Niagara Escarpment Travel Links - Parks in the City of Hamilton

The Bruce Trail is a hiking path that extends for more than 700 km along the entire length of the Escarpment from Queenston to Tobermory, linking the natural features and parks of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System.

While you're in the Hamilton area stop in at historic Raspberry House, the headquarters of the Bruce Trail Conservancy located on the grounds of the RBG's arboretum.

Christie Conservation Area

Christie's lake, surrounded by towering pines and edged with 365 metres of supervised sandy beach, is the perfect spot to spend a day in the summer sun. At the southeast end of the lake, Christie dam protects the town of Dundas from flooding and creates a reservoir for swimmers and non-power boats.

Pavilions, boat rentals, children's play equipment and hundreds of picnic tables scattered across acres of grassy parkland all help explain why this is such a popular family spot. The ponds in the park are even stocked with trout so you might want to bring your fishing rod (in season, of course!)

In the winter, Christie is perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating on the frozen trout ponds. Warm up areas and washrooms are available.

While at Christie, be sure to visit the many historically and environmentally significant landmarks nearby, including Crook's Hollow, Dundas Peak, Spencer Gorge and Webster's Falls.

The entrance to Christie Conservation Area, is on Hwy. 5, west of Highway 6 -- only minutes away from Hamilton, Burlington and Cambridge. Hours: sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. Visit the Hamilton Conservation Authority website for a map to Christie Lake. For information, call toll free 1-888-319-4722.

Crook's Hollow Conservation Area

It may be hard to imagine, but this quiet hollow was once the centre of a thriving industrial empire. Between 1813 and 1826, James Crooks established a sawmill, general store, barrel factory, blacksmith's shop, woolen mill, distillery and tannery here. Today, overtaken by time, the Hollow is a relaxing park of gentle green hills along the banks of Spencer Creek.

Near the ruins of the Darnley Grist Mill, circa 1813, James Crooks produced the first writing paper made in Upper Canada. A historic plaque near the bridge tells the story.

Look carefully and you'll discover other mill foundations and traces of dams -- remnants from a boomtown of yesteryear. Pack a lunch and have a picnic in the shade or just enjoy the quiet beauty.

From Highway 8, take Crook's Hollow Road as it twists and turns through the Hollow. The Conservation Area, with parking, is .06 km east of the ruins of the Darnley Mill.

Devil's Punch Bowl

This Niagara Escarpment natural area contains one of the best exposures of the various sedimentary rock layers in the watershed. A ribbon waterfall plunges 10 storeys into a deep gorge, exposing layer upon layer of sedimentary Escarpment rock.

You don't have to be a geologist to appreciate the beauty of this wonder. And the view from here is simply breathtaking. The heights are crowned with a huge cross overlooking the City of Stoney Creek, Hamilton and Lake Ontario.

This well marked Conservation Area is on Ridge Road, East of Hwy. 20 in Stoney Creek. Visit the HCA website for more information.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Whether you're a hiker or cross country skier in search of a challenging trail; a photography enthusiast, naturalist or history buff; or if you're just looking for a peaceful spot to relax and unwind, you're sure to find what you're looking for at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. The Dundas Valley's 40-kilometre trail system is open to hikers, dog-walkers, cyclists and equestrians.

The Dundas Valley Trail Centre, a replica of a Victorian train station, is the hub of the valley's trail network. The centre, which is open on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., has a food concession, interpretive displays, brochures and maps detailing the Dundas Valley. It is also the starting point for numerous guided hikes and nature-oriented workshops.

The trail system is organized around a main loop with 5 linear trails providing visitors with access to almost every part of the valley. Detailed maps of the trail system are available for purchase at the Dundas Valley Visitor Centre (tel: 905- 627-1233) and at the Hamilton Conservation Authority (link to an external site) administration office in Ancaster.

One of the many fascinating spots to explore in the valley are the ruins of the Hermitage. The Hermitage and its outbuildings have a storied past and formed the centre of a magnificent 100-hectare estate following their construction in 1855. The trail and the Hermitage are always open to visitors; the museum is open between noon and 6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays, from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving.

Don't forget to visit the Griffin House, just west of the Hermitage, which was the home of Enerals Griffin, his wife Priscilla, their children and descendants. Born into slavery in Virginia, Enerals Griffin escaped to freedom in Canada in 1828-29. The home is being restored to the pre-1850 period as a site for interpreting Black-Canadian history.

For directions, click here.

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Felker's Falls

Would you believe a picturesque park with wide views, a waterfall, and trails winding through a green forest is in the centre of a suburban development? You should visit Felker's Falls Conservation Area.

A very special feature of the park is the trail, named in honour of the late Peter Street. Audio cassette tapes and printed interpretive trail guides are available from the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

This quiet park is easy to get to by car, on foot or by public transit. Located on Ackland Street, off Paramount Drive in Stoney Creek, Felker's Falls makes it easy for everyone to share the Escarpment experience.

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Iroquoia Heights

This Niagara Escarpment natural area contains a mix of regionally important biological habitats. The conservation area features passive recreation, including trails and views of Lake Ontario and the Hamilton/Dundas areas.

This Conservation Area with its hiking trails and parking area, is located on the Escarpment brow in the Town of Ancaster adjacent to the intersection of Hwy 403 and Mohawk Road.

Location: Lincoln Alexander Expressway East to Mohawk Road/Golf Links Exit. Left at the light. First left over bridge on Old Mohawk Road. Follow the signs. For more information, visit the Hamilton Conservation Authority website.

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Mount Albion Conservation Area

This 50 hectare park, located atop the Escarpment above Albion Falls, offers a view of the lake and city below. With hiking and cross country skiing, picnic tables and toboggan hills, this park attracts visitors year round.

Royal Botanical Gardens

The world famous Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is a must for anyone who visits the Hamilton area.

The gardens began in the 1930's with a dream to transform an old gravel pit into a rock garden, and create botanical gardens to rival England's Kew Gardens. Today the dream has become a reality with six unique gardens extending over more than 2,700 acres.

Every season at the Royal Botanical Gardens is different, but always captivating and beautiful. Welcome the awakening of spring surrounded by the world's largest collection of lilacs in the fragrant Lilac Dell. Enjoy summer at the Tea House overlooking the Rose garden. Experience the splendor of Coote's Paradise ablaze with fall colours. Explore the snowy trails of the Rock Chapel Sanctuary or forget the weather outside as you wander through the Mediterranean Garden in the greenhouse.

Other special attractions include an educational Teaching Garden, Herb Garden, Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired, Nature Centre and Arboretum. Interesting horticultural courses, plus many other programs and events spanning the seasons are available.

The Centre is located at 680 Plains Road West (Hwy 2) in Burlington, accessible from the QEW and Hwys 6 & 403. The various gardens and extensive natural areas are all within easy reach of the Centre, either on foot or a short drive away. You can find out more by visiting the RBG website (link to an external site) or by calling (416) 527-1158.

Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area

With two waterfalls plus a blend of undisturbed wilderness and manicured parkland, it's little wonder this area has long been a favourite spot for photographers and nature lovers.

From the parking lot, off Fall's View Road, a half-kilometre tail wanders past an old cemetery and through the woods along the rim of the gorge to Tews Falls. You'll want to stop often along the trail to admire the view. Webster's is a magnificent tiered waterfall and Tews, which towers at 41 metres, is only a few metres shorter than Niagara Falls. Both offer spectacular vistas of the gorge.

A nature trail allows access to the Dundas Peak, which provides stunning views of Dundas and Hamilton. Other pathways passing through the park include the Bruce Trailand a side-trail to historic Crook's Hollow Conservation Area.

Directions: Take Hwy 5, West of Hwy 6, South on Brock Road, East on Harvest Road. For directions, click here. For more information, call 628-3060.

Stoney Creek Battlefield Park

Located on the site of a War of 1812 battlefield, this historic park is a reminder of an important chapter in our history.

The brief, but pivotal battle fought here on the early morning of June 6, 1813, repelled invading American forces and turned the tide of the war.

After the battle was over the wounded from both sides were taken to the nearby home of the Gage family and this house, riddled with musket shots, survived to become the carefully restored Battlefield House Museum. The Museum is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., between July 1st and Labour Day. Educational programs are available by appointment. For more information, call (905) 662-8458 or send an email to bhmchin@binatech.on.ca.

Stoney Creek Battlefield Park is located at 77 King Street, West near Centennial Parkway, in the City of Stoney Creek .

Summit Muskeg Bog

This intriguing site is an excellent example of the kind of park that protects and preserves a unique environment.

Thirteen thousand years ago this depression in the land -- a glacial kettle hole -- began to fill with vegetation. This vegetation fossilized as it dried, forming a massive deposit of peat and provides an ancestral record of local vegetation. The fascinating secrets of the bog are now being revealed through an ongoing study by McMaster and Brock Universities.

Due to the fragility of this site public use is not encouraged. (Hamilton Conservation Authority)

Tiffany Falls Conservation Area

Although it is not easy to get to Tiffany Falls, the sight at the end of the difficult trail is ample reward. This trail is only for the intrepid, experienced hiker with a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Every bit as beautiful as its name suggests, Tiffany Falls is a sheer, shimmering cascade with pillars of limestone guarding either side. Huge blocks of stone, like a giant's discarded toys, litter the base of the falls and the sound of rushing water fills the steep-sided valley.

A small layby near the trail entrance is located off Hwy. 2 in Ancaster, half way up the Escarpment.

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Vinemount Conservation Area

The scenic lookout and nature trails at this small park, attract those looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the view from the Escarpment.

Winona Conservation Area

This area, with its trails giving access to the Bruce Trail, is used for nature studies. Visit the HCA website for more information.