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Hikes and other outdoor activities listed below represent some of the activities published in our newsletter, Trail Markings. If you are interested in hiking, and/or other volunteer opportunities, you are encouraged to join GVTA. If you join, you receive the complete listing of hikes and other outdoor activities and more. A membership application form is available for download via the Membership web page. We welcome new members so please join us and help to maintain the Grand Valley Trail, a community resource. NOTE: 
This maple leaf symbol beside a person's name denotes a certified hike leader - see "Working Toward Hike Leader Certification".
~ means approximately | Levels 1 to 3 and Speed (e.g. moderate) - explanation
Thursday, January 7, 2010. Floradale Reservoir Loop Hike. Level 1: Moderate ~ 7 km
Leader: Pauline . Park near Bonnie Lou's Café, 2238 Floradale Rd (Township Rd 19) at 10:00 am. Directions: Continue on Arthur St north of Elmira. Turn left on Red Woods Dr. At the stop sign, turn right (north) on to Floradale Rd. When you reach Floradale, look for Bonnie Lou's on your left, and turn left on Ruggles St. (might be called 1st St on Google). There are some parking spots on the right (past the mail boxes).We will do a loop hike around the Floradale Reservoir (a man-made lake). Icers and poles recommended. If there is a lot of snow, bring snowshoes. Please bring water and snacks. Optional lunch afterwards at the café. Call leader about car pooling.
Saturday, January 9, 2010. Little Tract. Level 2: Moderate ~ 6 + km
Leader: Susan . Meet at 2:00 p.m. Meet at the Covered Bridge parking lot off the Gordon Street south of Wellington Street. This is a chance to hike, ski and/or snow shoe a popular wooded spot with various side trails to investigate or avoid. Optional refreshments afterwards.
Thursday, January 14, 2010. Iron Horse Trail Waterloo/Kitchener. Level 1: Moderate ~ 8-10 km
Leader: Georgia . Meet at 10:00 a.m. Waterloo Park - enter at Young St. and meet in the Lions Lagoon parking lot. This hike is a hike of the Iron Horse trail running through Waterloo and Kitchener. The hike follows an old abandoned railway and much of the path will be paved surface. Along the trail we will view retired industrial machinery from Kitchener Waterloo’s past. Lunch will be at the City Café Bakery along the trail. Please bring money for lunch, water and snacks but leave dogs at home. No smoking please.
Thursday, January 21, 2010. F.W.R. Dickson Conservation Area. Level 2: Moderate ~ 6 km
Leader: Jamie . We will snowshoe/hike this loop to Bannister Lake and back (see GVT Map 9). The chickadee population will be expecting us so bring a few sunflower seeds and your camera. Bring your snowshoes and “icers”. Good hiking boots and pole(s) are recommended. No dogs & no smoking. Meet before 9:00 a.m. in the Laurentian Hills Plaza parking lot near Price Choppers, near the intersection of Westmount Rd & Ottawa St, Kitchener [43.417964 -80.501321]. At 9:00 a.m. we carpool to the parking lot at the Dickson Conservation Area south of Ayr on Brant-Waterloo Rd. Or, join us at the F.W.R. Dickson parking lot [43.279778 -80.395910] by 9:30 a.m. Optional lunch stop in Ayr after the hike.
Saturday, January 23, 2010. Mill Run Trail. Level 1: Moderate ~ 7 km
Leader Jane . We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in Preston (Cambridge) at the Riverside Park entrance, (on King Street). We will hike along the trail to Jacobs Landing in Hespeler. There will be lots of opportunities to feed chickadees. May be icy, bring poles and icers. Bring snacks and water.
Sunday, January 24, 2010. Waterloo Community Trail. Level 1: Moderate ~ 6 km
Leader: Jamie . Join Jan & me on a figure-8 loop walk. Bring your snowshoes and “icers”. Walk portions of lower Laurel Creek, Forwell Creek and their confluence. The walk is on community trails with segments of sidewalk & forms a figure eight. There is an opportunity to drop out early if one wishes to do so. No dogs, no smoking. Meet before 9:15 a.m. in the parking lot at Dearborn Plaza, 105 Lexington Rd, Waterloo (intersection of Lexington Rd. & Dearborn Place one street east of Marsland Dr. & Hillside Park) [43.487268 -80.518358]. Optional breakfast at the Dearborn Family Restaurant at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, January 31, 2010 – 4th Annual Cross-Country Ski Trip at Highlands Nordic, Collingwood. Level 2: Moderate
>>Advance Registration is Necessary<<
Registration is Necessary: Charles and Georgia [see your newsletter for contact information].
Travel in a relaxed and comfortable highway coach (no yellow school bus!) to Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski resort (10 km south of Collingwood) where 22 km of groomed ski trails accommodate both classic and skate techniques. Regardless of your experience Highland Nordic has a selection of trails that will match your ability. Ski rentals are available at the pro-shop. Highlands Nordic also has a full service cafeteria that includes a heart warning chilli menu. It also has full waxing facilities and change rooms. Bring along your family and enjoy the skiing and toboggan park. Toboggans and skis will be stowed on board the bus. Advance registration is required and participants are to contact the leaders to make payment and to reserve places on the bus. A minimum of 35 participants will be required to register by 9:00 PM Thursday January 7, 2010. Refunds only if trip is cancelled. Cost: $40.00 per person includes bus and ski trail fee. Non-refundable. Make cheques payable to: Grand Valley Trails Association include your full name, phone number and email address along with your cheque. Mail to Georgia - see your newsletter for Georgia's address. There will be two pick-up points: 1) Departs at 7:45 AM Holiday Inn Kitchener, 30 Fairway Road, South. Park at the far side of parking lot closest to King Street. Provide leader with your license plate number. 2) Departs at 8:15 AM Conestoga Mall, Waterloo. The bus will pick up in the parking lot just north of the Zellers store (enter off Conestogo Road and parking area will be on left) but park as far away as possible from the store entrances and buildings. Look for Ayr Coach Lines. Anticipated time of return to Kitchener is 6:00 PM.
Go to February Hikes
Updated 2009 NOVEMBER 16
