In this issue

A welcome to new members from your Club Manager, Cheryl McCarney

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the new members – you have joined a dynamic, inclusive, non-competitive and social club that is “active and energized together outdoors”. 

Make sure to frequently visit the website at www.haltonoutdoorclub.ca, as events are continuously added throughout the month in all sports. I suggest you check the Events Calendar every couple of days so you don’t miss a scheduled activity. If the event registration is full, make sure you join the waitlist. Typically, registration for most events opens 2 weeks in advance of the start date, however, if there is a cost associated with the event, then the registration open date will be further out. Check the event for the specific date that registration will open.

Consider trying something new: if you joined for cycling, consider joining a hike. We offer various levels/distances in our activities so we can appeal to a novice as well as the experienced. Be sure to read the general description of the activity and what to bring before registering. If you have questions or aren’t sure if you should sign up for an event, reach out to me or the trip leader for further clarification. 

Ask questions, we are here to help you in any way we can!

Some useful tips about our website:

“Home Page” provides a general overview of what the Club has to offer. Lessons are available for paddling and cross-country skiing. Consider trying out a new sport and participating in the lessons – even the best paddler/skier can improve on their technique, and we offer various levels of lessons for that reason. 

“Attend Events Tab” includes the Events Calendar, but also a wealth of information on how to self-cancel a registration, extended trips, sport guidelines, information about lessons, etc. 

“Members Tab” includes a wealth of information about the Club as well as access to Club Forums. Subscribing to the Forums will keep you updated on Club happenings (instructions are on the Forums page):

“HOC Talk” is an online discussion forum to chat with other members and is often used to announce new events added late to the event calendar.

“Marketplace” is the place to buy, sell or trade gear with other members

Mobile App  We encourage all members to take advantage of the "Wild Apricot for Members" mobile app, to make your Halton Outdoor Club experience even more convenient. Further information and guides on how to use the app can be found on our website under the Members Tab. 

You will receive the Club’s Newsletter quarterly. You will also find an Updater in your Inbox every few weeks. As the name implies, the Updater provides up-to-date information about current and future events. Make sure to update your profile so that you receive these publications. Contact me if you require help doing so.

Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns at manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca  905 332 4318

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Message from the Chair, Maureen Healey

Hello Club Members,

As I write this note there's still tons of snow on the ground and the temperatures remain frosty. But no matter the weather, club members are consistently a hardy bunch and continue to hit the trails (hiking, snowshoeing and skiing).

With the promise of spring, now is the time to think about how you want to engage with the club when the weather turns. Will you get back on your bicycle or try kayaking, hiking or Nordic walking?

Keep your eyes on your inbox and the online Events Calendar to start planning your spring to stay energized, outdoors together. 

Sad news - Tibor Krantz

HOC recently received the sad news that Tibor Krantz had passed away at 93 ½ years of age (1932-2026). Tibor had been a member of the Halton Cross Country Ski club, which became the Halton Outdoor Club, for 30 years, till the age of 84. He participated in all the Club activities: cross-country skiing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, day trips and extended trips, in Canada and abroad.

He leaves his wife Jana, sons Peter and Andy (Renee) and two grandchildren. Jana has said that, as a member of HOC, he benefited from many friendships, laughter, exercise, and the healing power of nature. He lived a good life.

Our condolences to the Krantz family.

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Caledon complete

by Dave Somerville

Our quest to complete The Caledon Section of the Bruce Trail continued late in August with hopes of leaving the Hot Hazy Humid (HHH) conditions behind us. Hike #8 did not disappoint as it was a “Perfect Hiking Day” with a slight breeze. The highlight of the day was the terrain as the hike had a total elevation gain of 680 metres which is amazing for Ontario. Around every turn there seemed to be another climb. The hike leader joke of “the last hill” wore thin. 11zee* had a perfect stop at a maple syrup gazebo where we could refuel. 

Hike #9 had another “Perfect Hiking Day” with a breeze and the first of the fall colors. There were great views from the top of Hockley Valley Ski Hill and golf balls to be found in the rough of the golf course.

As the Caledon series continued, one could tell we were into October. A nasty forecast kept people away for Hike #10, but the actual conditions were much better with only a few sprinkles. We were able to enjoy three side trails in the area (Cam Snell, Esabel East, Tom East) which added to the great variety of the Caledon Section terrain.

Hike #11 was another “Perfect Hiking Day” in late October. We were greeted with cool, clear, breezy conditions. When most people hike Mono Centre, they head to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Our group went south and after avoiding the annual deer hunt closure on the main trail, we were able to enjoy falling leaves and a carpet of dry crispy leaves. The Third Outlier Side Trail is a relatively new side trail and very worthwhile. An 11zee spot with a great view and a few tricky climbs through root laden rock formations were the highlights of the day.

To complete the Caledon Section, we had to return to a hike scheduled for Mid July with a HHH forecast. One highlight of the day was the main Bruce Trail being permanently re-routed off Airport Road. We enjoyed a cool (mitts on) day traversing the edges of farm fields with a deer making an appearance in the distance. The Songbird side trail was worth the extra trek and justified our reward at the Coy Wolf afterwards.

There were trilliums in the spring. There were HHH days. There were “Perfect Hiking Days” in the fall with amazing color. But most of all, there were enthusiastic hikers enjoying the spectacular rolling hills and great UPS and DOWNS of the Caledon Section, no matter what Mother Nature had up her sleeve.

*11zee is Dave Somerville’s name for the 11:00 snack break.

Santa Claus meets the Club

by Denise Davy 

Santa Claus came to town, and the Halton Outdoor Club was there with bells on to greet him. The Halton Outdoor Club was among more than 65 floats and paraders that joined the 2025 Burlington Santa Claus parade on Sunday, December 6th. Like last year, close to 20 club members brought buckets of enthusiasm to the streets as we marched down New Street then up Brant Street. Three kilometres of walking and waving and the crowds waved right back. It seemed like at every corner we turned the streets were lined with people.

The club’s activities were well represented in the parade. We came carrying hiking poles, paddles and cross-country skis, wearing PFD’s and pushing a very festively decorated bike. There were lots of Santa hats and festive attire, including a delightful elf sweater.

Once again, Paul Lewis and I carried the club banner and chief reindeer Judy Dragun pulled the kayak, which was decorated with lights and stuffed with gifts. It was a definite showstopper, as was Paul Leppik’s unique Christmas suit. An inflatable Santa was a new addition to the parade, thanks to the ever-resourceful Sandy Gardner who found an inflatable one that fit perfectly into the kayak. It was most definitely a crowd pleaser!

Safe to say that the club’s presence in the parade was a resounding success. We will be back in 2026!

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From your Paddling Co-Directors, Paul Leppik and Ed Brunato

Get ready for an exciting calendar of events for the 2026 paddling season!

First of all, we’re happy to report that all (3) of our April pool sessions which were posted on the events page in early January have filled! We were able to expand this opportunity for 2026 to accommodate 24 paddlers thanks to the efforts of Bob Annis, Club Manager Cheryl McCarney, and the HOC event coordinators. Thank you all!

On January 31^st your Paddling Co-Directors along with the entire Paddling Committee consisting of Anne Marchildon, Ken Besser, Gabriela Sebestyen, Liz Brunato, Katrina Blom, and Sandy Gardner and a group of enthusiastic trip leaders (29 of us in total) got together for our Annual Paddle Planning and Pairing Meeting, once again graciously hosted by Lise Sorensen.

The offerings generated by this event have grown year after year with this year featuring a wide array of popular day, multi-day car camping and back country trips! We’ve even got an assortment of exciting new destinations thanks to the overwhelming support of our volunteer trip leaders. I’m pleased to say that we currently have 46 tentative events for consideration and are working diligently behind the scenes to develop detailed trip ratings, descriptions and budgeting in an effort to approve these offerings and get them on the Club Calendar as quickly as possible.

Once approved, events will be posted with registration dates, so I encourage you all to refer to the Club Calendar on a regular basis to avoid disappointment as these events do fill quickly!

I also want to point out that there are waitlists for all events and can personally attest that there is always a chance that a spot may open up for a trip that you are waitlisted for.

As safety is always our highest priority for both our leaders and participants, each trip will be rated as Grade A (Beginner), Grade B (Comfortable Beginner), Grade C (Intermediate), or Grade D (Comfortable Intermediate), Halton Outdoor Club Paddling Trip Rating Tool

and it is incumbent on each registrant to truthfully represent their skill level before signing up for the safety of everyone on an individual trip. Furthermore, all of our trip leaders have the final say on who may participate based on the anticipated trip conditions.

As a heads up, the Paddling Committee will be hosting our Spring Paddling Social on Wednesday March 25^th  at The Port House in Downtown Burlington to give some of you a chance to come out and meet many of our trip leaders and obtain further details on our proposed trips! You must register to attend this event, as available spots are limited. Keep your eye on the HOC Events Calendar.

Look forward to seeing you on the water.

It’s going to be a great season! 

Starting the New Year together

By Carol Bailey

On January 1^st, a total of 66 HOC members rang, or is that hiked in the new year because that’s what many of us we love to do! 5 hikes were led across the Halton/Peel regions by 2 person HOC hike leader teams.

Riverwood: Nancy Stevens & Sonia Baistrocchi 

Eighteen hardy hikers stayed warm on a crisp New Year’s Day with a brisk hike in beautiful Riverwood Park. A wonderful way to start the New Year. A great group of hikers and beautiful scenery too.

Shell Park: Frank & Sue Elias

This route followed the lakefront trail in Bronte past Shell pier where we had a beautiful view of downtown Toronto. As we started our hike, the sun broke through the clouds, and 18 hikers enjoyed a bright sunny day for the remainder of the morning as we welcomed the new year. 

Oakville: Heather McClintock & Ralph Gardave

The hike was well attended with many members attending for the first time.  The wonderful trails accessible from the Oakville Town Hall were very pretty with newly fallen snow and we were blessed with bright sunshine for much of the hike.  The Tim’s stop was most appreciated.  The use of icers by all made the underlying ice a nonissue. Best to just leave them in the pack for the season.

Kerncliff Park to Smokey Hollow: Lisa Raftis & Bill Pote

Nine hikers braved the cold on New Year’s Day and enjoyed a beautiful hike from Kerncliff Park to Smokey Hollow. One member kindly lent a non-member a pair of icers to wear. The falls were flowing where we stopped for Lisa's famous trail mix cookies and Toblerone shortbread. It was a small but mighty group that started the year off right.

Felkers Falls: Isabel Bravo & Dave Pomeroy

What a glorious day for a winter hike on the first day of the year with a bunch of HOC friends. We all enjoyed snacks and conversations at the Bear Meeting Place.

Italy/Austria trip 2026

by Ann Garnett

On January 23, 2026, 24 HOC members flew to Munich to start an exciting adventure to Dobbiaco, Italy and Seefeld, Austria. There was much anticipation as we met new people and wondered about the scenery and snow conditions we could expect given our crazy climate these days. 

It was a 4.5 hr drive from Munich to Dobbiaco and as luck would have it, a major highway closure enabled us to travel on sideroads through stunning mountain scenery instead. We were, however, a bit unnerved by the brown landscape (no snow). 

On our first ski day we headed to the top of the famous Fischleintal only to find it fogged in. The snow was clumping to our skis, and nothing was working to give us glide: not wax, spray, or frequent scraping. The snow was so wet that it soaked through our clothing, and we had to give up. What a start! Luckily, it snowed all day, and this new snow gave us five glorious and varied days of skiing. Everywhere we looked we saw tall Dolomites peaks and Christmas tree pines covered in the new snow. We skied beside a sparkling river at Val Casies and through stunning mountain scenery at Cortina. Of course there were lots of stops for strudel, goulash, and Tyrolean pastries.

With the Olympic Games about to start we were constantly being overtaken by national teams skiing unbelievably fast. We were even able to see the Olympic Torch carried through the Nordic Centre. 

On our day off members of our tour visited a variety of destinations: Cortina D'Ampezzo, Brunico, cable car to the Mountain museums. Others shopped, visited the cheese factory, the Grand Hotel and some hiked to Moos and Sesto (nearby villages) or around the Dobbiaco Lake. 

A highlight was a musical Tyrolean evening led by two members of the staff who could play a variety of instruments including the Alpenhorn. This giant horn emerged from a large case and extended to 5 ft in length when pieced together. Our group was soon up on the dance floor and joined by locals who obviously knew where to come on a Wednesday night!

On Saturday we transferred by bus to Seefeld where there were 150 km of hiking trails leading to huttes and villages. In Senftenberg we hiked to a Stonehenge-like circle of huge stones named for the twelve apostles and a lovely trail around their lake. It was glorious to ski at 6-8 degrees Celsius on some of the flatter trails around Leutasch and Wildmoos.

Many of us spent a full rest day in Innsbruck where there was much to see: snow capped mountains, the Inn River, farmers market, Hapsburg castle, and museums. Some went by train to wander around a charming German village called Mittenwald where the older houses were covered in paintings while others visited the violin museum. 

On behalf of the whole group, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Isabel and Dave for doing such a wonderful job leading this trip. You put a lot of thought and research into planning around the weather and snow conditions so we could find the best place to ski each day. Roll on 2028 when we hope to go again! 

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Please consider writing a short piece for your Club Newsletter 

Share your thoughts, experiences and photos with other members

Newsletter submissions are welcome at any time - share your experiences, photos or thoughts about the Club with your fellow members. And we like it short – no more than 500 words!! Preferably with some photos.

The Newsletter is published 4 times a year with submission deadlines of February 12, May 12, August 19 and late November (1-2 weeks after the AGM). 

Details, including where to send, can be found  at Guidelines For Newsletter Submissions 

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