On the Trails: February 2025

Winter has settled in with a true chill, bringing thick ice and heavy snow to our region. The conditions around Cootes Paradise reflect a more typical winter scene, where snow blankets the landscape and temperatures embody a true Canadian winter.

Trails are snow-covered, creating a winter wonderland perfect for those who enjoy the beauty of the season. Visitors to the Marshwalk, accessible through the Arboretum, are treated to stunning views of the ice- and snow-covered marsh, with the observation platform offering a prime vantage point to take in Spencer Creek’s Special Protection Area. While snow and ice enhance the trails’ beauty, be sure to wear footwear with good traction, as conditions can vary along the way.

Despite the colder temperatures, signs of life remain throughout the area. Birds are especially active, with species such as eagles and owls establishing breeding territories—many will begin nesting by the end of February. The calls of Black-capped Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, and Northern Cardinals echo through the snow-filled silence of the woods. The leafless winter forest offers expansive views, making it the perfect time to spot the impressive Pileated Woodpecker. With an estimated four to six pairs residing in the RBG sanctuaries, winter provides a great opportunity to catch sight of this striking bird, particularly from the George North and Bulls Point Observation Towers along the north shore trails of Cootes Paradise, accessible via the Arboretum.

As always, please stay on the marked trails to protect wildlife, as shelter and space are limited during the colder months when many species establish their breeding territories. Along Spencer and Grindstone Creeks in Hendrie Valley, winter stoneflies emerge from the riverbed, serving as both a crucial food source for birds and a key indicator of creek health, as stoneflies are highly sensitive to water pollution. Grindstone Creek is accessible from the Cherry Hill Gate parking lot, located opposite RBG’s Main Centre on Plains Rd. West.

Skating on Cootes Paradise is a much-loved and popular winter activity. As February begins, a thick layer of ice covers much of the marsh, with areas of open water still visible in the river channels and spring-fed spots. The ice is solid, but the thick layer of snow makes much of the ice unsuitable for skating. Please check up-to-date ice conditions online in advance or visit Princess Point.

Trail User Notes

Cootes Paradise:

• Arboretum Winter Hours: effective December 23, the Arboretum is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for trail users

Hendrie Valley:

• No trail interruptions at this time.

Escarpment Properties:

• Rock Chapel parking lot closed for the season and to reopen for use on March 21, 2025.

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.
• Cross Country Skiing and 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.