Valens Lake Conservation Area — Hotel in Hamilton

Not too happy with our stay. We rented a cabin. Maybe I am too fussy, but I found it not very clean. I mean, the general surface areas were clean, but in the bathroom, there were cobwebs in the corners. Very grungy looking old mop hanging on the wall. Dead flies in the window areas where you’re preparing your food.

They are very serious about no drinking policy. We are retired in our 60s and just the two of us. You can be evicted for even having alcohol in your possession, and/Or charges can be laid. See photos. So beware.

There was only one other cabin that was occupied and yet they had to come and check on the fire extinguisher while we were there. I can’t be sure but I thought maybe they were having a peek inside to see if we had any alcohol. They have plenty of opportunity between checkout time at 11am and 3 PM when the next guest comes in to check fire extinguishers.

As for the showers, we went to one building that had a shower and in the men’s washroom it was out of order so we had to go to a different restroom where the showers were still functional.

Our propane barbeque was almost empty when we arrived, so we had to get that replenished. The igniter button did not work and we had to get a new lighter as the one provided was empty. This was taken care of quickly.

We went to get firewood and there were only 4 bags left.

I called ahead on another day to ask if they sold ice and they said they did. When we drove down there later they said they did not have any ice.

For a campground to have problems getting firewood and ice… not good. Only one store in the area. About a Kilometre down the highway.

It’s quite expensive to buy firewood at the conservation area. It was $11 for six or seven small sticks of wood, which lasted about 2 hours. Three bags for $30.

Next time we bought firewood, it was wet. It is stored in a shed, so it was probably brought to them wet.

You are allowed to put a dining tent up. The cabin area sits on grass. There was plenty of room and it was quite private, especially since we had no neighbors.

The trails are nice and flat and easy to walk or bike. We went in September. At this time the camp store is closed and there are no...

Valens Lake Conservation Area, written from the perspective of a nature and photography enthusiast. A Tranquil and Photogenic Escape Valens Lake Conservation Area is a true gem, offering a surprisingly diverse natural escape just a short drive from the city. It's a destination that perfectly caters to a wide range of visitors, from families looking for a beach day to serious anglers and paddlers. For hikers and photographers, however, Valens Lake is a particularly rewarding location that offers a rich palette of subjects in a serene and accessible setting. The heart of the area is, of course, the beautiful reservoir, whose calm waters are perfect for canoeing and fishing. But the true magic begins when you explore the more than 10 kilometers of trails that wind through mature forests and along the water's edge. The trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, making them ideal for a long, meditative walk where the sounds of the city are replaced by birdsong and the rustling of leaves. The undisputed highlight for many is the extensive boardwalk that stretches across the reservoir's wetlands. This fantastic structure allows you to walk right into the heart of the marsh ecosystem, offering incredible, up-close views of waterfowl, sunbathing turtles, and hunting herons. Photographically, the boardwalk is a dream, creating stunning leading lines that guide the eye through the tranquil scenery. For a breathtaking perspective, be sure to climb the observation tower. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular, offering a full vista of the lake and the dense surrounding forest. It’s the perfect spot to appreciate the scale of the area and a must-do for any landscape photographer wanting to capture that epic wide-angle shot. In conclusion, Valens Lake is a fantastic day-trip destination that masterfully balances recreation with the preservation of a beautiful natural environment. It's a place where you can feel truly immersed in nature without having to travel for hours. I left feeling refreshed and with a memory card full of beautiful images. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful...

Winter cabin rental

We had a lovely two night stay at the Swan Cabin in late December. The trails are flat and well maintained, the property is easy to navigate and the cabins were very cute. We were the only ones at the cabins! The seclusion was both pleasant and eerie. It rained for most of our visit but the cabin was cozy and enjoyable. We brought our Lodge cast iron griddle and make pancakes on the bbq for breakfast. I would love to return during a snowfall, I imagine it would be great fun.

Features: Clean, spacious for two, no pests (a few lady beetles) Big table for puzzles or eating Well insulated with very warm baseboard heaters - barely needed a blanket Comfortable mattress (for a cabin) Lots of windows, natural light Flushable toilets Very hot water on demand Complimentary wagon for carrying in supplies

The website is a bit unclear, so here are the supplies that were included for reference: Hand soap Toilet paper Dish drying rack Broom, mop, snow shovel Garbage bags and bin BBQ with built-in igniter Mini fridge with small freezer

Improvements: Would have loved to bring along our dog, he would have had a great time. This option would definitely allow us to return, as having him watched overnight can be difficult to arrange. Wish there were a few more supplies included with the cabin, such as a lighter, flashlight, mini coffee maker/electric kettle, bbq utensils, pillows, etc. Even basic cutlery, two plates, a pot, and a mixing bowl would be great for quick getaways. A bench by the bed would be nice for organizing, laying out clothes. An outdoor light inside the bbq shelter would be so helpful! Hard to cook and hold flashlight in the dark during winter. Chairs on the front porch would be great. Snowshoes would be an adorable additions for winter campers.

Overall we had a great visit, would...