Royal Botanical Gardens’ 1,100 hectares is dominated by nature sanctuaries enveloping the western end of Lake Ontario. These form a Nodal Park within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO) and the heart of the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System. With more than 750 native plant species, 277 types of migratory birds, 37 mammal species, 14 reptile species, 9 amphibian species and 68 species of Lake Ontario fish, the area is an important contributor to ecosystems that span international borders.
The 27 kilometres of trail throughout the entire Royal Botanical Gardens grounds include packed earth, crushed stone, asphalt and boardwalks; some sections are steep and hilly. Trails are not plowed or sandy during the winter. During spring thaws and after rains earthen trails become muddy. Please take appropriate caution.
Major Access Points:
RBG main offices on Plains Rd West lead to the trails in Hendrie Valley.
Princess Point (GPS 43.274081/-7989723)is a natural gathering place and trail hub to six kilometres of nature trails in Cootes Paradise Sancturary. Princess Point is undergoing restoration to return it to its pre-European roots as an oak savannah. arboretum
The Arboretum (GPS 43.289926/-79.876125) is a hub leading to more than 10 kilometres of Escarpment Trails, as well as many horticultural collections including lilacs, magnolias, flowering dogwoods and the Avenue of Trees.
Link to Cootes Paradise Trails map:
http://www.rbg.ca/files/pdf/gardenareas/trails/RBGCootesTG16.pdf
Cootes Paradise Trails: Spencer Creek Trail – 2.5 km; Chegwin Trail – .6 km; Ravine Road Trail – 1.3 km; Caleb’s Walk – .5 km; Sassasfras Point Trail – .8 km; Ginger Valley Trail – 1.5 km; Princess Point Trail – 1 km; Desjardins Trail – 1 km
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Link to Escarpment Trails map:
http://www.rbg.ca/files/pdf/gardenareas/trails/RBGEscarpmentTG16.pdf
Escarpment Trails: Rock Chapel Trail – 3.4 km; Ray Lowes Trail – 1.7 km; Pinetum Trail – 2 km; Grey Dove Trail – .8 km; Bulls Point Trail – 1.5 km; Hopkins Loop – 1.9 km; Marsh Walk – .7 km; George North Trail – .2 km; Shrub Walk – .5 km; Captain Cootes Trail – 1.4 km; Hickory Valley Trail – .3 km; Homestead Trail – .5 km
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Link to Henrie Valley Trails map:
http://www.rbg.ca/files/pdf/gardenareas/trails/RBGHendrieTG16.pdf
Hendrie Valley Trails: Bridal Trails Loop – 1.2 km; Grindstone Marshes Trail – 1.4 km;
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Halton Region | HamiltonNearby towns and cities: Burlington | Hamilton
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk | Lookout
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS TRAILS characteristics
Length: 27 km of trailsDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks and Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Some trails have wheelchair access
Fees: Parking fee
Flora & Fauna:
Nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, the area’s flora is characteristic of the more southern deciduous forest region. Carolinian trees such as Sassafras, oaks and hickories dominate the North Shore, while northern species like Hemlock, Beech and White Cedar are found on the South Shore.
Amenities: Washrooms, Picnic Areas
Attractions: Boardwalk, Lookout
Contact:
Royal Botanical Gardens 680 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON Canada Local: 905-527-1158
Find it: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.2899260
Longitude: -79.8761250
