Deer in Dundas Valley Ontario

The most incredible and unexpected brushes with nature will present themselves at times that are less than perfect. Mother Nature presented herself while Margaret and I were taking a drive through the Dundas Valley.  I believe the six beautiful and healthy deer were moving through the valley looking for a safe place to stay for the evening.

 

Deer in the Dundas Valley

I grabbed my camera and took off down a trail that would intersect the direction that they were headed. Feeling the rush come from seeing beautiful wild animals free has always been something I have found indescribable.

I hope you enjoy the photographs that I was able to capture. It is still possible to see wild deer and turkeys near suburban areas if you are in the right place at the right time.

The herd of deer watching me get closer

Most deer have a comfort zone that they monitor

After the initial contact, the herd became comfortable with my presence

A quick look back to see if I'm still there

Deer tracks

Tiffany Falls Late Winter - Hamilton Ontario

During the winter there is so much to do outside. Going for a winter hike or checking out a favourite outdoor spot could be just the thing to stay active.

Tiffany Falls in Hamilton Ontario is one of those spots. A fantastic place to visit in all season, even late winter. Last year in the Fall, Margaret and I hiked to Tiffany Falls Conservation Area and experienced the beautiful area first hand. You can check out my blog post from the Fall here.

Entrance to Tiffany Falls Conservation Area Trail

Great Signage for the Side Trail

Well maintained bridges help get to the Falls

I was curious what it would look like during the late winter. The particular weekend we hiked to the falls we were surprised to see ice climbers practicing rappelling and climbing the ice that surrounded the cascade. 

A little bit of green from the white pine

Melt water

Bridge #1

The Canyon

Wide angle photo of the Niagara Escarpment

Looking up to the edge of the Escarpment

Margaret getting cold on the trail

Some colour left over from last year

Mission Accomplished - reached the Falls

Ice Climber

Tiffany Falls

Ice climber getting climbing gear ready

Ice climbers at the bottom of Tiffany Falls

Tiffany Falls

   
There are so many activities outside that can be done in the Hamilton Area. From the  Dundas Valley Conservation Area close by,  to the Bruce Trail, and many more waterfalls to explore in the local area.

Check out some of the links below for more great information and photos of the Falls.

Suburban Tourist

Dundas Valley Conservation Area 
Waterfalls of Ontario
Hamilton Conservation Authority
Bruce Trail

Tourism Hamilton


Coordinates:  43° 14’ 22” N     79° 57’ 31” W         
                      UTM  17N 584553.13 E     4787932.69 N

Cootes Paradise - Hamilton Ontario

Cootes Paradise is a 600 hectare wildlife sanctuary with a 320 hectare river mouth wetland. The lands are owned and managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens.  The wetlands are a catchment area for three main waterways: Borer’s Creek, Chedoke Creek and Spencer Creek. It is connected to Hamilton Harbour via the Desjardins Canal.

Cootes Paradise Signage

Due to the location and topography of where Cootes is situated, it plays an important role for migratory waterfowl.

Margaret walking on the trails



Monarch Butterfly on goldenrod



Close up



Beautiful willows along the waters edge



High Level Bridge - overlooking Cootes Paradise



Purple Aster



Purple Aster closeup



Looking West out over Cootes Paradise



Kayaking at Cootes Paradise

Cootes has a multitude of hiking trails on the east and west side of the wetlands. Many people enjoy canoeing and kayaking along the shoreline. Margaret and I enjoyed walking along Sassafras Trail toward Sassafras Point. I will be returning again to explore more of this beautiful and interesting area.

Location Coordinates:  43° 16′ 37.06″ N, 79° 54′ 10.98″ W    UTM  17N  589008  4792156

Paddling



Sassafras Point - Cootes Paradise

Tiffany Falls Conservation Area - Hamilton, Ontario

Tiffany Falls Conservation Area Entrance

If you enjoy waterfalls, Hamilton is a fantastic place to start exploring waterfalls. Blessed with the Niagara Escarpment as a major topographical element, waterfalls are scattered along its length. Named after Dr. Oliver Tiffany, he was Ancaster Township’s first Doctor.

Margaret at the Lookout - Foot of Falls

Tiffany Falls is where Tiffany Creek drops over the Escarpment. The Falls is 21 metres in height and is located in a V-shaped canyon that has been eroded over thousands of years.

Tiffany Falls

Some nearby attractions are; Sherman Falls, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Hermitage Ruins and the Bruce Trail.

Coordinates:  43° 14’ 22” N     79° 57’ 31” W          UTM  17N 584553.13 E     4787932.69 N

Bruce Trail - Side Trail

Tiffany Falls V-Shape Canyon

Tiffany Falls Walkway

Tiffany Falls Side Trail