Hike Info
Our trained volunteer Hike Leaders try to offer experiences covering a wide range of hiking abilities; including both urban walks and rural hikes. Outings are scheduled on weekends and midweek; evening events may also be planned. The Hike Schedule plus Hike Signup and related information can be found on the ‘Upcoming Hikes’ page. The Member Hike Schedule, with the links for hike member sign-up, is emailed to TBHA Members
We offer guided hikes of varying difficulties and lengths – Thunder Bay Conservation areas, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Nipigon/Red Rock trails, and Minnesota North Shore trails being member favourites. Many of our hikes have a strong nature focus, as our leaders and participants share knowledge along the trail; others might share historical or cultural background of a region/trail we are hiking.
Our schedule of activities covers all seasons. There is a wide selection of cross-country trails found around Thunder Bay, including Kamview, Kakabeka Falls and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park for our cross-country skiing activities. Or put on your snowshoes and hike into marshy areas that are inaccessible in the spring, summer and fall! Our kayaking/canoeing outings are usually at lakes around Thunder Bay such as Hazelwood Lake or Lake Marie Louise. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy some rural day group bike rides or participate on some combination trail biking/hiking activities.
SKILL LEVEL
Skill level and equipment requirements differ depending on the outing. Some outings are easy strolls through gentle terrain, while others demand supportive hiking boots, hiking poles and a good fitness level. 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:
- Date and time of the hike
- Level of difficulty (easy, intermediate, difficult, very difficult)
- Distance of hike
- Hiking time (hours)
- Travel Distance from the meeting place to the hike start
- Hike Leader and contact details
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-maintained 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.
Read the hike description posted on our Hiking Schedule. 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 regarding the difficulty of a hike, please contact the Hike Leader.
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 Hike 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 dress for the weather forecast, have some basic items and be respectful to all. The Hike Leader will provide information on having items like poles, snowshoes, crampons, or hunting visibility colours in their hike description.
WHAT TO PACK FOR OUR HIKES
The following are the most basic items required for our TBHA Hikes. (Check our ‘Resources’ if you are looking for packing suggestions for other hiking).
- Weather appropriate clothing. Layers of moisture wicking are the most practical. Bring extra socks. During the fall hunting season wear high visibility clothing.
- Good waterproof hiking boots/shoes (with ankle support if needed)
- Backpack – suggest you have a contact detail card inside (in case this is lost) and a place you can clip your keys to
- High energy food
- Water or other energy drink. The longer the hike, the more water you need. We recommend two litres of water for regular hikes and three litres for long, challenging hikes in the summer
- A whistle
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Insect Repellent – repellent with DEET or Picaridin for skin, Permethrin repellents on clothing, Gaiters, long pants tucked in socks can help deter tics
- Hiking/trekking pole(s) can be helpful, especially if you have any problems with your balance. They can take pressure off your knees and may spare them some wear and tear
- Personal medications or equipment (such as Epi-Pen) and medical information.
- If Icy or snowy conditions: crampons/ ice cleats and/or gaiters; snowshoes might be suggested
- If your hands/feet tend to get cold quickly, you might consider bringing pocket heat packs
- Some hikers will carry a Marine horn that can be used to scare off an animal, although hiking in a group is the best deterrent
- If driving to a park or conservation area, a parking permit, or if crossing the U.S border, a valid passport, will be indicated in the hike description
Your Hike Leader will carry a basic Emergency Kit and items like 2-way radios or a location device.
MEETING LOCATIONS
As part of member hike sign-up, your hike confirmation email includes the hike meeting location. We usually use one of the following meeting locations but may meet in other locations.
North Site: Safeway 1015 Dawson Rd. – parking lot near far fence
South Site: Parking lot between Superior Inn Hotel and Metro, 505 Arthur St West
Hike members arrange carpooling at the meeting site to be more eco-friendly. Also parking at the hike trail head is sometimes limited, or the hike might be a thru or end-to-end hike where having the vehicles at both ends is helpful. Please remember to offer to the driver the suggested gas money. It is not the Leader’s responsibility to arrange for your transportation to or from the meeting place or to organize carpooling for the event. Participants may choose to drive their own vehicles instead of carpooling.
HIKERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Your Hike Leader has volunteered for the 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. Please ensure you have read the TBHA Code of Conduct for the expectations of those hiking. All hikers have a responsibility to each other, and the land and water we travel on, for enjoyable and safe hikes.
Some key points:
- Welcome and include all
- Behave in such a manner that ensures the safety, health and enjoyment of all participants. This includes following any health regulations issued by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit
- Follow the directions of the Hike Leader. The Hike Leader leads the entire group and is responsible for your and the group’s safety. Sometimes the Hike Leader may partner with a second leader).
- Hike between the Hike Leader and the Hike Sweep. This is necessary to ensure no one gets lost. No one should be on the trail in front of the Hike Leader or behind the Sweep. If you must step off the trail inform the Sweep who will wait for you.
- Never attempt a hike that is beyond your physical capability.
- If a health condition or disability is serious, please disclose this to the Hike Leader in private. Be sure to bring any medications you may need.
- Bring food, water, clothing and equipment that is appropriate for each outing and the anticipated weather
- Follow “Leave No Trace Principles”. Carry out all litter, including banana skins, orange peels and tissues
- Bring the suggested money to compensate the driver if planning to car pool. (The suggested rate based on travel distance is included on the Hike Schedule). Sometimes after a hike, members will head to a nearby restaurant, so it is good to bring extra money or a card, should you decide to join them.
- Arrive at your hike meeting place at least 5 minutes before the stated time to give yourself enough time to arrange carpooling, organize gear, receive information and meet other members of the group.
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, or our TBHA Code of Conduct.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR HIKES
- Pets are not allowed on outings, unless designated as “Pet Friendly” on the Hiking Schedule.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied/supervised.
Be prepared! You are responsible for judging your own level of fitness and endurance.
Homepage
Membership
Upcoming Hikes
What’s New
Links
Resources
Contact
About TBHA
