Happy Weekend! Here is your WEEKEND INSPIRATION to get out and stay out!

HIKING

Smokey Hollow Falls (via Great Falls Loop), Bruce Trail, Waterdown
This hike is relatively short (3.5km) but it does have steep sections and stairs, so definitely not stroller friendly, but a great work out. Because of the elevation this trail has beautiful views, and Grindstone Creek and Smokey Hollow Falls (which used to power a mill) to look at it. There is a parking lot on Mill St (just North of Mountain Brow Rd) in Waterdown. This is part of the Bruce Trail and there is no fee or reservation required.

Hamilton Brantford Rail Trail
This trail is 32km long and runs from the west end of Hamilton all the way to Brantford, but there are many spots to hop on and off along the way. I’m posting about this one because it follows an old railway so it’s very flat and pretty wide – perfect for bike riding and strollers and lots of room to stay distanced. On the Hamilton end the trail connects up with the Bruce Trail and Dundas Valley Conservation Area as well as the City of Hamilton trail and bikeway network. Click here for more info and maps

EVENTS

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
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

Urban Forests

If you’re looking to stay in town, in Burlington you can find forests at Crosstown Trail (North of the QEW, between N Service Rd and Berwick), Maple Trail (Maple Ave) and Palmer Trail (east of Centennial Dr.
In Hamilton some options are Albion Falls (Mountain Brow Blvd), Gage Park and Bayfront Park.