Here are some ideas to help nature newbies and family fun seekers get started in our great outdoors in Hamilton Halton Brant.
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1
An easy paddle down the Grand River
The Grand River‘s gentle currents make it a great choice for first-time paddlers. Area outfitters make it so easy to gear up and go.
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2
Walking Canada’s oldest footpath, the Bruce Trail
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, which has plenty of walking options for less than avid hikers.
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3
Floral forays at Canada’s largest Botanical Garden
It’s not quite walking on the wild side, but Royal Botanical Gardens’ 27 kilometres of walking trails include over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks and 21 stream crossings.
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4
Get close to nature at our conservation areas
Whether you’re interested in camping, hiking, swimming, cross country skiing or just getting a little closer to nature, Hamilton Conservation Authority has it all. You can enjoy the parks at Conservation Halton year-round, including Kelso Conservation Area, which changes from a ski hill in winter to sports playground in summer. The Grand River Conservation Authority is home to 7 conservation areas that offer habitat to a wide range of bird, plant and animal species.
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5
An ideal cycling route for the whole family
The seamlessly smooth and paved trail connecting Burlington and Hamilton along the waterfront 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, beaches and food stops along the way.
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6
Camping 101 at Bronte Creek
If you’re new to the world of camping, Bronte Creek‘s Learn To Camp program is a great way to learn the ropes. The conservation areas and private campgrounds in Hamilton Halton Brant offer a wide range of site choices and recreational activities for both tent and RV campers.
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7
Outdoor family fun with little ones
Kids will squawk for a visit to Mountsberg Conservation Area’s Raptor Centre in Halton, home to 15 different species of native birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, vultures and falcons. Birds of Prey shows are held daily in the summer, and private 45-minute Raptor Encounters can be arranged. Consider a trip to Apps’ Mill Nature Centre in Brant for great family programming hosted by naturalists, including Owl Prowls, Frog Frolics and Bug Hunts.
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8
Guided Waterfall Walks
Hamilton, known as the Waterfall Capital, makes exploring this collection of stunners a breeze thanks to an extensive network of trails and hiking routes. Guided Bruce Trail Waterfall Walks feature waterfalls, scenic vistas, Carolinian forests and the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment.
