Northshore Trail - Dundas

One of my favourite Dundas trails, particularly when I want to see birds is the Northshore Trail of the Royal Botanical Gardens. With mild temperatures this past weekend, I decided to pay this diverse and interesting area a visit. Heading down the Pinetum Trail, we walked through stands of sumac and fir trees and soon linked up with the Bull’s Point Trail. On this day, we decided to visit the Bull’s point lookout and on the way back, veer down towards the water via the Marshwalk Trail. The air was alive with the sounds of ducks and geese and we soon arrived at the wooden boardwalk that winds through the bulrushes and takes you to the lookout platform. From this vantage point you have a clear view of Rat Island and Cootes Paradise and the large variety of migratory waterfowl living here. Cootes Paradise Marsh is considered one of the most important waterfowl staging habitats on the lower Great Lakes and the largest nursery habitat for fish in the region.

The trees along the shoreline were filled with chickadees, blue jays and cardinals and as we walked we spooked a group of five deer who bounded off ahead of us on the trail. The birds here are friendly and if you are patient, will readily eat bird seed from your hand.

On the way back we stopped along the Desjardins Canal which feeds into the same waterway. This canal was built in the early 1800’s. It has become a popular spot for waterfowl and many varieties can be spotted here. On this day we observed mallards, Canada Geese, a pair of trumpeter swans and a merganser.

This swan got very close for this shot. They sure look bigger when you get face to face with them. I was extra thrilled to have this photo published in the Hamilton Spectator a few days later. To visit the Northshore Trail, park at the small lot on York Road in Dundas. Just beyond the parking lot a large map is posted that provides directions to each of the trails in this area.

Don't forget, we also have a page on Facebook. Please visit and “LIKE” us!https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-Beyond/120774278042380Visit our page for photos as well as current information on trail conditions and events. Come join the conversation!!