Happy Friday! How are you getting outside this weekend? Here are some ideas with the WEEKEND OUTDOOR INSPIRATION!

HIKING

Red Hill Valley Recreational Trail, Stoney Creek ON This is an out and back trail and is approximately 7km long, but since it’s an out and back trail you can just go as far as you’d like and turn back. It runs between Confederation Park and the Bruce Trail. It includes bridge crossing over the Red Hill Creek as well as the East Hamilton Waterfront Bridge which runs over the QEW and leads to the waterfront/beach trail along Van Wagners Beach Rd. The trail leads to the top of the escarpment at Kings Forest Golf Club. There are various places to park from Confederation Park and Van Wagners Beach parking, parking lot at Queenston Rd and The Red Hill Valley Parkway, parking lot at King St E and Lawrence Rd, Rosedale Park, and a parking lot at Mountain Brow Blvd and Pritchard Rd

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, 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 to Mountain Brow Rd) in Waterdown. This is part of the Bruce Trail and there is no fee or reservation required.

EVENTS

Hamilton Conservation Area, Nature @ Home
From the HCA website “Looking for some fun, nature-based activities for home? Our environmental education staff have put together some resources for activities you can do at home, in your backyard, or during a walk in your neighbourhood.” Here’s the link

Royal Botanical Gardens
From the RBG website! ☀ Planning to visit the Arboretum? Here’s what you need to know:
Timed-ticket parking is required for all vehicles until June 13.
Parking is $30 per vehicle and is redeemable at the Arboretum only. RBG Members are FREE. Book your visit at RBG
‘Tickets’ are valid for one vehicle, regardless of number of passengers, and are redeemable at the Arboretum only.
Please arrive any time during your designated timeslot, and please keep your visit to a maximum of two hours.
Here is what you can do to make your visit safe:
Wear a mask when you cannot physically distance from others (especially on narrow trails)
Follow the directional signage and one-way paths on trails.
Be courteous to others and nature during your visit.
Further visiting information can be found at rbg.ca

The RBG is a great Virtual At Home learning resource. Lots of virtual learning opportunities, print outs, activities and games you can do in your own backyard. PLUS they’ve added courses like A Garden For Monarchs, and Growing Food At Home For Beginners, Click here for more info

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