2024 PENINSULA HIKING FESTIVAL

LISTEN TO THE LAND

OCTOBER 4-5, 2024

CAMP CELTIC, LION’S HEAD

HIKES | LEARNING | COMMUNITY | FESTIVITIES

BUY TICKETS

Sold Out!

Regular tickets for the festival are now sold out! However, we still have some remaining subsidized tickets for SON Members and full time students – if this applies to you, don’t delay!

Dinner only tickets are still available. Enjoy a camp classic dinner and a spectacular keynote from Mark Zelinksi. Follow the link above to purchase these tickets for $30.

Join us to hike and listen to the land.

The theme for this year’s Festival is Listen to the Land. Our programs and activities centered on this theme will explore our interconnectedness with the land and deepen our relationship not just with the land,  but to others we’ll meet through our engaging and unique experience on this stunning UNESCO Biosphere of the Northern Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula.

Questions? Email pbtchikefestival@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help!

Friday Program

The 2024 Peninsula Hiking Festival has expanded programming that includes either a half day or full day program option for Friday, in addition to the popular evening social and entertainment. Join us to explore the beauty of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula by day and stay for the festivities in the evening, which include live musical entertainment, delicious pizza and beer by Tagwerk Cape Chin Brewing Company, a campfire, and silent auction.

Note that all programs have limited capacity and will be filled on a first-come-first served basis. You will receive instructions for choosing your program after you complete registration. There are spots for everyone across all hikes, but if you have your heart set on a specific activity, don’t delay in making your choices!

Embark on a day-long odyssey along the Niagara Escarpment on the Lions Head, a journey that echoes through 450 million years of transformation, culminating in the landscape we cherish today. Wander the trail of the Saugeen Peninsula, where each rock formation and crevice narrates the periods of geological evolution. Beth, with her deep-rooted passion for the escarpment’s geology, guides you to uncover the stories of the earth beneath our feet. This hike is a profound dialogue with the land, an invitation to attune to the whispers of the past, observe the energy of the present, and envision the possibilities of our shared future, embodying the essence of the ‘Listen To The Land’ festival theme.

Beth Gilhespy has worked in the field of environmental conservation for more than 30 years. She was CEO of the Bruce Trail Conservancy from 2004 to 2018 and Executive Director of the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy from 2019 to early 2024.  She is an avid explorer and frequently hikes in the Rockies, on paths in the UK, and locally on the Bruce Trail. She holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in physical geography and geology from the University of Guelph. Beth took on the role of CEO of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy effective March 2024.

Head into the heart of the Saugeen Peninsula forests on a hike that transcends mere observation. This experience is an engagement with the forest’s soul, where every leaf and branch has a story to tell. As you journey through these woods, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the PBTC Tree Badge. Listen closely to the forest’s murmurs and rustles, uncovering the essential roles trees play within our ecosystem and the age-old wisdom they share. This hike celebrates the deep bond between all living things, highlighting the critical lessons the natural world offers to those who listen.

Esme has always been fascinated by the natural world. She studied environmental science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Ten years ago, she moved to the Saugeen Peninsula to work as a biologist for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nations Species at Risk Program and fell in love with the landscapes, species, and people of the Peninsula. Since then, she has dedicated her personal and professional life to protecting this landscape and the species that call it home. While on a trip abroad to the UK to visit family in 2019 Esme became fascinated with astrophotography and quickly learned the ropes from a friend. Since then, she has explored the beauty of the night sky across the world through the lens of her camera. Currently, Esme works as Program Director of Midwestern Ontario for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)

Embark with Ethan Meleg on a hike that blends the enchanting sounds of bird calls with the beautiful scenes of the Peninsula. This engaging hike encourages you to immerse yourself in the melodies of nature while capturing the views around you. It’s a chance to celebrate the harmony of sound and sight, providing a special way to experience and connect with the natural world.

Ethan is the Acting Superintendent of Bruce Peninsula National Park & Fathom Five National Marine Park. He has a degree in Environment and Resource Studies from Trent University. He is an avid birder and outdoor photographer. His greatest joy comes from exploring the natural world through his lens, capturing the beauty of both birds and landscapes.

Janna will facilitate a guided conversation, using personal life experiences and knowledge. An intimate conversation to foster the desire to learn, to share, and to open hearts to new ideas and possibilities. A safe and open space to have a conversation, ask awkward questions, and build an understanding of different world views.

This hike festival program, hosted by Janna, an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, will take place at Gima-Kwe Nong. This unique site is beautifully located at Emmett Lake in Bruce Peninsula National Park, right next to the traditional hunting grounds of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON). Gima-Kwe Nong is thoughtfully designed as an accessible outdoor cultural learning center. It features a lodge and ceremonial spaces. This location not only fosters a deep connection with the land but also facilitates the sharing of the SON’s rich history and culture. Gima-Kwe Nong is the perfect backdrop for Janna’s program.

Embark on a short hike through Black Creek Provincial Park, a unique walk/talk hike focused on the art of astrophotography. Turn your gaze upwards to engage with the cosmos. This experience invites you to listen to the land in its nocturnal state, exploring the silent beauty of the night sky. Discover techniques to capture the celestial lights over the landscape, learning how the night’s canvas reveals a different aspect of the land’s story. This hike is a celebration of the interconnectedness between earth and sky, offering a moment to reflect on the universe’s vastness through the lens of your camera.

Esme has always been fascinated by the natural world. She studied environmental science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. Ten years ago, she moved to the Saugeen Peninsula to work as a biologist for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nations Species at Risk Program and fell in love with the landscapes, species, and people of the Peninsula. Since then, she has dedicated her personal and professional life to protecting this landscape and the species that call it home. While on a trip abroad to the UK to visit family in 2019 Esme became fascinated with astrophotography and quickly learned the ropes from a friend. Since then, she has explored the beauty of the night sky across the world through the lens of her camera. Currently, Esme works as Program Director of Midwestern Ontario for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)

Marshall Veroni is a singer-songwriter from Ontario, Canada. His performances combine high-energy folk rock with heartfelt audience interaction, and lyrics that will make you feel something. His vulnerable demeanour blends seamlessly with his emotive playing style and unique vocal performances. Writing from the heart, Veroni bonds with listeners overs themes of love, loss, and the human condition. In 2021 he released “Everybody Doesn’t Know” a song that was graciously received by the music community around the world. Touring mainly in Canada, he has opened for artists like Ariel Posen, Field Guide and Blue Rodeo. With his band, Marshall Veroni and The Family Table have taken their unabashed mix of high energy alt-folk-country rock, and intimate songwriting to festival stages across the country. His recent release of single “Young Still” has received glowing feedback and the song has reached 40k streams within the first month of its release. 

Saturday Morning Program

On Saturday, participants can choose both a morning and afternoon activity, featuring incredible local experts on a variety of topics ranging from geology to Indigenous storytelling. NEW for 2024, the program includes non-hiking options for those who might prefer a less strenuous activity. These activities present opportunities to listen to the land from a different perspective.

Note that all programs have limited capacity and will be filled on a first-come-first served basis. You will receive instructions for choosing your program after you complete registration. There are spots for everyone across all hikes, but if you have your heart set on a specific activity, don’t delay in making your choices!

Join Jarmo for a morning of birding around the stunning landscapes of the central Saugeen Peninsula. We will visit a variety of habitats between Stokes Bay, Oliphant and Mar, searching for a variety of forest, grassland, and lakeshore birds. Birding can be a great way to connect with the natural world, and during the trip Jarmo will show you some of his favourite spots in the area and talk about the wonders of migration. Bring binoculars (if you have them) and a sense of adventure!

Jarmo Jalava was a keen birder long before he could seriously grow facial hair. His first teenage summer job involved reintroducing endangered Peregrine Falcons to the wilds of Algonquin Park in 1978. Since then, as a professional ecologist, he has devoted his life to advancing the cause of healthy ecosystems, working closely with First Nations, federal and provincial agencies and many NGOs. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 reports and articles in the fields of ecology and the environment, including landmark baseline ecological studies of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves, as well as a major study of the alvars of the Saugeen Peninsula. He currently serves as an independent terrestrial ecology advisor for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation Environment Office. Jarmo lives in a 135-year old log home on the beautiful Saugeen Peninsula, where his backyard visitors include Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, Sandhill Cranes and even the occasional Peregrine Falcon.

This is an opportunity to understand Anishinaabe connection to the land through their relationship to plants and trees used for food, medicine, ceremonial and utilitarian applications. 

Lenore Keeshig is part of the Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences team at Cape Croker Park. Prior to working at Cape Croker Park, she worked for Bruce-Fathom Five national parks (2001 to 2019). Lenore is a traditional storyteller a citizen of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.

Peter Rasberry invites you to focus on macro photography, capturing the intricate beauty of nature’s details. This hike encourages participants to see and listen to the land through a focused lens, appreciating the small wonders that contribute to the Peninsula’s unique landscape.

Retired following a 38 year career in Outdoor/Environmental Education. Hobby photographer and 3x Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival photography workshop leader. His photos have appeared in Canadian Wildlife Federation’s “Canadian Wildlife” and CWF children’s “Wild” magazines. The photos have also been on exhibit at Environment Canada’s Biosphere Museum in Montreal for the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity (2010). See more of his work at peterrasberry.zenfolio.com and Instagram.com/peterrasberry

Brian Popelier leads a hike focusing on local conservation efforts, inspiring participants to listen to the land’s needs and understand the importance of protecting its beauty and biodiversity for future generations. Habitat restoration is important where human activity has degraded the natural environment. We discuss the many ways the Bruce Trail Conservancy works towards protecting and restoring the ecology and sensitive lands of the Niagara Escarpment. the Maple Cross Nature Reserve at Cape Chin is a natural masterpiece and a true conservation gem.

As Terrestrial Ecologist and Land Stewardship Coordinator for The Bruce Trail Conservancy, Brian conducts ecological land classifications and biological inventories of BTC owned properties. Supervise and coordinate 214 volunteer Land Stewards on the management of over 3000 ha of BTC managed land from Niagara to Tobermory including restoration projects, encroachment, species at risk, and stewardship issues.

Go on a hike with a Parks Canada field ecologist. Delve into the hidden world of fungi, uncovering the fungi that thrive in this rich ecosystem. This excursion will reveal the vital ecological roles fungi play and their intricate connections to the tapestry of life around them. It’s an invitation to “Listen to The Land,” understanding how these often-overlooked organisms are crucial to the balance and health of our natural world.

Tyler is a skilled field ecologist boasting more than ten years of experience across various sectors, including provincial government roles, non-governmental conservation groups, consultancy work, and his current position with Parks Canada. His deep-seated fascination with the natural world, from plants and insects to birds and beyond, fuels his expertise and keen interest in fungi. This natural curiosity drives his desire to explore and understand the intricate connections within wild ecosystems.

We will start with a short presentation on the incredible geology of the Saugeen Peninsula featuring local minerals and fossil specimens. We will also have an optional walk to see some geological features on site at Camp Celtic which lies at the shore/lakebed of glacial lake Nipissing.

Jenna is a wildlife biologist and Scientific Illustrator from the Saugeen Peninsula. She has a passion for the incredible geological history of this region and has spent a lifetime studying it! She uses heritage interpretation and scientific illustration as a way to inspire interest and passion in regional natural and cultural heritage values.

In this program, participants will learn everything there is to know about hiking poles: why they should always use them and how to practice good hiking etiquette. Participants will play the “ABCs of Hiking Poles” exercise, and as an  added bonus, the participant who scores the most attributes or more, will be rewarded one pair of Cascade Hiking poles generously donated by your program facilitator, Margaret O’Dell. Join in afterward for a short hike to round out your hiking pole learning experience. Don’t forget to bring your hiking poles if you have them! 

Margaret is an expert hiker, a Certified Hike Leader, and the Hike Director for the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club. She has hiked the Bruce Trail 13 times and counting. She has also hiked a number of other trails, both locally and internationally. She has written several articles about hiking, including two on Hiking Poles, hence the basis of content for the session.

Saturday Afternoon Program

On Saturday, participants can choose both a morning and afternoon activity, featuring incredible local experts on a variety of topics ranging from geology to Indigenous storytelling. NEW for 2024, the program includes non-hiking options for those who might prefer a less strenuous activity. These activities present opportunities to listen to the land from a different perspective.

Note that all programs have limited capacity and will be filled on a first-come-first served basis. You will receive instructions for choosing your program after you complete registration. There are spots for everyone across all hikes, but if you have your heart set on a specific activity, don’t delay in making your choices!

The biodiversity of the Northern Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula makes for a harmonious growing season at Cape Chin. Join Christian R. von der Heide, Master Brewer and owner of Tagwerk Farm in his special corner of the peninsula to learn about the symbiotic relationship between bees and (wild) hops, and the overall importance of a healthy environment in agriculture. A site of many edible splendors, this visit is sure to be a flavourful one.

Tagwerk Farm, Bounty of the Bruce Trail. Situated on the breathtaking UNESCO world biosphere Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, flanking  Maple Cross nature reserve. Birthplace of Tagwerk™ Beer, Pilot Brewery, Home of Tagwerk Apiculture and 16 bee hives, Organic Orchard, Vegetable, Hops and Herb garden, Cider Mill, Maple Syrup, Event + Yoga Studio.

This short hike will take us on a long journey through time from ancient river deltas, coral reefs to a post-glacial lakeshore. We will see many interesting rocks, fossils, an overhang, sea cave and a geological unconformity.

Jenna is a wildlife biologist and Scientific Illustrator from the Saugeen Peninsula. She has a passion for the incredible geological history of this region and has spent a lifetime studying it! She uses heritage interpretation and scientific illustration as a way to inspire interest and passion in regional natural and cultural heritage values.

Join Madeline on an enlightening hike in Bruce Peninsula National Park, where the focus isn’t just on tracking wildlife, but on immersing ourselves in their world. This hike will not only offer the chance to possibly view some of the park’s diverse inhabitants but will also delve into the art of interpreting the subtle signs and behaviours that wildlife leaves behind. This experience invites you to “Listen to The Land,” fostering a deeper connection with the natural inhabitants of the Saugeen Peninsula.

Madeline has been an interpreter and naturalist for more than 10 years, working for Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, and wildlife sanctuaries. She was born and raised in Southampton and has spent much of her life exploring and appreciating the landscape on the Saugeen Peninsula.

This program presents the ancient stories and legends of the indigenous peoples connected to this land. Listen to the voices of the past that echo through the forests and along the shorelines, offering a profound connection to the history and spirituality of the Saugeen Peninsula. This program is an opportunity to understand the land through the perspectives of those who have lived in harmony with it for thousands of years. This hike festival program will take place at Gima-Kwe Nong. This unique site is beautifully located at Emmett Lake in Bruce Peninsula National Park, right next to the traditional hunting grounds of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON). Gima-Kwe Nong is designed as an accessible outdoor cultural learning center. It features a lodge and ceremonial spaces. This location not only fosters a deep connection with the land but also facilitates the sharing of the SON’s rich history and culture. Gima-Kwe Nong is the perfect backdrop for Miptoon’s program.

Miptoon (Anthony Chegahno) is from Neyaashiinigmiing which is also known as Cape Croker, Chippewas of Nawash (Unceded) First Nation. He has a Master’s of Theology degree. Since 2007, he has been the Project Manager for the Nawash Species at Risk Inventory and Capacity-building Project, which works to inventory, monitor, conserve, and raise awareness about the remarkable diversity of Species at Risk and their habitats at Cape Croker, the Saugeen [Bruce] Peninsula, and the traditional territories of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Miptoon has a deep relationship and vast knowledge of the natural history of the Saugeen Peninsula.

Led by Justin Johnson, this hike delves into the heart of local conservation efforts, showcasing the work being done to protect and preserve the Peninsula’s natural beauty. Justin will share stories of success and struggle in the fight for conservation, inviting you to listen to the land’s plea for respect and protection. This hike is a call to action, inspiring you to become an active participant in the stewardship of our planet.

Justin holds a MSc and BSc in Biological Sciences focusing largely on animal behaviour and bioacoustics. He now works for the Nature Conservancy of Canada as an Assistant Conservation Biologist on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula. Justin is an avid birdwatcher, but also enjoys mothing, hiking, paddling and many other facets of the outdoors.

Venture into the heart of the Saugeen’s Peninsula’s lush woodlands and learn about the new PBTC Tree Badge. A hike increases awareness and appreciation of the variety of life and features in the woods. We will use observation including other senses at various points along the hike. This should be a memorable hike experience for those interested in tree identification and making a better connection with their surroundings. 

Bob is a retired Outdoor Education teacher and at present is Land Steward Director for the Sydenham Bruce Trail. He spends lots of time exploring new and old properties. He likes to find special features and learn more about his discoveries.  He is happy to share his knowledge of the natural world with others.

Saturday Evening Program:

Camp Classic Lasagna Dinner & Keynote

Note: Saturday evening’s program is optional and available for an additional fee of $30 to cover the “camp classic” dinner and the speaker.

Niagara Escarpment: Land Between Waters with Photographer Mark Zelinski

Like the Galapagos and the Serengeti, The Niagara Escarpment is designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere. One of the world’s unique natural wonders, the Escarpment defines an area across Southern Ontario and Manitoulin Island. Its ecosystems support hundreds of at-risk species that coexist alongside the most densely populated and heavily developed region in Canada. Through Mark Zelinski’s images and stories, audiences have the opportunity to experience a multi-layered perspective of the living escarpment,  its environmental treasures, and the diverse Indigenous and settler communities that thrive along its curving path. Mark Zelinski’s upcoming 10th book “Niagara Escarpment: Land Between Waters” features brilliant landscape, wildlife and cultural photographs of the Ontario portion of the Escarpment with emphasis on Niagara Peninsula, Saugeen Peninsula and Manitoulin Island.  The show includes photos and stories from his global travels, and his cultural work with museums, Indigenous Elders and Knowledgekeepers.

Thank you to our festival sponsors:

October 6 is Bruce Trail Day

We invite you to continue your hiking experience in the beautiful Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula by joining us on Sunday October 6th for Bruce Trail Day.

This year’s Peninsula Bruce Trail Club festivities will be located at Cape Croker Park in Neyaashiinigmiing and will feature hikes and a community gathering. All Bruce Trail day events are free and open to all!

Accommodation Partner

SOLD OUT!

Red Bay Lodge on the Bruce Peninsula

Hotel | Restaurant & Cabin Rental

Website: Red Bay Lodge on the Bruce Peninsula Hotel | Restaurant & Cabin Rental

3-Night Hike Festival Package

Limited Availability

  • Price: $599 (plus HST & MAT)
  • Includes:
    • 3-night stay for two at Red Bay Lodge during Hike Festival Weekend
    • 3 breakfasts
    • 1 dinner voucher
    • 2 Hike Festival registrations

To book this limited availability package, click the button below, complete the form, and a representative from Red Bay Lodge will contact you to finalize the details of your stay.

Book Now

1 or 2-Night Hike Festival Stays

Limited Availability

Use discount code PBTC2024 on the Red Bay Lodge website to receive a $75 per night discount off their regular rates.

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Program Registration

After you purchase tickets to the Peninsula Hiking Festival, you will receive an automated email from Eventbrite. Within this email is a link to register for the specific sessions mentioned above. Please note that spaces are limited in each program and you may not get your first choice. Spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay in filling out the registration form.

If you’d like to know if your preferred choices are still available before you register, here is the current status (updated live) for each program.

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 18

Join us in October.

Tickets are limited and sold out in 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to the land with fellow nature enthusiasts.

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