Mountsberg Raptor Centre — Attraction in Hamilton

Large place if you like walking on trails looking over trees. You'll have to go online and purchase a ticket. Otherwise, you can't get in. They will send you a barcode after registering, i just don't know how the stopping ladder can figure out when should it be opened as there is no barcode scanner where you can scan the code they sent after paying, as no one around unless of course someone is working somewhere and get a look at the plate number being registered. They have some animals around like chicken, rabbit, horses, and eagles. By the yellow trail, you can find the maple house like barn houses, made from wood centuries ago. No one is there, maybe seasonal camping for schoolage kids. The doors are fully locked but have benches or picnic tables and some beach chairs with a Von fire pit. They have a lookout area for the water reservoir where you can also view the train passing by. Small spots and trails are not by the water. By the parking entrance, you will see the Discovery Center (only washroom you can use that at least open), it has small gift shop. Next to it are picnic tables beside Cameron house (locked). They have a natural playground, sort of play trees or woods (no monkey bars or slide). I'm not sure if people can do Canoe or fishing on their reservoir. Otherwise, there isn't any access much to fishing unless you sit by canoe. Good for some family...

I did the 45-min raptor experience for just $10 per person, which was offered as an add-on during Mountberg's Maple Season. It was such a fun, engaging, and also educational experience! The session took place indoors, and began with an introduction to the centre and the birds by the staff member, who also passed along various feathers for us to touch & feel. Then she brought out three birds one-by-one, with plenty of time for us to observe and learn about each of them.

Despite the limited timeframe, the session was extremely informative. For instance, I learned that Harris' hawks are matriarchal societies, and I've never even heard of kestrels before, let alone know that they are ferocious predators. Definitely raised my awareness about these birds and their protection. The staff member giving the presentation, whose name I did not ask, did a great job! She was highly engaging, passionate, and answered our questions very well. After the session, you could take a short loop to see the raptor enclosures in the exterior. It's quite heartbreaking to learn how many of them were mistreated by humans, hit by cars (or even trains), etc. That makes you further appreciate the existence of such a facility. I'd love to come back during the summer or fall for the photoshoot or hawk walk...

The Mountsberg Raptor Center is located within the Mountsberg Conservation Area. The center allows you to see many raptors that are indigenous to Ontario up close and personal along a self guided tour. Special paid programs allow for a true beak to nose experience.

The center is located within the Mountsberg conservation area which is just south of the Guelph Line exit and west of Campbelleville.

There is a fee to enter the park but the fee allows you to visit all 7 of the Halton Conservation Areas including Crawford Lake (Iroquois Village) Rattlesnake Point (Camping and Great Views) Mount Nemo (Great Hikes, Rock Climbing, Spelunking) Hilton Falls (All Season Trails) and Glen Eden (Skiing and Mountain Biking)...