In Articles

Trail Retreats – Hike, Boat, Bike and Vacation Along The Bruce Trail.

October 28, 2017

When you’re traveling, one of the rewards at the end of a day is to head back to your hotel and talk about the day’s experiences over a relaxing meal. It’s no different on a hiking holiday, except you’ll want to unlace the hiking boots before dinner. There are many local options for a weekend getaway where you can stay overnight at a hotel or at a B&B right on the Bruce Trail. Some places also offer a bit of canoeing or kayaking thrown in for extra fun – all near the Bruce Trail and other established trails.

According to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, depending on your fitness level, you could complete the trail end-to-end in 30 days if you hiked eight hours a day – all 855 kms worth! What could you accomplish over two days? How about a two-day Bruce Trail waterfall walking tour? Grand Experiences offers a guided six-hour per day trip to experience some of the 120 waterfalls along the Hamilton/Halton/Iroquois section of the trail. Guides lead you on an adventure through some stunning scenery and waterfall views, and will also tell an historic tale or two of the area. They offer custom dates for groups of five people or more. The package includes two night’s accommodations in Brantford, a detailed itinerary, all meals at the area’s best restaurants, and transportation to and from the trailheads. Everything is in close proximity to the tour operator’s outfitting shop in pretty Paris.

Paris, you say? Another popular getaway is Grand Experiences’ Weekend in Paris Adventure. Spend two days and one night in one of Canada’s prettiest towns (cobblestone streets included). On this adventure, you’re not limited to your own two feet; you can grab a paddle to canoe down the Grand River or choose to go biking through this historic region that includes rare Carolinian forest. After some wildlife spotting and listening to your guides regale you with stories, the historic Arlington Hotel (circa 1851) awaits you. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll up and down main street Paris. All necessary equipment is supplied, as well as riverside lunches and breakfast, and dinner at your choice of four Paris restaurants, shuttle service, and the opportunity to be lead by experienced Paddle Canada Certified guides.

If a quiet B&B suits your trail tastes, the Bruce Manor in Niagara-on-the-Lake backs right onto the Niagara Region’s portion of the Bruce Trail. Go for a hike, head back to the manor and listen to the birds sing at dawn and watch the sun set against the backdrop of the trees. Each of the three suites have their own sitting area, a TV, bar fridge, coffee and tea service, ensuite bath to rest tired muscles, and a balcony made for reading a book or instituting happy hour. Of course, after you’ve explored the trail you might also want to make time for a wine tasting or two at the lengthy list of nearby wineries.

Speaking of Wineries – Vinifera, The Inn on Winery Row, could be the getaway that blends grapes into the mix. It’s approximately three kilometers from the Bruce Trail, and this astonishingly beautiful 1846 historic home features uniquely vintage-themed rooms and has been described as a “fun and fanciful” place by travellers. There are four distinctly different rooms: Rustic Tuscany, Vintage Garden, Allan Suite and the alluring Victorian Safari. Hosts Barb and Ron van Pelt will offer you a gourmet four-course breakfast to start your day.

This is just a small selection of the options available to you. So lace up those hiking boots and get out and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Bruce Trail this fall!

By Becky Dumais

Local Links

Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Co.
grand-experiences.com

Arlington Hotel, Paris
arlingtonhotel.ca

Bruce Manor B&B, Niagara-on-the-lake
brucemanor.ca

Vinifera Inn, Grimsby
viniferainn.ca

In Articles

Cedar Springs – Back-to-Basics Retreat in the Post-Victorian Era

September 27, 2017

There was a time when Muskoka was not the weekend destination of choice during the summer. Instead, just 15 minutes from Burlington, up Cedar Springs Road, is a community of the same name where families have gathered to spend time together away from the city since 1926.

The first person to settle on the land, originally part of Nelson Township, was Thomas Simpson, a veteran of the Napoleonic wars. He was given a crown grant of 100 acres, set sail from England, and upon arriving in 1814 made his way north. Much of the area remains the same as it was then. There’s been some modernization here and there but its ethos remains the same. Cedar Springs’ founder, W. D. Flatt, who first purchased timber rights on the northern section of the property in 1885, was a prominent lumber businessman, delved into real estate and also wrote two books. “One has to visit Cedar Springs to gain a proper appreciation of the true beauty of the camp,” he wrote. “Cedar Springs brings to one all the beauty, charm and spirit of restfulness that can only be otherwise obtained in the solitudes of the great Northland.” Today, this quiet Member’s Only getaway still embodies quintessential cottage life but without the headaches of the 400 series of highways.

In his sales brochure, Flatt’s description of the community paints a picture of an idyllic rustic retreat. “In spring Cedar Springs is without a rival. One stream resembling a small river flows through a charming valley for one mile, the entire length of the property. Two brooks wind their way through inviting avenues of shapely cedars where sparkling water plays merrily over moss-covered rocks. 35,000 brook trout have been placed in these streams. Excellent fishing should be enjoyed within two years.” Founding members who wanted to be a part of it all were looking at a cost of $750 to $2,000 for a log cabin and a plot of land. “The log cabin is in many ways the ideal holiday house,” he wrote. “It represents the return to the primitive, a complete escape from the everyday living; it is architecture gone back to nature and it provides a way for people to live in comfort.” Truer words that speak to any avid cottager were probably never spoken, rustic or luxury alike.

Members of Cedar Springs still uphold the traditions that Flatt established over 90 years ago with their strong sense of sharing and community spirit. 78 original cottages were built but today there are 84 privately owned homes that all have access to the nine-hole golf course (with no tee times to worry about), swimming in the fresh water pool, fishing, a small beach, clay surface tennis courts (with clinics), and hiking with connections to the Bruce Trail. The idea of an open, private golf course sounds tempting to any golfer, and this picturesque Brentholtz Golf Course carved into the hills of the Niagara Escarpment allows players to go for an impromptu nine holes at any time.

Event planning is still a key element that keeps the community together and friendships thriving. Every weekend in the summer, something different is happening. The club also hosts a number of annual events that include welcoming guests back to kick off the summer, a formal dance, and an annual Thanksgiving dinner. It turns out that you don’t need to go very far to reach the cottage. There are even some properties in the community for sale or for rent.

Flatt turned over management of Cedar Springs in 1931; he passed away in 1936 at the age of 74. Before giving up control of his passion project, he wrote a letter to the community. “The success I have attained in establishing a family playground that, in my opinion, is second to none on the continent has eclipsed my fondest dreams. It has only been made possible by the loyal, faithful and consistent co-operation of those employed on the grounds and the wonderful community spirit. I sincerely wish and pray that during the years to come the families that make up the community of Cedar Springs… will derive a satisfaction that I could measure by no higher standard than that I have played some part in contributing to the happiness of others.”

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

Cedar Springs Community Club
cedarspringscommunityclub.ca

Cedar Springs Community
cedarspringscommunity.com

In Blog

Goat Yoga – It’s a Go!

July 26, 2017

Goat yoga. Heard of it? There isn’t a pose named after these limber climbers but you can work on your Downward Dog or Mountain (goat) pose while the “goats do roam” at a few local places in Halton, Hamilton and the surrounding area. OK, they might try to scale your back or hop on your stomach.

Say ‘Yes’ to Goat Yoga!

Trinity Trotters goat yoga — Get a little hoof massage too.

It supposedly started as a simple whim of an activity in Oregon, and has grown in popularity just as fast as goats like to eat grass. I decided I had to give it a try and found Trinity Trotters Equine/TanMar in Burlington and recruited a fellow animal lover to join me.

Most of us are aware that doing yoga is peaceful and it creates an atmosphere of openness. Putting those cute little goats into the mix takes it to another level. Animals have healing properties – just being around them increases your level of dopamine and Oxycontin. Cortisol (stress-related hormone) decreases at the same time. It’s definitely a fun, unique activity, with obvious benefits. Classes are run by a fully-qualified yoga instructor.

newborn foal at Trinity Trotters — Stay after class to meet & greet the horses & learn about the organization’s rescue efforts.

It’s best to BYO yoga mat, they are available to borrow/rent onsite. You can also purchase a small bag of food for the goats, if you want to feed them a handful or two while you work out. Bonus: bring a bag of carrots or apples and you can feed the horses in the stalls afterwards and chat with the owners about their rescue program, all of which they operate out of their own pockets.

On a housekeeping note: if you don’t mind a little goat poop on or around your mat, this will be the most fun you’ll ever have practicing yoga. Spray solution is provided for you to clean your mat after, plus there are volunteers constantly sweeping during the class to help keep things tidy.

Check their Facebook page for event dates and times. They also hold a lot of other programs like camps, team sorting and trail rides.

Classes are $35 per person.

Other places where goat yoga is offered:

Hobby Hill Farm, Brantford

Red Barn Goat Farm, Hamilton-Niagara

Fox Den, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Grimsby Yoga & Wellness

by Becky Dumais

In Articles

Let’s Go To T.O. – Touring Toronto with kids!

July 7, 2017

by Becky Dumais

It’s such a great city at any time of the year, but Toronto really hits its stride in the summer. There are so many exciting things to see and do, and the good news is Toronto is easily accessible from Oakville or Burlington. So for a special treat, why not plan on a couple of day trips to Toronto with the kids this summer? We’ve highlighted a few places that your kids are sure to love, and where you’ll create lots of long-lasting memories for you and your family.

Casa Loma
Toronto’s famous 1914 castle took three years and 300 men to construct. Filled with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful five-acre estate gardens. Self-guided tours and special events throughout the summer.
casaloma.org

City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Hop on (and off) the bus while you tour the city. Ticket includes a harbour and islands cruise, 21 stops, a souvenir map and the luxury of sitting on the double decker bus taking in the sights throughout the day.
citysightseeingtoronto.com

CN Tower
A real ‘high point’ of visiting the city! Take the elevator up 112 stories and visit the observation deck, walk over the glass floor and look way down. Another 36 levels up is the SkyPod observation deck. Heights made you hungry? Restaurant options include The 360 for finer dining or Horizons for family-friendly crowds.
cntower.ca

Fort York
Explore a 19th Century military base right in downtown. This site was the location of a major battle during the War of 1812. Tour the buildings and view period artifacts, enjoy guided tours and guard re-enactments every hour on the half hour.
toronto.ca/fortyork

Food / Cultural Neighbourhoods
Adding food into the fun is easy, especially when the city is home to several cultural hubs: Little India (North America’s largest South Asian market), Chinatown (dim sum anyone?), Greektown (super souvlaki, spanakopita and more), Little Italy (pizza, pasta and lots of live music), Koreatown (kim chi and karaoke), Portugal Village (Brazilian drip coffee and tapas), and Little Poland (pierogies, please!). The St. Lawrence Market, home to 120 vendors, merchants and artisans, has been an authentic food destination for over 200 years.

Hockey Hall of Fame
Take a self-guided tour of the huge amount of memorabilia, participate in some skills competitions, see a replica Montreal Canadiens dressing room and of course: the Stanley Cup itself.
hhof.com

Rogers Centre Tour Experience and Toronto Blue Jays
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, which includes guided access to the press box, Blue Jays Hall of Fame, a luxury suite and more. Or, attend a Jays Saturdays game. These home games welcome the kids in fun activities on the 100, 200 and 500 levels, and also give them an opportunity to run the bases after the game.
rogerscentre.com

Medieval Times
Is this 11th Century Spain? Almost! Witness pageantry, jousting and knights in shining armor battle for your honour. Plus, you’ll be wined and dined, since your ticket includes a meal fit for a king, queen, prince and princess.
medievaltimes.com

Ripley’s Aquarium
One of the city’s newer attractions, the aquarium is home to 16,000 aquarium species, six play zones for children, 10 galleries, and the longest underwater viewing tunnel, at 315 feet. Go beyond glass observation and explore the four touch exhibits featuring horseshoe crabs, sharks, and rays. Live dive shows daily.
ripleyaquariums.com

Royal Ontario Museum
There are more than six million artifacts from all over the world and dating back thousands of years, but the kids especially love the dinosaur and prehistoric mammal exhibits and the Egyptian mummies. The CIBC Discovery Gallery offers activities for kids including digging for dinosaur bones, dressing up and more. The Schad Gallery of Biodiversity explores seven ecosystems and illustrates the planet’s diversity of life.
rom.on.ca

In Articles

Come Gather Round the (Backyard) Campfire

July 3, 2017

“The fire is the main comfort of the camp.” ~Thoreau
by Allison Dempsey

Whether you’re an outdoorsy adventurer or prefer a fancy all-inclusive resort, enjoy “roughing it” in the wilderness or lounging in a comfortable cottage, many can agree that the highlight of any relaxing getaway is gathering together in the evening to relax, chat and share some stories, often in front of an inviting, crackling fire.

There’s just something about a fire that attracts us, but unfortunately, for most city-dwellers, an open backyard fire is generally not permitted for a variety of safety reasons. That’s where an outdoor fire pit comes into play, adding warmth and atmosphere with the safety of propane and natural gas in a variety of styles designed to suit your personal aesthetic needs. “Nothing is selling stronger,” says Andy Paul, owner of Burlington’s Sun Country. He adds, pun possibly intended, “Fire pits are the hottest thing out there.”

Designed to mimic the effects of actual flames, fire pits are contained and as safe as a barbecue. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and many feature a built-in table ledge for added convenience. Strong, safe and weather resistant, fire pits are designed to mimic the look of metal, limestone, slate, marble, granite and stone, adding beauty and ruggedness to your patio. “Fire is a natural draw for people. We love campfires, but when we can’t have natural fires outside in our backyards, this is the next best thing,” says Paul. “It really gives you the same overall feeling.”

He says whether you’re looking for traditional or urban styles, there are models available for every taste, without the mess or upkeep of a real wood fire, and of course, without the fire risks. And even though our summer months are hot, evenings can sometimes still be cool. That’s where this product definitely comes in handy. “They lengthen the amount of time you can enjoy the outdoors and your backyard,” says Paul. “It’s definitely a focal point for any gathering. Congregate around and just relax.”

When deciding on the type and style of fire pit to install, Jeremy Kalapacz of Oakville Home Leisure emphasizes doing your homework when looking for what works best in your particular backyard, as there are so many different options available, depending on your personal taste and needs. He says fire pits are a very popular feature for a gathering space that highlights beauty, style and warmth while providing a central area for people to talk and relax during the diverse Canadian seasons. Oakville Home Leisure offers a wide variety of fire pits including an Oriflamme model, where flames emanate from underneath decorative elements that resemble stones or crystals which are both fireproof and colourful.

Bjorn Wilmot, owner of Backyard Retreat in Oakville also agrees with the benefits of extending the outdoor season. “They’re definitely a perfect solution to staying outside in the backyard later in the evening in a social setting. They’re a popular item every year. Both water and fire naturally draw people’s attention and create ambiance.”

Summer is fleeting and the need to maximize our outdoor enjoyment is paramount. So the next time you’re longing for a camping trip and the relaxing evenings spent singing or lounging around the fire but just can’t get away from the city, bring the beauty of the fire to you — safely. “These fire pits don’t need a lot of space but they create fantastic ambiance,” says Wilmot. “And any size backyard can accommodate one.”

Paul says whenever clients are considering re-doing their backyards and upgrading their patios, fire pits almost always come into play as part of the makeover. “There’s something about gazing into a fire,” he says. “It’s mesmerizing.”

Local Links

Oakville Home Leisure
oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Sun Country, Burlington
suncountryleisure.com

Backyard Retreat, Oakville
backyardretreat.ca

In Articles

O’ Canada! Celebrating 150 Years

June 4, 2017

by Becky Dumais

Summer itself gets Canada into celebratory mode, and each year when we have a chance to throw a party for our nation, we’re all for it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a backyard on July 1st where there wasn’t some type of party going on – and it’s no different for the city or town in which we live.

Both Oakville and Burlington are hosts to fabulous fireworks displays, live entertainment and activities for the community. Gather together with friends and family to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial!

Oakville

11 am – 11 pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville

Join the Bronte BIA for an all-day family festival celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday! This event is presented by Lexus of Oakville with strong support from the Town of Oakville.

Things to do at Oakville’s Canada Day Event:

Browse the Farmer’s Market on Ontario Street from 10am – 4pm
Shop the Vendor Village featuring local crafts and artisans
Try different tastes from the many food vendors
Music and performances all day long on three stages
Kids can hop into the bouncy castles
Finally, take a break & watch the spectacular fireworks show over
Lake Ontario

Celebrate by tagging your posts to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #OakvillesCanadaDay!

Burlington

Noon – 10pm Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Bring your national pride to celebrate Canada Day and enjoy free Canadian-inspired activities and entertainment all day at Spencer Smith Park.

Live entertainment on the main stage includes acts by the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Prime Live Band, Mystic Drums, the Symphony on the Bay and more. In the Children’s Zone there will be face painting, bouncy castles, a photo booth, yoga, the Scholars in Collars Dog Show and also taking place is the Canada Day 5km run and 1km kid’s run.

Top off the evening with a chair or a blanket and watch the brilliant fireworks display, brought to you by Bunzl Canada.

In Articles

Dragon Boating – Burloak Canoe Club

June 4, 2017

Ready for a New Summer Sport?
by Denise Davy

Ask Mark Klevinas, dragon boat co-ordinator for Burloak Canoe Club, how one paddles a dragon boat and he launches into a full-out description. “It’s a simple stroke,” he says. “You lead with the core, big rotation and open up the body for a great set up position and from there, you initiate your pull phase using your biggest muscles, your legs, back and core.” And… he’s not finished. “Keeping your arms straight, you then simply lift the paddler forward and up on the recovery using your body.”

None of that sounds very simple but Klevinas, who is an expert paddler, insists the art of dragon boat paddling is easy to learn. That’s one of the reasons why it exploded in popularity within the paddling community. It was 15 years ago that the Burloak Canoe Club, based in Oakville on Sixteen Mile Creek, decided to get on board the dragon boat craze. Although Burloak Canoe is still first and foremost a sprint-paddling club dedicated to training athletes for canoe and kayak, they added the dragon boat program because it was in so much demand.

The paddle stroke is actually the same for both sports, says Klevinas, except dragon boating is a more stable and safer form of paddling. Dragon boating dates back more than 2,000 years when it was a common water sport throughout southern China. Back then the boats were much larger and included 50 paddlers. Today’s boats fit 20 paddlers plus a drummer and steer person. As evidence of how popular the sport is, since starting the program, their membership has grown to 500. “Dragon boat is a fantastic team sport,” said Klevinas, who is a sprint paddler at the club. “People like it because it’s a social sport and it’s a team environment for all levels of paddling. Anyone can do it, we take all ages and all abilities.”

The dragon boat programs at Burloak are ideal for all fitness levels, from beginner to high performance paddlers. The programs are run by certified coaching staff who have several years of paddling experience, including racing at the provincial, national and international levels. Klevinas notes that the coaches at Burloak are made up of current and former Provincial and National team paddlers, many of whom have raced for Canada on several occasions and some have competed at the Olympics. “There is not likely another dragon boat program around with such experienced coaches. I definitely think this adds to the experience because they make all the difference,” he states.

Those coaches include Brady Reardon, Jamie Andison, Christian Sprang, Sam Pennyfather (current junior National team and development team) as well as Tessa Oldershaw, Lizzie Bates (former provincial) and Klevinas who was with team Canada. “It requires all 20 individuals to work together with their coach at the helm. If they don’t, they won’t be going very fast,” says Klevinas.

The original dragon boats from many centuries ago were made out of teak wood in the Pearl River Delta region of China’s southern Guangdong Province. The boats they use for sprint paddling at the Burloak club are very tippy and much harder for adults or the general public to jump into.

Practices run Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9pm and the program runs from the beginning of May until the end of October. While there is no specific person who is drawn to the sport, Mark said their members are mostly women from 40 to 65 years of age. What keeps them coming back? It’s a great way for people of all ages to get out on the water safely and learn the fundamental principles of paddling. “People enjoy being on the water, plus they’re exercising and they’re part of a team. It’s a really good way to unwind after a long day of work. Being out on the water is a calming experience.”

Local Link

Burloak Canoe Club
burloakcanoe.com

In Articles

Take It Outside – Plan a Grand Garden Party

May 5, 2017

Who says all the best parties end up in the kitchen? Backyard gardens are the perfect place to host a great gathering, especially during the warmer weather.

Be it a grand event or a low-key get together, from weddings and receptions, to graduation parties, birthdays and baby showers, make the most of our spring and summer seasons by transforming your backyard living space into a place to celebrate, lounge, chat and enjoy a little sunshine (or starlight).

Of course, weather is one of the biggest factors to take into consideration when making any arrangements for an outdoor event. In other words, never assume Mother Nature will co-operate with your plans. “Sun and heat can drain the life out of a party faster than anything, even rain,” says Krista Olynyk, Lead Planner and Creative Designer of Burlington-based KJ and Co. “I always suggest providing shade in the summer months, with umbrellas or tents so people can get out of the sun if they want. Even providing sunscreen is a great idea.”

The menu is also a big consideration, depending on the type of event you’re hosting. If a fork and knife are needed to eat, you’ll want adequate and comfortable seating for your guests to enjoy their meals. If more casual finger food is planned, it can probably be consumed while standing and mingling. She also suggests making it clear where waste should go, with clearly marked receptacles to reduce post-party cleanup. “Parties can be formal or informal, and I provide recommendations for everything you might need to make it a success, from gourmet barbecue to buffet style.”

Interior Designer and owner of Bash Panache Rental Collections and Services (a division of Reimer Design Inc.), Wendy Reimer, offers a variety of high end globally curated rentals for all types of events. Reimer loves to create outdoor seating lounges and dining areas by incorporating antique and reproduction furniture pieces, down-filled cushions, beautiful dish and glassware and accessories in the garden to bring the indoors outside. All of these details matter and make a big impact when well planned.

Reimer believes that making your guests feel comfortable is paramount. Pretty baskets filled with environmentally friendly insect repellent, optional fun hats for the guys and paper parasols with bamboo handles for the ladies are always well received. They are functional in terms of providing a reprieve from the sun’s rays, and when co-ordinated to work with your party’s colour palate, they bring style to any event! With busy lives a reality for most, Reimer likes the idea of streamlining the process by providing clients with convenient one stop shopping.

Reimer also suggests letting guests know in advance what type of footwear might be appropriate. “If on the grass, do make your guests aware of this ahead of time. There is nothing worse than a woman arriving in heels only to be struggling with sinking into the lawn. Wedges can solve that problem or flip flops if a more casual affair.”

Some other items you don’t want to forget about include enough ice for the drinks, mood lighting and music, whether it’s a string quartet, a DJ spinning some dance tunes, or simply a playlist of favourites you’ve put together yourself. But parties don’t have to be elaborate to be fun and successful, and keeping it simple doesn’t mean overlooking the overall theme and appearance of your gathering. If your budget is a little tighter, you can still be aesthetically pleasing with bold summer colours, floating tea light candles, white string lights, homemade flower arrangements and a do-it-yourself barbecue.

In the end, parties are always about having fun, so keep your stress levels in check by hiring a professional planner to help you out, or keep it all low-key and simple and go it alone. Either way, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

by Alison Dempsey

Local Links

Bash Panache Rentals
bashpanache.com

KJ and Co
kjandco.ca

In Community

A Trail of Two Cities: Jane’s Walk Bike Tour

April 28, 2017

A bike tour that celebrates two great cities: Burlington and Hamilton. This Jane’s Walk is a birthday party bike ride of sorts, and “a ride of contrasts.” Get those bikes out of storage and celebrate spring!

The ‘walk’ begins at La Salle Park in Burlington. As you wheel along you’ll see high-end homes on Northshore Blvd, cycle through a cemetery, cross the 403 on a protected bike lane and down to the Hamilton waterfront, Bayfront Park, a boat yard, the boat clubs, the Navy base, the Barton street Jail and cycle the Cannon Cycle Track. After stopping for a coffee on Ottawa street and then head through some wartime housing to the Red Hill Creek Pedestrian Bridge over the QEW to the waterfront.

Several celebrations are rolled into one (not to mention that it’s spring): 100 years of La Salle Park Pavilion, 150 years of Canada and 200 years of the bicycle. The event takes place May 6 at 11:30am (lasts approximately three hours).

About Jane Jacob’s & Jane’s Walk:
Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was a passionate citizen who spent a lot of time observing city life, first in New York City, then in Toronto. From her observations, she developed some theories about what makes a city a great place to live. She was truly ahead of her time. She was an urbanist and activist whose writings championed a fresh, community-based approach to city building. In 1961 she published the book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

After she passed away in 2006, Jane’s Walk was founded in Toronto by a group of her friends and colleagues who wanted to honour her ideas and legacy. Jane’s Walks are free, locally organized walking tours, in which people get together to explore, talk about and celebrate their neighbourhoods.

Jane’s Walks are both fun and educational. Meet your neighbours, make new friends, and make new contacts.

View the full route here.

In Articles

Hitting Halton’s Hiking Trails

April 9, 2017

I‘m not sure if William Shakespeare was much of a hiker, but according to experts, his plays would have been even better had he written them shortly after going hiking. Researchers are confirming what many people suspect: walking improves creative thinking. According to a study carried out at Stanford University, “Walking opens up the free flow of ideas, and it is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and increasing physical activity.”

If writing isn’t your thing, consider the health benefits. Getting outside for as few as 30 minutes a day is good for just about anything that might ail you, says Dr. Mike Evans. When Chatelaine magazine asked this Toronto doctor why walking is the ideal exercise, he replied, “It uses the whole body and it’s easy to work into your everyday routine. It’s also incredibly powerful — it helps with diabetes, arthritis, fatigue, even Alzheimer’s.” And, of course, it helps keep off unwanted pounds.

With regard to hiking trails, residents in or near Halton are lucky. There’s a plethora of long or short, hilly or flat, challenging or easy routes throughout the region. And I should know since I followed up my first hiking guide: Caledon Hikes: Loops & Lattes, with Halton Hikes: Loops & Lattes. As a result, I have discovered the rich selection of places to walk, whether it’s in the north near Glen Williams and Georgetown, in central Halton nearer Milton and Rattlesnake Point, or in the south around Oakville and Burlington.

Popular designated trails make it even easier, including the main Bruce Trail and its side trails that wind their way right through Halton, as well as the Waterfront Trail, which links Toronto and Hamilton via Halton Region. The less well-known Guelph Radial Line Trail crosses Halton near Acton and Limehouse, and then there are the trail networks in Conservation Halton’s seven parks, including Crawford Lake, Glen Eden, Hilton Falls, Kelso, Mount Nemo, Mountsberg and Rattlesnake Point. Not to be outdone, Credit Valley Conservation also offers great walking in its Silver Creek and Terra Cotta conservation areas.

And we aren’t done yet. Georgetown, Milton, Oakville and Burlington all offer routes that often make you feel as if you are blissfully in the middle of nowhere when in fact a subdivision may be just out of sight.

If you want to get out for a walk but aren’t sure how to access the trails, consider joining the Halton Outdoor Club or the Toronto or Iroquois Bruce Trail Clubs. There are often hiking meet ups in and around Halton that bring hikers together.

Halton Hikes: Loops & Lattes includes detailed instructions for 37 loop hikes ranging in length from 3.6 km to 24.8 km. It also gives you the highlights of each route, its length, number of steps and, of course, where to get some wonderful grub and the best latte along the way. While the book doesn’t contain sonnets or any rhyming couplets, rest assured that measure for measure, on a midsummer’s night or at any time, it’s the best darn hiking companion Halton hikers have ever seen.

by Nicola Ross

Nicola Ross is an award-winning author of six books including Halton Hikes: Loops & Lattes and Caledon Hikes: Loops & Lattes. Her travel, sport and environmental articles have been published in many regional magazines and newspapers. She is an avid hiker and biologist.