Fall hiking at Mountsberg Conservation Area is one of the best family activities for anybody living in and around the Toronto area.
Like other toddlers, our son is fascinated with animals and birds. He loves to run around pretending to be a bear or flapping his wings like an eagle. So, during our Civic Holiday long weekend, we took him to see the birds and animals at Mountsberg Conservation Area – located west of Toronto.
Oh boy… we came back with a very excited little boy, who loved the visit. So much, so that we can him talking about animals non-stop for the next two days.
In this post, we’ll share why the family activities at Mountsberg are simply some of the best. Also, learn more about Fall hiking at Mountsberg – whether with kids, for exercise or on a hiking date.
Family Activities At Mountsberg Conservation Area
Located an hour and a bit northwest of Toronto, Mountsberg Conservation Area is an increasingly popular area for families to visit with their kids.
We’ve been here before with our son a few times for brief visits. Our most recent one before this visit was in the Spring.
It ended in a few tears when it was time to go. He loves it at Mountsberg Conservation Area!
While we love the idea of spending time at a farm, given that we don’t have access to one on a regular basis, this is the next best thing.
Visiting the animals at Mountsberg Conservation Area is a way of reconnecting with the natural world around us.
Farm Animals at Mountsberg Conservation Area
Aside from the famous Mounstberg Raptor Centre, there are a number of farm animals at Mountsberg Conservation Area.
A barn holds rabbits, as well as a pen for goats and sheep. They wander outside and munch on hay and grass when the weather is nice.
Another building has a wire pen for the chicken coop. They check out the visitors, thinking that perhaps they will be let out by a naughty child. Not this time around!
A gravel lane runs adjacent to three horses grazing in a paddock. They will come up to check you out, stomping their hooves to get rid of flies. It’s best to keep the kids away from the fence and horses mouths. It’s a great spot to teach kids to respect animals, especially if their owners are not present to advise on best behaviour.
Visiting Other Animals At Mountsberg
By the horses, there’s a fenced-off field of wildflowers and a big sign noting that there are beehives.
You can see the bees hovering over the wildflowers, and as the sign says, you don’t want to get up close to the hives!
Aside from bees, as you enter the Conservation Area, there’s a sign for turtle crossings.
Well, if you keep your eyes trained on the ground, you may spot a turtle along the trails! We found this little guy taking a rest from his walk around.
You may also spot a frog or toad here or there.
There are other animals at Mountsberg Reservoir. Here you’ll find wild birds such as ducks, geese and other water fowl make their homes here.
The trails at Mounstberg Conservation Area take you around the reservoir, which means you’re bound to get glimpses of turtles, frogs and water fowl along the way.
We were so excited about our visit, we captured some video!
Other Family Activities at Mounstberg Conservation Area
For kids with a whole lot of energy, there’s a play barn. There are spots to climb and jump around in this kid heaven.
Sometimes you can get a chance to get up close to a goat and pet it.
Something that we plan to do eventually when our son is old enough, is to teach him how to fish at the Mountsberg Reservoir.
It’s an angler’s destination close to home. Kids don’t require any license to fish, but you can get a day license online at the Ontario.ca site.
Why You Should Do Fall Hiking At Mountsberg Conservation Area
Every time we go exploring, even at locations we’ve already been, Frank and I find something new of interest.
Fall hiking at Mountsberg Conservation Area reminded us of our last hiking visit back in the summer of 2011. At that time we checked out the trails, the birds and the barn animals.
Since we enjoyed it so much that previous time, we wanted to explore it in the autumn period. The vibe is certainly different. Many birds are gone, including the swallows, leaving their bird homes empty. Yet, there’s still much to do and see, even though the landscape is a bit more drab and dull-coloured.
Mountsberg Conservation Area in Fall
Fall hiking at Mountsberg Conservation Area means you are getting much more peace in nature. There are fewer people, as the nip in the air keeps them inside. Unless you love the outdoors like us and enjoy a chillier day!
During our Fall visit, we decided to check out the boat launch area and the dam for the reservoir. This dam regulates the water flow for Bronte Creek.
We noticed several people fishing by the dam. The Mountsberg Reservoir is well-stocked with large-mouth bass, Northern pike, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and brown bullhead. You can fish from a non-motorized boat or from the shoreline.
| Related: Top Day Trips From Toronto
Mountsberg If For Photographers
We also bumped into another photographer on one of the trails leading into the wooded creek area south of the dam. Unlike us, he was prepared for a steady camera with a tripod.
Since the landscape is pretty dull in late November, we took photos of bull rushes and other weedy grasses growing along the water past the dam. When you’re doing Fall hiking at Mountsberg Conservation Area, you have a great opportunity to take photos without somebody walking up behind you.
Heading back to the parking lot, we took a trail that had obviously been used by somebody on a horse. Horseshoes imprinted in the mud and the inevitable horse poop were clearly seen on the muddy trail.
I don’t think horseback riding is really permissible on Mountsberg Conservation Area trails. However, you need to always glance down to make sure you don’t step in something smelly.
Overall, this is a great spot for fishing and to launch your boat. It’s quiet and gives you a different view of the reservoir than the main park area. Worth a visit in the summer for bird-watching.
Our visit was a reminder that we are lucky to have so many beautiful, natural places to explore close to Burlington, our hometown.
Note: While there is no booth to pay for your enjoyment of this part of the park, there is a box where you pay your entrance fee.
| Related: Getting Up Close To Birds Of Prey At Mountsberg
Directions
From Cambellville Road head north on Centre Road. Turn right on Concession Road 14 E, and then the first right. This will be the entrance to the boat launch area.
Read more about Mountsberg Conservation Area on the Conservation
Park Details
Visit the Conservation Halton website for details as to entry costs and park hours.
QUESTION: Have you visited the animals at Mountsberg Conservation Area? What do your kids love to do there?
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