Colourful Fall Fun

Experience Carolinian forest in its colourful fall cloak along Royal Botanical Gardens’ 27 kilometres of walking trails that include over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks and 21 stream crossings, and Dundas Valley Conservation’s 40 kilometres of trails.

The 2-kilometre Six Nations of the Grand River Nature Trail in Ohsweken takes hikers on a journey through Carolinian forests and is a great option for young hikers. Interpretative signs along the route help create an appreciation for the largest single block of Carolinian woodland in Canada.

Home to what’s believed to be the largest number of unique karst features in any protected area in the province, Eramosa Karst Conservation Area features trails, boardwalks and bridges to encourage exploration of these unique geological formations that include a natural dolomitic limestone bridge and Ontario’s tenth largest cave.

The Niagara Escarpment is a Canadian landmark 450 million years in the making. Explore this spectacular ridge of fossil-filled rock by foot or by bike at the region’s many conservation areas.

Experience the natural wonders of the Niagara Escarpment as well as the cultural heritage of its past at Limehouse Conservation Area. The Bruce Trail and its side trails take visitors through a variety of Escarpment landscapes and even into its geological heart at an area known as the “Hole in the Wall,” where ladders cut through fissures in the escarpment rock.

Terra Cotta Conservation Area is a trail lover’s paradise with a variety of trails that run through forests, fields, lakes and ponds of the Niagara Escarpment’s surroundings and let you experience natural settings close to urban and rural developments.

The 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 offer access to the trail.

Guided Bruce Trail Waterfall Walks feature waterfalls, scenic vistas, Carolinian forests and the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. 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 while enjoying delicious meals and luxury hotel accommodation.

Through some of the hiking trails along the Niagara Escarpment discover fall waterfall wonders surrounded by beautiful changing foliage. Beginning September 19, Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, which is home to Tew Falls and Webster Falls as well as the stunning Dundas Peak, will offer reservations for two-hour hiking windows. Reservations must be made online in advance. Not too far away you can find Hilton Falls Conservation Area in Burlington, which is home to another spectacular waterfall, is also taking online reservations for fall visits.

Kelso Conservation Area’s 29 km of marked trails along the Niagara Escarpment allow you to enjoy views of the countryside along the way. Trails are well marked and rated by skill level.

The Dundas Valley is full of waterfalls, elevation changes and sweet singletrack riding, but is for experienced riders only. You’ll need some experience with trail navigation, as the routes are easy to follow using rider generated maps on Everytrail, but aren’t well marked. You can also get a riding map from Freewheel Cycle located in downtown Dundas.

The HamBur Loop winds 50 kilometres through Hamilton and Burlington, offering recreational cyclists a great touring option for taking in some of the area’s most stunning waterfronts and scenic lookouts.

The 32-kilometre Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail meanders alongside the Grand River offering amazing views of rustic fall colours. For a shorter ride, start at Glen Morris and pedal 9 kilometres downstream to Paris. Make sure you spend some time exploring the quaint town’s bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants.

The seamlessly smooth and paved Waterfront Trail connecting Burlington and Hamilton is perfect for parents with trailers and kid seats, as well as little ones learning to pedal on their own. Ride the scenic shorelines of Lake Ontario and enjoy playgrounds, parks and food stops along the way.

Canoe, kayak or raft the Grand River and enjoy the fall-painted leaves of the surrounding Carolinian forest. Grand Experiences, Grand River Rafting and Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Co. are all great local outfitters that will provide your group with the expert guidance and gear you need for a great trip.