Samuel Smith Park

Recently, we decided last minute to join the others for the 9^th annual ‘Sam Smith’ park Clean up on Earth day (Sunday Aprll 22^nd).  Sponsored by the city, garbage bags, water and snacks are provided.  Armed with shovels, boots, gloves and rakes, it wasn’t long before the chatter stopped and the work began. 

Toronto still holds a large funding for its Parks and Recreation department, partnered with the Roads it maintains an excellent level of cleanliness all year long.  Shorelines are always bringing in the odd surprises wave after wave, so our work didn’t go in vain.  Unfortunately though while my good camera is in the shop hopefully getting repaired, I did not bring one on Sunday, but went back today instead to try and take some okay pictures!

I had never been to ‘Samuel Smith Park’ before but decided to add this to my blog under exploring parks and trails in the GTA.  Getting there was a great opportunity for us to take the Longbranch streetcar route which incidentally is the longest route on the Transit system. 

The Longbranch route loops into Samuel Smith park.  I was surprised to learn that Colonel Samuel Smith Park was once considered a former weekend getaway for Torontonians in the Victorian Era.   A wide open scenic trail includes hiking along the peninsula on Lake Ontario.  The waterfront has access to rocky beaches, great views including the City of Toronto famous CN Tower along the skyline.  Other activities include bird and boat watching, photography, picnics, and a playground for children to play in.  The observation desks are accessible for viewing turtles, beavers, and different kinds of fish.  In the Winter months, there is now a new skating trail, but as the warmer weather hopefully will stay for a while, the winter is a distant memory for now.

Felkers Falls- Hamilton

Upper Felkers

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. 

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...

 
On a more serious note, there have been several accidents even recently where a young girl fell and was transported to nearby hospital.  It’s been said many times safety first always.  

Lower Westcliffe Falls & Lower Cliffview Falls

This is a very unique sighting as we see two waterfalls coming from two separate creeks and meet at the same location.  Lower Westcliffe falls is the west half of what appears to be a double waterfall.  The east waterfall is called Lower Cliffview falls.   

You can view this just behind the Chedoke Golf course in Hamilton.  This particular site had visible signs of needing a radical clean-up in the area, and most likely is much more lovely as the brush and foliage comes out towards the latter part of the spring but it still is not without its charm.  

In order to gain access, there is a climb up and around the fence.  Keep in mind that this particular spot has no trail, so it can be slippery and dangerous, so like exploring all waterfalls, be careful!

Heber Downs Conservation Area

Further exploration of Parks and Trails in Ontario brought us to the Heber Downs Conservation Area located in Whitby, Ontario.  It offers a myriad of recreational activities such as camping and hiking.  Lynde Creek runs through the wetlands, and is a cold water stream which supports a variety of fish including brook trout, mottled sculpin and redside dace (which is currently at risk).

Good land and water practices will ensure the survival of this endangered species in Lynde creek.  Recently volunteered for community clean up and some planted trees in the area.  We were told that the cause of the risk is from pollution (siltation - sediments in the water), urbanization and the disappearance of vegetation.  Apparently we can all help in the effort by reducing storm water runoff by placing rain barrels under our downspouts and planting trees and shrubs that are native to the area.  

Other ways to help clean up the downstream water is to practice De-icing instead of salt.  Protection of the stream banks is important and of course we all know to avoid the use of pesticides.  

What is left to see can be enjoyed all year long, as they are apparently quite busy when the snow falls, for the cross country skiers as well.  Some pictures that were taken later in the day.   


A great place to take the kids, or to camp overnight, Heber Down is about 5 kms of flat and at times slight sloped hills that offer many scenic views of this natural valley.

Taylor Creek Park

Unmistakable beauty in the Spring time.  Especially after being cooped up over the winter, it's like everything is seen for the first time.  You oil your bike chain, tighten the bike bolts and pump the air in your bike tires and before long you're riding the familiar trails and it's as if winter never happened.  For those glorious daytime hours you feel like young and carefree.  Yes, nothing beats the first real taste of spring.