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 >>

May 24

Learn how to wet-felt a wool “painting” tapestry workshop

Monika Schaefer Pottery & Fibre Art Studio

2 Palomino Drive, Carlisle, ON L0R 1H3

Wednesday May 24, 2-5pm, in Monika Schaefer Art Studio in Carlisle, ON, no experience needed!

Now thru April 7

Maple Syrup Season at Westfield Heritage Village

Westfield Heritage Village

1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton, ON, L0R 1X0

Each reservation is for a 2-hour time slot, includes parking for one vehicle, and are...

March 26, 2023

MicroMosaic Jewellery with Heather Vollans

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant

20 Ava Road, Brantford, ON, N3T 5G9

Date: Sunday, March 26th Time: 1 pm – 4 pm Location: Coach House at Glenhyrst...

Now thru May 22

Pigment to Pixel: Digitizing the Permanent Collection

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Now thru May 24

Toddler Days

Joseph Brant Museum

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

Now thru December 7

Oakville Museum Guided Tour

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

8 Navy Street, Oakville, ON, L6J 2Y5

Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. General admission by donation (Suggested $7 per...

April 12 - 19

Ceramic Buttons/Stitch Markers Workshop

Monika Schaefer Pottery & Fibre Art Studio

2 Palomino Dr, Carlisle, ON a L0R 1H3

2-day workshop: Wedensday April 12 AND Wednesday April 19, 2-5pm both days, in Monika Schaefer...

Now thru June 1

Brant County Beer Tour

The Beer Tour Company

All patrons must be 19yrs of age or older. By booking you are accepting our...

Now thru May 28

Radical Stitch

Art Gallery of Hamilton

123 King Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8P 4S8

Similar Stories View All >>

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

The definitive spring guide to fresh air forays.

Read More

Escape To The Country

6 Rural Retreats To Replenish Your Spirit This Spring

Read More

A Taste of Indigenous Traditions

Fun new flavourful ways to explore Indigenous culture.

Read More

The Fab Fall Road Trip Roundup

6 Amazing Autumn Drive Destination

Read More

The Last-Minute Camper’s Guide To Finding (and Saving) on a Site

So many fun ways to set up camp!

Read More

The Only-In-Ontario Summer Road Trip

Can’t-Miss Stops For Your Next Cruise

Read More

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

Pick A Theme To Find Your Fun

Read More

Save S’more on Spring and Summer Camping

Book A Campsite While You Can

Read More

7 Sensational Stays

Stellar Vacation Rentals

Read More

8 Outdoor Activities That Deliver Thrills and Chills In Any Fall Weather

Find late-fall fun.

Read More

The Wander-Fall Adventure Finder

Make the most of exploring season.

Read More

Summer 2.0

Stretch out summer fun a little longer.

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.