Confederation Park, Hamilton, Ontario

The Hamilton Conservation Authority maintains a campsite at Confederation Park which is situated along the Waterfront Bicycle Trail. The ride is about 70 km one way, and can be comfortably cycled with camping gear in a day. We usually do this as a weekend trip, cycling to Hamilton one day, camping overnight, and then cycling back the next day.

The campground is well serviced as is right at the waterfront. There is also a water park and other attractions if you are planning a longer stay. The major downside of this campsite is its close proximity to the QEW, which means the hushing noise you hear at night is traffic rather than a gentle waterfall. On the other hand it is one of the few campgrounds in Southern Ontario that is easily accessible by bike from Toronto.

If you are cycling with children or otherwise wish to make the ride shorter, you can cover part of the distance by taking the Lakeshore GO Train, and then cycle the rest.

The waterfront trail from Toronto to Hamilton provides some pretty decent cycling, with much of it on off-road paved bicycle trails. We have enjoyed this ride every time we've done it.

The Waterfront Trail in the Fall

We have extended this ride out as far as Niagara Falls, however the cycling conditions deteriorate quickly past Hamilton. In fact in many places the ``trail'' is the shoulder of a busy highway with very fast moving traffic.

Port Perry, Ontario

Port Perry, Ontario, is a small town just north of Whitby. It has a pleasant waterfront, a beautiful Victorian downtown strip, and several bed and breakfasts located in or near the downtown. It is an ideal place for a day or overnight trip as a quick escape from Toronto.

Port Perry can be reached by taking a GO Train from Toronto Union Station to Whitby, and then a GO bus directly to downtown Port Perry. The downtown, waterfront, and most accommodations are a short walk from the GO bus station.

Rattlesnake Point/Buffalo Crag

Rattlesnake point and buffalo crag offer some good limestone rock climbing, and can be accessed by bus/taxi. See the description under hiking/backpacking/camping for details on how to get there without a car.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Milton

The Halton Region Conservation Authority maintains the Rattlesnake Point Conservation area. There is a serviced campground, and some beautiful, moderate to easy hiking along the Bruce Trail through ancient cedar forests along the Niagara Escarpment. Rock climbing is also a popular activity at Rattlesnake Point and nearby Buffalo Crag (only a 20 min hike from the campground at Rattlesnake.)

Camping and rock climbing at Rattlesnake Point

The campground at Rattlesnake makes a great base for exploring the Bruce Trail and is a great place to introduce kids to camping and hiking without venturing too far from home.

We usually access Rattlesnake Point by taking a GO bus from the bus terminal at Toronto Union station to Milton. From the Milton GO terminal you can call a taxi to take you out to the conservation area. The taxi usually costs about $30. There is a payphone at Rattlesnake Point so you can call for a taxi to pick you up.

We once walked from the bus terminal in Milton to the campground. It is about 5-6 km and takes about an hour. This is a good option if you have map and want to practice hauling your camping gear around by foot.

We have never attempted this, but it should also be possible to take the lakeshore GO train to Appleby station, and then cycle up Appleby Line to Rattlesnake point. Bikes are permitted on the GO trains on weekends and during off-peak hours, but check with the transit operator before attempting this.