This week the trails are still pretty icy, and where there isn’t ice, there’s lots of mud! So keep that in mind when planning your outdoor adventures this weekend, bring crampons/icers.
If you’d rather stick to paved trails make sure to look back at last weeks post where I highlighted a bunch of them.

Here is your weekend inspiration to get out and stay out!

HIKING

Westfield Heritage Village, Rockton ON
Westfield has almost 8km of easy, flat, kid friendly trails. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for more than just trails. First there’s the historic village (about 35 buildings all restored and staffed with costumed interpreters), they also have an Augmented Reality game called TaleBlazer, you download the app and take a tour of the village, as you get near to each building the app’s virtual host tells you the details. You can also collect virtual items as you go (similar to Pokemon GO). You can also grab a scavenger hunt when you arrive and set out on a treasure hunt to find all the items. No reservations required.

Boardwalk Loop Trail, Crawford Lake Conservation Area, Milton ON
The boardwalk loop trail is short (about 1.8km) and easy (it’s 90% boardwalk) but it’s beautiful! It starts at the visitor centre and goes all the way around Crawford Lake. If you’re still looking for more you can check out the Longhouse Village (a reconstructed Iroquoian village) or do the Hide & Seek Trail (large wooden carvings of species at risk). Crawford Lake does require reservations

EVENTS

City of Burlington
The City of Burlington has launched a new Spring Challenge called Spring Into Health. Two week challenges (designed to get families moving) for teams of 2 households to work together to win prizes. Challenges are issued every day, running in two week segments from March 14 to May 29. Check it out here

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. Click here
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

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

City of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton is running the Frosty Fun program. There’s Story Walks! Information and locations here
you can borrow nordic poles for free – no snowshoes due to low snow (reservation required) Click here

If you’re looking to stay in town, in Hamilton some options are the Chippewa Trail (starts at Dartnall & Stone Church and goes all the way through to Caledonia), Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area (Scenic Dr), or Albion Falls (Mountain Brow Blvd)
In Burlington you can find forests at City View Park, Orchard Woodlot & Nautical Park.