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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.

Click here for a map of our nature sanctuaries and trailheads. Full colour trail maps are available for purchase at the Gardens’ Shop and the Nature Centre.

December, 2006
Update:
Temporary trail closure in Hendrie Valley. The north side of Bridle Trail is closed, from the Grindstone Marshes Trail, eastwards to the south end of the bridge and boardwalk where the trail crosses Grindstone Creek. This is a temporary closure, effective December 18 to mid-February, while the boardwalk is repaired. Questions or concerns can be directed to Sid Gratton at 905-527-1158, ext. 222.

Trail maintenance work continues on the south shore of Cootes Paradise.* Westdale Ravine Trail and Caleb’s Walk Trail are open. Sassafras Point and South Shore Trails remain closed at this time.

Note that Forsythe Trail from Forsythe Drive to Caleb's Walk has been permanently closed as of January 2006.

*The temporary closure of Royal Botanical Gardens South Shore trails is the result of our on-going trail inspection program that includes tree work. Trail use is prohibited for the safety of visitors and workers. In the meantime, our North Shore, Rock Chapel and Hendrie Valley trails remain open (with exception noted above), and The Waterfront Trail remains open. Thank you for your co-operation and patience.

Trail User’s Code
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.

  • Bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
  • Dogs must be leashed. Please clean up after your dog.
  • Please keep to the marked trails and obey trail closures.
  • Cross-country skiing is prohibited.
  • Picking or collecting plants or wildlife is prohibited.
  • Please do not feed the wildlife.

Trail Conditions
The trail surface is mostly packed earth, with some areas of mulch, crushed stone, asphalt and boardwalk, and some sections are hilly. Please stay off earthen trails during spring thaw, and after heavy rains. Ice build-up in winter can make hills slippery, so please use caution.

For Those Afloat
Experience Cootes 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
A fee of $1/hour is required at all trailheads. The machines do not provide change. Effective August 14, 2006, machines accept cash only. Royal Botanical Gardens' members can park at the trailheads free of charge by displaying their Member Parking Pass or a valid membership card on their dashboard. For more information or to become a member, call 905-527-1158, ext. 290.

Royal Botanical Gardens is the steward of over 900 hectares of ecologically sensitive natural lands. These sanctuaries do not generate revenue for The Gardens yet they are very costly to manage. 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, which includes maintenance of our 30-kilometre trail system. 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
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