Is your diaper bag a backpack? Would your kids rather watch actual birds than play Angry Birds? Is your favourite family meal cooked on a camp fire?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, we think your crew qualifies as a fresh air family. Here are some experiences in Hamilton Halton Brant that we think you’ll love.

  • 1

    If you're seeking a day in the snow...

    Don’t let winter stop your sense of adventure. Embrace the flake with awesome activities like skiing and snowboarding at Kelso’s Glen Eden.

    Winter wanderers will love snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Pinehurst Lake, Crawford Lake, Mountsberg, Hilton Falls, Christie Lake, Valens Lake and Dundas Valley conservation areas.

    Crawford Lake also offers sunset snowshoe hikes for families and moonlight snowshoe hikes for adults every Saturday during the winter season.

    Get off the beaten path on a Grand Valley winter hike with Grand Experiences. This guided hike takes you through conservation lands where you’ll see wildlife in their natural habitat, search for animal tracks and spot bald eagle nests. You may even catch a glimpse of the amazing eagle returning from a hunting trip. An advanced version of this trip teaches you winter survival skills in the forest plus a campfire cookout.

  • Brant
    Grand River, Paris
    Brant
    8

    If you're looking for a grand old time...

    Grand River Rafting’s turbo tubes are perfect for families looking to explore the Grand River at a leisurely pace. The 8-km trip takes you through serene landscape boasting lush forest and wildlife. You can drift freely or tie your tubes together for a family float. Kids 3 and up are permitted to tube.

    Local outfitter Grand Experiences has the equipment you need, including kayaks, rafts and canoes, for a paddle down the Cayuga Run. This self-guided trip flows with the river’s current, so little paddlers won’t get too tired out on this ride.

    On Grand Experiences’ Turtle Island Aboriginal Adventure you’ll journey along the Grand River in a 12-person Voyageur Canoe to Turtle Island to meet a Native storyteller around a campfire. Along the way you’ll learn about the surrounding Carolinian forest and maybe even see some wildlife!

    Try a family kayaking experience on the Grand River. Grand River Rafting offers 2-person inflatable non-tip yaks, which are similar to kayaks and are great for little ones learning to paddle. They also offer a great family rafting experience. The 13 km self-guided Cayuga route is perfect for families with children 2 and up. You’ll get a map before you leave to guide you along the way and show you the best spots to jump out for a swim. The route also boasts scenic views and a picnic area complete with facilities.

    Close-by camping option: Families looking for fresh-air fun will have a blast camping at Brant Park Conservation Area. With its close proximity to the Grand River, you can enjoy the activities of the park as well as nearby paddling outfitters.

  • 4

    If you enjoy family walkabouts...

    Hamilton is a hiker’s paradise, boasting a vast trail network and over 100 waterfalls that are easily accessible from the city’s core.

    Head over to Royal Botanical Gardens for a guided, half-day hike. Expert guides are happy to answer questions along the way, as well as teach hikers about the unique, natural setting around them. Hendrie Valley is great for families looking to hike. The 100-hectre grindstone creek valley stretches to the end of Carroll’s Bay and contains the finest collection of floodplain wetlands in western Lake Ontario.

     

  • Halton
    Burlington Waterfront
    Halton
    2

    If you're looking to make a splash...

    Eight waterfront parks, a beautiful beach area and a vibrant renewed downtown waterfront, pier and promenade make the Burlington Waterfront the perfect place for family fun.

    Bring your bikes or rent some from local outfitters and spend the day cycling along scenic Lake Ontario shoreline, then take to the water for a family stand up paddleboarding excursion. While you’re in the neighbourhood, enjoy a paddling experience at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Cootes Paradise. Learn about the wetland plants and discover the unique wildlife that surrounds the natural marshland.

  • 3

    If you want to set up camp...

    Valens Lake Conservation Area offers endless fun for families looking to camp for a few days. The park’s 10 km of trails are great for hiking and cycling, and the sandy beach and natural lake area is the perfect place to relax and swim. Families looking to paddle can rent kayaks, canoes and rowboats at the park.

    Families looking for fresh-air fun will have a blast camping at Brant Park. With its close proximity to the Grand River, you can enjoy the activities of the park as well as nearby paddling outfitters. Take some time to explore Brant Park’s nature trails by foot or by bike. Kids will also love swimming in the park’s 1.25-acre pool.

    Pinehurst Lake is another great camping option that’s close to the Grand River.

    Escape to the great outdoors for a weekend campout at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Families will love the park’s leisurely trails, family-friendly attractions, 1.8-acre swimming pool, as well as its close proximity to the region’s outdoor gems.

  • 5

    If you want to bring your bikes...

    Kelso Conservation Area in Milton offers amazing Niagara Escarpment views and easy access to some of the region’s best mountain bike trails. The 22 km of trails are well marked and rated by skill level for convenience. Kelso’s new Mountain Bike Skills Zone, which features wooden bridges, rollers, rocks and logs, is a great place for riders of all ages to check out before heading out on the trails. Plan to camp for the night at Kelso so you can ride a little longer.

    If you’re looking for a leisurely ride, you’ll love Halton’s Escarpment View route. Breathtaking views of rich agricultural land and the Niagara Escarpment are everywhere on this 31 km trip. Park and start at Milton’s Velodrome Centre then head over to Bell School Line and down into beautiful rural Burlington. Cycle under the impressive rock face of the escarpment on Walker’s Line. You’ll eventually wind your way back up to the Village of Kilbride.

    Looking for two-wheel fun but lacking the four wheels needed to get there? GO Transit offers bike trains every day of the week (except during rush hour), making it easy for car-less families to explore new trails close to home.

    Ride the GO and get off at Burlington Station. Head towards the Waterfront Trail. This seamlessly smooth trail connecting Burlington to Hamilton is perfect for parents with trailers and kid seats, as well as little ones learning to pedal on their own.

    Enjoy scenic Lake Ontario shorelines, playgrounds, beaches, attractions and restaurants as you make your way along the 10 km trail. Stop at Confederation Park for an afternoon of fun. Kids will love the waterpark and the activities and attractions of Adventure Village. Just be sure to save a little bit of energy for the ride back.

    If you’re looking for a longer ride that offers overnight stops, the 50 km Hambur Loop that winds through Hamilton and Burlington offers recreational cyclists a great touring option for taking in some of the area’s most stunning waterfronts and scenic lookouts. Start the ride at Aldershot GO Station or get off at Burlington GO Station and pick up the trail at the waterfront.

Looking for more outdoor adventure inspiration, click here

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

December 31 - February 14

Enchanted Evenings at Winterlit

Mountsberg Conservation Area and Discovery Centre

2259 Millborough Line, Campbellville, ON, L0P 1B0

Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 5:30pm to 10:30pm Friday, February 14, 2025, from 6:00pm to...

December 21

Ornament Craft with Rivers and Meadows

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

35 YORK BOULEVARD

Date & Time: Sat, Dec 21st, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm FREE Admission

Now thru December 31

Explore Paris Like A Local – A Sweet Escape

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a 4.5 hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Now thru December 31

‘To Market We Go’ – Brantford & Brant

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This Tasty Road Trips Tour is a full-day trip experience with a customized...

Now thru December 31

Hamilton Civic Museums Virtual Tours

28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1

Now thru December 6, 2024

Poetry Night at Dog-Eared Cafe

Dog-Eared Cafe

121 Grand River St N, Paris, ON

Dates and Times: 1st Fri of every month - 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Now thru December 31

A Taste of Paris – Sip, Savour & Shopping

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour includes three tasting locations with timed stops to make your day...

Now thru December 31

Private Date Night Painting for 2

studio k2

The Cotton Factory, DyeWorks Building, 9 Landsdowne Avenue, Hamilton

Whenever Date Night is! Event Price: $165.00 + hst per couple.

Now thru December 31

Introductory Flight Lesson

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Cost: $152.55 including HST

Now thru December 31

Sightseeing Flights

Brantford Flight Centre

110 Aviation Ave. Brantford, ON N3T 5L7, Canada

Dates: All year round Prices: vary by flight length

Now thru December 31

Home of #99 Taste Adventure

Tasty Road Trips Food Tours

Paris, Ontario

Tour Details: This tour is a five+ hour all-inclusive self-guided tour with all food, sips,...

Similar Stories View All >>

Now thru January 5 Winter Wonders at RBG

Lights. Nature. Action!

Read More

Fall For Each Other: A Romantic Two-Day Road Trip Around Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

A Fresh Fall Family Adventure in Hamilton Halton Brant

Treat your fam to two days of non-stop fun!

Read More

A Colourful Fall Road Trip With Friends around Hamilton Halton Brant

Pack your bags for a relaxed adventure with your BFFs.

Read More

The Fab Fall Road Trip Roundup

6 Amazing Autumn Drives Destination

Read More

Summer 2.0

Stretch out summer fun a little longer.

Read More

Fall For… Dundas and Ancaster

Make fall memories in Dundas and Ancaster.

Read More

Fall For… Hamilton

Grab a sweater and head out for a fall day in Hamilton.

Read More

Fall For… Oakville

Enjoy an autumn outing in Oakville.

Read More

Fall For… Burlington

Breeze into Burlington this fall

Read More

Fall For… Halton Hills

A burst of autumn in Halton Hills.

Read More

Fall For… Grand River Country

Explore Grand River Country this fall.

Read More

Get Travel OffersEvent Details and
Planning Ideas for Your Next Trip

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.