Winter Hiking & Crevices

There are several areas along the Sydenham section where there are deep crevices in the rock formations along the trail.  As the snow falls the crevices may become covered in snow and form snow bridges. Therefore you may not be able to see where some of the crevices are located.  Some crevices may be only 30 cm (1 foot) deep but others may be as much as 30 metres (100 feet) deep.  Stepping into a crevice could result in a knee sprain to broken bones or even death.  Crevices occur frequently along the edge of the Escarpment, but they can be even as far as a kilometre or more from the edge of the Escarpment.  Please be aware of this and keep in mind that there is a risk factor in these areas.  Whenever you snowshoe or hike, whether it be on a club hike or not, you do so at your own risk.

After 30 years in circulation, we're going to change the "I Hiked the Sydenham Section" badge.  Thank you for all the entries, the contest is now closed.  Judging is taking place and the winning design will be announced soon.  For details, see the Badges page.

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. 

Members of the SBTC volunteer their time to build and maintain the Bruce Trail along an established optimum route from Blantyre to Wiarton, Ontario, Canada. The main trail in the Sydenham section is 170 km long with numerous side trails that provide access to the main trail or, in some cases, link to the main trail allowing for loop walks. The work involves such activities as:

• acquiring landowner permission

• building the footpath

• erecting structures such as foot bridges and signs

• regular trail maintenance

• stewarding the land we have secured

SBTC members do not always work alone. For major projects some community groups assist. The SBTC is one of nine clubs that are governed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC).  The SBTC is governed by an elected executive.

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 Hiker; our 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.