Our adventure at Kelso Conservation Area
This was the first of the Halton Conservation trail destinations that we tried. I’d never heard of it and I chose it in part because I thought it would be a less-crowded alternative to the more popular Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo. Also, the other two destinations were fully booked when I went to reserve a time online the night before. So the universe kinda decided for me.
One thing I remember is that the whole visitor experience seemed so smooth here, more so than any of the other trail destinations we’d been to so-far. From the online reservation system to the excellent wayfinding. The logistics of the experience were such a breeze, we were able to just relax and enjoy our little does of nature.
We took the Ascension trail up, joined the Escarpment Trail and then came back around on the Quarry trail. Even though the Ascencion trail is rated as an easier climb than other paths up, the climb to get up to Escarpment was still a challenge, especially for the little legs. It was a hot, sunny day when we were there and the climb is on a fairly exposed trail so the boys did complain quite a bit about being hot on the way up. At one point, we weren’t sure if we would make it very far at all. But once we got to the top, we were greeted by a gorgeous, flat span of rock that provides a pretty great view out over the landscape. The kids were so taken by the view that they completely forgot about being hot and having tired legs and were re-energized. I’ll admit that it was a bit nerve wracking because there are no barriers, so we had to watch the kids like hawks – they kept wanting to rush to the edge to look down and see how high we were (braver than me!!). We took a few really quick snaps with the kids, had a quick water break and then headed back onto the trail.
Once up on the escarpment, the trail was fully shaded and it was nice and cool so the rest of the walk featured far less whining (thank god!). There are also great little lookouts dotted along the trail where we were able to stop to check out the view, most of which do actually have barriers. I was excited about this one, because I knew that the Bruce Trail ran through it and that the trails ran along the Escarpment. I knew it would be a great spot and was not disappointed. But since the trail runs along the edge of the escarpment (sometimes quite close!), we did have to keep the kids close and make sure they didn’t venture off trail. It’s a long and steep drop off the edge. There are also large fissures in the rock of the Escarpment along the way, which were an extra hazard to watch for. But they are a really cool feature of this trail and the kids had a blast peering down into their depths (while we clung to their hands and shirts with mild panic).
The Quarry Trail section we took to loop back is more inland, away from the edge of the escarpment. That section felt like more of a traditional forest trail – no cliff edges or fissures to contend with – and we were able to let the kids run ahead of us a bit to blow off some energy.
At one point we realized that we were hearing what sounded like rain dripping down through the trees even though the sky above was a crystal-clear blue. I had a theory that it might be some kind of bug poop and we kept coming across caterpillar nests so I was convinced that was what was falling around us. Paul didn’t believe me. He said that there would have to be too many caterpillars for it to be possible. Then he walked right into a caterpillar hanging down from a tree branch on its silk string. And then a piece of caterpillar poop landed on his shoulder and I showed it to him. To be fair, it didn’t really fall onto the trail much since tress don’t hang over it that much; it was mostly happening among the trees on either side of the trail. Still, though… some of those trees do hang over the trail and poop definitely falls on the trail as well. So, yeah, watch for the caterpillar poop! Not sure if that was a seasonal thing or not, but if the idea of tiny bits of caterpillar poop raining down around you give you the heebie-jeebies, best to avoid that section of the trail.
It’s hard to disappoint with any trail destination that runs along the Niagara Escarpment. We definitely had to be extra vigilant and keep the kids close but we really enjoyed our experience at Kelso. In retrospect I am glad we went here before visiting Mount Nemo or Rattlesnake Point. The views are a bit more dramatic in some ways at both of those other destinations and visiting Kelso after those ones might have hindered us from appreciating Kelso for what it is. We’re also keen to come back in winter to hit the ski slopes!
What you need to know to plan your visit!
Name: Kelso Conservation Area
Managed by: Halton Conservation
Trail Network Connections: Bruce Trail
Hike Length: 5km - check out the trail map to follow in our footsteps.
Trail Style: Packed earth/natural surface with rocky areas
Wayfinding: The wayfinding here is amazing. All the trail heads are marked really well. There are also wayfinding signs at all trail junctions and numbered posts along the way help you pinpoint where you are on the trail if you are between junctions (if you have a map with you).
Sun Exposure: Once we were up on the Escarpment the trails were fully covered but the climb up from the parking lot was fully exposed. So bring the sunscreen but be reassured that relief from the sun (and heat!) will come at the top.
Bug-o-meter: Mosquito free! But watch for caterpillars and their poop…
Key Features & Little Surprises: Lookout points with panoramic views over the landscape.
Hot tip: If you plan ahead you can bring your bathing suit and head to Kelso Lake after your hike for a cool relaxing swim; there is a beach with a designated swimming area that is lifeguard supervised.
Parking & Logistics: Logistics at Kelso are a breeze. Reservations are required and you can book your date and time online in advance using a credit card. The reservation system is simple and easy to use and you don’t need to show a ticket or anything because you provide your license place number when you book which they use to check you in when you arrive. The time slots are for 2 hours and they text you when you are getting close to the end of your time slot (but I think this might be a specific crowd control measure being used during COVID times). They use an honour system so nobody checked our reservation time or anything on the way back out, but try to stick to your allotted time to be respectful of other users!
Driving Time: <1h
