Great friendships, meeting new people, travelling all over the world and keeping fit year round are just some of the benefits of belonging to the Halton Outdoor Club.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the club held its spring open house Friday evening (April 14) at the Burlington Seniors’ Centre. More than 100 people turned out to find out more about what the club has to offer and what types of activities they can look forward to this season.
And there’s no limit to the number of ways adults can be active and energized together in the outdoors. Club activities offer a selection of ways to keep physically fit and active all year long.
Member Dave Somerville said he’s thoroughly enjoyed the last 10 years since he joined.
He likes the fact that everyone can go at their own pace and he enjoys not having to worry about getting behind the wheel when he wants to join an excursion.
“It’s not everybody sticking together,” he said. “You go at your own pace. As a skier, letting someone else do the driving is great.
“It’s very social and we always have fun wherever we go.”
Members can get on a bus and arrive at their destination without the worry of the drive. This year, several cross country ski and snowshoe destinations are planned: Scenic Caves, Highlands Nordic, Wasaga, Horseshoe Valley, and Mountainview Ski Centre to name a few.
Most day trips are on weekends and members are taken by a coach bus where passengers can relax and chat with friends. Most resorts offer ski and snowshoe rentals so newcomers don’t have to worry about buying new equipment. Lessons are also offered.
Members can choose to ski or snowshoe with a companion, or strike out on their own.
Sherry Jones said she enjoys the club because “it doesn’t matter if you’re good or bad (skier), the opportunities are endless and the people are great.
“It’s nice if you’re single too. Nobody bothers you and everyone looks out for you.”
The same goes for the regularly scheduled hikes the club offers.
“It’s not quiet in the woods,” laughed Jones. “There’s some 60 people talking when we’re out. I always joke that we don’t see much wildlife when we’re walking. The mindset is just so positive.”
She said there are members of all ages, including a few in their 90s. In total, there are more than 525 members who come from all over the area: Dundas, Niagara, Burlington, Oakville and beyond. Jane Walker, who’s in charge of memberships, said hiking is really popular, but paddling has also taken off.
“People enjoy it because you get in shape and explore new places, and the homework (planning a trip and knowing the terrain etc.) is all taken care of for you,” Walker said. “There’s a variety of people, and it’s great to meet so many new friends.
“We find when you’re hiking, you go further when there’s someone else with you,” she said. “And, you don’t notice if you’re tired. We suggest you try everything and do what you like.”
Club member Cherie Jackson said she joined in 2009 after hearing about it from a neighbour. Her husband had died in 2007, and she was looking for something to do. So far, she’s gone hiking, cross-country skiing and cycling, and has taken kayak lessons. “I’ve met so many great people and I’ve made a lot of friends. We are all like-minded people.”
Paddling, cycling and hiking
Paddling is a popular activity within the club, and there are many social paddles scheduled for this year to places such as: the Grand River, Guelph Lake, Lake Erie and Georgian Bay. There are weekend and extended trips that have taken members to places such as: Lake Superior, Frontenac Provincial Park and the Franklin Islands.
The club offers cycling events for trail riders who can enjoy day trips and extended trips. Cyclists of all levels are welcome. Many rides are specifically designed for beginner and intermediate cyclists. Most trips offer a lunch stop or picnic option, and route lengths vary from 20 to 60 kilometres. Day trips are free: you provide the bike and leg power and the club supplies the maps and leaders.
The club’s hiking program offers regular day hikes as well as bus day hikes, and extended hike trips.
Hikes are led by experienced volunteer members who offer a variety of hikes to appeal to as many people as possible. Most of the day hikes take place within a 30-minute drive of Burlington. These local hikes are free unless a fee is required for a conservation area.
Some of the hikes are: Dundas Valley, Chippewa Trail, Red Hill Valley, north Burlington, Hutch’s, Van Wagners Beach Road, Credit River Valley, Hamilton weekly waterfront walk and even walks in Niagara.
There are also Nordic pole walking events and members can learn this new skill thanks to a host of volunteer leaders.
Hike and walk pace is set by individuals, but detailed terrain details are available online on the club’s event calendar.
The club has an extensive list of all its activities along with registration information at its website: haltonoutdoorclub.ca
Several retailers offer HOC members a discount on certain goods and services as well as valuable guidance.
Members can also access a buy and sell section which comes in handy for newcomers and those who want to upgrade equipment.
Membership is $75 and covers from October 1 to September 30; if you join on or before July 31, the full annual rate will be charged ― renewal will be due Oct 1; If you join on or after August 1, renewal will be Oct 1 the following year giving you 14 months of membership.
