On the Trails: April 2026

Spring has finally arrived, and the trails are bursting with natural wonders waiting to be discovered. Seasonal highlights include the return of migratory birds, fish beginning their spawning runs, and the first wave of forest wildflowers—known as spring ephemerals—blooming across the landscape.

Early bloomers such as Bloodroot and Hepatica are already making an appearance, while the woodland shrub American Hazelnut is displaying its brilliant yellow catkins. With warm temperatures in the forecast, expect a quick transition to the next wave of blooms, including Trillium, Trout Lily, Toothwort, and flowering fruit trees like serviceberries. The forested areas here are home to the majority of the over 700 native wild plant species found within our protected environments. Not sure what you’re looking at? Try the iNaturalist app to help identify unfamiliar plants on your journey.

Birdwatchers are in for a treat this month, especially at the George North and Marsh Walkwalk Towers (accessed via the Arboretum), where raptor migrations offer breathtaking viewing opportunities. The Bald Eagles are once again nesting in the Hopkins Woods Special Protection Area, with nest in easy view from the Marshwalk Boardwalk with a set of binoculars. Both juvenile and adult eagles are frequently seen soaring above Cootes Paradise Marsh, along with a variety of other migratory raptors and waterfowl. Observation decks along the trails provide excellent vantage points.

Meanwhile, the Cootes Paradise Fishway is at full operation, marking the start of the early-season fish migrations. Species such as perch, pike, and trout are returning from Lake Ontario to spawn in the shallows of Cootes Paradise Marsh and Spencer Creek. This winters snowpack levels provided for perfect spring floods associated with a gradual melt, and returning Lake Ontario water levels to average. These water levels are providing excellent access to flooded habitat within the extensive vegetation of Cootes Paradise Marsh.

Trail User Notes

• Urgent Reminder: Wildlife feeding is prohibited. Feeding wildlife along the trails is resulting in long-term damage to these important nature sanctuaries and their inhabitants. RBG has a strict policy prohibiting the feeding of wildlife, with enforcement regulated by the City of Burlington’s By-law Enforcement Agency. If you witness wildlife feeding, please report it to Burlington By-Law Enforcement.

• Rock Chapel Parking Lot has reopened for the season. Please note: RBG will be undertaking an accessibility project this year to provide safe and improved access to the Escarpment trails. Upgrades include the existing parking lot, currently located on the curve of Rock Chapel Road, will be relocated approximately 100 metres west to a straight, level section of the road, improving both safety and accessibility. A newly graded trail connection will link the parking lot to the Royal Botanical Gardens Escarpment Trail and the Bruce Trail. 2026 construction start date to be announced. 
• Arboretum Spring Hours: The Arboretum is currently open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for trail users. Please note that during peak bloom season of the flowering tree collections (May/June), Arboretum hours, admission, and parking are subject to change. Details to be confirmed.

For Your Safety

• While using our nature trails, please note that all use is at your own risk. Most of our trails are hilly and the trail surfaces are natural soil. Consider your footwear as during winter surfaces can be icy or muddy depending on the weather.
• Please stay on the marked trails to avoid trampling regenerating shrubs and trees or buried roots of understory plants such as trilliums.
• The nature trail system is considered closed during extreme weather event notifications from Environment Canada.
• Cross country skiing and mountain bikes/fat bikes are not allowed as our trails are not designed to accommodate these activities.
• Please be aware ticks, including those carrying Lyme Disease, are found throughout the Hamilton/Burlington area and are active at temperatures above 0°C. Protect yourself by staying on marked trails. RBG does not accept ticks for testing. For inquiries regarding ticks, please contact the Region of Halton or City of Hamilton Public Health.