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Just a few minutes north of town, this park is bisected by the 50-metre-deep Bronte Creek Ravine. Hike along several trails, including the 1.8-kilometre Lookout Ravine Trail, which meanders along the top of the valley. Families love the animals at the Children’s Farm, as well as the Playbarn, a 150-year-old structure that’s been converted into a massive play loft for climbing and jumping.
Rock Point Provincial Park
Stretching out along the shore of Lake Erie, this park has a kilometre-long beach, lined with the remains of a 350-million-year-old coral reef. Climb up to a viewing platform to look out over the sand dunes, or fish for bass and walleye from atop a limestone outcrop. Then hike along the Woodlot Trail, two kilometres through oak savanna.
Selkirk Provincial Park
Where the wetlands of Spring Creek meet the shores of Lake Erie, you can swim at two separate beaches here (beware, the one on the lake side tends to be pebbly). Canoe down the creek, or take a little hike along the boardwalks of Wheeler’s Walk Trail, an easy 1.5 kilometres through the marsh.
Turkey Point Provincial Park
Set on the shores of Long Point Bay, this is a favourite park for families, who love wading out a long way from the two-kilometre beach on the shallow, sandy bottom. There’s also a nine-hole golf course, plus three hiking trails—Lookout Bluff offers really nice views over the water.
While somewhat moderated by the influence of Lake Ontario, which acts as a sort of inland sea, Hamilton experiences four very distinct seasons. Summer is hot and humid, with July offering the best weather and evenings cooling quickly toward the end of August. The leaves start changing in September, with the peak of fall colours—so much red and gold—usually around Thanksgiving in early-mid October. Beaches and parks are crowded in late June, July, and August, but if you come after Labour Day, you may just have the whole place to yourself.
For an enriching nature retreat, camping near Rockwood Conservation Area is ideal. The Rockwood camping experience combines tranquil forest trails, mesmerizing limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, promising a truly invigorating outdoor adventure.