I was going through some of my old blog posts and found one that’s my favourite for so many reasons. Back in 2013, I was going through some of my old photos from previous years. They were of us hiking at Crawford Lake Conservation Area, near Milton, Ontario.
It’s close to Toronto, has some of the most scenic spots and gives you a big dose of nature when you need to de-stress.
Most of these photos in this post were taken in early April 2011, on a foggy day. Some are more recent. I had to share them, so that if you’re a local planning a day out, or a tourist visiting the area, you make a point to stretch your legs here. That April day, there were only a few people hiking the trails or walking with their dogs.
I expected to see elves and other little mystical creatures popping out from behind a mossy stone. But in reality, we were sharing the space with squirrels, birds and other small woodland creatures.
With no breeze, the atmosphere was serene and just a bit spooky. It was very silent, as if the mist was dampening the sounds of cars on nearby roads.
Parts of the lake still had ice and in other areas, we could see the melt happening right before our eyes.
It was magic.
Crawford Lake: Hiking Destination Near Toronto
Even in early spring, hiking at Crawford Lake is a magical thing. Light green flashes of growing plants and the ever-present moss break up the drab landscape. The many gravel trails mean you aren’t stepping deep into the mud. The boardwalk around the lake makes it even better.
However, as with any trail in the early spring, there may be icy patches. My recommendation when hiking at Crawford Lake is to always to wear hiking boots with good treads to ensure you don’t slip or twist your ankle.
While it may not be packed with people in the early Spring, during the summer Crawford Lake Conservation Area is busy. It’s close enough to Toronto that anybody seeking an escape from the concrete jungle will head there.
The Bruce Trail runs through Crawford Lake, so there are also people who are doing this section passing through.
| Related: Top Five Gorgeous Hiking Trails Near Toronto
The Boardwalk And Other Trails At Crawford Lake
While the wood boardwalk around the lake is an easy walk, other trails at Crawford Lake require hiking boots with ankle supports. The Nassagaweya Trail is much longer and a full hike can take four to five hours.
Just as we like to pop into Hilton Falls Conservation Area for a quick hike, Crawford Lake is our other favourite place for a dose of nature.
We like to drop in for a short walk around the lake occasionally. It’s a half-hour walk around if you’re taking your time and taking photos along the way. Some of the hiking trails at Crawford Lake are also great for families with little kids. The boardwalk is easy to follow along without too many tripping hazards.
From personal experience, the best time to visit for a solitary walk is early in the morning and in off-season. On cloudy, moody mornings, there are few people on the trail and often beautiful scenes to capture with your camera.
Very Instagrammable!
Crawford Lake is also a very romantic spot. It’s here that my husband, Frank, proposed on an early summer morning.
He chose a bench located at the main entrance to the wooden boardwalk near my favourite mossy stones. We often stop by this spot and remember that moment fondly.
Iroquoian Village Reconstruction
One thing I truly find fascinating is the reconstructed Iroquoian village at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Archaeological digs found 11 longhouses on the site. Three have been reconstructed along with a wooden palisade.
TIP: Practice good safety when hiking with little kids at Crawford Lake. To make it an enjoyable hiking experience prepare a backpack for yourself and your child.
The trail around the lake isn’t long and perfect for little kids. If you’re hiking here with little kids, keep them on the boardwalk for safety reasons as well as to protect the natural environment. There are often mushrooms clearly visible from the boardwalk, especially after a rainy day. They may be poisonous if ingested.
Make a game of spotting all the wood carvings that are now part of the hiking trails at Crawford Lake. They make it fun for little kids to pose for photos.
Directions to Crawford Lake Conservation Area
3115 Conservation Road
Milton, ON L9T 2X3
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is on Guelph Line south of Highway 401.
Entrance fees: $5.50 – $7.75/person. Kids under 4 enter for free.
For more info visit the Conservation Halton website for park details.
Check out the other conservation areas near here:
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I’ve gone snowshoeing there a few times.