Saltfleet Conservation Area (Hamilton)

 After another one of our "All You Can Eat" outtings in Stoney Creek, we found a nearby Conservation Area with a rather unusal name.  Saltfleet Conservation Area is Hamilton Conversation Area's newest project still in the works.  It's located south of the Niagra Esparment near the Upper Battlefield and Upper Stoney Creek watersheds.

When the Saltfleet Conservation area is complete it will open up to 411 acres of unique natural features. As if the Niagara escarpment wasn't gorgeous enough!  We mostly came across lots of marshy fields and woodland which provides a home to many species of breeding birds.  I have not yet gotten into birdwatching or photography - mostly because my camera is still the highest in the Canon rebel series and my zoom lens maxes at 300 mm.  I'm working my way up to the pros! Maybe I might indulge myself to spend a bit of money to update.

Although there were construction signs up, you are still able to walk through the trails.  Like I said this is a new area, so the area currently has a small trail system with the Heritage Green Community Trust Trail which is a mouthful!  The trail is gorgeous and unspoiled and runs east and west through the wetlands.  It also connnects to the Dofasco 2000 Trail and the Devil's Punchbowl  Conservation Area for those into waterfall pictures 

We paid $8 to get in, but we were the only car there!  There are many dog owners who let their dogs offleash so be mindful of that when you go.  We did happen to pass by a couple with 2 very scary dogs, the pitbull and mastis.  They actually look like they were walking their owners :D.  

We did the whole trail right to the Devils punchbowl and back to the car on foot.  We ended up with over 25,000 steps and it took about 3 hours I think.  The weather was beautiful so I didn't complain too much.

If you ever want to check it out, I'd wait until the late spring - summer as you won't find too many fall colurs here, its mostly meadow land and wetlands.

Happy Trails!

Felkers Falls- Hamilton

Felkers Falls is a lovely spot located in amidst a residential neighbourhood.  The Felker’s Falls Conservation area is accessed from the Peter Street trail and follows a loop around to give you lots of great photo-op vantage points.  A nice hike indeed and like many waterflows on the escarpment, there is an upper and lower gorge. 

Upper Felkers

Felkers Falls is a 22 metre ‘ribbon’ waterfall and falls in the middle of forested trails, river streams, knotted hills, and open hooded caves.  Lucky are those who lives around this urban setting.

For those of you who don’t live nearby, exit the QEW on Centennial Pkwy heading south to head up the escarpment (East mountain).  Once you see Mud st, turn right and again at Paramount Dr. Turn right again onto Ackland Street.  Around the bend, you will see a parking lot.  All signs and maps are there to decide which route you wish to take.  

You can also enter Felkers from Quigley Road, and walk in to get to the falls.  This is a more adventurous way to view as climb over rocks and mud.  There is a clear pathway more or less so sounds a lot worse than it is.  As well, you will pass by Lower Davis Falls.  I didn't really get a good picture as there was no tripod and now I swear by them.  You can't always rely on the steadiness of rock and the view finder doesn't always accurately depict the picture you'll get when you're back home looking at it on your computer.  

This fall, normally rates high out of the top 16 waterfalls in Hamilton as far as accessibility and waterflow.

The setting is peaceful and usually isolated, although occasionally you may find a few people enjoying this hidden treasure as well, so if you think you've discovered paradise, you may have some company...

 
All year round flow, this is a must-go place in Hamilton to check out.  Have you been to any of the falls in Hamilton?  

Let me know in the comments!

Harmony Valley Conserservation Area

After stopping in Oshawa to indulge at India's Taste and Sweets, we decided to burn off some calories and check out the local trails as well to find a quiet spot to stretch our legs, we decided to found a short trip over to the Harmony Valley Conservation Area (located off Grandview Street North in Oshawa, just a short drive east in the Durham region).

Harmony Valley doubles as an off-leash dog park. As we walked, we encountered several dogs roaming the fields and forest edges. It was funny seeing them trot through the tall trees!  It felt less like watching pets on a walk and more like observing a pack of polite, gentle wolves wandering completely free. What struck us most was how impeccably well-behaved they were. It was as if they were just fellow hikers sharing the path. They strolled casually past strangers without a single bark or greeting, simply soaking in their own outdoor freedom.

The trail winds through a surprisingly rich mix of hardwood forests, open fields, and quiet wetlands. Jack pines stood tall and strong providing much needed shade from the sun.  We also came across 3 separate wooden structures in the shape of teepees.

Although we didn't see anything wilder than a few family pets and some squirrels, there have been signtings of white-tailed deer in the early morning before the dogs arrive.  This area also has cottontial rabbits and red chipmunks gathering seeds under the pines.

If you are quiet you can hear the sounds above of hawks over the open meadow.  The wetands nearby in the creek beds have green frogs, painted turtles and the occassional signting of the great blue heron if you are patient enough.

Overall it was a great 3 km nature trail right in the middle of the suburban landscape fo Richmond Hill.

Feel free to share any ideas you might have of where we should go next!

Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum located at 327 Bloor Street West is what I would call a hidden gem. I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life and have never been.

Honestly, I’m not sure what took me so long. The museum has been around since 1995, sitting right in our backyard inside that distinct, shoebox-shaped building designed by Raymond Moriyama. 

To be honest, part of me always assumed it would be a bit boring! I mean, how interesting could a building full of old footwear really be?

I was completely wrong.

I was blown away by how much history they managed to pack into every single display. It isn't just a row of dusty shoes; it’s a fascinating look into human history, exploring why we made certain footwear, its practical purpose, and who wore it throughout the ages.

Take Roman foot soldiers, for instance. They had to march hundreds of miles across grueling terrain, so their open-toed leather sandals (called caligae) were engineered specifically for endurance. The open design prevented sweat build-up and blisters, while the thick soles were studded with iron hobnails for grip. I recall reading somewhere that because of these meticulously strapped designs and ventilated layouts, soldiers rarely suffered from the debilitating foot problems that plagued later armies. 

It’s wild to think that thousands of years ago, shoe design was already a precise science for survival.

Fast forward through the centuries, and functional footwear evolved into pure artistry. Shoe fashion really took off in the 20th century, transformed by avant-garde Italian-French designers like André Perugia. Perugia essentially revolutionized what a shoe could look like. Drawing on his background working in aircraft factories during WWI, he applied principles of engineering and weight distribution to footwear. 

He started experimenting with bold new materials—incorporating metals, carved wooden heels, and intricate fabrics and famously created heel-less shoes and open-backed evening sandals long before they were considered acceptable.

He turned shoes into wearable, structural sculptures.

Stepping out onto Bloor Street after my visit, I realized the trip was far from boring. It’s amazing how much a simple pair of shoes can tell us about culture, class, and human ingenuity across the eras.

Have any of you made the trip to the Bata Shoe Museum? If you've been, what display stood out to you the most?

Luther Marsh Conservation Area (Grand River Valley)

If there’s one thing I love about road trips, it’s the unexpected surprises you stumble on.

After heading out for our last stop of the day after enjoying a fantastic buffet at "Pebbles" in Verne (you can check out the full review over on my other blog, aycetoronto.blogspot.ca), we decided to take a chance and check out Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area, before the sun went down.

True, we didn’t have tons of time to spare since dusk was fast approaching, we were absolutely stunned by the raw, peaceful beauty of this place. In fact, my partner said it was the most beautiful place he had seen in a long time.  The calm water reflecting the blue sky, surrounded by stretches of wetlands and forests, created a quiet atmosphere that felt a world away from busy city life.

 

 

Luther Marsh is a biological conversation area located at the headwaters of the Grand River watershed, sitting right on the border of Dufferin and Wellington Counties near Grand Valley.

While doing some reading abuot the Luther Marsh, I found out that it is designated as a "Provincially Significant Wetland" and "National Important Bird Area".  The sanctuary protects rare habitats, including bogs, fens, swamps, and cattail marshes that support over 260 recorded speices of birds, as well as deer, turtles and flying squirrels.  

Even though out stay was brief, catching the sunset over the wetlands made the detour entirely worthwhile. 

Have you any places to share?   

Canada Day at the Aga Khan Museum: A Stunning First Impression

Happy Canada Day, everyone! I hope you all managed to stay cool out there today because it was an absolute scorcher.

With the thermometer soaring, my usual outdoor plans were out the window. I started looking around for some fresh ideas of places to explore today, and one spot instantly caught my eye: the Aga Khan Museum.

Now, I have a little confession to make. This beautiful landmark has been right here in Toronto for over a decade, but despite driving past it or meaning to visit for years, today was actually my very first time stepping inside. And honestly? 

What a perfect day to finally do it.

A Vibrant Celebration

Because it was Canada Day, the museum was holding a special multicultural music and food event. The energy was wonderful. They also hosted a family-themed "Game On" activity, which was a really fun, unexpected twist—not exactly what you traditionally picture when you think of a formal museum visit, but it worked so well!

The best part? General admission was entirely free today for the holiday (though it’s typically around $20 for an adult ticket, which is still a great deal for what you get to see).

First Impressions: Architectural Majesty

The moment you arrive, the sheer scale of the place hits you. The real estate here is vast. The entire site is actually broken down into three distinct areas:

• The Aga Khan Museum

• The beautifully landscaped Aga Khan Park

• The Ismaili Centre (which we didn’t get a chance to visit this time around, but it gives us a great reason to go back!)

The architecture itself is incredibly austere, clean, and breathtakingly beautiful. As I was walking around, I kept having a bit of photographer's regret. If I had brought a better camera and a proper tripod with me, I know I could have captured some truly stunning, dramatic shots of the building's exterior playing against the bright July sun.

The Verdict: If you've been putting off visiting the Aga Khan Museum like I was, consider this your sign to go. Whether you're looking for world-class culture, a beautiful spot to stroll, or just a striking piece of architecture to admire, it's a true Toronto gem.

Have you ever visited the Aga Khan Museum? What are your favorite spots in the city to beat the summer heat? Let me know in the comments below!

The Mackenzie House (Doors Open)

During a very cold, windy and rainy day in May, while on our Doors Open tour, we checked out the Mackenzie House located on Bond street in Toronto.  It’s tucked back in and away from the main drag in Toronto and honestly if you aren’t looking for it, you may miss it.

Thankfully with all the destruction of many heritage places in Toronto (the MacLaughlin Planetarium, sadly being one of them), the Mackenzie House is one of the 10 historic museums owned and operated by the City of Toronto.   

I loved this place, there was a very lively focus and demonstration on the life and times of the Mackenzie family and Mackenzie's role as a newspaper editor and politician. The museum also depicts life in Toronto of the 1860s to the 1890s, including programs focused on Black Canadians and Mary Ann Shadd.

The interior of Mackenzie House is restored to reflect the urban Victorian lifestyle of the 1860s and is interpreted through the lens of the Mackenzie family. There were a few exhibits focusing on William Lyon Mackenzie’s political activism, his role as the founder of the Colonial Advocate newspaper, and his involvement in early democratic reform in Upper Canada.

I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that they have school tours, family-friendly events, and seasonal programming that highlight Toronto’s diverse and evolving historical narrative. The site also features a historical print shop with an operational 19th-century printing press, showcasing the tools of the trade that Mackenzie would have used as a publisher.

It is definitely worth checking out!!

What really stood out to me during this visit was how interactive and engaging the experience felt. It wasn’t just about looking at artifacts behind glass—it was about connecting with the stories, the struggles, and the voices that helped shape early Toronto. Watching the printing press in action was especially fascinating; it gives you a real appreciation for how much effort went into sharing news and ideas back then.

There’s also something quite special about finding a place like this hidden in plain sight. With the constant pace of development in the city, it’s easy to forget how much history still exists quietly alongside us. Mackenzie House feels like one of those rare spaces where the past hasn’t been completely overshadowed—it’s preserved, interpreted, and shared in a way that feels meaningful and accessible.

If you enjoy learning about Toronto’s roots or just want a unique way to spend an afternoon, I would definitely recommend adding this to your list. And if you happen to visit during Doors Open, even better—it makes the experience feel like a bit of a discovery.

Have you ever been to Mackenzie House, or is it on your list now? I’d love to hear what you think, or if there are other hidden historic gems in the city that you’d recommend exploring. Feel free to drop a comment below or share a link—always looking for the next spot to check out!

The Campbell House (Doors Open Toronto)

Doors Open really is the perfect opportunity to explore places like this. There’s something exciting about accessing spaces that are not always open to the public, especially when they carry so much history and character. If you’ve never taken part in the event, I would absolutely recommend adding it to your list—you never know what hidden gems you’ll discover next.

On a cold, windy and rainy day recently in May, I should say that I finally had the pleasure of visiting the Campbell House located in the northwest corner of University and Queen Street in Toronto. 

The Campbell House is an 1822 heritage home and museum that was built for the Upper Canada Chief Justice Sir William Campbell and his wife Hannah.  It was designed simply for entertaining and comfort.  Once Sir Campbell and his wife became empty nesters, and were both socially and economically established, they were able to settle in lovely Georgian style house also known as Palladian architecture.

The home is now owned by the City of Toronto government and operated by the Sir William Campbell Foundation. It remains an historic house museum and a former club for the members of the Advocates Society. The home has also displayed numerous exhibitions, including the 2013 show by Canadian contemporary artist Harley Valentine, titled Barbarians at the Gate.

Although, I’ve seen this house many many times before, it was never opened when I had the chance.  This day was different!  It was the Doors Open event which occurs every years for 2 days in Toronto.

I’ll limit the pictures so you can have the opportunity to check it out for yourself!

Stepping inside felt like slipping quietly into another century. Despite the grey skies outside, the interior had a warm, almost comforting stillness to it. You can almost imagine what daily life must have been like—guests being received in the parlour, conversations unfolding around candlelit tables, and the slow pace of early 19th-century living. It’s these small moments of imagination that make places like Campbell House feel so alive, even today.

What struck me most was how tucked away it feels, despite sitting right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Surrounded by modern buildings, busy traffic, and the rush of everyday city life, the house stands as a quiet reminder of how much the city has evolved. 

It’s easy to walk past it without realizing how much history is contained within those walls—which makes finally going inside all the more special.

If you’ve visited Campbell House before, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what stood out to you the most? And if you have recommendations for other historic spots in Toronto worth exploring, feel free to share them in the comments. You can also check out the official Campbell House website or Doors Open Toronto page for more details and upcoming events.

 

Osgoode Hall (Doors Open Toronto)

Every year, Toronto hosts one of my favourite events as both a photographer and someone who simply loves discovering hidden corners of the city. Open Doors Toronto is a remarkable weekend where buildings that are normally closed to the public or require paid admission swing their doors open, inviting curious visitors inside.

For photographers, it's pure magic.

For one weekend each year, you have the freedom to wander through historic buildings, architectural landmarks, museums, government offices, and cultural institutions with your camera in hand, capturing spaces that most people never get the chance to see. It's like being handed a backstage pass to Toronto's history.  

This weekend was a wet one!  It was the worst rainfall Toronto had seen in decades, but it didn't dampen one of this year's highlights for me was Osgoode Hall.

Standing proudly at Queen Street West and University Avenue since the mid-1800s, Osgoode Hall has long been the home of Ontario's legal community. While thousands of people pass by its distinctive iron fence every day, very few ever step inside.

Walking through those doors felt like stepping back in time.

I found myself wandering through magnificent appeal courtrooms and elegant hearing rooms where decisions have shaped Ontario's legal history. The Grand Hall is breathtaking, but it was the Great Library that truly stopped me in my tracks. The soaring ceilings, intricate woodwork, endless shelves of leather-bound legal volumes, and soft natural light create an atmosphere that feels almost sacred—a place where generations of lawyers, barristers, and future judges have studied some of the province's most important cases.

It's impossible not to imagine the brilliant legal minds who have spent countless hours here preparing for careers that would eventually influence the justice system itself.

Everywhere I looked there was another detail waiting to be photographed.

The polished marble floors reflected the afternoon light. Delicate mosaic tile work rewarded anyone willing to look down. Rich brickwork and carved stone details spoke of craftsmanship that is rarely seen in modern construction. Sculptures symbolizing justice stood quietly throughout the building, reminding visitors of the principles the institution was built upon.

The walls themselves tell stories.

Large oil portraits honour some of Ontario's most distinguished legal figures, their watchful eyes overlooking the halls they once walked. Historic plaques and lists of law clerks stretching back decades offer a fascinating glimpse into the many people who have contributed to the province's legal history. It serves as a reminder that every respected judge or renowned lawyer once began as a student with ambition, determination, and a stack of books.

As a photographer, I was constantly drawn to the contrast between grandeur and quietness. Sunlight poured through tall windows, illuminating ornate ceilings, carved archways, and polished wood surfaces that have witnessed generations of legal debates and landmark decisions. Every room offered another composition, another angle, another story waiting to be captured.

What I appreciated most wasn't simply the architecture—it was the feeling of the place. There is a quiet dignity within Osgoode Hall that commands respect without ever saying a word. You can almost sense the history embedded within its walls.  

Events like Open Doors Toronto remind me why I love exploring this city with my camera. Toronto isn't just a collection of modern skyscrapers and busy streets. Hidden behind historic doors are extraordinary places filled with craftsmanship, history, and stories that deserve to be seen.

Sometimes all it takes is one special weekend—and a camera—to discover them. If you've never experienced Open Doors Toronto, I can't recommend it enough. 

You never know what incredible places are waiting behind doors that are usually closed.