My 14 Day Instagram Takeover Feature by The Great Trail of Canada

During the holidays that recently passed by, I was featured by The Great Trail of Canada for their 14 Day Instagram Takeover feature; from my hike on the Caledon Trailway Path. From Dec 21, 2020 to Jan 03, 2021; one of my 14 photos below were featured each day during this time period to highlight the beautiful elements that I experienced during my hike. The Great Trail of Canada selects various hikers across Canada to be profiled on their website and Instagram page and this time it was my turn to be featured.  

Interestingly, this hike was never planned and we discovered it by chance. The beauty about hiking is that by mistake or coincidence, one may stumble upon a hidden gem that was unheard of from the list of popular trails. This hike along the Caledon Trailway Path took place this past fall season and commenced on a bright sunny Sunday morning; where a plan was made to visit the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. Since it was the Thanksgiving long weekend, many visitors ascended upon this popular hiking spot at the “Forks” in Caledon. When we got there, the park gates were closed and there was a long line up of cars to get in. They pretty much were allowing one in after one exits, so we figured this would take long and we decided to divert our plans to check out the Ken Whillans Resources Management Area; which was not too far away. When we arrived, the Park Officer told us about the parking and entrance fee to enter this Park or that we could hike on the trail next to this site; which was the Caledon Trailway Path, which is part of The Great Trail of Canada. This Trail is a cross-Canada system and extends over 24,000 km and now the longest recreational, multi-use trail network in the world. Best of all, hiking on this section of the Great Trail of Canada in Caledon is free and never explored by us, so we decided to check it out.

From the Ken Whillans Resource Management Area (located at 16026 Hurontario Street, Caledon, ON, L7C 2C5) one can begin the Trail going west from Hurontario; at the end of this light blue bridge.

As one commences their hike along this trail, they will first come across this fast flowing creek.

This is a perfect place to stop by the creek and take in the sound and sight of this peaceful stream. It is also a great spot to take in the natural scenery surrounding the creek and meditate while hearing the natural sound of the stream.

As we continued along this trail, we noticed the beautiful fall foliage colours of the trees along the pathway. The Caledon Pathway Trail is a straight path in between private property, farmland and public amenities. Along this trail also exists a diverse variety of plant life and it was the perfect time to hike along this trail to witness the change of colours.  

The Rainfall during the morning of our hike, left rain drops on the many colourful leaves that we passed by.  

We also noticed the many colourful flowers that can be found and spotted while hiking along this trail.

As we continued, we came across the railway tracks that crosses McLaughlin Road and next to the Caledon Fire Station 305.

The Inglewood Parking Lot, next to these railway tracks, also was surrounded by various colourful plants.

We then continued our hike and walked through a majestic overpass of tall trees filled with the fall foliage colours. This particular part of the trail was near Olde Base Line Road.

This then led us to a bridge, surrounded by the beautiful fall foliage colours, while crossing over the creek at the Caledon Country Club.

Looking south along the trail, one can witness the beautiful view of the Caledon Country Club and Golf Course.

As we continued, we all of a sudden bumped into local resident, who came out to say “Hi” to us. There were quite a few snakes you might see along this trail but this particular one was not shy at all. This part of the trail was near Boston Mills Road.

We then followed along the trail to a part with more spectacular tall trees with fall colours. This part of the trail was also near the Boston Mills Road.

While crossing, Boston Mills Road, one can observe on the southside of the street, an endless view of trees with the fall foliage colours. Having crossed the road, we then decided to break for lunch at the corner and make this our endpoint of the trail. After finishing lunch, we hiked back to the Ken Willans Resource Management Area.

Overall, this is an excellent trail for an easy walk in the morning since the pathway is wide, clear, properly maintained and filled with lush plant life and trees along the trail. However, the best time to visit this trail would have to be the peak season of the fall foliage colours and the images above demonstrate the gorgeous views that one can experience.

To read profiles of the many hikers who were featured on The Great Trail of Canada - 14 Day Instagram Takeover (including mine), please visit www.thegreattrail.ca/instagram-take-over/.

To view photographs of The Great Trail - 14 Day Instagram Takeover, please visit their Instagram page at @thegreattrail.