Hamilton 
Hamilton is best known for its waterfalls, with more than 100 in the city area. But apart from these wonderful falls, there are several parks and conservation areas that truly display the beauty of its surroundings, perfect for canoeing, hiking, and relaxing in the outdoors. It is surrounded by the picturesque Lake Ontario and the trails and mountains of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Sam Lawrence Park
Sat at the top of the Niagara Escarpment, the Sam Lawrence Park makes for the perfect setting for sweeping views of Lake Ontario, the Dundas Valley, and parts of Hamilton. This urban park is also known for its stunning rock garden, trails, and wildflowers. Details
Location: 255 Concession St, Hamilton
Valens Lake Conservation Area
Credit: Hamilton Conservation Authority
The Valens Lake Conservation Area is a 300-hectare outdoor playground for camping, fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities. Offering the northern Canadian atmosphere close to major Ontario cities, you’ll even find natural areas for swimming. Details
Location: Regional 97 Rd, Flamborough
RBG Hendrie Valley Sanctuary
The Hendrie Valley Sanctuary is 100-hectares on the Grindstone Creek Valley that is part of the Royal Botanical Gardens. The area features plenty of hiking trails surrounded by floodplain wetlands, forested slopes, and creeks. Details
Location: 444 Patricia Dr, Burlington
Royal Botanical Gardens
Credit: JP Newell
The Royal Botanical Gardens is an Ontario staple in the nature scene. This is Canada’s largest botanical garden, with an unbelievable 2400 acres of nature sanctuaries, 2300 plant species, and 181,000 individual plants. Details
Location: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
Felker’s Falls Conservation Area
Felker’s Falls Conservation Area features Felker’s Falls – a 20-metre ribbon waterfall, vantage points and trails, and a beautiful forested escarpment area. Stunning geological features can be spotted here and you can expect to be immersed in peace and quiet. Details
Location: Ackland St, Stoney Creek
Fifty Point Conservation Area
Fifty Point Conservation Area is located on Lake Ontario and is frequently visited for its lakefront views and promenade, marina facilities, and swimming opportunities. Details
Location: 1479 Baseline Rd, Hamilton
Smokey Hollow Waterfall
Smokey Hollow Waterfall is another one of the Niagara Escarpment’s waterfalls. You can take the Waterdown Trail near Burlington and hike the 10.3-kilometre trail as you marvel at the birds and nature until you finally arrive at this down-to-earth, scenic waterfall. Details
Location: 80 Mill St S, Jerseyville
RBG Cootes Paradise Sanctuary
The Royal Botanical Gardens is dominated with nature sanctuaries; however, Cootes Paradise is its largest and most diverse. It is significant as a migratory bird stopover, and features a 320-hectare river-mouth marsh and 25 kilometres of shoreline. Details
Location: Dundas, ON L9H 5M5
Eramosa Karst Conservation Area
Credit: Hamilton Conservation Authority
The Eramosa Karst Conservation Area is known for its 16 different karst features and its many geological wonders. Find underground caves, forests, meadows, and 7 kilometres of boardwalks, trails, and bridges that run through the escarpment. Details
Location: Upper Mt Albion Rd, Stoney Creek
Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area
The Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area exhibit the specialty features of the Niagara Escarpment and showcase why it is one of Ontario’s most incredible geological formations. In the area, two waterfalls: Webster and Tew falls provide great views of the gorge. Details
Location: Dundas, ON L9H 4W2
Albion Falls
This beautiful cascading waterfall flows down the Niagara Escarpment, and is located on Hamilton’s east end. Here, you’ll find two viewing platforms that allow you to view this premier waterfall in all its glory. Details
Location: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton
Photo Credit: Mark Harris
Gage Park
Gage Park is one of Hamilton’s most famous local city parks, a host for several annual events and festivals. This large green space has opportunities for sports, and features a children’s museum and greenhouses. Details
Location: 1000 Main St E, Hamilton
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is another green city oasis, a versatile space with 1800 metres of shoreline that combines vegetation and fish habitat. Walk the 2.3-kilometre loop trail that takes you around the perimeter of the park and enjoy the natural landscape. Details
Location: 200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is a 1200-hectare conservation area that is part of a glacial valley spreading out into Lake Ontario. Lush Carolinian forests, meadows of flora, and many geological formations dominate the area and house rare wildlife and plants. Details
Location: 650 Governors Rd, Hamilton
Christie Lake Conservation Area
The Christie Lake Conservation Area is a diverse nature spot that is seen as one of most stunning lake settings on the Niagara Escarpment. From boating, to biking, disc golfing, hiking, and swimming, you can discover something new each visit to the conservation area. Details
Location: 1000 ON-5, Dundas
Pier 4 Park
Pier 4 park is a popular place with a much-loved waterfront trail and space for recreational activity. This little park has fantastic views of Hamilton Harbour and is close to many amenities. Details
Location: 64 Leander Dr, Hamilton
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
The Tiffany Falls Conservation Area is considered an Earth Science Area of Regional Significance due to its bedrock exposures. The area links the Niagara Escarpment and the natural areas of the Dundas Valley. You can also find two waterfalls – the Tiffany falls and Washboard Falls. Details
Location: 900 Wilson St E, Hamilton
Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area
The Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area is a famed nature spot in the area because of its distinct name. It also features the two separate waterfalls – the Upper and Lower Punch Bowl Falls, where the lower falls boast colorful rock layers. Details
Location: Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2X4
Borer’s Falls Conservation Area
The Borer’s Falls Conservation Area’s biggest icon is the Borer Falls – a waterfall with more than 100 years of history. It formerly provided water power for the Rock Chapel Village Sawmill but now simply acts as a site of tranquility. Details
Location: Valley Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5S3
Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve
This rehabilitated abandoned quarry is now the Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve, a rare wetland with a special fen plant community that acts as a habitat for plants and animals like leopard frogs, foxes, and groundhogs. Details
Location: Concession Rd 7, Puslinch
Dundurn Park
Dundurn Park is located on the site of the Dundurn Castle, Hamilton’s historic neoclassical mansion that operates as a civic museum. The grounds are perfect for walks and summer picnics and to roam around a historically significant spot. Details
Location: 610 York Blvd, Hamilton
Confederation Beach Park
Confederation Beach Park is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and is ideal for recreational fun – sports, games, dining, swimming, and other outdoor attractions. It also features a 4.3-kilometre paved trail and a sandy beach. Details
Location: 680 Waterfront Trail, Hamilton
Dundas Peak
Credit: Ram R
Dundas Peak is one of the most picturesque places in Ontario, with panoramic views of towns and waterfalls on its many nature trails. Dundas Peak Trail is one of these trails, one that runs through a forested area with waterfalls. Details
Location: Harvest Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5K7
Gore Park
Gore Park is a park with a lengthy history that dates back to the 1800s. This beautiful public park features water fountains and several memorial statues, and acts as an urban oasis for a break from the city. Details
Location: 1 Hughson St S, Hamilton
Downtown Hamilton
Cliffview Park
Cliffview Park is located on Hamilton’s Escarpment and is famous for the Cliffview Falls, a terraced ribbon cascade with a platform for spectacular views. Details
Location: 26 Upper Paradise Rd, Hamilton
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