IJC Trails

Named after Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J.—one of the first Jesuits to write about ecological issues—the Chardin Trail includes a section known as the Daffodil Path, dedicated in memory of Jane Buse, a former member of the Ignatius Farm community who died of cancer. This path has become a place of celebration for cancer survivors and their families.
The trail also passes through a former gravel pit, which is being restored as native plants gradually take hold. Trees have been planted in this area and surrounding former pastureland to help buffer the sound and sight of Highway 6.

This trail winds through the Marden South Wetland Complex, a provincially significant natural area. It is named after the Great Auk, a now-extinct flightless bird known for its slow, steady pace—an apt metaphor for hiking. A key feature along this route is the stone labyrinth, built in 2011 using stones from the property’s fields. It serves as a smaller counterpart to the grass labyrinth near Loyola House.

This short walk leads visitors to the Stations of the Cross and Stations of the Cosmos, located near the community gardens.

Named in memory of Martin Royackers, SJ, this trail honours a Jesuit priest who lived and worked at Ignatius Farm and later served in Jamaica. There, he supported local education and helped farmers gain access to land. In 2001, he was tragically killed, a loss believed to be tied to his justice work. The trail runs along Marden Creek and overlooks farmland once worked by Fr. Martin.

Affectionately known as the “Back 40,” this area of woodland and meadow is home to deer, wild turkeys, bees, and songbirds. Once used for maple syrup production, this trail is located along the Centre’s western edge and includes a remnant sugar maple grove.

Running along the Centre’s northern boundary, the North Star Trail passes by one of the Centre’s hermitages, the Old Orchard Hermitage. The name refers to Polaris, the North Star, a traditional symbol of guidance.

This trail is named after the River Cardoner in Spain, where St. Ignatius of Loyola had a profound spiritual experience in 1522 that shaped his view of creation. The trail crosses farmland, passes the New Creation Hermitage, and moves through a cedar and silver maple swamp before connecting to the North Star Trail.

This trail follows the laneway to the ruins of the old Villa, once a summer residence for Jesuits studying at the St. Stanislaus Novitiate. It ends at the Speed River.

Named after Fr. John Holzer, SJ—one of the first Jesuits in Guelph—this trail honours his role in founding parishes, schools, and hospitals throughout the region after his arrival in 1852.

Jim Profit, SJ, was a Jesuit deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and ecological justice. A native of Prince Edward Island, he spent many years at the Centre and found spiritual connection through the land. After his death in 2014, this trail—one of his favourites—was named in his honour. It follows Marden Creek to the Speed River and continues through mature forests and alongside restored habitats.

Dedicated to the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham, Ontario, for their leadership in ecology and education, this trail offers a walk through mixed hardwood forest and open meadow. The route highlights the restoration efforts of the Old-Growth Forest project, with thousands of native trees and shrubs planted along the way.