July is Picnic Month! Need some ideas on your quest for the perfect picnicking location? Are you new to our area? We’ve got you covered! Here are 5 places in Hamilton, Halton and Haldimand-Norfolk that you can bring your little ones for a lunch-time outing.
*Remember! Be kind to Mother Earth. Bring a shopping bag or garbage bag and take your waste with you.
Hamilton
- Spencer Gorge/Webster’s Falls Conservation Area
607 Harvest Rd
Hamilton, ON L9H 5K7
(photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mustangjoe/10235780803)
Webster’s Falls is as historic as it is beautiful. As you wander the trails, keep an eye out for plaques commemorating the mill that used to be located on the Spencer Creek. With lots of open, green space for your picnic blanket, Webster’s Falls is perfect for a day of hiking.
Parking is $10 and can only be paid in cash.
Visit: http://conservationhamilton.ca/spencer-gorgewebsters-falls/
- Confederation Beach Park
585 Van Wagners Beach Road
Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8
(photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hamiltonca/3447818038 )
What better way to spend a Summer afternoon than picnicking at the beach? Confederation Beach Park has plenty for families to do, with a pool and a splash pad. Also, it’s just steps away from Wild Water Works (Hamilton’s only water park) and Adventure Village (which has a rock wall, hover boats, mini putt, and an arcade!).
No gate or entrance fee – see website for Water Park and Adventure Village prices.
Visit: http://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas-2/confederation-park/
Halton
- Crawford Lake Conservation Area
3115 Conservation Road
Milton, ON L9T 2X3
(from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crawford_Lake_Conservation_Area_Ontario,_Canada10.jpg)
Crawford Lake is picturesque. There is a board walk that loops its way around the lake – perfect for little legs that may not fare so well on un-even ground. If you wander far enough, you’ll come to a perfectly preserved Iroquoian village. Along the way you may even see complex wood carvings of Species at Risk like the Monarch Butterfly, the Hooded Warbler, and the mascot of spring: the Jefferson Salamander.
Daily Entrance Fees (Includes HST)
Adult (15-64)- $7.50
Senior (65 & over) – $6.50
Child (5-14) – $5.25
Child (4 & under) – Free!
Visit: http://www.conservationhalton.ca/park-details?park=crawford-lake
- Mountsberg
2259 Milburough Line
Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0
(photo from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mountsberg_(3680643457).jpg)
There’s lots to do at Mountsberg! Hike through the Sugar Bush to Maple Town – where you can learn how maple syrup has been made for centuries and even sample delicious maple candies. Visit the barn and see the farm animals. There’s also the Raptor Center, where you can meet Octavius the Great Horned Owl or Pip the American Kestrel.
Daily Entrance Fees (Includes HST)
Adult (15-64)- $7.50
Senior (65 & over) – $6.50
Child (5-14) – $5.25
Child (4 & under) – Free!
Visit: http://www.conservationhalton.ca/park-details?park=mountsberg
Haldimand-Norfolk
- Byng Island Park
4969 Haldimand Rd. 20
Dunnville, ON N1A 2W8
(photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/grandriverconservation/7171453630)
With more than 2km of trails for you to explore and a large swimming pool to cool off in, Byng Island is a great picnic spot. Surrounding the pool, there are picnic tables available for use. As you hike through the Carolinian forest, you’ll see bald eagles, swallows and other species of animals that inhabit the marshland.
Refer to this link for fee information: https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/resources/Documents/ParkFeeSchedules/fees_byng2016.pdf
Visit the park website: https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Byng-Island.aspx
- Waterford North Conservation Area
226 Concession 8 Townsend, Waterford
(photo from: http://www.norfolkpathways.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=3 )
Waterford North is an excellent example of how we can help nature along, with 3 ponds that we once quarries. The park features a food concession booth (just in case you don’t feel like making lunch in advance), shady picnic areas, canoe rentals and a sandy beach. You can hike the Waterford Heritage Trail and enjoy Black Bridge – a 166 meter long, high-level bridge with stunning views of the ponds.
Refer to this link for fee information: http://www.lprca.on.ca/pages/1394569887/Fees
Visit the park website: http://ontarioconservationareas.ca/component/mtree/conservation-authorities-of-ontario/long-point-region/waterford-north-conservation-area
Planning on visiting one of the beautiful locations for a picnic with your family? Take some photos along the way, and if you post any pictures to social media, make sure you tag us and say “Hi!” We’re on Twitter and on Facebook.
Until next time,
– Today’s Family