On the Trails: October 2026

The trails burst into fall colour as the leaves turn reds, yellows, and purples. October is also the heart of fall bird migration, and RBG nature sanctuaries are in the middle of number of transcontinental bird migration routes. Over 250 species can be encountered over the course of the fall season and every trail can host something special.

Also migrating in are the spawning salmon from Lake Ontario, making their way into both Spencer and Grindstone Creeks. In 2026, water levels the lake are average but warm temperatures are expected to delay migration. Stream flows are quite low to start October limiting stream depth and migration access. Considerable precipitation and cooler weather will be needed to facilitate the salmon migration into the spawning sites likely delaying the salmon run to late October.

Fall colours have begun with Walnuts already yellow, and Dogwoods and Sumac turning red to start off October. These are complimented by the colours of many species of fall blooming asters. Fall colours extend into November as the 70 plus species of trees in our Carolinian forests found across a varied landscape. Trails of the escarpment uplands reach their colour peak two weeks earlier than those down at Cootes Paradise Marsh. Look for the brilliant orange leaves of Sassafras and serviceberries, the reds of maples and sumac, the yellows of walnut and hickory, and the uniquely purple leaves of Fraxinus americana (white ash) and Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa).

Migratory birds gather in the thousands on many evenings, with geese, blackbirds, and Double-crested Cormorants dominating the scene. Migrating raptors are primarily found at Burlington Heights near the Rock Garden, while waterbirds concentrate around the marsh rivermouth deltas of Spencer (Cootes Paradise) and Grindstone Creeks (Hendrie Valley). Songbirds can be spotted along the wooded shorelines surrounding the wetlands.

Conditions in the large marsh areas are expected to limit exposed mudflats in river delta areas. In addition, ongoing marsh habitat regeneration in several areas has led to substantial aquatic plant growth, which in turn sustains large numbers of migrating waterbirds. Ideal viewing locations include trails with observation platforms, accessible via the Cootes Paradise north shore trails or Hendrie Valley. The most dramatic changes are associated with Princess Point area as well as Marshwalk by Rat Island.

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.

Arboretum / North Cootes Paradise Trails

• Fall/Winter Hours at the Arboretum begin Monday, October 12, with the Arboretum open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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. Expect short-term disruptions to parking lot access throughout October as updates are completed.

Hendrie Valley Trails

• October 2: Hendrie Park closed in preparation for Telling Tales Festival,
• October 2-4: Cherry Hill Gate Parking Lot CLOSED for Telling Tales Festival. Please access Hendrie Valley trail system via Valley Inn (1220 Spring Garden Rd) or Laking Upper Lot (1249 Spring Garden Rd/Plains Rd)
• October 3 & 4: RBG Centre / Hendrie Park open for Telling Tales participants only. Rock Garden remains open for daytime visitation.
• October 15-18, 22-25: Cherry Hill Gate Parking Lot CLOSED for The Great Pumpkin Trail. Please access Hendrie Valley trail system via Valley Inn (1220 Spring Garden Rd) or Laking Upper Lot (1249 Spring Garden Rd/Plains Rd)

For Your Safety

• 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.
• 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.