McMaster Forest Nature Preserve — Attraction in Hamilton

Downside: People who don't clean up after their dogs ruin it for everyone else. Must keep dog on leash.

Upside: Free parking. Choice of 5 or more loops. Get to observe rare protected native plant species (Not allowed to pick plants!!).

Pro tip: DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT CLEANING BOOTS OFF FIRST, ENTERING THE PRESERVE FROM THE PROPER ENTRANCE--furthest from Wilson. If you do the white loop (650m), which takes about 7 to 15 minutes to walk depending on how slow you are, MAKE SURE TO START FROM THE "SIGNAGE" side--not only is there a very necessary boot brush (to prevent contamination by foreign seeds), and signage offering indigenous wisdom/teachings, but also, IF YOU START FROM THE PROPER SIDE YOU WONT TRIP ON THE MASSIVE JUTTING ROOT SYSTEM THAT WILL BOOBY-TRAP YOU IF YOU START FROM THE WRONG SIDE!! I call it the...

I visited McMaster Forest Nature Preserve at 1105 Lower Lions Club Rd, Hamilton, ON L9H 5E3 with my family, including my 3-year-old son, and had an amazing experience. The fall colors were breathtaking, and it proved to be an adventurous and excellent outing. Our time there was well spent, and I highly recommend this preserve for a memorable family day...

Awesome natural trail with a mix of open space, forest, ravine and lookouts. The white loop was perfect for our seven year old and just a little long for our 4 year old. Will...