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We'll be starting Saturday's adventure with a light hike that takes us on a tour along the Bruce Trail, through the Niagara Escarpment and past Sherman and Canterbury falls. Hamilton is known as the waterfall capital of the world due to the huge number created by the unique geology of the escarpment. We'll be seeing two of the best!
Snow and freezing conditions this week means there's likely to be a layer of snow on the ground so please bring ice-spikes if you have them. We've got spares for those who don't which you can book through us.
After the hike, we'll drive to Merit Brewing to sample the next thing Hamilton is known for - craft beer. They have a decent food menu there but don't take reservations so you might want to hedge your bets and bring snacks or a packed lunch for the hike in case we can't get a seat for food. If you're driving, don't drink!
We'll end the day at Donut Monster on the cute Locke Street, heart of Hamilton's recent gentrification where we'll load up on what might be the tastiest donut's you've ever had.
Hike length: 8km
Estimated time to complete hike: 3.5 hours
This is a pretty easy hike with no massive changes in elevation and we’ll spend much of it on well developed trails. The hike crosses the Bruce Trail as we make our way through the Niagara Escarpment, so we'll be going through field, forest, orchards and hopping over plenty of streams. Along the way, we’ll be passing several waterfalls.
There’s likely to still be snow on the ground so we’ll be supplying ice-spikes for anybody who needs them.
07:50 - Meet up at the Petro Canada next to Keele Subway Station
08:00 - Shuttle leaves. Please note, we leave dead on time and cannot wait for latecomers!
09:00 - Meet self-drivers at parking lot and begin hike
12:30 - Anticipated end of hike. Drive to Merit Brewing
13:00 - Have a drink and hopefully lunch at Merit
14:30 - Visit Donut Monster for dessert and treats to bring home
16:30 -Expected return time to Keele Station
This custom map is georeferenced, meaning it will show you where you are on the map in the right software and lays out the rough path that we’ll be following. It’s opened with the Avenza app which must be downloaded and installed in advance of the adventure.
You should also download the What3words app - this makes it easy to share and find locations in the unlikely event that you get lost.
General Notes
There will be some snow on the ground so bring ice-spikes if you have them.
Shoes
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for this trip.
Clothing packing list
We'll be eating at Merit brewing. They have a great range of vegan and meat sausages.
Pack at least a litre of water for the hike.
There are non-alcoholic options available at the bar and nobody is under any obligation to buy food or drink at any of the stops. And another reminder, if you're driving, don't drink.
Self drivers will need to buy parking both at the hike location and in town. The hike parking is about $12, the other parking is significantly cheaper.
Hiking injuries - Wear appropriate footwear (ankle high hiking boots) and hike within your abilities. If you need extra support, bring hiking poles.
Waterfalls - Keep away from the waterfalls. The water will be very cold.
Getting lost - Stay with the group at all times, follow the instructions of the guides and download both the map referenced above as well as What3Words. You can't rely on having reception while out in the woods.
Hamilton has a long and complex history of Indigenous occupation, dating back over 10,000 years. The land that is now Hamilton was originally the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois) Confederacy, specifically the Mohawk and the Seneca nations.
The Haudenosaunee were skilled farmers and hunters, and they established large, permanent settlements in the region. They built longhouses, practiced agriculture, and maintained a complex social and political system.
In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area. The British established a military post at the site of present-day Hamilton in 1778, and the first permanent European settlement was established in the area in the late 1700s. As more settlers arrived, the Haudenosaunee were pushed off their land and their way of life was greatly disrupted. In the early 19th century, the Haudenosaunee were forced to give up their land in the region through a series of treaties.
Despite the impact of colonization on their traditional way of life, the Haudenosaunee people continue to have a strong presence in the region. Today, the Six Nations of the Grand River is one of the largest First Nations communities in Canada, and they continue to maintain their cultural traditions and connection to the land
