Easy hikes and walks in Royal Botanical Gardens

Bull's Point is situated on a peninsula that extends into Cootes Paradise, with beautiful views of the marsh, and the surrounding shoreline within the Royal Botanical Gardens' largest and most diverse nature sanctuary. There is an interpretive sign explaining the areas ecological significance, and it's the perfect spot to appreciate the vastness of the Cootes Paradise wetland.

This boardwalk leads to a fantastic viewpoint for close-up access to the marshes of Cootes Paradise within the Royal Botanical Gardens’ North Shore trail system. Extending through wetland habitat along the water’s edge, the boardwalk offers opportunities to observe aquatic plants, waterfowl, turtles, and other wildlife in one of the region’s most significant natural areas. The viewing platform overlooks Cootes Paradise, a large coastal wetland that is the ecological centrepiece of the RBG nature sanctuary.

The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is Canada’s largest botanical garden, and is a large nature sanctuary that spans Hamilton and Burlington, protecting a mix of cultivated gardens, forests, wetlands, and shoreline along Cootes Paradise and Lake Ontario. There is a network of trails throughout the vast conservation area, which is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, turtles, and other species. In this section, the Arboretum and North Shore trail network form one of the most natural sections of the RBG, with forested paths, lookout points, and boardwalks that provide access to the edge of Cootes Paradise.

The Ravine Road Trail is a lesser-known gem within the Royal Botanical Gardens, offering a beautifully secluded experience where you'll enjoy far more silence compared to the popular, often busy loop around Princess Point. This trail is a paved, well-maintained road that is fully shaded by the forest canopy, making it perfect for an easy and quiet walk through the woods. Note that the main parking lot at the trailhead charges a fee of $8.00, though you can sometimes find limited, legal free parking options a bit further away on surrounding side streets.

Stretching for over 980 hectares between Burlington and Hamilton, the Royal Botanical Gardens are Canada's largest botanical garden and also one of the most diverse. Visitors can wander along the many trails through the gardens, forests, and marshlands. The gardens also encompass the 600-hectare Cootes Paradise Nature Sanctuary, itself an important environmental landmark.

Princess Point sits at the edge of the Cootes Paradise marshlands and is a popular spot for enjoying the outdoors around Hamilton. The area offers easy access to the marsh, great views across the water, and a calm launch point for paddlers. It’s also a major trail junction, linking paths throughout the Royal Botanical Gardens with routes like the Desjardins Trail and the Waterfront Trail.

Sassafras Point sits at the end of a peninsula offering great views across the water. The trail is shaded and isn't too difficult making it accessible to most visitors.

This route takes you to a waterfall, but just know that the waterfall can be pretty obscured from tree growth at the lookout point. This hike isn't overly technical but has a steep climb for a small part so be ready for that.