As the largest of 36 environmental management agencies in the province, the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) works in partnership with the City of Hamilton and the Ontario Government to help ensure the preservation of environmentally significant lands. With a dedication to environmental conservation, the HCA owns and operates about 10,000 acres of land on which it focuses its efforts toward protecting water sources, guarding against potential flooding and erosion, and promoting environmental stewardship in the communities it serves. Prominent lands operated by the HCA include Dundas Valley, Christie, Lake and Valens Conservation Areas, Confederation Beach Park and Fifty Point Conservation Area and Marina.
Natural Areas: Hamilton Conservation Authority
Borer’s/Rockchapel
Borer's Falls, also known as Rock Chapel Falls, is a 17.7-metre high curtain-style waterfall that looks beautiful year round. Surrounded by the Borer's Conservation Area and Rock Chapel Sanctuary, this…
Canal Park
A small park with walking trails along the old Desjardins Canal. Canal Park is an urban nature sanctuary that has undergone restoration work and native species plantings. Canal Park Website
Christie Lake
Christie Lake is one of the most beautiful lakeside conservation areas on the Niagara Escarpment that offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. A mere 45 minute bike ride…
Confederation Beach Park
Confederation Beach Park is a 93-hectare park owned by the City of Hamilton and managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the park features…
Crooks’ Hollow
Crooks’ Hollow Conservation Area is the site of an old mill ruin and dam site (since removed) along Spencer Creek. The area features a historical recreational trail along Spencer Creek.…
Devil’s Punchbowl
Consisting of colourful layers of stratified rock, Devil’s Punchbowl is widely considered to be one of the Escarpment’s most unforgettable sights. The conservation area itself consists of two separate falls,…
Dundas Valley
Dundas Valley Conservation Area covers over 1200 hectares of lush Carolinian forests, colourful meadows, cold water streams and a variety of geological formations. The conservation area contains 40 kilometers of…
Eramosa Karst
Eramosa Karst is a unique Hamilton gem with incredible geological features. The word "karst" describes a landscape with rocky features typical of limestone or dolostone, such as springs and sinkholes…
Felker’s Falls
Felker's Falls Conservation Area is a hidden natural gem. The area is home to Felker's Falls, a 22 metre tall terraced ribbon waterfall. Felker's Falls Website
Fifty Point
Located on Lake Ontario's shores, Fifty Point Conservation Area is an 80 hectare outdoor lover’s paradise! Whether you are looking to go hiking, camping, birding, swimming, fishing, or even boating,…
Fletcher Creek
The Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve is a 414 acre rehabilitated abandoned quarry. It features significant wetlands and forests and is at the headwaters of the Spencer Creek Watershed. With 4.5…
Iroquoia Heights
Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area features a wonderful mix of what the Niagara Escarpment area has to offer! The 3km trail system involves diverse biological habitats, many of which are made…
Mount Albion
Mount Albion Conservation Area is a natural restoration area offering excellent wildlife observation opportunities and trails. The area features a creek, a wetland, reforestation areas, mature trees, trails and old…
Spencer Gorge
Perhaps the most scenic of Hamilton's natural areas, Spencer Gorge spans the escarpment and contains two of Hamilton's most well-known waterfalls: Webster's and Tew's Falls. Tew's Falls is the tallest…
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
If you're looking for a unique natural area to get you out-and-about, consider visiting Tiffany Falls Conservation Area! Designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) this conservation…
Valens Lake Conservation Area
Valens Lake Conservation Area is a 300 hectare outdoor lover's paradise! Whether you are looking to go hiking, swimming, fishing, or even boating, Valens Lake has it all! Valens Lake…
Westfield Heritage Village
Step back into time and experience pioneer life at Westfield. Spread over 130 hectares Westfield is a re-enactment of days gone by. Period actors live and work in town and…