PO Box 10041
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6T6
P (807) 624-4271
E tbha@tbha.ca
www.tbha.ca
Full and half-day outings are mainly organized on weekends. midweek, or evening events may also be planned.
In the spring, hikers are sometimes out before all the snow has melted! Spring brings with it new growth and an outpouring of hikers anxious to view the wild flowers, smell the fragrances and feel the warmth of the sun.
Many summer hiking trails are found on the diverse terrain around Thunder Bay. A terrific view from Mount McKay, interesting flora and fauna on the shores of Lake Superior, and rushing rivers at Silver Falls and High Falls are just a few of the highlights of the area.
In the fall, outings cover a wide range of locations, with Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and northern Minnesota being favorites.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are wonderful winter activities. There is a wide selection of cross-country trails found around Thunder Bay, including Kamview, Kakabeka Falls and Sleeping Giant Provincal Park. Put on your snowshoes and trek into marshy areas that are inaccessible in the spring, summer and fall!
Skill level and equipment requirements differ depending on the outing. Some outings are easy strolls through gentle terrain, while others demand stout boots and well-toned muscles. Groups average in size from 10 to 20 people, thus the outdoors can be shared while the solitude and rapport with nature are preserved.
All hikes or outings in our program have:
Our hikes are rated for the level of difficulty. Those levels are:
Easy: A good place to start, 5 km or less, 1 to 2 hours of hiking, flat to rolling terrain, little or no climbing, leisurely pace on well trails (e.g. Kingfisher lake)
Intermediate: Should be physically fit, 5 to 10 km, 2 to 5 hours of hiking, terrain varies, rough trails, moderate climbs and/or bushwhacking (e.g. Red Rock to Nipigon)
Difficult: Should be ready to tackle long distances, 10 to 20 km, 4 to 6 hours of hiking, terrain, all of the above plus more, steady pace. (e.g. Rainbow Falls to Rossport)
Very Difficult: For experienced hikers only, over 20 km, all day (8+ hours), very challenging terrain (e.g. Thunder Cape), brisk pace over sustained periods.
When a hike is rated, it may have all or some of the features of that level. We strongly encourage those on hikes to assess their skills conservatively. It is better to err on the side of caution. Please do not put yourself and others at risk by coming on a hike too difficult for your fitness level.
If you are a new member and/or are unsure of your physical fitness, we suggest that you start with an easy hike to introduce yourself to OUR definitions of "Level of Difficulty". If you have any concerns on the difficulty of a hike, please call the contact person.
We have had people show up for an outing who were physically unprepared for the difficulty or distance of the hike. It is a hiker's responsibility to assess his or her own physical capabilities and, if in doubt, to err on the side of caution. The leader has the right to refuse any person not properly prepared for the hike.
It is important that people participating in our outings not only be physically prepared, but also to wear appropriate clothing for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, bring adequate food and drink, and have sunscreen and insect repellent available when necessary.
The following is the most basic items required for short, easy hikes - usually when accompanied by a group of experienced hikers. Click here for a list of recommended items you should pack for more technical hikes and when hiking alone or in a small group.
North Site: Safeway parking lot Dawson rd. opposite County Fair Plaza
South Site: Parking lot between Victoria Inn and Metro, Arthur St West
To get to most of our destinations, we carpool. Please remember to offer the driver gas money, and if possible, to park your vehicle away from the main meeting location if leaving it in town.
Your hike leader has undertaken a huge responsibility to ensure that hikers have a safe and enjoyable hike. He or she is responsible for every hike participant. As a hiker we ask you to follow a few simple rules. These rules are necessary to ensure that you don't put yourself, or the entire group, in jeopardy.
The Hike Leader may deny the participation of anyone not properly prepared for an outing.
The Thunder Bay Hiking Association reserves the right to revoke the membership of anyone who repeatedly abuses these rules.
Be prepared! You are responsible for judging your own level of fitness and endurance.