First Day Hike 2026

By Joe BorgesNews and Events

🎉 Join us for the First Day Hike & Volunteer Celebration 🥾

Ring in the new year on the trail! The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club invites all members, volunteers, and friends to our annual First Day Hike at Dundas Valley Conservation Area on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.

Four hike options are available for various distances and paces — so there’s something for everyone! New 2026 Limited Edition First Day Hike Badges will also be available for sale. Hike registration links are below. Start times and pace of hikes vary, so please read the full Hike description on the BTC registration site.

After the hike, join us at the Trail Centre (the big red building) for our Volunteer Appreciation Event starting at 11:30 a.m.. Enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and a toast to our dedicated volunteers. Club badges and merchandise will also be available for purchase.

  • Complimentary Junior Winter Hiker badges for kids under 13.
  • If you have completed your 25 Volunteer Points you can collect your IBTC Volunteer Badge at the event. For more details: https://iroquoia.on.ca/hiking/badges/volunteer-badge
  • Pay parking in effect ($11 per vehicle unless you have an HCA Pass).
  • Dress for winter conditions and please bring your icers (crampons).

REGISTER FOR YOUR HIKE TODAY:

Please register in advance using the links below so we can update you on the hike, plus if weather conditions require we inform you off any postponement to January 3.

👉 HIKE 1 – BRISK PACE / First Day Hike 2026
Hike Leader: Corina Seceleanu
Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7-8 km
Departure Time: 9:30 am

👉 HIKE 2 – MEDIUM PACE / First Day Hike 2026
Hike Leader: Dave Salt
Pace: Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7-8km
Departure Time: 9:45 am

👉 HIKE 3 – LEISURELY / First Day Hike 2026
Hike Leader: Anne Armstrong
Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: Approx. 6.5 km.
Departure Time: 10:10 am

👉 HIKE 4 – FAMILY/CHILDREN / First Day Hike 2026
Hike Leader: Cathie Green 
Pace: Leisurely – 3km/hr or less
Terrain: Easy – Mostly flat and usually good footing
Distance: Approximately 5 kms Main Trail
Departure Time: 10:00 am

Let’s kick off 2026 as a community — connecting with nature, friends, and the trail we love. See you on January 1.

The Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club Team