About hike: This hike will cover the GVT from km 13.4 in the Belwood section of the GVT, to km 62.4 in the Black Walnut section. Starting from Elora, we will walk through the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, then follow the Grand through meadows and forests to the end of the Belwood section. We will continue onto the Black Walnut section, mostly following the river’s edge, until we get to the village of West Montrose. Get your cameras ready to take selfies in front of the Kissing Bridge!
About this series of hikes: About this series of hikes: Join Didier, Leanne and Kamil for an end-to-end hike of the Grand Valley Trail! This series of hikes covers the entirety of the Grand Valley Trail, from the village of Belwood to the estuary of the Grand in Port Maitland. The hikes will be spread over 6 weekends in the Spring, early Summer, and Fall of 2026. Feel free to join for any or all of these hikes. The hikes will be approximately 16 to 24 kms in length, and will allow time for socializing, photography and general good fellowship. If this is something you want to do, we can also assist you in maintaining a log of your walks in order to receive your end-to-end badges and chevrons. The hikes are generally not very difficult, as the terrain is mostly flat; only their length may make it challenging for some hikers. Hikes are limited to 20 participants.
Hike leaders & contact:
Didier Thevenard: didier.j.thevenard@gmail.com | 519-497-9387
Leanne & Kamil Wierzbick: leannewierzbicki@gmail.com | 647-529-3324 (Leanne), 647-529-3316 (Kamil).
About the leaders: Didier has been leading hikes with the GVTA since 2018. He loves sharing his passion for nature and the outdoors with fellow hikers. Leanne and Kamil have been casual hikers since 2006, becoming more avid hikers in their mid forties! They began hiking with the GVTA upon moving back to Kitchener-Waterloo in autumn of 2023 after many years living in Northwestern Ontario. They knew they wanted to share their love of the outdoors and active living with others as certified hike leaders with this wonderful local organization. With a playful and enthusiastic approach to their outdoor adventures, this husband and wife team encourage you to get outside, move your body, and have fun doing it! Embrace your inner hike nerd.
Where: Elora / West Montrose. Maps 13 and 12, GVTA Guidebook, 8th edition
Length: 20 km
Category: Linear with car shuttle
Pace and duration: Moderate: 4 km/h, about 5.5 hours plus car shuttle
Hike level: 3 (challenging), terrain has few difficulties but please be aware of the length of the hike.
Parking and departure: 9:00 AM from Letson Park at Letson Dr and Driver Edge Dr, West Montrose (43.585293, -80.479789, https://maps.app.goo.gl/SiFmRWsgKyYmSxsk6). If Letson Park is full, there is additional parking a few minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot away at the parking lot at the SW corner where the Kissing Bridge Trail crosses Middlebrook Rd (43.594846, -80.480149). If possible, carpool to our starting point to reduce your carbon footprint and lessen the need for parking space.
From there we will organize a car shuttle to the start of the hike in Elora, which is at the N corner of the Elora & District Community Centre parking lot, close to David St. W. (GPS 43.683760, -80.435757, https://maps.app.goo.gl/LudBVj1ZctCoyeMEA).
Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
What to wear and bring: Wear good walking shoes (preferably not sneakers). No dogs. Pack lots of water, a lunch and munchies, sunscreen and a hat, rain gear, and optionally bug repellent.
Sorry, no dogs on GVTA hikes with the exception of certified service dogs.
ALL ARE WELCOME ON OUR HIKES. Membership is encouraged as it helps to support our trails, $30 per household. To become a member please go to:
https://www.gvta.on.ca/Membership.
