On the Trails: June 2025

Breeding birds, a show of wetland flowers, and nesting turtles highlight June on the trails. The wildflowers of June are highlighted by the Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) and White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata) found throughout the wetlands. Among the richest locations is the Bridle Trail Loop in Hendrie Valley and Westdale Inlet by Princess Point at Cootes Paradise.

Given the abundance of wetland plants in the valley today, it’s difficult to conceive this area was so degraded 20 years ago. Cootes Paradise Marsh is also now crossing a recovery threshold were water lilies are becoming notable in number. This success is a testament to the ongoing work of the wetland restoration program. Final sustainability still requires significant water quality improvements to the inflowing waters.

June is the peak of breeding bird season, with the calls of 100+ species present. Trails led you into woodland, wetland, and meadow habitats where you may encounter species such as the Wood Thrush (Grindstone Marsh Trail), Yellow Warbler (Captain Cootes), or Virginia Rail (Marsh Walk). The most unusual birds, the birds that hide in the marsh reeds, are likely heard while visiting South Pasture Swamp platform in Hendrie Valley or West Cootes Paradise (access Arboretum ), with these platforms providing views of the various Special Protection Areas. A visit to west Cootes Paradise’s Marshwalk will also lead you to this years eagle nest, with the eaglets expected to take flight in late June.

You may find a surprise on your walk, turtles migrating to high ground to lay their eggs. Trails and garden areas are attractive destinations for laying eggs, with eggs taking several months to hatch. Please do not disturb the turtles as some are large enough to have a bite. Nesting turtles are most often encountered during the morning hours and encounters can occur most any day.  The Gardens’ is undertaking special research to ensure the turtles are sustained into the future. Five of the six species present are on the Canadian endangered species list, with the Gardens sanctuaries one of the remaining concentrations in southern Ontario.  

The Cootes Paradise Fishway, located near Princess Point is now in reduced operation, with most activity related to fish returning to the harbour/lake after spawning. The Fishway is open to the public during the afternoons as per the operation schedule.

Trail User Notes

• The York Blvd stairs at the McQuesten High Level Bridge are closed due to structural concerns with the retaining wall. The City of Hamilton closure is expected to be long-term. Please use the Princess Point entrance to access the Waterfront Trail.

For Your Safety

• Please note that all trail 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.
• 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.