You may feel like exploring a bit further away from Toronto but what comes to mind are the usual (wonderful) spots like Niagara Falls.
Nothing wrong with that, but If you’re looking for some less-known places with fabulous nature trails, where you can spot tons of wildlife, plan a day trip to these lesser-known, rather hidden gems.
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The Felker’s Falls Conservation Area (and the Elusive Waterfall) in Hamilton
As soon as I saw dreamy pictures of this beautiful ribbon waterfall, framed by trees, I started looking for directions on how to drive to Felker’s Falls. I wanted to see this beauty, hidden in the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve).
I found the access to the trail right off the street in a suburban area in Stoney Creek, near Hamilton.
The map at the park entrance showed the “You are here” sign right next to the Felker’s Falls icon, so I expected to find it within minutes after hopping on the East Mountain Trail.
It didn’t happen. Maybe I misread the map? As we went further and further away from the entrance I thought perhaps we should have taken the trail to the right of the entrance.
We kept on walking and decided to look for the falls on our way back.
The trail took us along the edge of the Niagara escarpment where we enjoyed a top view of the descending slope formed by ancient tree’s canopies. And I mean ancient: this is the oldest forest ecosystem on this side of North America.
The Felker’s Falls Conservation Area spans over four kilometres of the more than 700 kilometres of the Niagara Escarpment. On a map, the escarpment looks like an arch starting in New York and ending in Wisconsin, with Lake Huron as the highest point.
The East Mountain trail merges with the famous Bruce Trail, which runs from Niagara to Tobermory, in the Bruce Peninsula. So you can officially say that you walked a (micro tiny) portion of its 900 kilometres. Yay!
The icing on the cake was the many birds you can see and hear during your hike.
It was time to go back and as we approached the entrance I decided to ask someone about the falls. Well, it turns out that I didn’t see them because, in a sense, there aren’t any during the dry season.
When I say any, I’m not talking about a low water flow. I’m talking about a trickle that barely wets the stones in the gorge. No wonder I missed them!
I have to say though, that the 22-metre high gorge is still lovely (even dry).
Obviously, I would have preferred to see it in full bloom, but I’m glad I didn’t know about the “no falls” during the dry season. Maybe we wouldn’t have come here, and we wouldn’t have done this trail, which is totally worth the 45-minute drive from Niagara (or a one-hour drive from downtown Toronto depending on traffic).
If you are in the mood of chasing waterfalls this area will keep you busy. Just keep in mind to come during springtime if you want to see the gorgeous water flow.
Felker’s Falls Conservation Area
Ackland St., Stoney Creek
The Hendrie Valley Trails (and Birding) at The Royal Botanical Gardens
When you search for images of the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Ontario what do you find?
Manicured grounds, with carefully arranged flower beds surrounding gorgeous fountains. It reminds me of people coming straight out of the salon with half a can of hairspray on their heads. Or Anna Wintour’s hairstyle. Not a hair out of place.
But did you know that the gardens have a “wilder”, equally beautiful, “bird’s nest hair” side?
Head to the Hendrie Valley Sanctuary to walk through the forest alongside creeks and explore nearly five kilometres of nature trails, lookouts, and boardwalks where you can see plenty of wildlife.
My most vivid memories of the trails are seeing the birds up close, in their natural habitat, eating right from my hand.
The lady at the RBG reception desk told us about the bird fest waiting for us and she gave us a generous portion of black oil sunflower seeds (no bread, or any other poor food choice) to feed the chickadees and their friends.
We accessed the trail through the Cherry Hill Gate and not long before venturing into the forest, the birds approached us. Ooooh, what’s that? Seeds? Me want!. White-breasted Nuthatches, Black-capped Chickadees, and Downy Woodpeckers took turns to grab a snack at several spots. It absolutely made our day.
We stepped on the boardwalk that crosses the first section of the Grindstone Marshes Trail. Red-winged Blackbirds, impatiently standing on the handrail had a feast on aquatic insects while swans and ducks swam around submerging their heads in the murky water.
The healthy environment we see in this wetland today is a result of a restoration project that improved the water quality to ensure the right conditions for biodiversity.
We continued past the boardwalk towards Laking Garden, but we decided to go back on our feet to start hiking the North Bridle Trail up along the edge of the hill on a forest of maple and beech trees, for a bird’s eye view of the swamp and the creek below.
Back on the marsh, when the boardwalk crossed paths with the Creek Side Walk, we followed the undulating creek, flanked by wildflowers.
We made it all the way to Unsworth Avenue and walked back to join the South Bridle Trail: a forest of hickories and walnuts that is home to far-from-shy birds.
The RBG are approximately a 45-minute drive from downtown Toronto (depending on traffic); Check the list of events and exhibits taking place all year round.
680 Plains Road West, at the border between Burlington and Hamilton. Open daily (excluding certain holidays): 10AM-5PM (varies with season). General admission: CAD$19.50 (includes access to all gardens).
The Nature Trails (and the Birds) at Presqu’ile Provincial Park
You won’t find any steep climbs on the beautiful trails of this park. Not even mild ones. Zero. Nada. The landscape in Presqu’ile Provincial Park, located in Brighton, Ontario (approximately 160 km east of Toronto), is pretty flat, but no less endearing.
Instead of scenic views from cliffs and lookouts, you’ll delight in the blue horizon of Lake Ontario and the sight of migrating birds. It’s a gorgeous backdrop for watching lively waterfowl on sandy and rocky beaches, walking through forests, and dense woodlands.
You can opt to go for an easy bike ride. Even though bicycles are not allowed on the trails, there are designated walking/bike lanes on the roads. Perfect for a day outdoors where you want to dive into the forest and see wildlife, but you want to take it easy.
As soon as we arrived at the Presqu’ile Point parking lot we ran into a group of birdwatchers. Not surprising, as this is paradise if you’re into feathery singing little creatures, with over 300 species reported.
Right off the bat, we walked to the rocky beach, where Andre starts skipping rocks (he can spend hours doing that), while I sit and look at the ripple effect on the calm surface.
But looks can be deceiving, the apparent calmness hides strong currents lurking below.
Back in the late 1800s, not far from where we’re standing, ships fighting November windy storms lost the battle, earning Presqu’ile the title of The Marine Graveyard of Lake Ontario.
Despite its mirror-like appearance, this is not a safe swimming spot. If you want to take a dip, there is a designated swimming area on the more secluded Popham Bay Beach, from where you can also do kiteboarding and boat sailing.
Behind us, the second oldest lighthouse in Ontario is still standing and guiding ships to safety for 180 years (and counting).
If you’re interested in knowing more about the marine heritage of this park you can visit the nearby Lighthouse Interpretative Centre.
The Newcastle Trail and the Pioneer Trail
We found one of the access points to the Newcastle Trail just a short walk away from the parking lot at Presqu’ile Point. Heading north, we stepped on a boardwalk for the first section of the trail and then continued on a soil path.
Around us, a carpet of ferns covered the roots of tall beech-maple trees. Its height created a canopy shading everything under, including the birds we heard along the way.
We reached the point where the Newcastle Trail crossed with the Pioneer Trail and we switched, heading north in the opposite direction of the shared trailhead.
After we hit the road, we entered a plantation of coniferous trees resembling column-shaped porcupines, with barks and needles forming a lattice and creating curious shadows.
Another change of scenery was around the corner.
We stepped into an open field, with tall grasses, wildflowers, and their friends: bees and butterflies. From here, we walked between old fields and a young forest, until we completed the loop and reached the trailhead.
Before re-entering the Newcastle Trail through the access point close to the Nature Centre, we strolled along Lighthouse Lane towards Presqu’ile Point to enjoy views of Lake Ontario and rest at one of the picnic spots on the shore.
The Newcastle Trail is a 4.3 km easy walk. It requires 60 to 90 minutes.
The Pioneer Trail is a 3.8 km easy walk. It requires 60 to 90 minutes.
Birdwatching at Owen Point Lookout
Our final stop was the lookout at Owen Point, a viewing station to see migrating shorebirds, which we could see along the sandy beach. This point is also the trailhead for the Owen Point Trail, which promises more views of birds taking a break from their long journey to warmer climates, and distant views of nesting birds in Gull and High Bluff Islands (no access to the islands from around March 10 to around September 10).
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Presqu’ile is approximately a 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto (depending on traffic).
328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton. Daily Vehicle Permit fee: CAD$12.25 to CAD$21.00 (seasonal). Seasonal Day Use Vehicle Permits available. Additional fees for camping and other activities.
Ready to explore these less-known gems? They make a perfect easy day trip from Toronto.
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