On the Trails: September 2026

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 continue at well above average but declining during September. Due to the higher water levels no exposed creek mouth mudflats are expected this year. There is ample water for canoeing with canoe launches found at Princess Point and Grindstone Marsh areas.

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

• 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 dates to be announced.
• 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.
• 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.