Saturday, April 14, 2012

Bayfront Park – Hamilton Ontario

Usually when I think of a local weekend outdoor destination, my travels take me into the Dundas Valley or along a remote trail in search of a waterfall or some other natural feature of this area.

On a recent weekend, with the weather being conducive to outdoor activity, my sons inquired about a visit to Bayfront Park in Hamilton. So off we went, our sons and friends looking to explore the rolling wide paved trail by long board and roller blade, and Sally and I in search of local wildlife and views of the bay.
Waterfront development is something that the city has done an excellent job with in comparison to other cities and Bayfront Park is a good example.Built in the early 1990’s, this 16-hectare (40-acre) park found in the West-end of Hamilton Harbour is a great destination for the whole family.
Bayfront Park boasts a number of features perfectly suited to a waterfront setting, including an extensive asphalt pathway; a lower shoreline walk; naturalized areas of shrubs, trees, and wildflowers; a public boat launch; numerous benches and picnic tables; and a natural grass amphitheatre. The park's upper plateau, an expansive lawn area, makes it an ideal location for special events. It is linked to Pier 4 Park by Macassa Bay Walkway.
On this day, we walked the trails along the water edge viewing swans, various species of waterfowl and numerous songbirds. We were impressed by how well kept the park was and it is easy to forget while walking here that you are moments away from the city core.
The highlight was spotting a pair of nesting swans and watching as the mother carefully rotated the four eggs in her care.With rowing teams on the water, people fishing and lots of other activities going on, Bayfront Park is an ideal spot for relaxing and people watching. Additional features include naturalized areas of shrubs, trees and wildflowers; park lighting for evening enjoyment and accessible public washroom facilities across a gravel parking lot (limited hours). Bayfront Park's upper plateau plays host at various times of year to various special events such as Aquafest, Festitalia, and Canada Day festivities, which bring thousands of people to the park every year. Parking is available on-site. The park is fully accessible and is located on Bay Street North at Harbourfront Drive / Simcoe Street West.





Don't forget, we’re also on Facebook. Please visit and “LIKE” us! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-Valley-and-beyond/120774278042380
Visit our page for photos as well as current information on trail conditions and events. Help spread the word!!

2 comments:

  1. I love going to the bayfront! Perfect for canoeing on a sunny day. I posted a number of pictures of the bay on my blog http://catherineburden.wordpress.com/hamilton/ It is one of my favourite spots in Hamilton.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bayfront is very picturesque indeed! Nice read Cam, love the swans :)

    ReplyDelete