Dundas Valley Conservation Area

650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E3

Phone: 905-627-1233

Email: dvalley@conservationhamilton.ca

Activities at Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.

Visitor Alert During the fall colour season, the Artaban Road parking lot can be oversubscribed. Click here for alternate parking suggestions.

As of August 19, vehicular access to the Ancaster Well will be temporarily closed due to a construction project by the City of Hamilton, with substantial completion estimated to be at the end of November 2024.Learn more.

About Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Please note: photo permits are required for photoshoots in the Dundas Valley. Click here for more information.

The Dundas Valley is one of southern Ontario’s most spectacular natural treasures. Highlights of the 1,200-hectare conservation area include lush Carolinian forests, colourful meadows, cold-water streams, stunning geological formations and an array of rare plants, birds and wildlife.

The area is part of a large glacial valley that spreads out into Lake Ontario. It was excavated by a succession of glaciers that disappeared some 10,000 years ago The landscape that emerged has been shaped by glacial meltwater and, more recently, by streams flowing through the valley.

The rich natural environment existing here and along the Niagara Escarpment has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Additional Access Points

The Dundas Valley has multiple parking lots and access points. These include:

Main Parking Lot: 650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON
Artaban Road: 917 Artaban Road, Dundas, ON
During the fall colour season, this parking lot can be oversubscribed.
Learn more about alternate parking lots.
Hermitage: 621 Sulphur Springs Road, Dundas, ON
Merrick: 380 Lower Lions Club Road, Ancaster, ON
Monarch: 855 Old Dundas Road, Dundas, ON

Recreational Trails

The 40km recreational trail system provides access to almost every part of the Dundas Valley and is organized along three major trails: the Main Loop Trail, Bruce Trail and the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail.

Due to rugged terrain, Dundas Valley recreational trails have limited accessibility. Wheelchair and scooter users are encouraged to use the Rail Trail.

Dundas Valley Trail Map

All dogs in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area and trails MUST be on a leash at all times. Conservation Authority regulations require dogs to be on leash, for the safety of the wildlife of the area, but also for the safety of school groups that are in the Dundas Valley for Environmental Education programs.

Equestrians must also clean up after their animals.

Share the Path: The trail system is shared between a variety of users and enjoyment and safety among diverse group begins with every individual. Please review trail etiquette information.

Cycling

Cyclists are welcome to use the Dundas Valley multi-use trail system and reminded to stay on marked trails. Please note, cycling is not permitted on the Bruce Trail.

Share the Path: The trail system is shared between a variety of users and enjoyment and safety among diverse group begins with every individual. Please review trail etiquette information.

Equestrians

Equestrians are welcome in the Dundas Valley and on trails. Parking for horse trailers is only available at the main Dundas Valley parking lot, located at 650 Governor’s Road.

You must clean up after your horses.

Share the Path: The trail system is shared between a variety of users and enjoyment and safety among diverse group begins with every individual. Please review trail etiquette information.

Picnicking

The Stacey Meadow Pavilion can accommodate up to 80 people. Its pond side location and fishing platform extends out into the water makes it a lovely spot for group picnics and weddings. The Dundas Valley also offers open meadow areas with picnic tables.

Barbequing is not permitted

Pavilion and Group Area Rentals

Education

The Dundas Valley offers more than 30 exciting outdoor environmental education adventures for students in Grade 1-12. To learn more, visit our education web page.

Trail Centre

A replica of a Victorian train station, the Dundas Valley Trail Centre is the hub of the valley’s trail network. The Centre has interpretive displays, brochures and maps detailing the Dundas Valley. It is also the starting point for numerous guided hikes and nature-oriented workshops.

Off-season Hours (washrooms): September to June

Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 4 PM

Summer Hours: July & August
Weekends: 9:00 AM to 4 PM
Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Hermitage Ruins

The Hermitage Ruins, located just off the Main Loop Trail, is a popular spot to visit while in the area.The Ruins are a beautiful and picturesque place to stop while on a hike. Click here for more information on the Hermitage Ruins and Gatehouse.

In 2015, construction on the ruins began to stabilize and restore the crumbling structure. More information on the Hermitage Ruins Stabilization and Restoration Project.

The Hermitage Ruins are also available for for wedding ceremonies. Please visit our weddings page for more details.

Accessible Parking

810 Mineral Springs Parking Lot – 1 space

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E3

Phone: 905-627-1233

Email: dvalley@conservationhamilton.ca

Activities at Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Open 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.

About Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Additional Access Points

Recreational Trails

Cycling

Equestrians

Picnicking

Education

Trail Centre

Hermitage Ruins

Accessible Parking

Area Quick Links

Dundas Valley Conservation Area Image Gallery

Join Our Mailing List!

Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.