For the past few years, the Club has been offering its members the opportunity to participate in our “hikes and walks”. These events provide an excellent opportunity to see some unspoiled beauty spots in and around the City of Toronto while enjoying some modest exercise; regular walking is the most highly recommended form of exercise for seniors.

“Hikes” are defined as walks on already marked and mapped hiking paths, in the City of Toronto ravine system or within a short drive from the City. Typically, a hike will be 4-6 hours long and cover 10-15 km. Terrain will be varied, and may include some modest inclines. Hikes are intended for members in relatively good physical shape.

“Walks” are defined as more leisurely strolls in a gentler setting: city parks, gardens, etc. They will be shorter, typically 1-3 hours long, covering 5-7 km.

A hike or walk is planned for every 2 weeks, alternating between Wednesdays and Thursdays, from May until October, except when conflicting with another Club event.

An e-mail is sent out about a week before the walk or hike to solicit expressions of interest. The e-mail provides a brief description of the event and logistical details. Hikes and walks generally start at 09:30 or 10:00 a.m. from the designated rendez-vous point.

When there is an opportunity to stop for lunch at a modest eating spot, we will take advantage of this. This is an opportunity to discover small neighborhood restaurants in and around the City. The organizers will let you know when you need to bring a packed lunch.

Click here for the proposed hikes and walks for each year.

Click here for helpful hints on what you will need to take on your hike

SAFETY: Please click here to read about Safety.

The hikes and walks organizers are:

What you need on a hike

• Comfortable, sturdy and broken-in walking footwear
• Clothing appropriate for the forecast weather condition
• Rain gear: poncho, rain jacket
• Warm clothing: multiple thin layers are better than one thick
• Wool or synthetic socks; not cotton
• Hat or visor
• Sunglasses
• Backpack or fanny pack
• Walking poles
• Plenty of drinking fluids: water, energy drinks
• frozen plastic water bottles in hot weather
• hot drink in a thermos bottle in cold weather
• Avoid carbonated drinks and non re-sealable containers
• Food: snacks, sandwiches, fruits, granola bars, nuts
• Sunscreen and insect repellent

What you could consider to additionally bring:

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Cellphone
• GPS device/compass
• Maps
• Whistle
• First aid kit
• Swiss army knife
• Flashlight
• Tissue paper/toilet paper

REMEMBER: ALL THIS GOES ON YOUR BACK. KEEP IT LIGHT!

Please note the following important communication:

Club members who sign-up for walks and hikes need to fully recognize and appreciate the potential dangers and risks inherent in an outdoor activity and agree to the wording of the Waiver of Liability Form. Hikers and/or walkers may be required to sign the Waiver of Liability Form.

Click here to see the Waiver Of Liability Form wording.