CHASING WATTERFALS 2027: Episode 1 - Decew Falls (19 KM) - Sat, Jan 9 2027

CHASING WATTERFALS 2027: Episode 1 - Decew Falls (19 KM) (1/9/2027)

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: St Catharines GO / VIA Station
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jan 9 2027  11:30 AM
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jan 8 2027 7:55:00 PM
Event Duration:less than 7 hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Event Coordinator(s): Fletcher
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:20
Minimum Group Size:5
Number Registered So Far: 2 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Ontario is beautiful. There are many cool trails and things to see outside of Toronto.
My aim is to hit different interesting hiking trails throughout the GTA and beyond which can be accessed by public transit.

Welcome back to my 2nd year of my chasing waterfalls series.
Today's hike will take us out to Decew Falls south of St Catharines.
Today's hike will be my first time doing this particular route, so bare with me should not everything run completely smoothly.

Please bring a lunch and at least 1-2 Litres of water.
We'll stop around 1 PM wherever we are for lunch.

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

    EVENT STATS
  • Level of hike: Intermediate
  • Distance: 19 KM
  • Terrain: Some sidewalks, but primarily single track dirt trails that in some spots will be very muddy.
  • Trail vs Road: 16.5 km vs 2.5 km
  • Elevation Range: 100 meters
  • Challenging Climbs of Note: 1 climb of about 100 meters, 1 climb of about 25 meters
  • Washrooms: There is normally an outhouse at Decew Falls, but I can't guarantee its always there.
  • Highlights: 'DECEW FALLS'

To save money on GO Transit Fare, purchase the $10 weekend pass 'BY CLICKING HERE'

I usually carry a pair of icers with me from the first snowfall of the year until the end of April, so I recommend having a pair in your pack to deal with any potential ice.
You can find the pair I use, 'HERE ON AMAZON'.


Required Items to Bring:
  • hiking boots or hiking shoes
  • 2L of water
  • snacks and lunch
  • weather appropriate clothing
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
  • Icers or traction devices

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:

    We'll meet at the front of the St Catharines VIA rail station.
    I've timed this hike, so that we can meet after the GO train has arrived, plus any minor delays.

    If you take the 9:04 AM LAKESHORE WEST train from Union Station, you should be able to reach by the start time.
    Please ensure you get on the one going all the way to Niagara Falls

    To save money on GO Transit Fare, purchase the $10 weekend pass 'BY CLICKING HERE'

    Look for me in the BLUE Toronto Outdoor Club shirt at the entrance to the station.

    For those of you driving, Niagara Falls VIA Rail station is located at 5 Great Western Street, which is about a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto.
    The station has free parking.

    MAP

    PICTURE OF MEETING LOCATION


    Notes:

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

    To save money on GO Transit Fare, purchase the $10 weekend pass 'BY CLICKING HERE'

    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!