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The Halton Region, located in the Golden Horseshoe of Southern Ontario, is home to over 15.5 miles (25 km) of the Lake Ontario waterfront. Part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail stretching for 1,865 miles (more than 3,000 km) between Sault Ste Marie and the border of Quebec, there are many sites to check out along the way.
If you recently purchased a home in Halton real estate, one of the first things you’ll want to do after unpacking and settling in is to explore the waterfront trail which not only offers beautiful views of the lake but regional parks, gardens, and more.
Bronte Beach Park
Located in the Bronte neighbourhood of Oakville on the west side of Bronte Creek, Bronte Beach Park offers a sandy beach that edges clear water ideal for swimming during the hot summer months. The temperature varies from what they refer to as “Canadian warm” to just-melted glacial water, but even if it’s too chilly it can be a great way to cool off with a quick dip or just by wading in the water. The rocks on one side of the beach are always a hit with kids who love to climb them.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Situated on the border of Burlington and Hamilton, the Royal Botanical Gardens offers both indoor and outdoor garden areas with 300 acres of cultivated areas. There are nearly 17 miles (27 km) of scenic nature trails, 2,400 acres of nature sanctuaries and more.
In the summer the Rock Garden will be full of colour, including shrub roses, varieties of hydrangeas, and Russian sage which contrasts beautifully with the tall Hibiscus flowers that bloom behind it. The water feature is the perfect spot to cool down when temperatures are soaring. Here you can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the water lilies while watching the butterflies flutter about the perennials.
LaSalle Park
Set along the lakefront in Burlington’s Aldershot community, this park offers a variety of scenic areas, including open green space, trails, and the waterfront. It’s home to a recreated historic pavilion and some fantastic areas for picnicking. If you’ve got kids with you be sure to bring their bathing suits and some towels as there’s a wading pool with a splash pad too. The park also has a playground, bocce ball court, marina, and boat ramp.
Kelso Conservation Area
Located near Milton on the Niagara Escarpment, the Kelso Conservation Area includes a 35-hectare lake and a beach. While it’s the place to go during the winter for skiing and snowboarding when the snow melts there are trails for hiking and mountain biking, while the lake itself is ideal for swimming, supervised by lifeguards, and a variety of other water sports are available too, including canoeing and stand up paddleboarding. Boat rentals are available and there’s a beach concession with drinks and snacks.
Those with little ones will appreciate the children’s play area, and if you’re looking for the perfect afternoon out, it’s possible to book a picnic table by the water. Summertime also brings Family Outdoor Movie Nights – you can come in your pyjamas (with popcorn, of course), watching a family-friendly movie on a big outdoor screen.