When you grow your family by one, hikes and walks change. Rocky trails and strollers don’t mix. You want to get some fresh air outdoors, but logistics are a concern! Luckily for those who live in our area, there are a number of family friendly trails in Burlington and the surrounding cities.
While there are some great baby carriers out there, there are days you don’t want to carry the extra weight of a 10 lb-plus baby or toddler. If your kid is like my little guy was when he was a baby, you want to avoid a long walk with the added weight.
We’ve checked out several parks and hiking trails in Burlington that are great for strollers. Although our little guy is now walking and running around, we still take the stroller when he gets tired.
Some of these are free and others require a small entrance fee, but are so worth the visit!
Top Family Friendly Trails In Burlington And Surrounding Area
In no particular order, this list of spots includes hiking trails in Burlington and the surrounding area that we’ve tested over the past few years. We love how close they are to our home in Burlington. And most importantly, you don’t have to lug your stroller up stairs or rocky paths.
Many of the trails in Burlington are the best because you can drive to them, park and walk. Oakville trails are nestled in-between neighbourhoods with few offering public parking. You have to use street parking on residential streets.
We’ve included one great spot in Hamilton that’s right on the water. It’s THE place to cool off on hot summer walks. Not on this list but equally as good is Erindale Park in Mississauga, that takes you along the Credit River. It has a flat gravel path and ample parking off of Dundas Street (near Mississauga Rd).
The Trail Across Burlington
This is one of the best trails in Burlington. It’s a paved trail from Sherwood Forest Park at Burloak Drive just south of the QEW, all the way to downtown Burlington. About 7 km. in length, it’s a very long walk. We like to walk it in sections, between major streets. For example, we start at Sherwood Forest Park and walk all the way to Walker’s Line before turning around and going back. There are several playgrounds and benches along the way.
If you’re thirsty, there’s a Starbucks and a Dairy Queen at the Appleby intersection.
Entrance Fee: Free
Parking: Free, ample parking at Sherwood Forest Park for the eastern part of the trail. Nelson Park also has parking at the mid-point of the trail. It’s a good starting point either way.
Trails at Bronte Creek Provincial Park
With an even gravel trail in most areas of the park, Bronte Creek Provincial Park is awesome for a walk for families with little kids.
Five different trails take you through the forest as well as fields of grasses and wildflowers. Parts of the trail are close to the Bronte Creek Ravine, so it’s best to keep kids from the edge.
Also at Bronte Creek is the Children’s Farm with live farm animals and the turn-of-the-century Spruce Lane Farm House. This and the great paths make Bronte Creek of the best places to enjoy hiking trails in Burlington.
Entrance Fee: Day use – $11.25
Parking: The entrance to the park is accessible from Burloak Drive, just north of the QEW.
Sheldon Creek Trail in Southeast Oakville
There are numerous hiking trails in Burlington, however, there are some in the areas around the city that are worthy of checking out. This mostly flat, gravel trail wends its way along Sheldon Creek and in-between neighbourhoods west of Great Lakes Boulevard in Oakville. For anybody living in and around this area (including those by Burloak in Burlington), Sheldon Creek trail is a long one and gives you a taste of nature in the city. So many trees!
It’s often muddy in the spring-time after a rainfall, but it’s very pretty when the foliage begins to come in. In the summer it’s lushly green and cool on hot days under the canopy of trees.
Be aware of coyotes on the trails, particularly early in the morning when they’re out to feed.
Entrance: Free. There are various entrances to the trail.
Parking: Free street parking. You can find parking on the street in the various small streets, such as Creek Path Avenue.
Trails at the RBG – Royal Botanical Gardens
These are some of our favourite walking trails in Burlington. The Laking Garden at the RBG is particularly nice for a spring and summer walk when the flowers are blooming. Peonies and irises are just some of the perennial flowers found here.
Equally pretty is RBG’s new rock garden, which re-opened after extensive work in 2016. It includes a small waterfall and other water features, perennial plants and a conifer display.
Entrance Fee: Various – see site for more details.
Parking: Pay and display – see site for more details.
Bayfront Park in Hamilton
A short, paved trail, it loops around with a great view of the water and Cootes Paradise. In the summer, the hills are a fun spot for running around. Just watch out for the geese and goose poop!
It’s often chilly by the water, so make sure to bring layers and a blanket for baby if it’s cool outside.
Entrance Fee: Free
Parking: Free
Conservation Areas Near Burlington
Want to explore more?
Check out these wild places with great trails:
- The Trails At Mount Nemo Conservation Area
- Mountsberg Conservation Area Trails And Things To Do
- Exploring Trails At Crawford Lake Conservation Area
QUESTION: What’s your favourite trail for strolling with baby in Burlington and surrounding area? Share your tips with us!
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2 Comments
wow, I love this, this would be a great place to go jogging, thank you for sharing this post.
You’re welcome! Have fun running :)