Along this trail, you will find several different sized caches, but all involve very difficult terrain. We placed these caches by wading and rafting along Bronte Creek. Some are creekside, others require tree climbs, still others are placed farther from the creek and up the bank to avoid being carried away in the spring.
Please Read Before You Plan Your Trip
Once in the Bronte Creek Valley, exiting the valley will be very difficult, and would involve a very steep climb and trespassing. Pay attention to the posted access points, and ensure that you have enough time to complete the trail. The caches were placed over 6-7 hours while there was enough water in the creek to raft. Walking the creek will take significantly longer. Rafts are not always suitable for this water trail, as it can get quite shallow during dry conditions, and can be dangerous during the spring flood. Use caution when accessing this trail, and follow all water precautions and common sense.
Be aware that there is lots of Poison Ivy, and Giant Hogweed in the area. We tried to avoid these areas while we were placing the caches, but for your own safety and comfort be aware of what these plants look like and avoid them. We recommend long pants and covered feet.
Bronte Creek
Bronte Creek is a waterway in the Lake Ontario watershed. It runs through Hamilton and Halton Region, with its source near Morriston, (south of the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 401, passing Bronte Creek Provincial Park, on its way to Lake Ontario at Bronte Harbour, in Oakville, where the creek is also known as Twelve Mile Creek. It was previously known to the Mississauga Natives as Esqui-sink, Eshkwessing or ishkwessin (that which lies at the end).
Queenston Formation
Along the Bronte Creek, there is several exposed outcrop of Queenston Formation red shale with narrow, greenish layers of calcareous sandstone and silty bio-clastic carbonate. Be sure to look for it as you travel along the creek. The Queenston Formation is a geological formation of Upper Ordovician age. The formation is a part of the Queenston Delta clastic wedge, formed through erosion. It is dominated by red and grey shales with thin siltstone, limestone and sandstone interlayers.