Pre-Conference Guided Hike Excursion

The Dundas Valley is one of southern Ontario’s most spectacular natural treasures. Highlights of the 1,200-hectare conservation area include lush Carolinian forests, colourful meadows, cold-water streams, stunning geological formations and an array of rare plants, birds and wildlife. The area is part of a large glacial valley that spreads into Lake Ontario. It was excavated by a succession of glaciers that disappeared some 10,000 years ago. The landscape that emerged has been shaped by glacial meltwater and, more recently, by streams flowing through the valley. The rich natural environment existing here and along the Niagara Escarpment has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Participants can choose between:

Participants will walk through lush meadows, reforested areas and old pasture lands along the Beckett Forest, Sawmill and McCormack Trails. The walk will take you past the newly installed Wind Phone – a place where people can feel connected to loved ones, along the Sawmill Trail which offers a landing spot for birds traveling south on their fall migration, to the Sawmill Pond at Stacey Meadow which provides habitat locations for birds, fish and mammals, and through the McCormack trail, a once active farmland. Attendees will be able to witness seasonal changes in plants and animals that are migrating through Dundas Valley on this loop.  This loop is 2.5-3.0 km with one/two moderate hills and takes roughly 1.5-2 hours with a nature interpreter.

The Main Loop Trail is Dundas Valley’s most popular trail and will showcase spectacular fall colours. The walk will take you through mature deciduous trees, hemlock groves, an old apple orchard, a meadow and across the Sulphur Creek valley. Along the way, attendees will see the Hermitage Cascade waterfall, escarpment geology features, the Hermitage Ruins historical site, and interpretive panels featuring HCA’s award-winning Basadinaa Experience. The Main Loop Trail is 3.5 km with a couple of moderate hills and takes about 1.5-2 hours when walked at a slow pace with a nature interpreter.

 

Both hikes will take attendees to the Trail Centre which houses indoor washrooms and some small interpretive displays. Attendees are asked to dress accordingly and bring a reusable bottle. Cost for either hike will be $35.00 for a guided tour that includes transportation, park fees and snacks.