Guidelines for Hikers Joining Group Hikes
Hikes are open to TVTA members and non-members though some hikes may be for members only. Membership is 100% tax-deductible, is valid for everyone in a household, and is a wonderful way to support our mission to: Promote appreciation of our natural environment. Publicize and develop a favourable attitude towards trails, hiking/walking for recreation and leisure, and to promote an appreciation of our natural environment. Join or Renew today
Hike Preparation
Prior to joining an organized hike, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with TVTA hiking etiquette. Information is available on this website.
Adhere to the Hike Leader instructions and gear recommended, as per the hike description.
Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the hike. All hikers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the hike unless otherwise specified.
Bring identification and your health card.
Advise Hike Leader of any health issues (confidential).
Please leave dogs at home.
Choosing Your Preferred Hike
The Hike Calendar has filters at the top whereby you can choose hikes by organizer, category, pace, terrain, ranking, and venue. Click on any filter button which will produce a list to choose from. Select an item in the list and only those hikes will be displayed in the calendar.
Hike Difficulty
Hike Difficulty Ratings have been standardized for TVTA trails.
Hikes vary in difficulty. In each hike description, you’ll find important pieces of information about distance, pace, and terrain to help you determine if that hike is right for you. To participate in an organized hike, you need to be able to complete the specified length of the hike on your own or with your own support person within the time allowed.
Pace:
Leisurely: 3 km/hr or less
Medium: 3 to 4 km/hr
Brisk: 4 to 5 km/hr
Fast: 5+ km/hr
Terrain:
Easy: Mostly flat and usually good footing.
Moderate: Some hills and/or some poor footing.
Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing.
Waivers
Waivers:
Thames Valley Trail Association (TVTA) requires all hikers to sign a waiver before participating in any hike organized by TVTA:
- Members can sign (check off) the waiver online when registering for a hike.
- Non-members and non-registered hikers must sign a waiver sheet provided by the Hike Leader at the start of each hike.
- Minors must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver on their behalf.
Some Hike Leaders may request that you print off the individual waiver, complete and sign it and hand it to the hike leader prior to the hike commencing. This will be stated in the hike description if required. The individual waiver can be downloaded at the link below and there are 3 blank waivers per page.