Credit: Royal Botanical Gardens
You’d be surprised to see how close the cities and towns of the Halton Region are to authentic nature spots like conservation areas, parks, forests and trails by beautiful bodies of water. These outdoor gems are perfect for a hike against the backdrop of some of Ontario’s best landscapes.
Here is a list of nature parks and hiking trails in Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills and Oakville.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Spread across Burlington and Hamilton, 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.
Address: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Explore Bronte Creek Ravine or choose from one of the five hiking trails in the park. If you are an avid bird watcher, hike th eMaiden’s Blush Trail that will take you through open fields – you might see birds of prey and various species of owls.
Address: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Lucy Maud Montgomery Children’s Garden of the Senses
Credit: LM Montgomery Heritage Society
Explore Lucy Maud Montgomery Children’s Garden of the Senses inspired by Canadian author Lucy
Maud Montgomery’s children’s storybooks. The garden uses plants and other elements with distinct sensory qualities
to stimulate the senses of smell, sight, hearing, taste and touch for visitors of all ages. During summer (in the normal times), you can join for a guided tour, and learn about some of the plants lovingly described by Montgomery in her writings and about the Norval Rose, Montgomery’s time in Norval, and take a walking tour of the surrounding area where Montgomery lived.
Address: 477 Guelph Street (Hwy 7), Norval
Gairloch Gardens
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Gairloch Gardens was founded by James Gairdner in 1971 to be an art gallery and public park. The garden features beautiful landscaping and gorgeous gardens.
Address: 1306 Lakeshore Road, Oakville
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
A hike around the Hilton Falls Conservation Area includes a tour of the Hilton Falls, reservoirs and rivers in the area, and the old Mill Ruins. The trails here provide a place to indulge in fresh air, and to recharge with a walk through the forest.
Address: 2985 Campbellville Rd, Burlington
Website
Silver Creek Conservation Area
The main trail that runs through Silver Creek Conservation Area is the wonderful Bruce Trail. It takes you through the escarpment mature woodlot and past large moss-covered debris left by retreating glaciers. Cross the boardwalk and climb the escarpment and you will be treated with sweeping views.
Address: Fallbrook Trail & Side Rd 27, Halton Hills
Website
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Credit: Halton Parks
Mount Nemo is a favorite in the Halton Area, known as a peaceful sanctuary for nature hikes and 360-degree views of the escarpment. Full of biodiversity, plenty of unique animals are there to accompany you on your journey.
Address: 5317 Guelph Line, Burlington
Website
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Hike Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area and watch turkey vultures soar over the escarpment and marvel at the ecological rarity of the thousand-year-old cedars. Go up to the Buffalo Crag look-out point and enjoy the great outdoors from high above.
Address: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton
Website
Limehouse Conservation Area
The Bruce Trail is the main trail that runs through the Limehouse Conservation Area, leading hikers past rock fissures and the famous “Hole-in-the-Wall” which you can access on ladders. There is much history that pervades this section of the trail, with the old railway and old mill remains found here.
Address: 12169 5th Line, Limehouse
Website
Speyside Bruce Trail
This 8-kilometre trail is an in-and-out hike that leads to the Limehouse Conservation Area with side trails that can add some spice to your hiking journey. On your way, you’ll see rocky sections of the escarpment, mixed forest, and farmers’ fields.
Address: 7838 15 Side Rd, Acton
Website
Terra Cotta Conservation Area
Terra Cotta Conservation Area leaves hikers spoiled for choice, with part of the mighty Bruce Trail traveling through the area and many others that give you a taste of the spectacular scenery and run past a variety of landscapes.
Address: 14452 Winston Churchill Blvd, Halton Hills
Website
Kelso Conservation Area
Kelso remains beautiful as the seasons change and shows off the escarpment year-round. The Escarpment and Lime Kiln trails pass by some historical remnants like the historic lime kilns as well as tons of eye-catching nature spots.
Address: 5234 Kelso Rd, Milton
Website
Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Credit: Halton Parks
The Crawford Lake Conservation Area’s name speaks for itself – its shores and rare meromictic lake are the big draw. Here, you can walk along the surrounding boardwalk and hike through the lush forests on top of the Niagara Escarpment.
Address: 3115 Conservation Rd, Milton
Website
Esquesing Conservation Area
Nestled next to Kelso Lake, the Esquesing Conservation Area presents a 1.3-kilometre loop trail that features wildflowers and opportunities for all skill levels.
Address: 9464 Dublin Line, Halton Hills
Website
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Credit: Halton Parks
Mountsberg is a family-friendly outdoor space for fresh air and tons of activity. On your hike, you pass a birdwatchers’ dream and trails with boardwalks, interpretive lookouts, and a misty lake.
Address: 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
Website
Robert Edmondson Conservation Area
The Robert Edmondson Conservation Area is the smallest of the Halton Parks that is a quiet place away from busy crowds. Experience landscapes with marsh marigolds, forest, and reflection by the reservoir.
Address: 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville
Website
Scotsdale Farm
At Scotsdale Farm boasts of 531 acres of pastoral countryside and you’ll have plenty of places get away from it all. The Bruce Trail, Bennett Heritage Trail, and Maureen Smith Side Trail all wind through this beautiful park on the Niagara Escarpment.
Address: 13607 Trafalgar Road North, Ballinafad
Hungry Hollow Trail
Winding past Hungry Hollow Ravine along Silver Creek, this hiking trail is just south of Georgetown has beautiful boardwalks, bridge, ponds, and meadows and is ideal for a long walk accompanied by amazing biodiversity.
Address: Hungry Hollow Ravine along Silver Creek
Website
Halton Regional Forest: Britton Tract
The Britton Tract loop is located in the Halton Regional Forest, and is a 4.5-kilometre loop near Milton that features a river. The environment here includes wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas.
Address: 10331 – 10601 Sixth Line Nassagaweya, Milton
Website
Halton Regional Forest: Robertson Tract
Over 703 hectares of forests in 14 separate tracts make up the Halton Regional Forest, and the Robertson Trail is one of the many trails that leads through the forest region.
Address: 10125 Fourth Line Nassagaweya, Campbellville
Website
Kerncliff Park – Ian Reid Side Trail
Credit: Discover Burlington
Kerncliff Park was where the old Nelson Quarry was located. Now, it features gravel paths and a boardwalk as well as a variety of scenes like a mature woodlot, small creeks, and a quarry.
Address: 2198 Kerns Rd, Burlington
Website
Taplow Creek Trail
The Taplow Creek Trail is part of the Glen Abbey Community, with high-quality upland woodlots and active parks. This trail allows you to hike over bridges, on wooden paved staircases, and past Oakville’s picturesque parks.
Address: 1903 Pilgrims Way, Oakville
Website
Lions Valley Park
Lions Valley Park is home to the Sixteen Mile Creek Loop – a 6.1-kilometre loop trail with a regal creek valley in the midst of the urban area of Oakville.
Address: 2417 Fourth Line, Oakville
Website
Prospect Park
Enjoy a leisurely walk around Fairy Lake.
30 Park Avenue, Acton
Dominion Gardens Park – Old Seed House Garden
The 1.8 acre public garden honouring the legacy of the Dominion Seed House. Enjoy formal gardens, meandering pathways, a dry stone riverbed leading to a naturalized pond, and a walled garden among the foundations of the famous mock-Tudor Dominion Seed House building.
135 Maple Avenue, Georgetown
Waterfront Trail
Perhaps the best trail for all those who love water must be the waterfront trail that meanders Lake Ontario. Pick an access point and hike as much as you can.