Toronto 
One of the easiest ways to get out of the city – whether it be Toronto, the GTA, or Hamilton- and on the trails this winter/spring is a trip to Bronte Creek Provincial Park. This extensive parkland between Oakville and Burlington follows the scenic Bronte Creek Ravine, with a trail system lining both sides of the ravine.
Credit: Ontario Parks
During the winter/spring months, the Bronte Creek Provincial Park day-use area remains open for exploring the trails with cross-country skis, snowshoes (rentals available!), or hiking boots. The park also offers several features to make it a perfect family destination, from the Nature Centre and Play Barn to the tobogganing and off-leash dog trails, which will be something everyone in your group can enjoy.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a year-round destination with summer camping, workshops and events, gorgeous fall colours, and swimming opportunities.
Bronte Creek’s Winter/Spring Trails
Escape from the city noises on either side of Bronte Creek Provincial Park with the extensive trails that wind around the south side of the creek. The winter trails begin at the park’s day use area and Nature Centre.
- All of Bronte Creek’s hiking trails are open for the winter for either hiking or snowshoeing. Dogs are permitted on the trails, too, with two separate trail areas in the park for off-leash dog walking.
- The Barrier-Free and Maiden’s Blush trails are nearest the Nature Centre and Play Barn and are surrounded by several picnic sites or shelters.
- There are four more trails to explore on this side of the creek, with the Ravine Lookout trail being a connector between all the trail loops.
- Keep your eyes open for different wildlife, the many winter birds of the park, early spring flowers like the provincial flower (white trillium) blooming, and the public art located along some of the trails.
More Activities at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
There’s much more to do at Bronte Creek Provincial Park off the trails. Even while on the trails, be sure to keep eyes and ears open for the park’s diverse wildlife and bird populations. Owls and eagles are especially common.
- The park has all the picnic facilities needed for a perfect winter picnic, including washrooms, tables, firepits, and shelters.
- Take in the historical architecture of the Spruce Lane Farmhouse and visit the year-round Nature Centre to learn about the park’s plants and animals.
- The Children’s Play Barn, another of the noticeable historical buildings on the site, offers indoor space for kids under 10 to jump, frolic, and play in the barn loft.
- The hill at Bronte Creek Provincial Park provides an excellent tobogganing surface with great height and from that, great views of the surrounding creek and ravine valleys.
Bronte Creek Maple Syrup Festival
The March Maple Syrup Festival at Bronte Creek Provincial Park is technically a spring event. However, the winter months are when you’ll want to make your plans for the month-long event. The Bronte Creek Maple Syrup Festival begins on the first Sunday of every March and runs every weekend throughout the month.
- Follow Maple Lane to watch as maple syrup is harvested directly from the trees. Actors will be present in period costumes, showcasing the different methods of maple extraction used throughout history.
- Get on the Syrup Express and head to the Pancake House, where you can have a pre-purchased meal of pancakes with fresh syrup.
- Various other kids’ activities and live entertainment will be set up throughout the park over the length of the Maple Syrup Festival.
- Bronte Creek Provincial Park is home to several more annual events like Victorian Christmas, Spring Time on the Farm during Victoria Day weekend, and the Harvest Festival.
Explore the Dining & Bronte Waterfront
The meeting of Bronte Creek and Lake Ontario is a beautiful waterfront area. When the winter weather is on the calmer or milder side, the Bronte Waterfront boardwalk and trails could bring you right out onto the water. Plus, the waterfront trail continues along the Lake Ontario shore to the north and south. Also, near the waterfront are a great deal of options for restaurants, bars, or cafes at the Bronte Creek Village.
- Meet for drinks at a place like the Marine Tavern, The Firehall, or the Plank Restobar.
- Warm up from the winter cold with drinks from Peach Coffee Co., Taste of Colombia, the Flavour Fox, Casa Mia Latin Restaurant & Café, or AU79 Coffee.
- Some of Oakville’s top-rated family restaurants are found near Lakeshore Road, such as Big Bam Burger, Hero Certified Burgers, Cucci, La Bodega by Por Vida, or Zara’s BBQ.
- Burlington and Oakville host a restaurant dining fest, which features restaurants showcasing an array of mouth-watering dishes via multi-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Taste of Burlington takes place in early February (two weeks), and Taste of Oakville from mid-February to early March.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Get more exercise in the beautiful landscapes north of Burlington with the nearby Mount Nemo Conservation Area. The trails follow areas on top of and below the Niagara Escarpment to offer views of Mount Nemo from below, as well as the surrounding rural areas from above the rocks. Altogether, Mount Nemo’s four main trails create over 6km of hiking routes; the Bruce Trail also crosses the Conservation Area.
Planning your trip – Bronte Creek in Late Winter/Spring
What: Bronte Creek is part of the large watersheds created by Lake Ontario. The creek begins at the lake while winding between Oakville and Burlington. Bronte Creek Provincial Park covers the creek area and surrounding forests to create a campground, trail and hiking area, and overall expansive greenspace within the GTA. The park is also home to historical buildings and landmarks to make it both a nature and history destination.
Location: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville
Bronte Creek is located 50 km (60 min drive) from Toronto, 30 km (30 min drive) from Mississauga, 135 km from Barrie, 150 km (1 hr 30 min drive) from London.
Best time to go: open year-round
How much:
Single-day vehicle day use permit $18
For more information:
