Join Wilderness Union, Ontario's largest community for outdoorsy people, for a loaded-pack training day on the Niagara Escarpment: 12.7 km and 427 m of climbing on the Bruce Trail, with a bus from Altitude and a social back at the gym afterwards.
What you'll train
The load
The chambers at Altitude train your lungs. This trains everything else: carrying weight for around six hours, steep descents, uneven ground, and eating and drinking on the move. It's the best way to test your boots and pack before the big trip.
The climb
Clappison Woods sits on the Niagara Escarpment, where the Bruce Trail climbs in short, steep steps. Over 12.7 km you'll gain 427 m, nearly as much as Silver Peak, the highest point in Killarney.
The trail
The loop follows the Bruce Trail through the ravines of Clappison Woods, past Sleepy Hollow Falls and along Grindstone Creek. Then it's back to Altitude for a social with food and drink.
How it works
No Wilderness Union membership needed. Most people on our trips arrive on their own, and you'll be hiking with our Explorer members, a crew of Toronto adventurers who like a challenge.
Everyone travels together. Meet at Altitude on Colborne Street at 8:00, the bus leaves at 8:15 and brings you back for the social.
Isaac, Wilderness Union's founder, leads the day. Our guides teach as they lead, so you come home with skills for your big trip, not just a workout.
12.7 km and 427 m of climbing with a loaded pack, for around six hours. You should be comfortable on your feet all day.
Load it as you would for a big day on your trip. How much weight you carry is up to you, so it's a chance to test your real setup.
The plan
8:00
Meet at Altitude Athletic Training, 56 Colborne Street
8:15
Bus leaves for Clappison Woods. It leaves on time and can't wait for latecomers
9:30
Start the 12.7 km loop on the Bruce Trail
Lunch
Bring a packed lunch and eat on the trail
15:30
Finish the hike and take the bus back to Altitude
17:00
Social at Altitude, with food and drink provided
20:00
Social wraps up
Times are a guide and weather can shift them. There are no toilets at the trailhead or on the trail, so use the washroom at Altitude before we leave.
Summit Training Hike
Return bus from Altitude, a guided day on the trail, and the social with food and drink.
$80
Price plus HST. Space is limited to 9 people.
Book your spotNo membership needed. Book and pay in a minute, then sign the waiver straight after.
Good to know
No. This day is for Altitude members and friends, so just book your spot. If you enjoy it, Wilderness Union is a membership community with guided trips year-round, socials between them, and backcountry Epics to train for.
It's a hard day by design: 12.7 km with 427 m of climbing on steep, uneven ground, carrying a loaded pack for around six hours. How much weight you carry is up to you.
Your own backpack, loaded as you would for a big day on your trip. Hiking boots with good grip, layers for late November (no cotton), a waterproof shell, at least 1 litre of water, a packed lunch and snacks. Bring ice spikes if there's snow or ice.
Everyone travels together by bus. Meet at Altitude Athletic Training, 56 Colborne Street, at 8:00. The bus leaves at 8:15 and brings you back to Altitude for the social.
Straight after you pay, you'll sign the Wilderness Union waiver. It takes about two minutes, and everyone on the hike needs to sign their own.
We're Ontario's largest community for outdoorsy people. We run over a hundred guided trips a year, from day hikes like this one to multi-day backcountry expeditions we call Epics, in places most people never find. Most people join on their own and find their outdoor crew. This is our first joint day with Altitude Athletic Training, so whatever you're training for, there's plenty more to come.
Questions? Email usSaturday November 21
$80 + HST for the day, including the bus from Altitude and the social.
Book your spotSign up for our newsletter to reconnect with the wild, discover new adventures and get updates from Wilderness Union.
You are now part of the Crew! Wilderness Union has moved to a membership-only model and a membership is required to go on all adventures. For more information, click here.
Continue to join the Crew (Free!)