There was just a dusting of snow on the ground – more in some places than others. Snow makes everything look a bit more magical, but even with very little of it, our first time winter hiking at Dundas Valley Conservation Area, just outside of Hamilton, Ontario was absolutely enchanting.

We had never visited this conservation area in the past, despite driving by it a few times. It was always busy in the summertime and so we avoided it. We like our trails quiet and not so busy, such as the Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville.

So we took a chance on a cool winter day.


First Day Of Winter At Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Inspired by the great photos and stories of Cam Goode, Dundas Valley Conservation Area’s biggest champion, I suggested we do a Christmas break hike here.  We ended up going on the shortest day of the year – the Winter Equinox.

The Dundas Valley Conservation Area Visitor Centre

Hiking The Main Loop Trail

Since the sun was barely hitting over the horizon, the light was diffused. A light mist hung over the treeline and Niagara Escarpment, making for some great conditions for photography.

With our Nikon DSLRs in hand, and with me keeping my iPhone busy, we captured our first time on the Main Loop Trail. It’s a 3.5 km hike that takes you up and down hills.

It’s an easy trail to walk on, with fine gravel and packed earth. No roots or stones to trip on here! You do get a workout, as there are several hills that get your heart and lungs going. And it’s a great place to go hiking with little kids.

The Main Loop at Dundas Valley Conservation Area

This trail also gives you a taste of the landscape at Dundas Valley Conservation Area. It includes valleys with streams, hemlock groves, old apple orchards, fields, and deciduous forest.

In the winter, you will spot squirrels and occasionally deer, feeding on roots and plants. Look up and you find chickadees and other birds.  We saw a blue jay protecting its nest in an old apple tree.


Winter Hiking At Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Starting at the Dundas Valley Trail Centre, the first thing you see is a reproduction of a Victorian train station. It serves as a meeting point and interpretative centre. It’s also the place to fuel up with snacks and take a bathroom break.

Heading towards the Main Loop Trail, you cross train tracks and the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail. This is a 32 km trail that’s part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Heading on the Main Loop Trail, starting clockwise, the first key point of interest is the Sulphur Springs. Sulphur Springs Creek runs through this area. We didn’t head to the fountain, which is located on the opposite side of Sulphur Springs Road.

Supposedly you can smell a bit of the sulphur in the air at times, but we didn’t smell anything during our visit. This was the site of a mineral spa in the 1800s, with the Sulphur Springs Hotel. It burned down in 1910 and was never rebuilt. A private home now stands on its ruins.

We stopped by the creek, which was slightly iced over… the sound of the water over the ice crystals was so pleasing to the ear.

Meandering, the creek makes for a very pleasing sight and worthy of a few photos.


The Hermitage Ruins And Mossy Stones

Moving further on the trail, you find yourself at the Hermitage ruins. A mansion, it was built in 1855 and destroyed by fire in 1934. In recent years the ruins have become increasingly dangerous, requiring supports.

As you continue along the path, you notice the mossy stones and the valley below with a small, inaccessible lake. There is a private residence located here. Imagine having the trail right outside your door!

Hermitage Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Continuing on, you head into a valley where there is little sound except for the cascade and stream. Taking a seat for a moment, this is the perfect spot for the rest – it’s the halfway point of your visit.

Mossy stones covered by snow at Dundas Valley Conservation Area

The trail continues on through an old apple orchard. Several old apple trees remain, gnarled and not pruned for many years. A bit further on is a large, old oak tree, over 150 years old. Its trunk is wide, with limbs reaching for the sky.

A bench under the tree is a great spot for another quick break and a good reason to look up at its height. I can imagine how lovely it is in the summer, providing you with shade and protection from the sun.

The final area you pass through is the Hemlock Grove. This is a playground for various animals, including bossy squirrels who squeak at you as you disturb their peace and quiet.

| Related: Top Day Trips From Toronto


Great Place For a Winter Workout

When you are done hiking at Dundas Valley Conservation Area, you are tired. It may be only 3.5 km but you’ve gone up at least five big hills. For anybody who is out of shape, this is a workout. We saw several people belonging to a hiking club walking along the trail for exercise. For runners, this is also a fantastic trail to push yourself.

Will we visit again? Most definitely. There’s more to explore and definitely at different times of the year. The bare trees, brown and golden carpet of leaves and occasional mossy stone make for a pretty scene in the winter. I can only imagine how beautiful this place is in the spring, summer, and fall.

We’ll be back! Perhaps next time, it will be for a romantic walk in the snow for Valentine’s Day.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area
650 Governors Rd (Hwy 99)
Dundas, ON

Admission and hours: check the Dundas Valley Conservation Area website for up-to-date details.

Nearby Trails To Explore

A few other places nearby for hikes include:

Tiffany Falls in Ancaster

Walking Trails in Burlington, Ontario

The Hamilton Rail Trail

QUESTION: Have you experienced hiking at Dundas Valley Conservation Area? What is your favourite part of the main trail?

Until next time!

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Author

Margaret Bourne is a blog coach and strategist, with over 18 years of experience in marketing and public relations. She helps aspiring bloggers build and grow professional online businesses. A wife, and mom to a little boy, she also occasionally shares lifestyle-related stories through her Suburban Tourist blog.

2 Comments

    • It’s truly lovely – the main trail has no roots, large stones, so it makes it easy on the ankles. BUT, the hills are a great workout.

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