Sydenham Bruce Trail Club
Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.
Winter Hiking & Crevices
There are several areas along the Sydenham section where there are deep crevices in the rock formations along the trail. As the snow falls the crevices may become covered in snow and form snow bridges. You may not be able to see where some of the crevices are located.
- crevices range from 30 cm (1 foot) deep to as much a 30 metres (100 feet) deep!
- stepping into a crevice could result in a knee sprain to broken bones or even death
- crevices occur frequently within a kilometer or so on either side of the Niagara Escarpment
Please be aware of this and keep in mind that there is a risk factor in these areas. Whenever you snowshoe or hike, whether it be on a club hike or not, you do so at your own risk.
Youth Hiking Program – October 2024
The Sydenham Bruce Trail Club (SBTC) Youth Hiking Program creates opportunities for families, children, and youth up to age 18 to explore the Bruce Trail via guided hikes, as well as resources for youth, families and youth-focused organizations to explore the Trail independently.
The Youth Hiking Program was launched on Bruce Trail Day, October 6, in Owen Sound.
Please see the Youth Hiking Program page for more information.
About the Sydenham Club
The Sydenham Bruce Trail Club (SBTC) was formed in July 1962. Our volunteers have been working for over 60 years to preserve and protect the Niagara Escarpment, and provide public access via the Bruce Trail to this magnificent corridor of nature. See History of the Sydenham Club for more information.
The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, provides the only continuous public access to the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It is one of only 19 such reserves in all of Canada. The Sydenham section of the Bruce Trail is managed by the SBTC.
The SBTC is one of nine member clubs that support the work of the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC). The SBTC activities are coordinated by our Leadership Team, including oversight by an elected Board of Directors.
Join the Club!
The Bruce Trail Conservancy is an organization founded, built and supported by volunteers, donors, and members. Your membership in the Conservancy will help the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club continue in its efforts to preserve and protect the natural heritage of the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail provides an important link to over 100 parks and conservation areas along the Niagara Escarpment corridor and the Conservancy works to maintain the Trail throughout southern Ontario.
Your membership means that you are participating in securing the continued existence of the Bruce Trail. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and get involved in our hikes, social gatherings, workshops and weekend outings. You also receive:
- Bruce Trail Magazine; the official magazine of the Bruce Trail Conservancy
- The Sydenham E-notes; our emailed club newsletter featuring information on SBTC achievements and upcoming hikes and events.
- Discounts on products from the BTC Store and at various sports and hiking stores.
To join the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club (SBTC) you must join the Bruce Trail Conservancy:
- Visit the BTC Become a Member page: https://brucetrail.org/become-a-member/
- When completing the membership application select ‘Sydenham’ as your primary club.
Volunteer With Us!
Members of the SBTC volunteer their time to build and maintain the Bruce Trail along an established optimum route from Blantyre to Wiarton. The main trail in the Sydenham section is about 170 km long, with numerous side trails that provide access to the main trail or create loop walks. The work involves such activities as:
- building the footpath, including erecting structures such as boardwalks and stiles
- regular trail maintenance such as pruning branches and weeds, cutting grass, re-painting blazes when needed
- stewarding the land we have secured by:
- monitoring for encroachments and endangered species
- helping remove invasive species
Another great way to volunteer is by leading hikes. If you have enjoyed our group hikes, maybe you’d like to lead a hike? We provide training and support.
We also have some vacancies on our Leadership Team. We are looking for well-organized people to help provide leadership for our Club!
For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact us!
