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Explore Christie Lake Conservation Area
Get away for the day to beautiful Christie Lake Conservation Area!
This is one of the Hamilton Conservation Authority areas &
is the perfect all-season get away just outside the city limits.
Located in Dundas, Ontario on top of the Niagara Escarpment, Christie Lake was created out of necessity when the flow of water down the escarpment needed to controlled to help mitigate flooding -- these nature spaces are more than just beautiful places to explore!
The dam (pictured below) was built in the 1970's & created the sprawling lake we now enjoy. One of my favourite things about this lake is that the water is not stagnant! Eventually, the water here makes its way through the dam & over the infamous Websters & Trews Falls as it travels along Spencer's Creek.
With all season fun to be had,
Christie Lake offers over 10 km of trails to explore
-- from hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing & even by horseback, you'll find lots of places to explore here!
There are some very unique spots to check out so keep reading for more...
When you first arrive at the gates, you can pay to enter in the left hand lane, or if you're an HCA Member & have your card, stick to the right hand lane -- then swipe to open the gate!
As you drive in, you will come to a stop sign -
go right for parking near the head to the Mountain Biking Trails
Turn left & you head towards the beach access (centre of the park) & parking as well as the Marina & Disc Golf Course (far end of the park)
Ready For The Beach?
If you're planning on a beach day,
be aware that there is wheelchair parking near the beach access, but the walk in for the rest of us is long (to say the least).
If you can, plan to drop your beach gear & the kids who may not enjoy the walk in by the beach roundabout then head back out to the end for parking.
If this lot is full, there are also overflow parking lots with shuttles in when it's peak beach going season.
Be sure to check the water quality before you go here!
Let’s chat about the 360 meter long sandy beach perfect for sandcastles, swimming & relaxing.
The beach itself is sandy/pebbly & shallow enough for my 4 year old to walk out to the ropes with ease, but just the other side of the safety rope the water does get much deeper. With no lifeguards on duty, it's important to keep an eye on your group.
There is a grassy area with mature trees for shade beside the beach, pavilions for picnics, beach volleyball courts, a baseball diamond, change rooms with washrooms & a shop to pickup some basic essentials.
Looking For A Hike?
Not to worry - with over 10 KM of trails to explore, there's plenty of interesting hiking to be had!
Now I will say, I have yet to check out all of the trails & hope to do so one day, but for now I will share the highlight of the hiking experience for my kids here & that is on the eastern tip of the lake (by the disc golf course).
We parked by the marina to the far left when you come to the first stop sign in the park -- just take the left & follow the main road until it ends at the marina.
From here we walked towards the main dirt path that led us past the pavilion & to the back of the soccer field. There's a faint line from people walk across the grass & into the opening where the disc golf course is, but if you keep walking along here, you'll find yourself enjoying the 'Around The Lake Trail' which, as it's name implies, will take you all the way around Christie Lake!
So, why do I love this access the most?
Because they are the most direct route to the dam, Darnley Mill Ruins & the Darnley Cascade Waterfalls!
From the parking lot, it's about a 15 min walk along the path before you come to the dam crossing (where horses are not allowed), but first you'll pass one of my kids' favourite attractions -- the log lean-tos in the woods.
Considered one of the oldest remaining ruins in Canada, the Darnley Mill Ruins are one of the local places people swear are haunted 👻
Built in 1813, the Darnley Mill was an integral part of this bustling community in the 1800’s - in fact this was even expanded in 1826 to include the first Paper Mill in Upper Canada but in 1934 the mill suffered a fire & all that remains are these old stone walls.
Now,
Hamilton is the city of waterfalls with more than 100 within our city limits &
this one right here is the highest elevation above sea level! Spencer's Creek continues on downstream from the dam where the water pours over this 13 footer known as the
Darnley Cascade Waterfall.
It was the focal point of the bustling Crooks Hollow back in the 1800's but now,
it's a hidden gem to explore beside the Darnley Mill Ruins.
If you were to follow the water
down stream further you'd end up at the infamous Webster's Falls & Tews Falls (which are located within another Hamilton Conservation Area but these require a reservation to visit to keep crowds down/people safe)
Want To Get Out On The Water?
When we went this year the boats were not ready to be rented out so it was a
BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)
situation, but in more normal times you are able to
enjoy a rental boat which can be purchased from the Marina.
If you have your own
non-motorized boat,
so Kayaks, Canoes, Paddle Boards, etc., you're able to launch & enjoy the views from the water.
Be aware that
getting too close to the dam is a safety concern
-- also there is a
catch & release program in effect when fishing.
Fancy A Round Of Disc Golf?
Christie Lake Conservation Area is home to an 18 Hole Championship Disc Golf Course & is a great way to get outside to enjoy the day. The course winds through the forests & fields creating a picturesque setting for your game.
Bring your own or rent a set from the shop, if you've never played before this is a great opportunity!
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