Since I was the age of 13, I’ve hiked and enjoyed Conservation Halton Parks. They offer many outdoor activities such as, boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking and so much more. The best part is they are located just a short distance from major population centers.
Conservation Halton owns and operates six main conservation areas.
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area
- Mountsberg Conservation Area & Raptor Centre
- Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
- Hilton Falls Conservation Area
- Kelso Conservation Area
- Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Crawford Lake Conservation Area has a special place in our hearts. It’s where I proposed to my wife Margaret.
It’s also a pretty cool spot for anybody who loves nature, hiking and history.
This 468 hectare park has a meromictic lake and a 15th century reconstructed Iroquoian village. This makes it an interesting place to visit at all times of the year.
My favourite hiking trail is the Woodland and Nassagaweya Trail. However, the boardwalk around Crawford Lake is great when there’s too much ice on the trails.
Mountsberg Conservation and Wildlife Centre
There are three reasons why this Conservation Area is so cool.
Firstly, Mountsberg Conservation Area is a 472 hectare park with over 16 kilometers of nature trails. There’s one that circles around the 202 hectare water control reservoir.
Secondly, it’s home to the Mountsberg Raptor Centre. Here you can see birds of prey close up. From owls, hawks, falcons, eagles and turkey vultures, there’s something of interest in this area of Mountsberg.
Finally, for families, Mountsberg has a farm, with numerous farm animals for up-close viewing. Little kids get a hoot out of seeing sheep, chickens, rabbits, horses and other animals in their natural barn setting.
My favourite hiking trail is the Lakeshore Lookout Trail and visiting the various birds of prey at the Raptor Centre.
Kelso Conservation Area
Kelso is a 980 acre park that includes a dam and reservoir that offers swimming and boating.
It has over 16 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. Some of the trails are really tough as they head up the hills used for skiing in the winter-time.
My favourite hiking trail is the Escarpment Trail.
Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
One of the most popular trails! Head here early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. Rattlesnake is a 727 acre park that showcases the Niagara Escarpment sheer cliffs, crevices, caves to name a few. My favourite hiking trails are the Vista Adventure Trail and the Buffalo Crag Trail.
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
Hilton Falls is probably one of the most popular of the Conservation areas in Halton region.
The falls are the main attraction at this 1592 acre park that has 33.5 kilometers of incredible hiking and biking trails.
A trip to Hilton Falls is very worthwhile at any time of the year. After a summer storm, the waterfall is at it’s peak. In the winter, it’s frozen over. You can stop by the falls for a moment to warm your hands at a always-burning fire while you feed the chickadees and nuthatches.
My favourite hiking trails are the Red Oak Trail and Beaver Dam Trails.
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
If you’re looking for a great location to explore the edge of the Niagara Escarpment I would visit Mount Nemo. It has lookouts and many examples of the natural limestone ecosystems found in this area.
My favourite hiking trail is North Loop Trail. It’s long enough for a good workout and it takes you along some beautiful scenery. Don’t forget to visit the Brock Harris Lookout.
A Taste Of Nature Close To Toronto
The next time you are trying to decide where to go for outdoor activities, visit one of these great locations.
Some great resources check out:
Other places to explore: Hiking Trails At Cootes Paradise, Hamilton
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