In Hamilton and its surrounding areas we are truly lucky to have some great access to lakes, beaches, waterfalls, trails, hiking, nature and Conservation Areas. Over the years I have been slowly rediscovering and exploring all of what the Hamilton Conservation Authority has to offer.
Looking for things to do on the weekend (or during the week especially in the summer) with kids can sometimes feel like a daunting task. So when the Hamilton Conservation Authority offered me one of their HCA Membership Passes to explore all of what they have to offer, I pretty much jumped at the chance.
Here is a list of the best HCA places to check out.
Fifty Point Conservation Area
Fifty Point (located in Stoney Creek) was something that was not really on my radar. This summer was the first time I visited, and I thought it was an amazing place! There’s a marina, marina restaurant, picnic area, beach (with change rooms) and camp ground. It’s also a notable place for bird watching of migratory waterfowl. For just a short 15-20 minute drive east of downtown Hamilton, this spot is pretty much a summer oasis. The beach, which is in a little alcove of lake Ontario, (although pebbly) was gorgeous. The water was deep with a quick drop-off, so it was perfect for getting a real good swim in. The beach was clean, and the water was clear, blue, and warm. One of my favourite spots of the summer.
Hours: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset
Basic Park Admission: vehicle entrance $10, walk-in $5
1479 Baseline Road, Winona, ON
905-525-2187 | Website
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Dundas Valley is a pretty magical place. It’s been designated as World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and has 40 km of walking trails through streams, fields and forest. The valley can be accessed by car but also via the rail trail from Westdale, which continues on moving along all the way to Brantford, and connecting even further to Paris and Cambridge. Explore the trails by horseback, bike, and in winter by cross country ski. Places of interest include the Hermitage ruins, Griffin House (former home to Enerals and Priscilla Griffin, who left the US to escape slavery), Discovery Centre (on weekends from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) to look at fossils found along the escarpment and to make fossil crafts.
Hours: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset
Admission: vehicle entrance $10, walk-in $5
650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON
Weekends: 905-627-1233
Weekdays: 905-525-2181 | Website
Confederation Beach Park
Confederation Park is a massive area that stretches out over the Hamilton shoreline of lake Ontario. It includes picnic areas, go-karts, Adventure Village (mini-put, batting cages. laser tag), Lakeland Pool and Splash Pad, Hutch’s on the Beach (ice-cream and snackbar), and walking/bike trails. This area has long been a favourite of mine during the last days of summer. We go with the kids to the beach, build our last sandcastles of the summer, skip rocks out onto the lake, and as our shadows start to grow long we end our afternoon by the water with dinner at Hutch’s for fish and chips, and ice-cream. There is no park admission to access the picnic grounds, beach and trails of Confederation Park.
Hours: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset (private attractions follow their own hours of operation)
Admission: Free (separate fees/admission to private attractions and Lakeland Pool)
680 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton, ON
905-547-6141 ext. 2 | Website
Wild Water Works
Wild Water Works is a place I loved as a kid. I still enjoy going for a pool day escape. There are water-slides (with minimum height requirements of 42 and 47 inches), lazy river, kids splash and wading area, inner tube rentals, concession stands and don’t forget -the wave pool! In early summer, when the days are hot and long, the best is to go after 4 p.m. for a mega discounted sundown price.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (later closing time in early summer)
Admission: $20.92 (ages 11-64), $12.97 (ages 3-10)
680 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton, ON
905-547-6141, ext. 5007 or 1-800-555-8775| Website
Facebook | Twitter
Tiffany Falls
It’s definitely no secret that Hamilton is home to hundreds of waterfalls. But it can be hard to know which ones to go to. With kids, my fail safe waterfall to visit is Tiffany Falls. It’s a super easy 10 minute walk to the falls from the parking lot (off Wilson Road) with just a minimal $2/hour parking fee (free with HCA pass). I’ve visited Tiffany Falls in winter, spring and most recently this summer and it’s amazing to see how different the falls and the forest look with each season.
Hours: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset
Admission: $2/hour parking fee
900 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON
905-627-1233 | Website
Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls
Other falls worth seeing are definitely Tew’s and Webster’s but they can take a little more advanced planning (as the fees and getting there are much more complicated than in the past). During weekends/holidays in peak summer months there is no on-site parking allowed (with an exception for those with accessible parking permits). You need take a shuttle from Mizener’s Antiques and Fleamarket; this can be challenging if you’ve got little ones, plus all your day-tripping accoutrements. I recommend during the busy summer/fall months, to visit during the week or to wait until late fall/winter or spring to check them out. Look here for a list of other good-to-knows before checking out these falls (there are a lot). There are park and parking/shuttle bus admissions.
Hours: 7 days a weeks sunrise to sunset (for weekend parking/shuttle hours click here)
Admission: Parking/shuttle bus fee $10/vehicle, $5 fee (over 5 years of age) *cash only!
Location: weekend & holiday Mondays (May 6 – October 29) 367 Highway 5 West, Dundas, weekdays and outside of shuttle operating season Tew Fall Parking lot 647 Harvest Road, Dundas, ON
905-628-3060 | Website
Devil’s Punchbowl
In the east end of town, check out Devil’s Punchbowl in Stoney Creek. You can view the falls from the top lookout with great views of Hamilton, Stoney Creek, the escarpment and beyond. The hike to reach the lower level of the Punchbowl is not one that I would recommend for the really little kids but definitely doable with the four and up crowd. $2/hour parking fee on-site. Before leaving the area make sure you stop by the little Punchbowl roadside market and bakery for a treat.
Hours: 7 days a week sunrise to sunset
Admission: $2/hour parking fee
Ridge Road, Stoney Creek, ON
905-627-1233 | Website
Christie Lake Conservation Area
Christie Lake is human-made reservoir about a 10-15 minute drive from Dundas’ downtown with an extremely kid friendly beach. Bring the pales and shovels! Its sandy 360 meter long beach is perfect for sandcastle building, and digging. The beach has a gradual and shallow walk-in to the lake so your heart can rest a little easier, while the kids play and wade in the shallow portion of the water. There are row boats, canoes, and kayaks available to rent. Pack a picnic and stay for the day; make use of the many picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds (you can rent a covered picnic pavilion for larger more organized gatherings). If water isn’t your thing, then explore the biking or hiking trails, or try your hand at 18 holes of frisbee golf. The park is also home to the Christie Antique Show, which happens twice a year (in May and September) -my favourite!
Hours: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset
Admission: vehicle entrance $10, walk-in $5
1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas, ON
905-628-3060 | Website
Valens Lake Conservation Area
For a convenient and not so far away camping escape Valens Lake is your place. It’s the perfect distance away from the city for a camping trip especially if you’re worried about the weather, camping with young kids, or just camping for the first time ever. It has a reservoir similar to Christie but with a 300 meter wetland boardwalk and a fishing bridge. The beach is sandy and filled with kids digging and playing by the waters edge. Valen’s is located about 20-25 minutes north east of Hamilton, with 225 forested camp sites. There are 10 km of trails and in winter these get iced for the most recent addition of their outdoor ice-skating loop; a perfect activity if taking advantage of their winter camping. Added bonus of food trucks like the Dirty South, Big Scoops, and Wrapture that visit on summer weekends.
Hours: 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset
Basic Park Admission: vehicle entrance $10, walk-in $5
1691 Regional Road 97, Flamborough, ON,
905-525-2183| Website
Almost all HCA Conservation Areas have an entrance admission, while other attractions have small minimal parking fees. With a Hamilton Conservation Authority Membership Pass, which directly contributes to the protection, preservation and restoration of all HCA ecosystems and heritage sites, entrance to all Conservation Areas (with the exception Spencer Gorge/Webster falls (on weekends), and Wild Water Works) are free. The pass comes with discounts for camp grounds, and several free passes (for friends) to enter Conservation Areas. Even though the end of summer is near, besides hiking in the fall, winter, and spring, with an HCA Pass (it’s good for 12 months) you’ll still be able to enjoy all the beaches and lakes next year. For more details on HCA fees and admissions click here.
Tag your experiences exploring HCA Conservation Areas with #ExploreHCA.
