On the Trails: September 2025

September is migratory season and our sanctuaries are in the middle of a number of migration routes. Over 250 bird species can be encountered over the course of the season and in the fall every trail can host something special. The first burst of fall colour also emerges, highlighted by goldenrods, asters and sunflowers. These plants come into flower just in time for the arrival of another long distant migrant the monarch butterfly as the loop around Lake Ontario.

As a general guide for fall migratory birding, raptors are centered around Burlington Heights, waterbirds are focused around the rivermouth deltas of Spencer and Chedoke Creek (Cootes Paradise) and Grindstone Creeks (Hendrie Valley), and songbirds are all through the wooded shorelines surrounding the wetlands. Evenings can bring very large numbers of birds. Trails with observation platforms are accessed through either Hendrie Valley or the Cootes Paradise north shore (via the Arboretum) with views of our most spectacular areas, Special Protection Areas available from the platforms. In addition, thriving meadows are found at Princess Point and Rock Chapel, with large scale meadow restoration projects throughout the property, dramatically increasing the amount of habitat for migratory birds.

Lake water levels at Cootes Paradise and Grindstone Marsh are about average but declining during September. Some hints of exposed mudflats are occurring to start September and water levels may be low by October.  Canoe launches can be found at Princess Point and Valley Inn.

September wildflowers are dominated by goldenrods, asters and an increasing abundance of native sunflowers with over 35 species occurring. These are particularly abundant in the meadow restoration sites of Princess Point, Hendrie Valley and Rock Chapel. More subtle favourites in a woodland setting include, Symphyotrichum cordifolium (Heart-leaved Aster) also at Rock Chapel, Solidago caesia (Blue-stemmed Goldenrod) in Hendrie Valley, and Eurybia macrophylla (Large-leaved Aster) along Cootes Paradise south shore forest. You can also learn more about some of the traditional cultural uses of native plants at the Anishinaabe Waadizin nature trail at the Arboretum.

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.
• Ginger Valley Trail will have periodic closures this summer while the stone stairs are being updated.
• 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.

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.
• High numbers of visitors will be encountered at times and our trails are narrow; please bring a mask to wear when you cannot physically distance from others.
• 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.