Sydenham Bruce Trail Club
Preserving a ribbon of wilderness, for everyone, forever.
See the Events page for more details.
Youth Hiking Program
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.
Time spent in nature is an affordable way for families to spend time together. There are many public spaces and trails within the Sydenham Bruce Trail section (including within Owen Sound) that provide a chance to explore the outdoors, and can be accessed for free on foot. Time spent in nature also fosters well-being, most notably in youth. Outdoor experiences help to build fitness, resilience, and confidence.
This program has been made possible by a grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
The Youth Hiking Program will be officially “launched” on Bruce Trail Day, October 6, in Harrison Park Owen Sound, at the Sydenham Club canopy tent.
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.
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 eighteen such reserves in all of Canada. The Sydenham section of the Bruce Trail is managed by the SBTC.
The SBTC is one of nine clubs that are governed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC). The SBTC is governed by an elected executive.
More History of the Sydenham Club
This article by Marie Knapp appeared in “The Grey County Historian” newsletter, Spring 2024, published by the Grey County Historical Society.
Although 62 years is a long time to cover, Marie has hit the highlights, and spiced it up nicely with some humour.
Thanks Marie, for this well-researched article, and thanks to the Historical Society for permission to share.
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 Board of Directors. 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!
