If you fancy your wildlife with a hefty side of nature, it’s time to head to Hamilton Halton Brant. The region’s unique geography, including the Niagara Escarpment, vast Carolinian forests and the Grand River, make it a literal breeding ground for a diverse range of animals, birds and reptiles. That, combined with an enthusiastic community of conservationists committed to inspiring future generations of nature lovers, has resulted in some very unique (and very fun) ways to interact with the region’s wildlife.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 1

    DOUGLAS G. COCKBURN RAPTOR CENTRE AT MOUNTSBERG CONSERVATION AREA, MILTON

    The Douglas G. Cockburn Raptor Centre is currently home to 15 different species of native birds of prey, including eagles, owls, falcons, hawks and vultures. The over two dozen birds that call the Centre home each have a unique story, as many have experienced injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild.

    Birds of Prey shows, which are held daily during July and August and on weekends and holidays during the rest of the year, allow visitors to see the birds up close and ask the staff questions. Photography enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Centre’s one-hour Raptors In Focus workshops, where Raptor Centre staff work with the feathered ambassadors to enable participants to take truly one-of-a-kind photos.

  • 2

    HIDE AND SEEK TRAIL, CRAWFORD LAKE CONSERVATION AREA, MILTON

    Crawford Lake’s Hide and Seek Trail is an engaging and fun way to bring the important issue of endangered wildlife species to life for young children. Larger than life wooden carvings of endangered species, including the Hooded Warbler, Jefferson Salamander, Monarch Butterfly and Snapping Turtle are located along the trail. After your hike, walk the boardwalk around the lake and watch the turtles paddling in the water. If you have older children, consider hiking the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail, which runs between Crawford Lake and Rattlesnake Point Conservation Areas. Be sure to look up and watch the turkey vultures soar on the thermal currents created by the Niagara Escarpment. The prehistoric-looking birds can glide on their six-foot wingspan for up to six hours without flapping a wing!

  • 3

    HENDRIE VALLEY, ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, BURLINGTON

    Royal Botanical Gardens’ nature sanctuaries are home to 277 types of migratory birds, 37 mammal species, 14 reptile species, 9 amphibian species and 68 species of Lake Ontario fish. Spend a few hours exploring the Hendrie Valley walking trails and you’re sure to encounter some of them. At the South Pasture Swamp, keep an eye out for beaver and muskrat. During the spring and fall at Grindstone Creek, watch for seasonal fish spawning of herring, spottail shiner and salmon.

  • 4

    Grand River

    Spending a few hours paddling on the Grand River is a fun way to have a float-by wildlife sighting. Look up and watch for Great Blue Herons, eagles and osprey. Look down and watch for snapping turtles, bass and trout. Look to the shore and beyond into the Carolinian forest that borders the river and you may be rewarded with a sighting of a beaver, muskrat, fox or deer. Local outfitters, including Grand River Rafting and Grand Experiences, make it easy to get out for a few hours on the Grand on a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or river raft. They provide all the gear you’ll need and give you the choice of a guided or unguided trip.

  • 5

    HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDES, OAKVILLE

    Keep an eye out for deer, coyote, hawks and falcons as you explore the tree-lined fields and forests that surround The Ranch horse farm in Oakville on horseback. The one-hour trail rides are suitable for any level of rider ages 10 and up. For a truly unique experience, organize a group of 10 or more for a private Twilight Ride, where you’ll return at dusk to a campfire and cook-it-yourself BBQ.

  • 6

    ERAMOSA KARST CONSERVATION AREA, STONEY CREEK

    Wild turkey, coyote, white-tailed deer, meadow voles, Red-eyed Vireos, Indigo Buntings, Savannah Sparrows and the Red-tailed Hawk all call the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area home, but the geology is so fascinating here it’s easy to forget to watch for them. The Eramosa Karst contains examples of 16 different karst features, including soil pipes, sinkholes, sinking streams, dry valleys and a 335-metre-long cave. Plan a trip for an awesome day of exploring.

  • 7

    Bruce Trail

    The Niagara Escarpment is home to 300 species of birds, 53 types of mammals, 36 species of reptiles and amphibians and 90 types of fish. Hiking the Bruce Trail, which runs along the Niagara Escarpment, is a great way to spot some of them. If you’re bringing kids along, download a copy of the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Biodiversity and Me booklet before you set out. The booklet’s fun activities and checklists will turn your hike into a fun scavenger hunt for birds, animals and plants along Canada’s oldest and longest footpath. Great family-friendly Bruce Trail access points within Hamilton Halton Brant include Limehouse Conservation Area, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Royal Botanical Gardens and Mount Nemo Conservation Area.

Travel Deals View All >>

Experiences & Tours View All >>

April 6 - 14

Sap to Syrup: A Maple Syrup Making Experience

Terra Cotta Conservation Area

14452 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Halton Hills, ON, L0P 1N0

Dates: Apr 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th Two Sessions: 10:00am to 12:00pm & 2:00pm...

April 21 - 28

Downtown Oakville: Wellness Week 2024 – Free Class: Hot Sculpt

178 Lakeshore Rd E Oakville, ON L6J 1H6

Dates & Times: From Apr 21st to Apr 28th Multiple time slots available Free Event...

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...

April 27

Paw-some Pet Party with the Oakville Milton Humane Society

445 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON

Date & Time: Apr 27th, 9:30am - 12:30pm Drop Off - 9:15am to 9:30am Pick...

Now thru May 19

Arnold Jacobs – Power of the Feather

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 5G9

Date: Mar 23rd - May 19th

April 17

Harmonious Creation: Art and Sound Therapy Session

Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre

1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 7B2

Date & Time: Apr 17th, 6:30pm - 9:00pm Session Price: $50.00

Now thru December 31

Music Bingo at Flux

Flux Brewing Company

185 Oakland Rd, Scotland, ON N0E 1R0

Date & Time: January 17th (1st bingo night of the year) $5 cover to join

Now thru January 1

Museums Burlington Online Galleries

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

April 13

Sugarbush Wagon Rides At Terra Cotta Conservation

Terra Cotta Conservation Area

14452 Winston Churchill Boulevard, Halton Hills, ON, L0P 1N0

Date: Apr 13th Times: 4:30pm to 7:30pm with rides every half hour Price: $20.00 each...

April 22

Downtown Oakville: Wellness Week 2024 – Zazen Studio: An Herbal Approach to Easing Anxiety

ZaZen Meditation Studio 251 Lakeshore Rd. E. 2nd Floor. Oakville, ON L6J 1H9

Date & Time: Apr 22nd, 7:30pm to 8:30pm Free Event Registration Required

Now thru March 28, 2024

Special Exhibition: Sound, Just Sound

Joseph Brant Museum

1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5

Date & Time: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm Ticket Price: included with regular admission...

Similar Stories View All >>

Sneaky Spring Savings

5 Ways to Do More & Spend Less On Family Fun This Weekend

Read More

The Best of Spring: Six Ways to Find a Fresh Air Fix

The definitive guide to fresh air forays.

Read More

Birding in Hamilton Halton Brant

Why birdwatchers flock to these six hotspots.

Read More

Cross Country Trail Blazing

Conservation areas offer great access to the Niagara Escarpment during winter months.

Read More

Brrr-ing on big winter fun

Make a choice to bundle up and face winter head on.

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

Plan a Couples Paddling Getaway You’ll BOTH Love

Plan A Paddling Escape For 2

Read More

The Getaway Gang 6 Ways To Plan An Amazing Last-Minute Camping Trip With Friends

Creative ways to find a campsite.

Read More

Water, Land, Air: Find Unexpected New Ways For Your Family To Play This Summer

Family Fun 3 Ways

Read More

Sunday Funday: 4 Relaxing Ways to Wrap Up The Week

Bringing back the concept of simple Sunday fun.

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

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.