I’ve been out on a lot of trails this week and I would not recommend doing any of them unless you have crampons/icers. So this week I’m highlighting trails that are paved and flat 🙂 and easier to handle until all this ice starts melting. Spring is coming because it’s sugarbush time! So here is your weekend inspiration to get out and stay out!

HIKING

Courtcliffe Nature Loop, Carlisle Rd, just west of Centre Rd, Carlisle
This is an easy, short (a little less than 3km) loop trail. A large portion of it is paved, but also has lots of little side trails (unpaved) to explore. Great for kids. Free parking. A bunch of small creeks and ponds. There is a playground there as well but I’m not sure of the lockdown status for playground equipment.

Fifty Point Conservation Area
The trail through Fifty Point is about 3kms, it’s an easy, flat, paved trail that’s perfect for little ones. Great views of Lake Ontario (try for an early morning sunrise or an evening sunset for best views). Located in Winona.

Maidens Blush Trail & Gnome Trail, Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Easy loop trail, about 2km combined. 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. Click here for more info

Burlington/Hamilton Waterfront Trail
This paved walking path runs all the way from Spencer Smith Park, over the lift bridge, all the way past Confederation Park to Greys Rd in Stoney Creek following Lake Ontario. There a many free parking lots all along the way so you can make it as long or as short as you want. There’s also many playgrounds along the way.

EVENTS

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

Sugarbush Season, Mountsberg Conservation Area, Milton ON
Sugarbush season starts on March 6 and runs until April 5. You can check out the Maple Maze, Maple Trivia Trail, Historical Sites, Birds of Prey, Natural Playground and Fireside Lounges all for your regular admission price. As usual reservations are required.
Mountsberg is also offering small, reserved tours. During the 1 hour tour you will get a lesson on tree ID and tapping, a guided journey through the sugarbush, tree cookie branding and syrup tasting flight. This is offered Thursdays to Sundays (& holidays) There is an added cost for the reserved tours and you can find pricing here
If you are making a reservation for the self guided experience make sure you chose ‘member’ or ‘non member’ under the Visitor Type on the reservation page so you are not charged the extra fee. If you want to make a reservation for the guided tour (extra cost) make sure to chose ‘guided tour’ when reserving.

Royal Botanical Gardens
The RBG has started up their Oaks & Acorns Nature Play program for 2-5 year olds. The program entirely outdoors that includes nature walks, storytelling, imaginative and loose parts play, and hands-on discovery. Starts March 15. Register here

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.
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