EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LAURA SECORD DAY
Frequently Asked Questions about Laura Secord Day and the Laura Secord Walk Options

For medical emergencies in the field, call 289-696-3488. If the situation is serious, also call 911.

Registration and fees - Walk Options -  Emergencies  -  Trail guides and maps -  Shuttle busses -
Parking - Food and Water -  Toilets  -  Scheduling  -  Outdoor and Trail Hazards

Registration and fees   [back to top]

Q: Why is there now no fee to register for the walk?

A: Though we do not have a large grant to subsidize the Laura Secord Day events this year, we were able to raise sufficient funds and attract sufficent corporate donations to offer free, no-frills versions of our walks, as well as to host a number of events for free. There are NO LONGER ANY RACE KITS, MEDALS, or SWAG BAGS for any of these FREE walks.THERE IS ALSO NO PREREGISTRATION ON FRIDAY 20 JUNE AT THE OUTLET COLLECTION AT THE OUTLET COLLECTION AT NIAGARA.

Other Secord-themed activities are taking place elsewhere in Niagara at special discount rates.
 

Q: I registered for a walk earlier in the year, and paid a registration fee by credit card. How will I get my money back?

A: If you paid a registration fee before the walks became free of charge, your fee will automatically be refunded in full to your credit card. Processing may take a few days, but you do not have to do anything - your refund will be processed automatically.

Q: The Laura Secord Commemorative Walk options are all free. Why do I have to register?

A: All three walks are now free, no-frills events with minimal support services. No medals, swag bags, or other items will be provided, but the basic no-frills walks will take place. Registration is necessary so we know how many people to expect for the walks and can plan the walk logistics accordingly (e.g., how many people to expect, how many shuttle busses we'll need). 

Q: I am interested in taking part in the walk but I live close by and do not need to ride on a shuttle. Do I need to register?
A: You can just show up and participate at your own risk - the event is taking place on publicly accessible trails and destinations. However you will need to register for the walk if you wish to if you plan to take the shuttle buses which will be travelling between waystations. And like everyone, your participation in any Laura Secord Day walks or events are ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
 

Walk Options   [back to top]

Q: Is this event a race? The registration pages on the Running Room site seem to indicate that it is.

A: No! The Laura Secord Commemorative Walk is definitely NOT a race. The 'race' wording on the Running Room registration site is there because their website is most often used for race registrations. This wording unfortunately cannot be changed to accommodate our event. Though seasoned hikers and runners are welcome to participate and are likely to move along quite quickly, the event is a WALK to be undertaken at your own pace. Trail conditions are also too muddy and rough to support a conventional race... plan on moving slowly and carefully, and on getting dirty! No one is timing the participants, and there are no prizes or awards for speedy completion. So take your time and enjoy your walk!

Q: Do I have to walk the entire 32 km of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail on June 21st?

A: No! Not at all. There are three walk options which cater to different ages and abilities. Choose the one that works best for you!

Q: If I register for a long walk option and get tired, what can I do?

A: There are limited options to get on a shuttle at one of the designated waystations (not along the roadside, or elsewhere on the route.
Our shuttle buses will be travelling amongst the following locations during the day, as follows:
 

1) Between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the shuttle will run between the Laura Secord Homestead and the Outlet Collection Mall at Niagara. It will make a return trip about once every hour. If you get tired on your walk and stop at the Outlet Collection Mall, you can catch the next shuttle back to the homestead. Access to the shuttle busses will be first come, first served.
 

2) At 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., the shuttle will leaving DeCew House and stopping at Rotary Park on its return to the Homestead. If you get tired and stop at Rotary Park, you can catch the 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. shuttle back to the homestead. Access to the shuttle will be first come, first served.
 

There will be NO OTHER SHUTTLE BUS SUPPORT, so please plan your walk carefully.
 

Q: Can I change my walk option at the last minute if I feel more (or less) ambitious on the day of the walk?

A: Yes. If you want to Walk the FULL walk (Option 1), you must show up at the Laura Secord Homestead at 8:00 am and leave with the group. You will have to sign a waiver before you leave. Please be sure you are capable of walking the full distance, and are aware of the conditions along the trail. Please refer to the online instructions for Option 1 for further details.
If you want to do a shorter walk (Option 2: Haul to the Mall, or Option 3: Heroic Endings), follow the online instructions for the option you want.

Q: Will the Laura Secord Commemorative Walk take place even if it is raining?

A: Yes - we will go ahead rain or shine. Though we're of course hoping for a lovely day, the weather will not stop us from walking the walk. Laura Secord made her trek on one of the hottest days of the year, after many weeks of heavy rains. We'll try to capture some of her spirit!

Trail guides and maps   [back to top]

A turn-by-turn guide to the Laura Secord Legacy Trail is available online in downloadable PDF version or in a mobile-accessible web version.

Overview maps and interactive Google maps of the five stages of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail are also available. Note that because the trail is 32 km long, printed maps are of limited utility for detailed trail navigation. We recommend that you review the interactive Google maps online to familiarize yourself with the details of the trail sections you will be walking on.

If you have a smartphone with a data plan, you may also wish to bookmark the links to the trail guide and the interactive maps in the web browser of your mobile device so that you can access them in the field.
 

Emergencies   [back to top]

Q: What should I do in an emergency?

A: Carrying a CELL PHONE is highly recommended. Review the route you are going to take BEFORE you start on your walk, and know your location.
Put this phone number in your cell phone:

For medical emergencies, call 289-696-3488 (on the day of the event only!). If the situation is serious, also call 911.

We will have 2 cycling medics and one EMS supervisor (Denise Mazza) travelling the area by automobile.
 

Shuttle busses

Q: Will shuttle busses be available to registered walk participants all day?

A: Our shuttle buses will be travelling amongst the following locations during the day, as follows:
 

1) Between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the shuttle will run between the Laura Secord Homestead and the Outlet Collection Mall at Niagara. It will make a return trip about once every hour. Access will be first come, first served.
 

2) At 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., the shuttle will leaving DeCew House and stopping at Rotary Park on its return to the Homestead. Access will be first come, first served.
 

There will be NO OTHER SHUTTLE BUS SUPPORT, so please plan your walk carefully.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The shuttle bus will NOT be picking people up along the roads or part way along the trail, so you should plan on boarding at the designated waystations at designated times only (i.e., Laura Secord Homestead and Outlet Collection at Niagara mall approximately hourly between 9:00 am and 4:00 p.m, or Rotary Park and DeCew House at 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.

If emergency assistance is needed elsewhere along the trail, please call EMS personnel at 289-696-3488 (on the day of the event only!). If the situation is serious, also call 911..

Parking

Q: Where can I park my vehicle while I am participating in the Laura Secord Commemorative Walk?

A: Parking is available in these main locations:
 

1) For Option 1 (FULL walk) and Option 2 (Haul to the Mall), park in the Village of Queenston, at Laura Secord School (see map). This location is perfect for those starting early to walk the entire route, or for those who wish to visit the Laura Secord Homestead at any time in the morning or early afternoon. Shuttle busses will be running between the Homestead and the Outlet Collection at Niagara mall between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

2) If you are walking Option 3: Heroic Ending (Rotary Park to DeCew House), parking is available at Joe McCaffery Sports Park, 1.1 km away (see map).
 

Food and Water   [back to top]

PLEASE PACK YOUR OWN LUNCH, WATER, AND SNACKS!!

Q: Are there places for us to have our lunch?

A: PLEASE PACK YOUR LUNCH, WATER, AND SNACKS. You will be able to purchase your lunch at the food concessions at the Outlet Collection at Niagara Mall, and some light refreshments, snacks, and water will be available at SOME way stations along the trail at no charge. If you are walking the entire walk, you will pass several eating establishments in St. Catharines on your way to your final destination. But plan on being self-sufficient!

Food / snacks will be available at the following areas:

• Laura Secord Homestead (free drinks and snacks; first come, first served)
• Outlet Collection at Niagara (purchase)
• Eating establishments along Stage 3 of the trail, through St. Catharines (purchase)

Q: Do I have to bring water along?

A: Yes, please do. Though we will have donations of water and other drinks from our generous sponsors, we cannot guarantee that sufficient water will be available onsite for all participants - so PLEASE BRING AT LEAST ENOUGH WATER TO MEET YOUR BASIC NEEDS.
 

Water / drinks will be available at the following areas:

• Laura Secord Homestead (free drinks and snacks; first come, first served)

• McDonald's near Outlet Collection at Niagara

• Outlet Collection at Niagara (purchase)
  

• Rodman Hall (dispensible water)
  Rotary Park (limited quantities; first come, first served)

• DeCew House (free drinks and snacks; first come, first served)
   

Toilets   [back to top]

Q: Will toilets be available?
A: Toilet facilities are available, but limited, so please plan your walk accordingly. Toilets will be available in the following locations :
 

• Laura Secord Homestead
• Firemens' Park (one portable toilet)
• McDonald's near Outlet Collection at Niagara
• Outlet Collection at Niagara
• Rodman Hall
• Rotary Park (one portable toilet)
• Morningstar Mill (two portable toilets)
• DeCew House Heritage Park (one portable toilet)

Scheduling of events   [back to top]

Q: I am Walking the FULL walk (Option 1). When will I leave the Homestead on Saturday morning?

A: The official start time for the walk is 8:00 AM at the Laura Secord Homestead. Parking is available at Laura Secord School in Queenston (see map).
 

Q: I am walking in the Haul to the Mall (Option 2). When will I leave the Homestead on Saturday morning?

A: The official start time for the walk is 9:00 AM at the Laura Secord Homestead. Parking is available at Laura Secord School in Queenston (see map).

Q: I am walking in the Heroic Ending (Laura Secord Lite) walk (Option 3). When will I leave Rotary Park on Saturday?

A: You can leave Rotary Park any time, but the two return shuttles from DeCew House back to Rotary Park will not run until 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. The hike from Rotary Park to DeCew House is about 4.5 km long, so it should take you about 1.5 hours to complete. 

Q: I have heard that there are other events and activities happening on Laura Secord Day. What are they?

A: A listing of other Laura Secord Day events is available here on the Friends of Laura Secord website

Outdoor and Trail Hazards   [back to top]

WET, MUDDY AND SLIPPERY TRAIL CONDITIONS - Last winter was very harsh, and we have seen a considerable amount of rainfall this spring. Some damage has also occurred to trails due to inappropriate use during wet conditions. As a result, some sections of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail are wet, muddy, and slippery, especially in areas of exposed clay or in low-lying areas. Make sure to:
 

• wear appropriate footwear - and expect that it will get muddy!
• consider carrying a portable walking stick (or two)
• approach slopes and hills with extreme caution
• leave sufficient space between yourself and other hikers
• walk carefully to avoid damaging property adjacent to the trail if you have to walk around mud holes or flooded areas
• do not rush or pressure other hikers to move quickly
• take your time, and provide assistance to other hikers when appropriate
• try to avoid inflicting additional damage on wet or eroded sections of the trail.

TICKS - This season, hikers on the Laura Secord Legacy Trail have encountered dog ticks. Though bothersome, these ticks are not the species which cause Lyme Disease. Information on ticks in Niagara and protection against ticks can be found here. In general:

• Dress in light coloured clothing to easily spot ticks
• Wear clothing that covers arms and legs when walking in wooded areas. Tuck in loose clothing and have your child wear shoes that cover the entire foot.
• Spray insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and clothing (except for babies under 6 months). Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Check yourself and your child's skin for ticks after outdoor activity. Pay special attention to areas such as the groin, scalp and armpits. Tick bites are usually painless, so your child will likely not feel the tick.

MOSQUITOS AND BITING FLIES - Compared to 'cottage country', much of Niagara is relatively bug-free. However, due to our late, wet spring and the presence of standing water this year, mosquitos and other biting flies may be present along the trail, especially in early morning and evening. Mosquitoes in the area have been known to carry West Nile Virus (more information here).  To protect yourself against mosquitoes and biting flies:

• Do not linger in areas with standing water where mosquitoes like to breed
• Avoid infested areas
• Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, socks and shoes.
• Use an insect repellent that contains DEET (except for babies under 6 months).

HEAT, SUN EXPOSURE, AND DEHYDRATION - On hot, sunny days, make sure to protect yourself from sunlight and carry enough drinking water so as to avoid dehydration. Follow these Sun Safety tips from Region Niagara's Public Health Department:

Slip, Slap, Slop, Seek and Slide

• Slip on clothing to cover your arms and legs
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
• Slop on sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses that offer 100 per cent UVA and UVB proctection

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