2013-14 Burlington Performing Arts Centre Professional Series Launch

There is something about being in a darkened theatre with a hushed audience that creates such a sense of anticipation.  Adding to the suspense is that no one knows what great acts are going to be announced, so the atmosphere was electric at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre season launch on May 8.

Executive Director Brenda Heatherington was the M.C. of the launch event and she encouraged the attendees to forget their trials and tribulations and be transported by attending a live performance. While I watched the season unfolding on the screen, I was amazed by the eclectic mix of live performances that we will be hosting right here in our very own theatre in Burlington. 

Here is a rundown of the season, however we suggest that you check the site often as new performances are added regularly throughout the year plus some like Bruce Cockburn are already SOLD OUT!  In fact what I have found really helpful is to sign up to get their Enewsletter by email so you don’t miss out on seeing some of your new or old favorites.

This year there are a few new series added for the young or young at heart.  

photo courtesy of Burlington Performing Arts Centre

I know the moms and grandparents in our building are looking forward to attending some of these with their wee folk.  The Cushion Concert Series is for children ages 2-5 years and promises to be a great way to spend some quality time with your little ones enjoying puppeteers and classic children’s stories.  The Family Series will captivate all members of the family with memorable performances that will spark your imagination. 

The Studio 440 – Cabaret Series held in the intimate Community Studio Theatre allows the audience to feel like part of the performance you are that close to the stage.  This year there is a mix of folk, blues, or country and you can enjoy a drink and the show.  Since I am a closet country fan I am psyched for the Kira Isabella (love Songs about You) and Tim Chaisson concert in March 2014!

photo courtesy of Burlington Performing Arts Centre

Back by popular demand is the Classically Yours – Sunday Brunch Series hosted by former co-host of CBC Radio’s As It Happens, Barbara Budd, one of the most recognized voices in Canada.  Enjoy a tasty brunch with your friends before the recitals, be delighted by the intimate musical experience in the community theatre and stay after the performance for an enlightening conversation with the featured artist.  What a great way to spend a leisurely Sunday!

photo courtesy of Burlington Performing Arts Centre

The Main Stage will once again be filled with some of the most electrifying and diverse performances found anywhere.  Some old favorites from the 70’s & 80’s will take me back to the day like Gino Vannelli, Colm Wilkinson (the original Phantom), John McDermott, Jesse Cook and Harry Manx.  Besides music there is also the comedy of One and Mac King, a variety of theatre including a solo performance of Hamlet, One Noble Journey:  A Box Marked Freedom, A Beautiful View (which I want to attend with my BFF) and dance with BBOYIZM, the Nutcracker, and Les Ballets jazz de Montreal and The Peking Acrobats.

I would be remiss if I didn’t feature Burlington’s own Melissa McClelland and husband Luke Doucet performing in Canadian folk rock band Whitehorse just prior to Valentine’s Day - gift now solved!

After the season was unveiled the audience was treated to something very special, a performance by members of Leahy!  Here is a little Leahy trivia for you… they come from a family of 11, they are from Lakefield, Ontario and the group is comprised of eight siblings -all musically inclined including the next generation.  We were enthralled when their children came out and danced and playing the fiddle – thanks to Adele, Greg, Ben, Mary, Cicelia and Michael.  This was a great preview of their Christmas performance which always sells out quickly, so mark December 11 down on your calendar and bring the family. 

Click here for a full list of performances.

Bruce Cockburn – Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 8pm - SOLD OUT

Chic Gamine (Studio 440 - Cabaret Series) – Friday, October 4, 2013 at 7:30pm

The Robert Cray Band – Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 8pm

Jesse Cook – Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 8pm

Rose Cousins (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Friday, October 25, 2013 at 7:30pm

Gino Vannelli – Friday, October 25, 2013 at 8pm

ONE (Theatre Series) – Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2pm

Hamlet (Solo) (Theatre Series) – Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 2pm

Joel Plaskett (Acoustic) (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7:30pm

Harry Manx (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 7:30pm

Nathalie Vachon: Imagination on the Loose! (Cushion Concert Series) – Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11am 

The Alcan Quartet (Classically Yours… Sunday Brunch Series) – Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 11:45am

Les Ballets jazz de Montréal – Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 8pm

The Celtic Tenors – Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 2pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favourites (Family Series) – Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 11am

Colm Wilkinson: Broadway, Christmas and Beyond – Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 7pm

Leahy Family Christmas – Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 8pm

Nutcracker – Friday, December 13, 2013 at 7pm, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 2pm and 7pm

John McDermott – Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2pm

Peter and The Wolf (Cushion Concert Series) – Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11am

Rosanne Cash – Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 8pm

Blackie and The Rodeo Kings – Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 8pm

Mo Kenney & Matthew Barber (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Friday, January 31, 2014 at 7:30pm

Whitehorse – Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 8pm

2012 Honens Prize Laureate, Pavel Kolesnikov (Classically Yours… Sunday Brunch Series) – Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 11:45am 

Dib & Dob and The Journey Home (Family Series) – Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 2pm

Measha Brueggergosman – Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 8pm

One Noble Journey: A Box Marked Freedom (Theatre Series) – Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 2pm

Mac King – Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 8pm

Tim Chaisson & Kira Isabella (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 7:30pm

Sierra Maestra – Friday, March 7, 2014 at 8pm

Take 6 – Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 8pm

De Temps Antan (Studio 440 – Cabaret Series) – Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 7:30pm

A Beautiful View (Theatre Series) – Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:30pm

The Peking Acrobats – Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 2pm and 7pm

Pinocchio (Family Series) – Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 2pm

Dichterliebe: The Poet’s Love (Classically Yours… Sunday Brunch Series) – Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 11:45am

Bboyizm – Friday, April 11, 2014 at 7:30pm

Jill Barber – Friday, May 2, 2014 at 8pm

Pinocchio in My Suitcase (Cushion Concert Series) – Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11am

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 8pm

 

To order your tickets call 905-681-6000, visit www.burlingtonpac.ca, or visit the Box Office at 440 Locust Street.

TourBurlGrl

Burlington Ontario – A cycling friendly community.

If you are a family looking for a safe path to cycle, a competent cyclist hoping to join a riding group or an advanced distance cyclist searching for challenging terrain, you’ll find it in Burlington!

A bicycle friendly community.  In 2012 Burlington was awarded the bronze designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community by Ontario’s Share the Road Cycling Coalition.  Read on and discover why Burlington earned and deserved this honour.

Lids 4 Kids

Safe cycling begins with a properly fitted helmet but tightening and adjusting helmet straps can be a feat worthy of Houdini.  Each May, cycling in Burlington kicks off with the Lids 4 Kids event held at the Burlington Mall.  Halton Regional Police volunteer their time to give away and snuggly fit over 300 bike helmets on young cyclists.  They also run a safe riding rodeo.  Local bike mechanics inspect bikes and do minor repairs for free.  Lids 4 Kids is the ideal way for a family to begin the cycling season. 

Burlington has many paved cycling paths away from traffic, but with its panoramic view and downtown location, the WaterfrontTrail is a magnet for families with young cyclists

Cycling on the Burlington Waterfront

.  You can safely bike from Spencer Smith Park across the canal into Confederation Park and be treated to spectacular scenery that changes with the weather and time of day.  From the sun sparkling on the waves, to the roar of the waves on a windy day, or the buzzing of jet skis in the water, every day can be different and entertaining as you cycle the Waterfront Trail. There are many waypoints where you can reward the family with an ice cream break or make it an outing and enjoy the famous fish and chip dinner at Hutch's on the Lake. The walls are decorated with historical autographed pictures and jerseys from area sport teams. 

Families are also discovering the same wide, paved, car-free, cycling paths inland.  I use the Centennial Bike Path to get to the library and to shop by bike!  The path runs from the down town core to BurlOak Drive and is one of my favourites.  Using the branch paths, I bike to a wide range of stores including the Burlington Mall, various restaurants or for quick grocery runs.  There are a lot of schools on the Centennial Path so kids could even ride safely to school.  Environment Canada proclaims a bike is the best way to get around for short trips.  It’s true!  I've discovered that for distances less than 5 km., cycling is faster and more efficient than using the family car.  The Centennial Path is the ideal way to get across Burlington safely by bike.

Cycling the multi-use trails

To turn my ride into a workout, I'll cycle to the end of the paved path at BurlOak, and take advantage of the new wide bike lanes on BurlOak, cycling north to Upper Middle joining a fabulous paved path following Bronte Creek. This is a spectacular route to enjoy, especially majestic and colourful in the fall. Using a combination of side streets I rejoin the Headon Path east of Walkers and cycle back to Brant Street on the paved multi-use path. There are a lot of branches to take you almost anywhere you need to go in northern Burlington and it is a fun way to burn calories and keep fit!

After you've become proficient on the paths and bike lanes in Burlington, there are many opportunities to join a group ride. If you've been hesitating to participate in a group ride, don't!  It's a fabulous way to meet like minded cyclists and there's a group for all cycling levels.  I was hesitant to join my first group ride at Mountain Equipment Co-op's (MEC) weekly drop-in ride.  There were a half a dozen riders going down Brant, along Lakeshore then up Snake Road into rural Burlington.  We all got back together, spent 15 minutes talking in the parking lot and had a great time.  It’s for “cyclists looking to learn about group riding and to meet other friendly roadies.  We meet and finish at Mountain Equipment Co-op in Burlington.  Rides will be between 1.5 to 3 hours long, covering 30km to 60km depending on weather and daylight.  No one will be dropped.” I've become a regular and look forward to it each week.

The oldest activities club in the area, formed in 1973, is the Halton Outdoor Club.  They

Share the Road Ride

have cycling groups that ride on trails (a totally different experience from road riding) and a separate group of on-road cyclists from April to October.  Riders often stop for lunch and break up into groups of varying speeds for riders of all levels.  Some say variety is the spice of life so the Halton Outdoor Club members do year round outdoor activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing.

Another well established group, the Oakville Cycling Club, focuses on group road rides some departing from Burlington.  They have ride categories of varying speeds and distances, so you can be certain of finding a group compatible with your skill set.  You can “test” ride for free but once you’re hooked, a membership is mandatory.

Riding with a very large number of cyclists is a blast and gives you a real sense of community.  In September, there’s an opportunity to ride with 300 cyclists in the Share the Road Ride in Memory of Greg.  The ride originates from the Kelso Conservation Area, has variable distances of 30-50-100 km with the OPP present at key busy intersections.  Snacks and fluids are provided at stops along the route.  Following the ride, cyclists can enjoy a meal and festivities.  Share the Road hosts several rides throughout Ontario.  You can find details at www.sharetheroad.ca.

Welcome Cyclists Sign

While cycling in Burlington, keep an eye out for the Welcome Cyclists! signs.  They are popping up like dandelions in spring.  These are bicycle friendly places to eat, visit and even sleep.  You’ll find these signs at all of Burlington’s community centres because they are equipped with tire repair kits and pumps.  I know this because I’ve had to use them! 

With its varied landscape, protected bike paths and many cycling groups, its no surprise that growing numbers are discovering cycling in Burlington as a safe, clean, healthy inexpensive even trendy way to get around town and keep fit.  Give it a whirl.    

Guest Writer - Gene Wasik

Gene Wasik is a resident of Burlington, a McMaster grad and an entrepreneur who has grown 2 start-up companies into national million dollar organizations.  Gene discovered cycling as a stress relieving outlet and grew to love cycling for its many health and relaxation benefits.  He is currently a director of Share the Road Cycling Coalition, a provincial wide cycling advocacy group and the author of “Bike Burlington,” a blog covering “Everything and anything to do with safe cycling in Burlington, Ontario.”  When travelling Gene always checks out the local bike sharing programs.

Easter Events in Burlington

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of that cute little rabbit known as the Easter bunny.  For those with children you know that the excitement of searching for hidden treats from a furry little friend is second only to awaking Christmas morning.  For those looking to enjoy some family fun there are two great Easter themed events happening over Easter weekend.

Springridge Farm is starting off the year with their annual Easter Festival March 29-31, which includes an Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny, wagon rides and farm tours, face painting, and take home bunny ears to colour and wear.  Kids will love the puppet show “Peter Rabbit’s Eggcellent Easter Show and the fun farmyard which features the animal barn, giant sandbox, corn trail and straw bale jumping.  Enjoy lunch from the BBQ or pick something up in the café.  While you’re there be sure to check out the new spring home décor, and outdoor pansies for your garden – you won’t leave empty handed! 

Another great family fun event is the Easter egg extravaganza at Mountsberg Conservation Area running March 29-April 1.  Youngsters can join in the Easter egg hunt and children 10 years and up can participate in the Scavenger Hunt.  Other Easter activities include a colouring book station, bubble station, candy jar guess and Easter jeopardy.  Make sure to leave plenty of time to visit the playbarn, visit with the farm animals and check out the Raptor Centre.  Plus, as an added bonus you can visit Maple Town and enjoy all the sugar bush activities as well!

If you haven’t had a chance to get out and enjoy the maple syrup festivals you still have time, both Conservation Halton events at Mountsberg and Crawford Lake continue to April 7^th and Bronte Creek Provincial Park runs weekends through to March 31.

The Royal Botanical Gardens is the place to be for Easter Brunch.  You can stroll through the Gardens and catch some early blooms, then feast on a delicious Easter brunch, followed by a dino egg hunt with the Easter Bunny.  You will also have the opportunity to has just the right thing to get you eager to explore some history. Be sure to visit the Battle of the Titans before it becomes extinct on April 7^th.  This event features a Tyrannosaurus Rex/Triceratops life size diorama and lots of fun & educational activities for kids and adults alike.

For those looking for a culinary delight consider the self-guided Burlington Chocolate Trail,

Casteleyn Chocolates

a decadent day of all things chocolate in Burlington.  Check out the video of our day on the trail.  Be sure to visit the chocolatiers including Walker's Chocolates, Casteleyn Belgian Chocolatiers, and Purdy's Chocolates on the trail to pick up all your Easter goodies!  *please check individual hours of operation over the holiday weekend.

Sunday March 31st the following restaurants will be offering an Easter Brunch:

Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and Conference Centre is featuring a wonderful combination of culinary specialties to appeal to everyone's appetites from 11am-1pm.  Call 905-639-4443 for reservations.

The Easter Champagne Sunday Brunch at Spencer’s on the Waterfront features an Easter egg hunt, live entertainment, bar service and a seafood extravaganza including lobster.  $47 per adult, $21 per child (4-12yrs), call 905.633.7494 for reservations.

Stone House Restaurant will feature a delectable Steak & Seafood Buffet from 11:30am-8:00pm. To reserve your table by calling 905-632-1316.

The Water St. Cooker  is having its annual Sunday Brunch (right through dinner), and reservations are filling up very fast.  Emma’s Backporch will be featuring breakfast until 2pm (reservations only).  Call 905.634.2084 to reserve.

Join Tyandaga Golf Course for Easter Brunch. Seating times are 10:30a.m., 12p.m. or 1:30p.m. $29.99/Adult, $9.95/Child (5-12).  Call to make your reservation at 905.336.0006 ext 4, or 905.708.2913.

For those looking to stay active over Easter, consider signing up to participate in the Good Friday 5km, 10km and Kids’ Bunny Hop races.  The races begin on March 29^th at 8:50am at Aldershot High School and you can find race details and registration information on their website.

Other great outdoor activities include visiting Conservation Halton Parks, Bronte Creek Provincial Park, or Royal Botanical Gardens all of which have excellent walking/hiking trails.  You can also head to the Burlington Waterfront to walk/bike along the scenic trail or visit one of our many parks to enjoy a day out.

Our visitor centre will be closed on Friday March 29th and Sunday March 31th and open regular hours on Saturday March 30th and Monday April 1st. Our administrative offices will be closed Friday-Monday over Easter.  You can also visit our website 24 hours a day or reach us on Twitter and Facebook.

Happy Easter!

Family Day in Burlington Ontario

No matter what the weather is on February 18th, there are lots of great activities to enjoy on Family Day.  You can spend time in Burlington or the surrounding area and be sure that the little ones have no reason to say “I’m bored.”

If the snow remains you can dig out those toboggans, ski’s, skates, or snowshoes, blow off the dust and put them to good use.  The Conservation Halton parks are a great place to hike, bird watch, enjoy nature, and use those snow toys. Please check individual park sites to find out what activities are available at each location.

Have you ever heard of Snowsnake?  I honestly had no idea what this was when it was first mentioned to me, but I found out that this is a traditional Iroquoian game taking place at Crawford Lake Conservation Area as part of their Snowflakes & Snowsnakes event.  This unique event includes winter survival hikes, legends in the longhouse, hemlock tea tasting, and much more.

If you are more interested in an event that includes snuggling up and keeping warm, you can head to Mountsberg Conservation Area for Tales by a Winter Fire starting at 10am. You will be able to toboggan, hike, and enjoy an outdoor bonfire and if you prefer not to trek through the woods, relax on a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride being offered ($) through the fields and forest. 

Glen Eden offers tubing, fresh slopes, and even nighttime lighting for those of us who want to sleep in.  Although I am not much of a skier, I was able to master the bunny hill at Glen Eden.  If you are looking for a challenge or just trying something new it is it is well worth it, with their Discover Skiing and Snowboarding packages, this is a day of fun which is easy to organize.

Bronte Creek is always an inviting location to spend the morning, afternoon, or evening!  With the Olympic-sized outdoor rink you can lace up your skates and enjoy the pleasure of skating outside from 9am-9:30pm.  I personally love this because my friends enjoy skating while I am more of a watcher.  No matter how many times I try, I can never seem to get the hang of things, which ends up with me falling down constantly.  So instead, I’d rather sit and sip on a cup of hot chocolate, while they enjoy themselves.  With heated change rooms, washrooms, music, skate rentals, farm and play barn open from 9am-4pm, this is something that both friends and family can enjoy together.  Sometimes I even bring my dog, Nyssa, to run free in the leash free areas.  She is just as much a part of my family as my younger sister! 

The Rotary Centennial Pond offers a stunning view of the waterfront to enjoy while you skate.  Public skating is open daily from 10am-10pm depending on the weather. Don’t worry if the weather is not looking great for outside skating, The Appleby Ice Centre will be open with drop in programs for the entire family.  Check the website for skate types and times.

If you prefer the indoors, why not spend some time at the pool.  Pull out the swimsuits, goggles, and nose plugs and splash around in the water with public swimming at Aldershot Pool or Angela Coughlan Pool. Check the website for swim types and times.

Have your kids saying “RARW” at the Royal Botanical Gardens – Battle of the Titans.  Visitors can learn about paleontology, see a Tyrannosaurus Rex/ Triceratops life size diorama, play dress up, see dino prints, or try the digital dig pit. On February 17^th & 18^th Dr. Phil Manning, an internationally renowned dinosaur hunter from the University of Manchester will be on-hand to answer any of your questions on these prehistoric creatures.  The RBG is an affordable day out at only $30.50 for a family of four.  Once you’ve had the opportunity to see through dino-vision and learn about dino-diets, you will likely become “dino-hungry.”  The Garden Café at the RBG is featuring a Family Day Feast feeds two adults and two children and includes a salad, entrée and drink for only $30 + HST. (reservations are recommended).

For those that are more dramatically inclined be sure to get your tickets for Sing-a-long A Sound of Music at the Burlington Performing Art Centre. This interactive screening event is complimented with onscreen lyrics, props, costumes, and vocal warm-ups.  Be sure to visit the website to get a real feel for this cool interactive event and for ticket information.  

If you need a little extra incentive to get out of bed on the 18^th, the Burlington Chocolate Trail is a delectable treasure path Take your teen, best girlfriend or a special individual out to enjoy some decadent treats on this self-guided trail.  Is there anything better then spending the day with a little self enjoyment and chocolate - I don’t think so! 

Don’t worry about finding somewhere to eat on your day out, the restaurants of Burlington are always offering tasty meals. If you are looking for a prix fixe dining experience be sure to try one of more of the 23 restaurants participating in the Taste of Burlington from February 17 – March 10, 2013. 

Tourism Burlington will be open on Family Day from 9am-4pm,  and we are always available on the web, via Facebook or Twitter.

Whatever your plans are this Family Day we hope you enjoy your time together!

TourBurlGrl2

Holiday Fun in Burlington, Ontario

And so comes the Christmas season (hard to believe it's less than 20 days away) and with it lots of holiday fun. 

Crafting at RBG

Until January 6, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens for Holiday Traditions including an all new and extensive botanical model train installation. You can read all about our sneak peak at this event here. 

Be sure to head to the waterfront during the holiday to take in the Lakeside Festival of Lights running to January 9^th.   

Weekends and evenings (Wed-Fri) you can visit Bronte Creek Provincial Park for Homestead Christmas and experience the traditions of a Victorian Christmas on the farm in 1900.  Visit the reindeer barn and then enjoy a personal visit with the big guy - no reservations required.  

This Friday December 7^th join the Museums of Burlington at Ireland House for A Taste of Christmas Past: Festive Food & Drink of Yesteryear.  Enjoy festive holiday food samplings and beverage tastings from the Ireland Family home. Special activities, live entertainment and costumed historic performers complete the evening. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out.

For those that appreciate the indie music scene, be sure to check out Burly Calling – a DIY Music Festival December 7th-9th.  Hometown Youtube sensation Walk off the Earth return home for this awesome event.

Streetcar Museum

Head to the Streetcar Museum December 8th for Christmas on the Rails and enjoy a ride among the trees with carols in the air.  Also on December 8th you will want to be in Downtown Burlington for the Santa 5k run, when over 3,800 Santas will hit the streets - check out the video from last year here.  

Sunday December 9^th, The Crossroads Centre presents a Kid’s Christmas with crafts, snacks and a God rocks concert. On Monday December 10^th join them for Christmas in the Square.  Country sensation Michelle Wright, along with six other talented Canadian musicians, will perform your favourite Christmas classics . Radio and television personality Casey Clarke will host this inspiring Christmas evening. A limited number of tickets are available for this intimate taping performance.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Conservation Halton has launched a new holiday event at Hilton Falls - December 16^th enjoy the simple pleasures of nature with Christmas on the Trails.  

Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Paletta Mansion Open House on Monday December 17th from 11am-3pm.  Refreshments available to purchase. Donations of unwrapped toys or canned food will be collected for the Salvation Army.

If you are a fan of the arts, there are lots of great holiday performances coming to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre including The Nutcracker Suite, Leahy Family Christmas and many more.  Be sure to check the calendar for a complete event listing and get your tickets before these popular shows sell out.

As the holiday winds-up, take advantage of your last opportunity to celebrate 2012 and welcome 2013 with the City of Burlington New Year's Eve Celebrations at Central Park.  Lots of family fun activities capped off with fireworks to ring in the New Year.  Conservation Halton rings in 2013 with their New Year's Eve Hoopla and Bronte Creek is guaranteed to be a howling good time with their New Year's Eve Howls & Hikes.  

Don't worry the new year will be lots of great events too...no matter what you choose remember if you need ideas and help planning your trip visit our website or give us a call at 1-877-499-9989.

Falling into nature and falling in love

“Can he give you a kiss?”

It wasn’t the first thing I expected to hear when my family and I reached Kelso Conservation Park on this chilly but beautiful Saturday afternoon. Then again, I didn’t expect to be greeted by a three foot fork-tongued grizzly lizard named Oreo. The charming fellow was part of the reptile show at Kelso over the Thanksgiving weekend and one of many activities that are part of Conservation Halton’s Fall Into Nature festival.

My daughters Emma and Katie and I laughed as we reeled back when Oreo’s tongue darted toward us. Oreo is owned by “Adventure Ed” who brought his Safari Science show to Kelso for the event, which continues this weekend.

My family and I had been looking forward to checking out the cornucopia of events at Halton’s six parks (Kelso, Hilton Falls, Mountsberg, Rattlesnake Point, Crawford Lake and Mount Nemo), especially since the escarpment is now ablaze in full fall foliage. The events continue October 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We were looking forward to rediscovering some of the parks in the area which we don’t always get to. What we didn’t expect - and I’m embarrassed to admit this since I grew up in Burlington - was that we would discover a treasure trove of natural gems we never knew existed.

The list of activities was long - wagon rides, pumpkin painting, chair lift rides, bird of prey shows, and, of course, hiking. We decided to start our adventure at Kelso and, after greeting Oreo, headed over to the chair lift for a ride up the hill.

There was a brisk wind and I was glad we were wearing mitts but the panoramic view of nature in all its fall glory was well worth it. It was spectacular seeing the escarpment lit up in an artist’s palette of reds, yellows and golds.

The girls then did some pumpkin painting and then we popped in for some hot apple cider as we waited for the Arashido-Taiko Japanese drummers to play. The drummers looked chilly in their light clothing, especially those in sandals, but warmed up as they vigorously pounded their drums.

The next stop was Hilton Falls Conservation Area, a five minute drive away. I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never been, especially now that I’ve seen what it has to offer. After Emma and Katie made their own pine cone bird feeders, we headed to the trails.

“Boy, you would think we’d have to go up north to find this but it’s all here,” said my husband, Mike.

So true. The trails were breathtaking in their beauty; the archway of trees, the beaver pond, the carpet of colourful leaves. If Spielberg designed a Hollywood set of the perfect hiking path, he couldn’t have created anything as beautiful as this.

The scenery kept us going as we made the 8-kilometre hike to the waterfall and back. By the time we arrived back at our car it was after five so we headed home to rest up for Sunday when we planned to take in Mountsberg and Crawford Lake.

While Mountsberg is known for its wonderful Birds of Prey show, we also had a delightful visit with a corral full of charming goats. My Katie swears one of them winked at her. Emma spotted the most beautiful grey horse in a nearby fenced area who we learned was a 21-year-old Percheron, a breed that originated from northern France.

“She looks like a statue,” said Katie, as we gazed at the beautiful still creature.

Next we tried our hand at painting the mural of large farm animals on the side of the barn. We headed for the wagon that would take us to see the bisons. As we rode along the bumpy trail, resource interpreter Erica Lagios explained to us that bisons are the largest mammals on the planet and that they once numbered in the 30 to 60 million range but by the late 1800’s there were only 600 left.

Due to conservation efforts, they are back up to around 25,000 and Mountsberg has ten of them. That includes a very macho-looking fellow named Steve, who has a wicked set of bangs that flopped up and down when he loped toward our wagon.

The bisons obviously love the mix of grain and molasses Erica feeds them. My daughters laughed as Steve’s bangs bounced up and down like an overteased hairdo as he ran toward us, obviously looking for more granola.

“Wow, where else can you get this close to bisons,” I said to my daughters.

After our ride, we headed to the bird sanctuary where we met Echo, the owl and Duchess, the kestrel falcon and learned how they are cared for.

Back in the car, we headed off to Crawford Lake to see the longhouses. Chief Topleaf had drawn a crowd as he shared stories about First Nations culture.

After a quick game of lacrosse, which showed off my less than athletic abilities at the game, it was time for a walk around the lake. For all the fun activities we enjoyed, the best part of each park for us was the natural beauty of the surroundings and Crawford Lake was no exception.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous area and we were again reminded again of the hidden gems around us here in Burlington.

As we walked along the wooden boardwalk that wound through the trees, we could hear the lovely sounds of The Playford Players on the hammer dulcimer and guitar. There was nothing quite like seeing the reflection of those trees on the lake while being serenaded by the music.

From the smiling goats and majestic bisons of Mountsberg, to hiking the boardwalk around Crawford Lake, and the breathtaking trails of Hilton, I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend.

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SIDEBAR

On October 13 and 14 you can experience Fall into Nature by bus. It will run from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., starting at Kelso Conservation Area Info. tent. It includes a chairlift ride followed by a BBQ lunch then at 12.30 the bus will leave for Crawford Lake. At 2.30 you’re off to Mountsberg for a birds of prey demonstration and wildlife walk. The bus will leave for Kelso at 4 p.m. and arrive at 4.30 p.m.

Cost is $36 per person plus HST. Reserve your seat by calling 905-336-6684 or register online at www.fallintonature.ca. 

Guest Blogger - Denise Davy

"Denise Davy is a freelance writer who has lived in Burlington for more than 40 years. She is an award-winning writer who wrote news stories, feature articles and columns for The Hamilton Spectator for 26 years. She has travelled extensively and visited India, China, Japan and the Caribbean, thanks to being honoured with three national journalism fellowships. She now specializes in writing about travel, parenting, and health and women's issues. She is proud to call Burlington her home and lives here with her husband and their two beautiful daughters."  You can contact Denise through her web site and blog at www.denisedavy.com