Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Grimsby

"GENERAL VIBE:  Urban, Look-out, Nature-yBEST SEASONS TO SHOOT IN:  Summer, Fall, Early to mid-Winter (Basically, if there’s snow)HIGHLIGHT FEATURES:  Look-out over the city, Nature path, Flower beds, Stone wallsTHOUGHTS:  If you love getting high above a city and spending some time drinking in the view, you can’t find a better spot to do that than at Sam Lawrence Park here in Hamilton. With an insane look-out over the city, you can trace your finger over some of the different neighbourhoods that make up the lower city and call out landmarks you see along the way. This location creates a really “epic” feeling and the tree-covered pathway along the brow provides another backdrop, creating diversity in your engagement photos."

"This park is probably where i’ve spent the most time shooting, so many sunsets and sunrises, it’s a great place during the summer to take a stroll and catch some views. If you happen to find yourself in the area on a Wednesday , Hamilton’s very own Jonny Blonde sets up the food truck and has amazing food with an amazing view. But don’t take my word for it here’s a video i created for “Dinner with a view"

"Source: Photo by user Rick Cordeiro used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. The Sam Lawrence Park sits on the high ground overlooking Hamilton and the coast. The attractive park is easily accessible as it’s only a short drive from downtown."

"Felker’s is definitely one my favorite waterfalls and hike’s to shoot. With a really awesome vibey forest that on foggy days, looks absolutely amazing around dusk and how the light beams through the forest transforming the scenery into something straight out of Tolkien book. And when the weather is overcast its still really cool too, like in these two examples hiking the top of the ridge."

"While not as well-known as some of the other waterfalls in Hamilton, Felker’s Falls is still a popular one and is great for families!. Hidden away in a subdivision of houses on the Stoney Creek mountain, Felker’s Falls is a great place to go for a family hike. From the parking lot, a path leads to the escarpment before circling back to the top of Felker’s Falls."

"The second stop on this day was to see Felker’s Falls – named after the Conservation Area it is located in. We were a little confused by the map because it looked like this waterfall was located right in the middle of a sub-division. Spoiler: that’s because it is."

"(Or maybe it only seems like a hidden gem because we’re from the other end of the city?) Either way, it’s a waterfall that’s not to be missed!. Located in Waterdown, it’s an impressive waterfall, whether you view it from the lookout platform, or take the trail down and view the waterfall from below. The path continues along the creek for awhile and is part of the Bruce Trail."

"And I’m not picking favourites here, but I’ve saved one of the best for last. The Smokey Hollow Waterfall is one of most easily accessible Hamilton waterfalls. Technically, this waterfall is in the town of Waterdown, between Dundas and Burlington."

"This blessed natural area contains two beautiful waterfalls: Webster's and Tews Falls. Webster's is a gorgeous tiered waterfall and Tews, which towers at 41 metres, is a rival to the grand Niagara Falls. Spellbinding views of the gorge await the awestruck visitor at the Spencer George Conservation Area."

"This tiered waterfall also called Webster Falls is one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. Its geological formations are one reason why you need to visit this place. It will never disappoint you."

"Learn More This beautiful lake setting on the Niagara Escarpment has it all including hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and biking. Unique offerings include disc golf (think golf but with a Frisbee) and plenty of space to launch your canoe, kayak or paddle board. Pine-filled forest and meadow trails surround the area."

"Over 10K of hiking trails with other activities available, including swimming, disc golf, fishing, and biking. There is also a bakery nearby for a post-hike treat."

"For those that are looking for either hiking trails or a nice place to cycle, Dundas Valley Conservation Area is the perfect spot. This beautiful area will certainly put you in touch with nature, as you walk for miles along the hiking trails. Here you can bring your dog for a walk or take your family out for a nice picnic."

"Filled with underground caves and streams, meadows and forests, the Eramosa Karst is one of the watershed’s unique natural gems. Eramosa Karst is located in the south western section of Stoney Creek area of Hamilton. A perfect location for hiking, nature..."

"Banish summer boredom at this beautiful man-made lake, offering everything from wildlife spotting and walking trails to epic water sports. Keep the kids active and entertained for hours at the floating FunSplash Sports Park with more than 25 inflatable obstacles. Don’t leave without trying the coolest new attractions - Boarder Pass Wakeboarding (like water skiing without a boat) and nearby Treetop Trekking Hamilton, an adventure park with a zip line and aerial games."

"Endorsed by Accessibility Niagara, Heartland Forest is an outdoor area of wheelchair accessible hiking trails, fish ponds (catch and release with your own gear), animal carvings, and a tree house in the middle of the woods. Also enjoy their playground, with a custom merry-go-round, swing, and unique fire pit that accommodate wheelchairs safely and easily. We had a lot of fun here, just letting the kids explore."

"Flourish Skin Studio is owned and operated by Krista Swayze. Flourish Skin Studio has been serving Hamilton since 2015. They are Green Certified."

"Joie Day Spa started operating in 2019 with a goal of making a meaningful impact, one visitor at a time. They try to be as inclusive as possible, and well come everyone with a warm and friendly attitude. Understanding that a day at the spa is a time for relaxation, they ensure that everyone experiences outstanding time while they provide you with your treatment."

"James North’s Green Bar is one of Hamilton’s longest standing plant-based eateries, pumping out vegan awesomeness even before it was as trendy as it is today. Their popularity in Hamilton is obvious, given that they’ve also just opened a sister location on Locke Street that even has differing menu options from its James North counterpart to keep things lively. Big bountiful bowls of nutritious goodness take notes from Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines, and hefty made-to-order smoothies are always there for your midday healthy boost of energy."

"Vegan, wholesome and fresh is the ethos behind this quick service downtown cafe. Beverages include smoothies and kombucha while the Green Bar Burger with a walnut and sundried tomato patty and Broccoli Mac N’ Chz are just two of the dishes you’ll find. Must-try: Vegan tacos are made with an organic corn tortilla, refried beans, pickled jalepeño, avocado, and pico de gallo, served with brown rice."

"Their French-inspired cuisine can tantalise your tastebuds and make even the basic comfort food delectable. You can find sandwiches & wraps, salads, desserts, and various other dishes from light Moroccan Cous Cous to a hearty Shep’s Pie. Pre-order from here to celebrate Dad’s special day."

"The Brain, James North’s classic craft beer bar, may not have the sleek decor or polished food menu of some other entries on this list. But what they do have is a totally approachable hole-in-the-wall vibe with a killer rotating selection of Ontario craft beer on tap and rare, shareable fermented finds in the fully-stocked bottle fridge. With wine and cocktails also on offer, along with a playful menu of small bites like fresh samosas and homemade slices of pie, The Brain is perfect for a no-frills night out."