ADK hike leader Ken Martin led a few ambitious 12-mile hikes on Ontario’s Bruce Trail last Fall, and recently responded to requests for shorter distances by organizing 3 easier hikes along the historic Laura Secord Trail, a companion side trail off the Bruce Trail.
This trail celebrates the 20-mile journey by ~28-year-old Laura Secord, who in June 1813 ran through forests, and across farms and along country roads to warn British Commander James FitzGibbon of an impending American attack.
After spotting cars, six well-outfitted hikers began a 6.8 mile trek at the Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston ON. We enjoyed sunny winter conditions with fresh powder and a delightful variety of sights and terrains along the way. There were a few ups and downs, and altogether we experienced ~680 feet of elevation gain. We wore microspikes for most of the hike. Last Fall, we encountered a lovely young woman on the Bruce Trail who was a descendant of Laura Secord, and was inspired to retrace her steps. The trail is well-maintained, with sturdy bridges over scenic creeks and even the QEW, and plenty of markers pointing the way. In Ontario it is not uncommon to encounter an artistic Inuksuk, an Indigenous cairn often displayed on country roads and in private landscapes. Also common along the Bruce Trail are the endearing Ladder Stiles, short v-shaped ladders to climb over at property borders.
Near the end of our journey, we sighted a few robins and a flock of Eastern Bluebirds.
What a treat!
We look forward to hiking the next 2 segments of the Laura Secord Trail, and embracing the culture and nature trails of our Northern Neighbor.
— Submitted by David and Janet Kowalski