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Our nature sanctuaries lie on the doorstep of almost 500,000 local residents. It is our mandate to protect these lands as an ecological legacy for future generations, by balancing the needs of wildlife with more than 100,000 visitors who walk our trails each year. Special Protection Areas While the property spans over 900 hectares, urban encroachment has left few true sanctuary areas for sensitive species. To ensure that all species have an opportunity to persist 20 percent of the property remains without trails. For the visitor, next to these areas there are observation points and interpretive signage to help you appreciate the significance of these unique spaces. Trail User’s Code These lands are Canada’s biodiversity hotspot, open to passive recreation only. While walking our trails, it is important to remember that you are a visitor in someone else’s home, and that your impact will be multiplied over 100,000 times. Our bylaws are posted at each trailhead. Please follow them and play a role in maintaining these areas for future generations. Restrictions • Runners are not permitted • Pets must remain leashed at all times. Please clean up after your dogs. • Bicycles are not permitted • Motorized vehicles are prohibited • Cross-country skiing is prohibited. • Horseback riding is prohibited • Picking or collecting plants or wildlife is prohibited. • Feeding the birds is restricted to a few seeds • Garbage receptacles are located at trailheads. Trail Conditions The trails are a combination of wider walking trails and narrower earthen backwoods foot paths. Surfaces include packed earth, crushed stone, asphalt and boardwalks; some sections are steep and hilly. Ice build up on hills during winter can make trails slippery. During spring thaws and after rains earthen trails will become muddy. For Those Afloat Experience the area by canoe or kayak on your own, or as part of our organized canoe tours. Princess Point is the best place from which to launch your craft. Please remember that paddling is prohibited in posted areas during the nesting season (May and June) to protect vulnerable wildlife. Motorized boats, except for the Gardens’ research purposes, are prohibited at all times. Trailhead parking fee Royal Botanical Gardens is the steward of over 900 hectares of ecologically sensitive natural lands. These sanctuaries preserve the past for the future, and therefore provided limited revenue generation for the Gardens. At the same time the extensive perimeter boundary and surrounding highly urbanized environment makes them costly to maintain. The parking fee program was developed to help build revenue for the maintenance of these properties. Proceeds from the parking fees go directly toward the stewardship of our natural lands. Thank you for supporting our natural lands. |
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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. The Fishway Find out how we keep carp out of Cootes Paradise and how you can see native fish up close. 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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About Science and Conservation Nature Sanctuaries and Trails Conservation and Biodiversity Research Information Resources Related Sites |
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