About the hike: Columbia Forest is one of our favourite local Waterloo forest hike locations! Enjoy the unique GeoTime Trail, the first of its kind in Canada, opened in 2007, a walk through one million years of geological history, as well as approximately 12km of dirt path and rooty routes spanning the forest, known as the Westside Trails. Our loops will take us through varied forest terrain, including a couple challenging hills to get those healthy hearts pumpin’! Get outside with us, move your body and breathe in some fresh forest air!
*We may hike in thick mud, or wade through ankle deep water, or make unplanned last minute turns to explore the variety of trails in this forest, and we welcome the fun and adventure this brings!
Weeknight Wanders Winter Series
Join Leanne and Kamil for this Monday evening mini series of short weekday evening wanders! The perfect way to spend an evening! These hikes will be taking place in various locations, changing monthly. Our intention is to provide a regular weekday community hike night that folks can look forward to and count on year round!
Hike Leader: Leanne & Kamil Wierzbicki
Contact: 647-529-3324 | 647-529-3316
About the Leaders: 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: Columbia Forest and Westside Trails, Waterloo
Length: 4 km to 6 km
Category: Loop
Pace: Moderate to brisk, 4 - 5 km/hr. About 45-90 minutes, depending on which route we take.
Hike level: 1 (moderate). A combination of partially paved, and mostly dirt trails through the forest, roots, mixed hilly and flat terrain, with a few steep long inclines. Possible thick mud, wet conditions in fall.
Depart: Hike starts at 6:45pm. Please arrive 10 minutes earlier, at 6:35 pm. In respect of all hikers, we will not be waiting for late comers. Park at the main parking lot on Sundew Drive (GPS 43.459406, -80.597583).
Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
What to wear & bring: This is a spring hike; please dress accordingly. Wear good hiking shoes/boots, merino wool socks are a great idea, and dress in layers:
Merino wool base layers next to skin, fleece mid layer/lightweight coat/ waterproof shell in wet conditions, neck gaiter (Buff), hat, bug jacket/hat when necessary. Now in the season of sun and bugs, bring sunscreen and bug repellent. Walking poles are optional but useful, and offer an upper body workout while you walk!
**All of our hikes are offered rain/snow or shine, unless in the event of dangerous weather. Every day is a good day to get outside! Just arrive in appropriate gear!**
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.
