, if the trip experiences unexpected circumstances that are beyond our control, that result in changes to the itinerary and unexpected expenses, members are responsible for any extra expenses that may be incurred.
In Summary:
We are thrilled to offer an overnight hiking trip that explores new trails in the Georgian Bay area and hope you can join us!
Tessy Sagan, Jane Walker and Jim and Patti Blair