EntEr to winA 2-DAY EscApE For 4

Hiking tHe wAtErFAll

cApitAlof tHe world

we’re Here AlrEADY?

A+ adventures thAt ArE closE to homE

hAmilton | hAlton | BrAnt 2015

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HaMilton | Halton | Brant

toronto

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QUEBEc citY

learn More on Pages 5, 10, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23

learn More on Pages 5, 6, 12, 19, 21, 22, 23

learn More on Pages 5, 8, 16, 17, 19, 21

QEW

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LAKE ERIE

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this guide was produced by Hamilton Halton Brant regional tourism association. Printed in Canada 01/2015.

on tHe Cover: Sherman Falls, HamiltonPHoto: Gary CrallétHis Page: Kelso Conservation Area, Milton

are Closer tHan you tHink

UnForGEttABlEoUtDoor EscApEs

Just a short drive from toronto, london, kitchener-waterloo, niagara and Buffalo, Hamilton Halton Brant is home to stunning natural landscapes including the niagara Escarpment, Bruce trail and the Grand river.

how closE is it? BEliEVE it or not, it’s jUst A 45-minUtE DriVE to thE niAGArA EscArpmEnt From toronto’s cn towEr.

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CeleBrate wHat Makes Canada great in HaMilton Halton Brant

trUE northstronG & AwEsomE

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Grand River, Paris

ExpEriEncE cAnADA’s lArGEst BotAnicAl GArDEnroyal Botanical Gardens’ 27 kilometres of walking trails include over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks, and 21 stream crossings. keep an eye out for the over 37 species of mammals that call this nature sanctuary home including deer, fox, muskrats, mink and beavers.

hiKE cAnADA’s olDEst AnD lonGEst FootpAththe Bruce trail winds its way 890 kilometres along the niagara escarpment from its southern tip in niagara all the way to tobermory. Many Hamilton and Halton Conservation areas’ trails offer access to the Bruce trail.

pADDlE A cAnADiAn hEritAGE riVErexperience the historic Grand river by canoe, kayak, raft or stand-up paddleboard. if you need to rent equipment or would like a guide to lead the way, the area’s many outfitting companies will be glad to assist.

DiscoVEr thE wAtErFAll cApitAl oF thE worlD Hamilton is home to 100 different waterfalls along the niagara Escarpment and the Bruce trail. an extensive network of trails and hiking routes make it easy to experience these cascades on your own. guided and self-guided Bruce trail waterfall walks are also offered.

ExplorE onE oF cAnADA’s UnEsco worlD BiosphErE rEsErVEsthe niagara Escarpment is a Canadian landmark 450 million years in the making. amazing hiking, biking and climbing experiences await on and along this spectacular ridge of fossil-filled rock at the area’s many conservation areas.

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sPring wHite water rafting

…AViD ADVEntUrEr

rafting…FAmilYFUn

eXPerienCetHe

triP ideas for…

GrAnDriVEr

guided Canoe triP

…nEw ExplorEr

Gliding the Grand’s gentle currents in a hefty raft is a great way to introduce not-so-strong swimmers to the fun of paddling.

Float back in time spending a day on this beautiful Canadian Heritage River that’s bordered by virtually untouched Carolinian forest and is home to 80 species of fish.

Area outfitters combine guided paddling trips with photography classes, yoga, edible plant hikes and more for truly unique experiences.

high early spring waters on the nith river near paris create exciting whitewater rafting with class 1 & 2 rapids.

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Grand River, Paris

kelso Mountain Biking

…AViD ADVEntUrEr

eXPloring eraMosa karst

…FAmilYFUn

eXPerienCetHe niAGArA

EscArpmEnt

Beginner roCk CliMBing

…nEw ExplorEr

Discover a paleolithic playground of sinkholes, disappearing streams, a natural limestone bridge, ontario’s tenth largest cave and more at Eramosa Karst conservation Area.

Forget indoor climbing gyms. let an area outfitter gear you up and teach you to scale the limestone cliffs of milton’s rattlesnake point.

in addition to 22 kilometres of marked trails, a new mountain Bike skills Zone is opening this summer at Kelso conservation Area featuring wooden bridges, rollers, rocks and logs so riders of all ages can learn to properly tackle technical trail features.

This 750-km ridge of fossil-filled rock is a Canadian landmark 450 million years in the making. Stunning views create a perfect backdrop for your next adventure.

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triP ideas for…

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Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Milton

offiCialend-to-end Hike

…AViD ADVEntUrEr

Crawford lake Hike

…FAmilYFUn

eXPerienCetHe BrUcE

trAil

BruCe trail waterfall walk

…nEw ExplorEr

the Bruce trail passes through crawford lake conservation Area’s 19 kilometres of colour-coded trails. white painted blazes on trees indicate you’re trekking on this national treasure.

choose a guided hike with all the trimmings or a self-guided tour to experience a stunning collection of waterfalls, scenic views and carolinian forests.

this annual Bruce trail club event features a series of hikes that covers 120 kilometres over the course of four days.

Canada’s oldest and longest foothpath winds its way 890 kilometres along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory with easy access at local conservation areas.

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triP ideas for…

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tHis Page and oPPosite:Bruce Trail, Hamilton

ratHer ditCH tHe tent tHan PitCH tHe tent? Prefer gourMet farM-to-taBle Cuisine to franks and Beans? Have we got tHe triP for you!

GlAmpinG 2.0

VoYAGEinto pArADisE

Prepare to be pampered on this luxury grand river and Cootes Paradise paddling experience featuring a voyageur Canoe trip, first nations storytelling, music and dance, a behind-the-scenes canoe tour of

the world-famous royal Botanical gardens, gourmet meals and two nights at a luxurious hotel.

GrAnD riVEr

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Grand River, ParisPHoto: Louise Gleeson, latenightplays.com

Louise Gleeson Louise Gleeson

GUiDEDwAtErFAll wAlKs

BrUcE trAil

experience waterfalls, scenic vistas, Carolinian forests and the natural beauty of the niagara escarpment on these two-day and five-day guided trips. you’ll see a total of 19 stunning waterfalls on the 25-kilometre, two-day hike and 28 waterfalls on the 45-kilometre, five-day hike and enjoy delicious meals and luxury hotel accommodation.

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Visit oUrtrUEnAtUrE.cA/trip-iDEAs For complEtE DEtAils AnD BooKinG inFormAtion For thEsE GUiDED trips.

eXPlore tHe waterfall CaPital of tHe world

wAtErtAKE mE to thE

Make Hamilton your home base for a few days and set out on an unforgettable two-day or four-day waterfall wander. follow the Bruce trail along

these self-guided routes and be prepared to be wowed by scenic views and stunning vistas.

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Webster’s Falls, HamiltonPHoto: Man Khun Chan

DistAncE: 26 Km over two days throughout Hamilton and dundas

wAtErFAlls: 12lower Cliffview falls, lower westcliffe falls, upper Princess falls, tiffany falls, sherman falls, old dundas road falls, little Canterbury falls, Canterbury falls, Hermitage Cascade, webster’s falls, tew’s falls, Borer’s falls

othEr scEnic hiGhliGhts: Hermitage ruins, spencer gorge, dundas Peak, royal Botanical gardens

DistAncE: 45.5 Km over four days throughout stoney Creek, Hamilton and dundas

wAtErFAlls: 18devil’s Punch Bowl waterfall, lower Punch Bowl waterfall, felker’s falls, albion falls, lower Cliffview falls, lower westcliffe falls, upper Princess falls, tiffany falls, sherman falls, old dundas road falls, little Canterbury falls, Canterbury falls, Hermitage Cascade, webster’s falls, tew’s falls, Borer’s falls, upper Quarry Cascade, great falls

othEr scEnic hiGhliGhts: Hermitage ruins, spencer gorge, dundas Peak, royal Botanical gardens, devil’s Punch Bowl Conservation area lookout, Clappison woods, grindstone Creek

lEArn morE ABoUt thEsE oUtDoor ADVEntUrEs At oUrtrUEnAtUrE.cA

Prefer to Have soMeone else lead tHe way? tHere are also guided versions of tHese triPs. sEE pAGE 13 For DEtAils.

swEEt DrEAmsa great selection of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts located just a short drive from the Bruce trail offer a perfect retreat at the end of your daily hikes.

BEForE YoU Go the Bruce trail guide will be your bible for these hikes. Purchase your copy at Chapters, indigo or MeC or online at www.brucetrail.org. there is also a new Bruce trail app for iPhone and iPad for just $9.99.

2-DAYtHe tEAsEr 4-DAYtHe FEAt

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Tiffany Falls, HamiltonPHoto: Gary Crallé

Webster’s Falls, HamiltonPHoto: Shirley A. Dennis

Sherman Falls, HamiltonPHoto: Gary Crallé

Bruce Trail, Hamilton Tew’s Falls, Hamilton

mAKE trAcKstry out this fun sport without making an investment in the equipment. snowshoe rentals are available at several conservation areas, including pinehurst lake, terra cotta and crawford lake.

riDE thE rAil trAils the 32-kilometre hamilton to Brantford rail trail was ontario’s first entirely off-road, interurban hiking and biking trail and has become a frosty favourite amongst cross country ski fans. if you’re looking for a shorter jaunt, the paris to Brantford rail trail, at 14 kilometres, is another great choice.

hit thE slopEsHalton’s Glen Eden offers equipment rentals, downhill skiing, a snowboard park, snow tubing and lessons for all ages and skill levels.

5 ways to CeleBrate tHe flake in HaMilton Halton Brant

wintEr onGEt YoUr

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Main PHoto:Ontario Parks, Bronte Creek, Oakville

scAlE A FroZEn wAtErFAlltiffany Falls offers a unique challenge for rock climbers looking to scale the niagara escarpment during the winter months.

sEt Up cAmpwith the proper equipment, winter camping can actually be quite a cozy experience. Book a site at rattlesnake point or Valens lake conservation Areas.

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this nationally designated important Bird area (iBa) hosts hundreds of species of birds on their spring and autumn migrations, including the least bittern, hooded warbler, white pelican, Caspian tern, black-crowned night heron, osprey, pileated woodpecker, and the prothonotary warbler. a pair of bald eagles have stolen the show in recent years, however, with the claim of being the first to nest on lake ontario in more than 40 years.

five Can’t-Miss aniMal enCounters in HaMilton Halton Brant

wilDliFEwow

Baldeagle cootEs

pArADisE

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watch closely on Bruce trail adventures in the early spring and you may just spot the endangered Jefferson salamander. these rare creatures are particularly fond of the niagara escarpment’s deep rock fissures. during the first spring rains of March and april they head to small woodland ponds, often created by the melting snow, to breed. these amphibians are so adored that the community of Burlington closes king road to traffic each spring to allow their safe passage back to the ponds where they were born.

you’ll be in very good company as you hike, bike or cross country ski Mountsberg Conservation area’s 16 kilometres of trails. Mountsberg is also home to 15 different species of native birds of prey at the douglas g. Cockburn raptor Centre as well as its very own herd of bison.

don’t forget to look up when you’re hiking at Mount nemo Conservation area. the park is a favourite hangout for turkey vultures. the thermal updrafts and air currents off the niagara escarpment create a perfect playground for these winged wonders, who can glide on their six-foot wingspan for up to six hours without flapping a wing. the Brock Harris lookout and north loop lookout are great locations for watching the show, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Cn tower!

JeffersonsalaMander

aMeriCanBison

turkeyvulture

BrUcEtrAil

moUntsBErGconsErVAtion ArEA

moUnt nEmoconsErVAtion ArEA

you’re apt to pass this prehistoric-looking creature catching some rays on the banks of the grand river on your next canoe, kayak or rafting adventure. Canada’s largest freshwater turtle is actually not such a strong swimmer, so you may also spot one making its way by foot on the bottom of the river.

snaPPingturtle GrAnD

riVEr

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oUtFitmY trip

whether you’re looking to rent some gear, get a lesson or have an expert guide lead the

way, Hamilton Halton Brant’s many outdoor outfitters are eager to assist.

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Q: i’D loVE For mY KiDs to lEArn how to pADDlE A cAnoE, BUt i’VE nEVEr lEArnED mYsElF. AnY sUGGEstions?

A: the gentle currents of the grand river make it a great place to learn basic canoeing skills. local outfitters like Grand river rafting, Grand Experiences and heritage river canoe and Kayak will have you and your kids paddling in no time. Dragonfly paddling also offers instructional canoe courses on Pinehurst lake.

Q: i wAnt to trY stAnD-Up pADDlEBoArDinG this sUmmEr. cAn i trY it BEForE inVEstinG in A BoArD oF mY own?

A: in addition to offering rental stand-up paddleboards, Grand river rafting offers a lesson and trip package that includes an introduction to equipment, safety, getting on the board, paddling stances, and steering followed by practice on the water and a self-guided trip down the river. if you’d prefer to try this sport on lake ontario, 10 toe paddle offers stand-up paddleboard rentals in Burlington.

Q: i’VE hEArD thE GrAnD riVEr hAs GrEAt FishinG. ArE thErE AnY oUtFittErs who lEAD FishinG trips?

A: Grand Experiences offers guided five-hour fishing trips on the grand river that will have you casting off for brown trout, steelhead trout, and smallmouth bass. Grand river rafting offers guided shore wading fishing trips, platform raft fishing trips and drift boat fishing excursions.

Q: i wAnt to trY rocK climBinG, BUt thE EQUipmEnt sEEms prEttY intimiDAtinG. ArE thErE coUrsEs For BEGinnErs?

A: one Axe pursuits and Zen climb offer introductory rock climbing courses at Milton’s rattlesnake Point Conservation area. all equipment is included for your scale up the limestone cliffs.

Q: i’D liKE to trY riVEr rAFtinG, BUt Don’t wAnt to DriVE All thE wAY to ottAwA to Do it. ArE thErE AnY options on thE GrAnD riVEr?

A: there are several outfitters who offer rafting trips along the grand river, including Grand river rafting, Grand Experiences, and Blue heron rafting.

hiKinG to DEVil’s pUnch Bowl?Maple syrup butter tarts at punch Bowl market & Bakery are right around the corner.

cYclinG thE hAmBUr?a killer midday meal is a must when you’re cycling this 50km loop. delicious greek food on the patio at Barangas on the Beach is a great option.

pADDlinG thE GrAnD riVEr?Portage your way to camp 31 in Paris for delectable alabama-style barbecue.

rocK climBinG At rAttlEsnAKE point?stop for lunch in Milton at springridge Farm’s café for tasty sandwiches, salads and freshly baked treats.

trAil mixCan’t-Miss snaCk stoPs for Pre- and Post-adventure fuel

rEmix

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let Hamilton Halton Brant’s conservation areas and private campgrounds serve as home base for your next outdoor adventure. with so many to choose from you’re sure to find a site that caters to your unique needs.

sEt Up cAmp AnD stAY AwhilE

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GonE FishinGif your favourite piece of camping gear is a tackle box, head to Fifty point conservation Area’s 70 fully serviced sites in stoney Creek. fish for salmon in lake ontario or catch rainbow trout and largemouth bass in the stocked pond. salmon charters are also available.

First timErBronte creek provincial park’s learn to Camp program hosts new campers on an overnight trip to teach fundamentals like how to set-up camp, build a campfire and much more. Be sure to reserve early for this popular program.

BEAch BUmthere’s a nine-hectare lake and a sandy beach for campers to enjoy at pinehurst lake conservation Area, as well as eight kilometres of nature trails. the park has 230 campsites.

pADDlE DippErBrant conservation Area’s 400 campsites are a popular destination for grand river paddlers. there are several locations to put your canoe into the water above and below wilkes dam and a marked portage is available to pass around the dam.Canoes and kayaks are available for rent.

thE morE thE mErriErgroup camping sites at Conservation Halton’s rattlesnake point and Kelso make it easy to accommodate a large crew. there are 10 sites that can accommodate groups of up to 12 and three sites that can accommodate up to 18.

Valens Lake Conservation Area, Hamilton

GrAnD riVEr

“…the river is mostly calm, although we did pass a class one rapid called the ‘Big Bloop.’ But for the most part, it was a delightful summer’s day meander down the river. Made more relaxing because it was only a one to one and a half hour drive from toronto.”

Jacqueline swartz,

travel writer, Indulged Traveler

“we felt the sun on our faces and along the backs of arms as we dipped our paddles in and out of the water and listened to the soundtrack of the river, while taking in the sight of the wildlife and forest that surround it. the stress melted away with each kilometre that we travelled.”

louise gleeson,

blogger, Late Night Plays

roYAl BotAnicAl GArDEns

“we appreciate flora and fauna, but are by no means hardcore fans so we weren’t really sure what we’d get up to at the royal Botanical gardens. we figured an hour and we’d be out. sound about right? we arrived around 10:30 a.m. and didn’t walk out until well past 2:30 p.m.”

yashy Murphy,

blogger, Baby and Life

“whenever we visit the rBg though, we spend the majority of our time in the gardens of Hendrie Park. the two calm reflecting pools that greet visitors as they exit the rBg Centre into the gardens are the perfect introduction to the diverse collections of the park which include everything from rose gardens, to wild flowers to medicinal plants.”

lisa goodmurphy, blogger,

Gone With The Family

thE BrUcE trAil

“it was one of the most refreshing, beautiful and fascinating walks i’ve had in a very long time. i admit that i’m not an avid hiker or the “outdoorsy type” if you will, but after this experience, i will make sure to hit the trails more often. it’s so serene and just the feeling you get afterwards is absolutely exhilarating! especially if you conquer those crazy Chedoke stairs off the Bruce trail!”

Carol gomez,

blogger, Carol Au Courant

“it’s hard to believe. Canada’s largest steel-making city has a refreshing, even european touch. Canoe & kayak outfitter grand experiences proves it with a curious mix of hiking through canopied forests past 19 waterfalls that flirt with but never meet the big city, overnights in a lux boutique hotel, excellent picnic lunch on the trail plus gourmet dinners in area restaurants. scrap the lunch bucket for this one, folks; we’re talking about another side of Hamilton, ontario!”

gary Crallé,

travel photographer and writer

trAVEl writErs AnD BloGGErs ArE DiscoVErinG hAmilton hAlton BrAnt’s oUtDoor ADVEntUrEs ArE A BrEAth oF FrEsh Air

rAVinGFAns

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Crawford Lake, Conservation Halton

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