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NIAGARA GORGE 11.5 KM (Chiz copying Fletcher's) (8/12/2023)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: 4521 Leader Lane, Niagara Falls
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 12 2023  11:00 AM  (Carpool Departure: 9:15 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 11 2023 11:55:00 AM
Event Duration:less than 4 hours for the hike (plus 1.75 hour carpool each way)
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Chiz M
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:1
Minimum Group Size:1
Number Registered So Far: 6 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

THE CARPOOL LEAVES KIPLING STATION SOUTH PARKING LOT AT 9:15 AM

So I'm taking over the hike Fletcher has just canceled. the TOC into the Niagara Gorge.

    I pre-hiked part of this route back in 2022
  • For 6.5 KM, its super duper easy on flat paved trails.
  • Then there's a much more difficult 2 KM section, which is incredibly rocky and slippery (especially when wet), which includes walking behind a waterfall.
  • Then there's a more moderate 3 KM section on dirt trails, which includes some caverns and caves, which are really cool.

Please bring a lunch and at least 1-2 Litres of water.
I'll stop at the picnic area for the Niagara Glen Nature Centre for lunch, located about 7 KM into the hike.

If you cannot walk the entire distance please do not sign up for this hike.

    EVENT STATS
  • Distance: 11.5 KM
  • Terrain: Paved park paths, single track dirt trails with very rocky and off balance sections.
  • Trail vs Pavement: 5 km vs 6.5 km
  • Elevation Range: 75 meters
  • Challenging Climbs of Note: 4 climbs of 25 meters and 2 climbs of 50 meters
  • Largest Climb: 55 meter climb up a loooong staircase
  • Washrooms: There's a washroom located at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, located about 7 KM into the hike.
  • Highlights: 'Niagara River Whirlpool', 'Cool rock formations', 'Look out'

Those willing to drive, will get first priority on the wait list, should they be needed.
DRIVERS, WHEN YOU SIGN UP, PLEASE ANSWER THE CARPOOL QUESTION REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF PASSENGERS YOU CAN TAKE IN YOUR CAR!!!

For those of you choosing to meet at the event location, instead of the carpool, please ensure that you come on time

I’ve set the maximum event count at 1 as I don’t want to add anyone to the event until I have enough carpool drivers to accommodate passengers.
I will try accommodate 20 to 25 people.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST TICKS

  • Wear long pants.
  • Tuck your shirt into your pants, and pull your socks over your pant legs. Wear light coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily.
  • Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on your skin and clothing.
  • Avoid tall grass.

    Check yourself for ticks immediately after the event, you can ask me for help for removal.
    When you get home, shower and do a full body check, if you find a tick, remove it with tweezers.
    If a tick is attached to your skin for less than 24 hours, your chance of getting Lyme disease is negligible.

    For more information, see Ticks


    • Required Items to Bring:
    • hiking boots or hiking shoes
    • 2L of water
    • snacks and lunch
    • weather appropriate clothing
    • $16.00 to $31.00 cash for passengers to cover the cost of the carpool
    		Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • A smile
  • First Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Change of clothes and/or footwear for post hike
  • Bug Spray
  • Sunscreen

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:

    The closest approximate address 4521 Leader Lane, Niagara Falls - 43°06'53.8"N 79°04'01.8"W

    Please note that my event directions are from Kipling Station (South Parking Lot)
    To change the map to options that better suit you, please click "MORE OPTIONS" link the 'Driving Directions' map (below) and then you can add your own address into the search.

  • Exit the TTC Parking Lot and turn right (SOUTH) onto Kipling Avenue for 2 KM.
  • Take the Gardner Expressway WEST and merge over 2 lanes very quickly to stay on the QEW to continue west.
  • Follow the QEW approximately 102 km and exit at Highway 405 (Exit # 37)
  • Follow highway 405 for 5 KM and the take the first exit to Stanley Avenue (Regional Road # 102).
  • Turn right (SOUTH) onto Stanley Avenue, in the direction of Niagara Falls for 1 KM.
  • Before the train crossing, turn left onto Whirlpool Road until the road ends in about 1 KM.
  • Turn right (SOUTH) onto Niagara Parkway for less than a KM.
  • At the first traffic light, turn right onto Victoria Avenue for 500 meters.
  • At the first street after Great Wolf Lodge, turn left (EAST) onto Leader Lane, then its just 500 meters to the meet point.
    Try to park on the north side of the street around where the tennis courts are.

    POTENTIAL WASHROOM STOP
    The best washroom I could find to stop at is a McDonalds.

      To access:
    • Exit the QEW at Ontario Street (Regional Road # 42) in St. Catharines, exit #47.
    • Turn right (SOUTH) for about 250 meters and the McDonalds will be on your right.
    • Getting back onto the highway, exit the McDonalds, by turning left back onto Ontario Street, and follow the signs for QEW Niagara.

    INTERACTIVE DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
    By clicking on the blue writing below that reads "MORE OPTIONS" , you can input your own location into google maps and then use the directions provided to get to the location in the easiest way possible.

    MAP OF PARKING AREA

    PICTURE OF MEETING LOCATION

    • Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):240Km
    Carpool Departure Time: 9:15 AM
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $61.92 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Sunday, April 28, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

    Notes:

    Please ensure that you check the 'TTC service updates website' for any potential closures.

    Please arrive on time, I will turn off my cell phone once the hike begins.


    - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
    - Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
    - Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.


     
    Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
    Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!