HIKING

Hermitage Ruins, Dundas Conservation Area
You can see the Hermitage ruins a few different ways, the quickest way is to park at the Hermitage Gatehouse on Sulphur Springs Road and take a very short hike (less than 1km) to the ruins. It’s all marked and very easy to find. If you want a longer hike park in the main parking lot at Dundas Conservation Area on Governors Rd and follow the Main Loop Trail. It’s about 5km, lots to see (streams, bridges, restored train station, an old train, you might even see horses on the trail), lots of elevations changes, great hike if you’re looking for some exercise with pretty views.

Maidens Blush Trail & Gnome Trail, Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Easy loop trail, about 2km combined within Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The Maidens Blush Trail is paved so it’s stroller friendly and easy for the littles and it’s only about 1km long. If you want to make this hike a little longer you can continue on to the gnome trail which is connected, it’s not paved but still relatively flat and the kids will love checking out where all the gnomes live. Both trails have lots of trees and logs for the kids to climb

EVENTS

Glen Eden, Kelso Conservation Area, Milton ON
Sking is now open at Glen Eden! Reservations are required and please see their website for all the Covid protocols so you’re prepared when you arrive

City of Burlington
You can play disc golf at Tyandaga Golf Course, outdoor pickleball at the courts at Leighland & Optimist Park, artificial outdoor rinks, neighbourhood outdoor rinks, winter play equipment lending (snow shoes!) all for free. Click here for more info
Don’t forget about the Outdoor Winter Play Challenge. Compete as a family and earn points for activities completed – all for free. It’s been extended to February 28, 2021 and the Story Walks have been extended through the winter months check locations here

City of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton is running the Frosty Fun program. There’s Story Walks! Information and locations here. You can borrow snow shoes and nordic poles for free (reservation required) click here
and outdoor skating here

Urban Forests

If you’re looking to stay in town, in Burlngton you can find trails at Tansley Park (Itabashi Way), Sherwood Forest Park (Fairview Rd) and Village Wood Park (Chalmers St Oakville). In Hamilton some options are the Randall Park (Robson Cres), William Connell Park – which also has a really fun playground (West 5th), Bayfront Park (Harbour Front Dr).

If you’re staying inside because of the weather but still want to get your nature fill – Hamilton Conservation Area website has a Nature At Home page for a ton of fun, nature based kid stuff that you can do right at home, like scavenger hunts, challenges, nature games, activity and colouring pages.
The RBG also has educational videos, activity and colouring sheets as well as some interactive learning – all nature based! Check it out here