Four nature sanctuaries blanket 90% of the Gardens’ property in a diverse mix of forests, fields and wetlands, which wrap around the western tip of Lake Ontario, and are sheltered by the Niagara Escarpment — a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. They are treated as three areas: Cootes Paradise, Hendrie Valley and the Escarpment Properties (Rock Chapel and the Berry Tract). Explore the wilder side of the Gardens on more than 27 kilometres of scenic walking trails. The thirty trails include over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks, and 21 stream crossings. Click here for an overview map of our nature sanctuaries and trailheads. Cootes Paradise Our largest and most diverse sanctuary at over 600 hectares and including old growth forest areas. Established in 1927 for its significance as a migratory bird stopover, the area features a 320 hectare river mouth marsh, glacial plateaus, 16 creeks and 25 km of shoreline. Major access Points are Princess Point (Longwood Rd.) and the Arboretum (Old Guelph Rd.). Hendrie Valley The 100 hectare Grindstone Creek Valley stretches to the end of Carroll’s Bay and contains the finest collection of floodplain wetlands on western Lake Ontario. Transferred to the Gardens in 1941 for ecological protection, the area features slopes forested with old growth trees, a 60 hectare river mouth marsh complex, and 4 creeks. Major access points are along Plains Rd. and include RBG Centre and Cherry Hill Gate. Escarpment Properties The 110 hectares of Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve is represented here by several properties forming a three-kilometre ribbon along the edge. The Gardens’ properties seem larger than 110 hectares as Rock Chapel and Berry Tract are linked with those of the Conservation Authority and Hamilton Naturalist Club. The Bruce Trail is the predominant visitor feature here, and connects to Cootes Paradise through the Ray Lowes Side Trail. The main visitor access is on Rock Chapel Rd. Trails More than 100,000 visitors walk our 27 kilometres (18.5 miles) of trails each year. To ensure sustainability and balance between people and nature the Gardens has designation 20% of the sanctuaries without trails, called Special Protection Areas. The largest of these are found within Cootes Paradise and include the Hopkins Wood and Spencer Creek Delta areas and are home to species such as the bald eagle. Lookouts and boardwalks allow viewing of these areas from a distance.  Learning More Guided educational outings are offered throughout the year. For information call 905-527-1158 ext. 270. Seasonal programs include everything from spring wildflower walks to stories of the Escarpment. External groups charging for independently guided tours must register with the Gardens. Back To Top Science contacts Ask our science staff a question about the science and conservation program. Science fact sheets Download a fact sheet and learn about our restoration projects. Project Paradise Learn about one of the largest habitat restoration projects in North America. Directions Click here to see how easy we are to find. Local weather Find out what the forecast is before you head out!
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