I know how daunting hiking can be. Especially when you’re packing up your littles. You worry about how far they can go, how to keep them engaged, will strollers or wagons work on the trails?
I’ve been there. I’ve endured tantrums. I’ve carried my toddler back to the car with sore feet. I’ve stopped and had many snack breaks on the ground.
I’ve hiked far distances and I’ve stayed still in one spot exploring the surroundings at their pace. I know first hand the limitations toddlers have especially when it comes to hiking.
This guide is perfect for all ages, infants to adults. There’s plenty of opportunity to see wildlife. There is diversity in the trails between marshes, forests and boardwalks with rivers and lakes.
Other factors that are important with littles are washrooms and areas for snack breaks. We will share all our findings with you in this post.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, ON L6M 4J7
All on Bronte Creek Provincial Park here
https://busymama.blog/hiking-trails/bronte-creek/
Google Map Link here
https://goo.gl/maps/fvMRp19RaryvfvHA8
Information from their website here
https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek
Payment for entrance is required at gate upon arrival.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is my little guys favourite local place to explore.
His favourite trail is the Gnome Trail also known as the Fairy Trail which is just a short walk off of Lot C on their map
https://www.ontarioparks.com/pdf/maps/brontecreek/park_map.pdf
It’s not labelled on their map but the orange line on the picture above is the walk you will make to see the gnome trail which is made up of little ‘homes’ built out of existing tree stumps or hanging bird houses made to look like fairy homes. The Mini loves to look for the fairies.
Also off of Lot C is a barn where in the warm weather months you will find some of their farm animals such as cows, goats, chickens and peacocks. There’s also a nice park over here surrounded by green space and picnic tables.
You can also find the bathrooms off of Lot C.
There are many trails to choose from at Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
The Gnome Trail is stroller friendly as well as the connecting ‘pink’ trail.
If you park at the furthest parking Lot F you will find their barns and a chance for more animal sightings. This is where their animals are usually kept during the cold weather months.
The light pink trail off of Lot F is a storybook trail. You can follow the short accessible pathway through the forest and read the story located on the large boards throughout the forest.
LaSalle Park
50 North Shore Blvd, Burlington L7T 4G9
All on LaSalle Park here;
https://busymama.blog/lasalle-park-marina/
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/ZR2HWKEGMwfGDNih8
LaSalle Park is a hot spot for locals and nature enthusiasts. In the summer it’s equipped with a wading pool and small water feature for littles.
They have a beautiful new playground surrounded by vast green space and large trees providing shade. It’s a great spot for picnicking.
The trail towards the woods leads down to a boardwalk along the water where swans and geese frequent. There are many chickadees and other wildlife that like to visit.
The walk through the woods isn’t very long but there are some steep spots on the pathway towards the boardwalk. And to the left you’ll end up at a set of stairs.
Access to parking is located in the parking lot and may require reservations and payment. Please check ahead.
Here is the link from the City of Burlington
Kerncliff Park
2198 Kerns Rd, Burlington, ON L7P 1P8
All on Kerncliff Park here;
https://busymama.blog/kerncliff-park/?amp
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/uqq8RRg1e3krgazSA
This is one of my absolute favourite places to explore. It’s local, it’s diverse in nature and it keeps my littles happy.
Parking is free and there is a small parking lot at the bottom of the parking lot where you will find a beautiful boardwalk and trails through the forest.
You can also park at the top for views of Burlington and Lake Ontario and from there you can hike down to the bottom.
Google Map Link Top Parking Lot
https://goo.gl/maps/kTBDmfSdKv4XS2S57
I suggest the bottom if you’re hiking with littles to start.
In the warmer months when the Marsh comes to life you can walk the beautiful boardwalk and look down into the water where you’ll find sunning turtles.
Surrounding the marsh is a beautiful rock face which makes the perfect backdrop for photos.
The boardwalk opens up to a big open area where the littles can explore rocks of varying sizes. You can bring a blanket and sit to picnic or relax here.
There are many trails in the forest connected to the marsh. You can choose anyone to explore!
I always use the app AllTrails when I’m hiking. I record my hikes so I can see on their map which way to go and retrace my steps back to the car.
The boardwalk and parts of the forest are stroller accessible but the forest does have some steep hills, small bridges over creeks and narrow pathways so you might get to a point where you need to turn around.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Reservations Required
3115 Conservation Rd, Milton, ON L9T 2X3
All on Crawford Lake Conservation Area here
https://busymama.blog/hiking-trails/crawford-lake/
Google Map Link Here
https://goo.gl/maps/yvMXEnaJwp1aPTAN8
Make Reservations Here;
https://book.parkpassproject.com/book?inventoryGroup=1554186518&inventory=1508029477
We love heading to Crawford Lake Conservation Area at all times of the year.
There is a short trail that extends past the most beautiful wood carvings and leads to a long boardwalk around a lake.
The lake in the warmer months is filled with catfish and turtles and is a beautiful blue.
The boardwalk has many stops for snacks with benches and viewpoints.
It’s stroller friendly and isn’t very long which is great for little feet.
When you are done your hike you can visit the Longhouse Village and learn more about First Nations history.
If you are looking for a longer hike there are many trails to choose from and you can even hike to Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area but it’s a long and hard hike.
Bathrooms are located in the main building.
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Reservations Required
2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville, ON L0P 1B0
All on Mountsberg Conservation Area here
https://busymama.blog/hiking-trails/mountsberg/
For Reservations Visit Here;
https://book.parkpassproject.com/book?inventoryGroup=1554186518&inventory=1508029477
This is a great space if you’re looking for more than just a hike. It’s perfect for littles.
Their Birds of Prey are available for viewing just off the main parking lot. They are in cages and have a short description along with their names. You will find Bald Eagles, Owls, Hawks and more. They do offer shows during certain times as well.
Off the Birds of Prey there is a short trail that will lead you past a field where horses sometimes can be found. You will also find their Bee Hives here.
Towards the main building (where the bathrooms are located) you will find a natural playground and some barns. One barn is an indoor play area (currently closed) and the other houses farm animals you can visit.
If you look towards the horse field behind the barns you will see a lookout tower you can climb to get a better view of the body of water hidden behind the trees.
if you decide to go in the other direction you can follow the fence to a gate that allows you to cross the train tracks (when safe to do so) where you will find more hiking trails and a kittle bit further in you will find the buildings they use for events like Maple Town.
Mill Pond (also known as Centennial Park)
50 Martin St, Milton, ON L9T 2R1
All about the Mill Pond Here
https://busymama.blog/centennial-park/
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/YpXtoU6pEnPunfVHA
From the Town of Milton website;
https://www.miltonparks.com/portal/our-beautiful-parks/?find=2552&n=CENTENNIAL%20PARK
The Mill Pond is free to park and walk around and is great for all the fun things to do nearby!
As a child I frequented the Mill Pond. In school we would take nature walks around the pond and as a young adult I often took our rescue dog for walks here.
The pond offers a short walk through the woods around the pond and passing Sixteen Mile Creek. Parts are stroller friendly but there is a big incline and some sets of stairs you may encounter and have to turn around.
The pond is home to many fish, frogs, turtles and lots of ducks!
Beside the pond is Rotary Park with a nice playground and in the summer months a swimming pool and splash pad.
There are bathrooms by the swimming pool in the building if open.
The Mill Pond is conveniently located near downtown Milton which is lined with fun shops and restaurants!
Robert Edmondson Conservation Area
10025 First Line Nassagaweya, Milton, ON L0P 1J0
All about Robert Edmondson Conservation Area here
https://busymama.blog/hiking-trails/robert-edmondson/
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/McZV93EMgFdtfCaC8
Robert Edmondson Conservation Area does not required reservations but paid parking is in effect.
I love taking the littles here for a walk for the beautiful body of water, marsh and boardwalks!
It’s the perfect space to explore nature and take your littles.
If you are looking for the most stroller accessible path way I suggest staying to the right once in the forest as the left is the boardwalk which requires you to use the stairs at the end.
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
1180 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5H 3L1
More on Rattray Marsh Conservation Area here
Google Maps Link here
https://goo.gl/maps/8Z4cUCcNEjpWHmoT7
This trail is nestled along Lake Ontario and most have no idea it even exists.
It’s great for littles because there is so much to see and explore. The endless (and stroller friendly) boardwalks take you through a marsh, a river and there’s even a beautiful pathway through the forest.
Our favourite part – it’s known for deer sightings (among many other species of wildlife).
Since the pathway is stroller accessible it’s great for wagons and littles to take their time and explore.
Parking can be found at Jack Darling Memorial Park
https://goo.gl/maps/Z4KiNwvcadLWpePu9
We park at the above link and take the short walk along the waterfront’s paved pathway to the trail (west of the parking lot).
Jack Darling Memorial Park is also a great spot to enjoy with it’s green space, large trees offering tons of shade, views of Toronto and the CN Tower on a clear day and playgrounds to explore!
Riverwood Conservancy
4150 Riverwood Park Ln, Mississauga, ON L5C 2S7
More on The Riverwood Conservancy here
Google Map Link here
https://goo.gl/maps/pFh73tQHiYaGn3ic7
I have yet to hike all of the trails at The Riverwood Conservancy but it’s crazy to think this giant piece of forested land exists in the middle of Mississauga.
When you first get to the parking area you’ll notice the beautifully kept gardens of Riverwood. Littles love to take their time and explore the area.
The forest trail begins off the garden and can be travelled deep into the woods or you can stay close by to feed the chickadees that will land in your hand.
The Riverwood Conservancy Link
Eramosa Karst Conservation Area
Upper Mt Albion Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 3X9
More on Eramosa Karst Conservation Area here
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/AqqeRmFdDWwzYG8w5
Paid parking is required.
This location is a beautiful flat path through the woods, along boardwalks and even out in a field of beautiful landscapes! It’s the perfect place for littles to explore.
The forest trails are well known for their small caves known as ‘crevices’ and are small enough in some areas to let your littles explore with caution.
More from the Hamilton Conservation Authority website here
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
900 Wilson St E, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K5
More on Tiffany Falls Conservation Area here
Google Map Link here
https://goo.gl/maps/sA4QmP9EfoBcwKhH9
Paid parking is required.
This waterfall is perfect for littles who don’t want to walk far but love to explore!
It’s located a short distance off the parking lot crossing over two small bridges and past a river.
The waterfall is now viewable from a platform for safety but still gets you close enough it’s majestic beauty.
In the winter the trail can become very icy and should be proceeded with caution.
Sherman Falls is very close to Tiffany Falls if your little is looking for another adventure!
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Sulphur Springs Rd, Hamilton, ON L9G 1L8
More on Dundas Valley Conservation Area here
Google Map Link Here
https://goo.gl/maps/egdnAteXCH4BXxKc9
With over 40 Km’s of trails through the Dundas Valley and multiple waterfall sightings this Conservation Area can become overwhelming.
There are two points of interests my littles love to explore here.
The first one is the Hermitage, an old ruins situated in the middle of the forest. The path to the Hermitage isn’t very long and is doable with a stroller.
The second point of interest is the Dundas Valley Trail Centre where a stationed train sits. It’s the perfect spot to explore with littles especially when it’s surrounded by creeks and the forest.
Here’s parking to the Dundas Valley Trail Centre
Valens Lake Conservation Area
1691 Regional 97 Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 5S7
More on Valens Lake Conservation Area here
Paid admission required
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/yJ8Tb2GWEjY3dqLE8
This is my top recommendation for fun with littles and is completely stroller accessible.
The trails span for a long distance but you don’t have to go far to enjoy this Conservation Area.
We park here
https://goo.gl/maps/EkEtmmysv9xzvqWs9
And start our hike from the trail that starts by crossing the lake over a beautiful long bridge.
If you can manage with your littles by bringing them in a wagon or stroller you can access the back boardwalk through the marsh which is my favourite!
There’s also a beach here which is great to stop and play as a reward for a hike.
Bathrooms are located in the building right off the beach parking lot.
From the Hamilton Conservation Authority
Westfield Heritage Village
1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton, ON L0R 1X0
More on Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area here
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/EkEtmmysv9xzvqWs9
Paid admission required
Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area is so fun and unique.
It’s perfect for taking your littles for the day. You can start by exploring the buildings of the village. There’s even a stationed train which is my littles favourite thing to visit.
Behind the village are trails to explore. They can be long and narrow so they aren’t great for strollers or tired feet but you can walk a short distance to explore and turn around to walk back.
We love to take picnics here and enjoy our break on the grass or on one of the many picnic tables.
Bathrooms on site.
From the Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area website
Cherry Hill Gate
Grindstone Marshes Trail, Burlington, ON L7T 1H1
More on Cherry Hill Gate here
Google Map Link here
https://goo.gl/maps/t1rxEcwbaH3Hc391A
Paid parking is required.
This is such a fun spot to explore and see wildlife. Located down hill from the parking lot is a huge boardwalk through a marsh full of ducks, swans and chickadees that will land right in your hand.
It’s stroller friendly but there is a large hill at the beginning so it’s a bit of a workout.
Information on Cherry Hill Gate can be found here
Arboretum
16 Old Guelph Rd, Hamilton, ON L0R 2H9
More on the Arboretum here
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/GLaxeASHuWVuxoCh9
Paid parking is required.
This is such an interesting and unique space for so many reasons.
You can roam their fields off the main parking lot and learn all about the different species of trees. Some trees are like canopies and act as tree forts which is so fun.
The Arboretum is known for their huge lilac collection and smells absolutely amazing in bloom.
Their Cherry Blossom trees are absolutely stunning and huge! We loved to visit when they were in bloom.
Off of the fields you’ll find plenty of trails to explore.
We like to start at the trail head just past the Nature Interpretive Centre called the Anishinabbe waadiziwin trail. It takes you to the Cootes Paradise Marsh where you can spot frogs, turtles and many species of birds.
The trail is stroller friendly in one direction and then you need to turn around and retrace your steps.
Bathrooms on site.
More information from the Royal Botanical Gardens here
Rockwood Conservation Area
161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa, ON N0B 2K0
More on Rockwood Conservation Area here
Google Map Link
https://goo.gl/maps/dA1sxYdrJfmc4zMN7
Paid admission required at the gate.
This is such a great spot for so much fun stuff to do and see.
There are old ruins right off the parking area here
https://goo.gl/maps/Bg6fvtAUFiQJXfNM9
The ruins may be gated off but they are still so beautiful to see. From here you can walk towards Rockwood Falls where you can see the falls right off of the bridge.
If you continue on this foot path along the river you’ll come across deep caves.
The pathway here is stroller friendly.
You can get back into your car and drive to the beach area here
https://goo.gl/maps/ZBb3Fs13SrK6NyBo8
Which is only a two minute drive. It’s also a great spot for picnicking.
Bathrooms are located here as well.
From the Grand River Conservation Authority’s website
https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Rockwood.aspx