On the Trails: June 2026

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  via 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.

Of note, lake water levels transitioned are well above average for June. For a unique perspective of the marsh, launch a canoe at Princess Point or join an RBG paddling program to glide through Cootes Paradise. It’s a peaceful way to experience the marsh’s vibrant wildlife and wetland habitat.  Please make sure to respect the territories and space of the many nesting birds.

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.

Escarpment Trails

• 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. 

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.