Our Hikes
Full and half-day outings are mainly organized on weekends. Midweek, evening or camping events may also be planned.
In the spring, hikers are sometimes out before all the snow has melted! Spring brings with it new growth and an outpouring of hikers anxious to view the wild flowers, smell the fragrances and feel the warmth of the sun.
Many summer hiking trails are found on the diverse terrain around Thunder Bay. A terrific view from Mount McKay, interesting flora and fauna on the shores of Lake Superior, and rushing rivers at Silver Falls and High Falls are just a few of the highlights of the area.
In the fall, outings cover a wide range of locations, with Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and northern Minnesota being favorites.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are wonderful winter activities. There is a wide selection of cross-country trails found around Thunder Bay, including Kamview, Kakabeka Falls and Sleeping Giant Provincal Park. Put on your snowshoes and trek into marshy areas that are inaccessible in the spring, summer and fall!
Skill Level
Skill level and equipment requirements differ depending on the outing. Some outings are easy strolls through gentle terrain, while others demand stout boots and well-toned muscles. Groups average in size from 10 to 20 people, thus the outdoors can be shared while the solitude and rapport with nature are preserved.
All hikes or outings in our program have:
- Date and time of the hike
- Level of difficulty (easy, intermediate, difficult, very difficult)
- Distance of hike
- Hiking time (hours)
- A contact person
Our hikes are rated for the level of difficulty. Those levels are:
- Easy: Short distance, flat or small hills; leisurely pace
- Intermediate: 5 - 10 km, rough trails, moderate climbs, moderate pace
- Difficult: 10 - 20 km, very rough terrain, steep climbs, brisk pace
- Very Difficult: Long distance, grueling climbs, brisk pace over a sustained period. Experienced trial hikers!
When a hike is rated, it may have all or some of the features of that level. We strongly encourage those on hikes to assess their skills conservatively. It is better to err on the side of caution. Please do not put yourself and others at risk by coming on a hike too difficult for your fitness level.
If you are a new member and/or are unsure of your physical fitness, we suggest that you start with an easy hike to introduce yourself to OUR definitions of "Level of Difficulty". If you have any concerns on the difficulty of a hike, please call the contact person.
We have had people show up for an outing who were physically unprepared for the difficulty or distance of the hike. It is a hiker's responsibility to assess his or her own physical capabilities and, if in doubt, to err on the side of caution. The leader has the right to refuse any person not properly prepared for the hike.
It is important that people participating in our outings not only be physically prepared, but also to wear appropriate clothing for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, bring adequate food and drink, and have sunscreen and insect repellent available when necessary.
What to Pack
- Appropriate clothing. Wear layers of clothing suitable to the season and weather. Don't be caught in the cold! Bring extra socks.
- Sturdy footwear suited to the season and weather.
- A knapsack
- High energy food.
- Water or other drink. The longer the hike, the more water you need.
- A whistle.
- A compass.
- Waterproof Fire Kit.
- First Aid Kit.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect Repellent.
- Map of the area.
Meeting Locations
North Site: In front of TD bank, County Fair Plaza
South Site: Victoria Inn/Scuttlebutts’ parking lot, Arthur St West
To get to most of our destinations, we carpool. Please remember to offer the driver gas money, and if possible, to park your vehicle away from the main meeting location if leaving it in town.
Important information about our hikes
- Pets are not allowed on outings.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Be prepared! You are responsible for judging your own level of fitness and endurance.
