The area also boasts renowned heritage sites, attractions and museums, a vibrant arts scene, distinct downtowns and delectable dining. Come on a tour of the communities in this exciting region…

• Hamilton: Hamilton boasts the spectacular Niagara Escarpment, over a hundred waterfalls, new waterfront trails and attractions and family adventure destinations such as African Lion Safari. The vibrant cultural scene includes historic sites such as Dundurn Castle, Whitehern House and Gardens as well as the province’s third largest gallery, the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
   
• Burlington: Nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington is ideally located. Enjoy unique shopping and exquisite dining in a walkable downtown. Burlington’s beautiful waterfront comes alive with festivals, patios, water play and model boating – with a sand beach that is perfect for relaxing. Burlington is your ideal base to visit the world-renowned Royal Botanical Gardens as well as the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre, art gallery and museums. Get outdoors on the golf courses, scenic hiking and cycling trails – plus take in lively festivals such as the Sound of Music and Canada’s Largest Ribfest.
   
• Oakville: Whether seeking the natural beauties of its pristine waterways, excellent Lake Ontario sport fishing, historic and cultural attractions, exquisite dining, or a one-of-a-kind shopping experience - Oakville’s distinctive neighbourhoods along the shores of Lake Ontario boast an array of activities and amenities.
   
• County of Brant: The County of Brant’s many villages and hamlets boast small town charm and hospitality. In fact, the town of Paris has been referred to as the prettiest small town in Canada. Find four seasons of fun including fishing, swimming, skiing and camping. Take time to enjoy nature on the trails, paddle the Grand River, browse through unique shops, cozy cafes, and step back in time visiting museums and historic cobblestone buildings.
   
• Six Nations of the Grand River Territory: These nations located on the banks of the Grand River are home to the Haudenosaunee - the people of the longhouse. Come and celebrate the unique heritage and culture of the people of the Six Nations. The Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow attracts over 400 dancers from across North America each July.
   
• Halton Hills: Halton Hills is made up of a unique combination of urban towns, historic hamlets and stunning rural landscapes. Hike the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment, taste fresh produce at local farmers’ markets, watch artists design and create in their studios, shop the picturesque main streets of the towns or choose the call of the mall at one of Canada’s newest outlet malls.
   
• Brantford: Situated on the picturesque Grand River, and steeped in over 11,000 years of history and culture, Brantford is known as the Telephone City. It was here in 1874 that Alexander Graham Bell first conceived the idea of the telephone. In addition to touring the homestead of this Canadian innovator, visitors can enjoy over 40 kilometres of natural trails and the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, a fully restored vaudevillian playhouse.
   
• Milton: Escarpment Country - a unique setting located at the foot of the scenic Niagara Escarpment. As the fastest growing community in Canada, Milton offers a wealth of natural and man-made attractions, leisure pursuits and recreational activities - including rock climbing, hiking and skiing, fairs, festivals and farmers markets.

Don’t miss out on these great offers when you visit Hamilton Halton Brant
 

Red White and True – Canadian Heritage Offers

The Canadian Heritage Passport, available for download at www.theheartofontario.com, features over $400 in savings with 20 amazing offers on Red, White and True activities in Hamilton Halton Brant, including:

• Two-for-one admission at National Historic Sites including:Battlefield House, Bell Homestead, Chiefswood National Historic Site, Dundurn Castle, Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology and Whitehern Historic House and Garden
• Two-for-one admission at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Ireland House at Oakridge Farm, Joseph Brant Museum and Westfield Heritage Village
• Eight other offers for unique Canadian experiences

Nature Unexpected – Outdoor Adventure Offers

Available for download at www.ourtruenature.ca, these offers provide great savings on some of the region’s most exciting outdoor activities. Sample offers include:

• Niagara Escarpment rock climbing and rappelling for beginners, from $135
• Self-guided Grand River kayak trips, from $50
• Star Gazer’s Drift - guided group night rafting on the Grand River from $300 for a group of 6
• Family tubing on the Grand River
• 45% off admission to Conservation Authority parks
• 25% off a river and ranch horse riding and paddling experience
• 25% off standup paddle boarding on the Grand River Outdoor adventure

Spend less time driving and more time doing with an adventure in Hamilton Halton Brant. Check out www.ourtruenature.ca for spectacular outdoor ideas. For instance - bring along a GPS or smartphone with a geocaching app and take part in a modern-day scavenger hunt!

Imagine seeing the first bald eagles to hatch on Lake Ontario’s Canadian shorelines in over 50 years. You'll find them nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Cootes Paradise. This offers access to a 320-hectare river-mouth marsh, glacial plateaus, 16 creeks and 25 kilometres of shoreline through its 18- kilometre trail system. The Marsh Boardwalk provides access to the Spencer Creek Delta, one of the largest creek deltas on Lake Ontario. 

Or, for instance - as one of southern Ontario’s last glaciers slowly began to melt about 13,000 years ago, the impact of the dissolving ice on stone created a series of fascinating geological features that include sinkholes, disappearing streams, caves and valleys. Visit the Eramosa Karst to see what is believed to be the largest number of these unique karst features in any protected area in the province!

Eramosa Karst Conservation Area features trails, boardwalks and bridges to encourage exploration of these unique geological formations - including a natural dolomitic limestone bridge and Ontario’s tenth largest cave. Bring your binoculars too - Eramosa Karst Conservation Area is also a feeding area for threatened bird species, including the bobolink and the chimney swift.

Spend a day exploring at Crawford Lake Conservation Area and discover just how intertwined the studies of geology, archeology and history can be. Crawford Lake is a “meromictic lake” which means that the layers of the water do not mix. With a basin that’s deeper than its surface area, the waters of Crawford lake are rarely, if ever, disturbed by wind or temperature changes. This lack of mixing creates radically different environments for organisms to live in. It also means that the annual layers of sediment at the bottom of the lake provide an accurate record of the human and natural history of the lake and surrounding area that goes back hundreds of years.

Paddling

As well as the Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, Lake Ontario has as a variety of smaller inland lakes. So Hamilton Halton Brant is a great destination for paddlers! Whether you choose to bring your own watercraft or rent something for the day from an area outfitter or conservation area, it’s easy to float your boat in this neck of the woods. Water experiences await you in so many ways - by stand-up paddleboard, canoe, raft, kayak, canoe, or Voyageur canoe.

Hiking and Climbing

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest footpath and it winds its way through Hamilton Halton Brant providing the only continuous public access to the rocky cliffs of the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Walk from waterfall to waterfall on a guided or independent hike - with over 100 waterfalls, acres of Carolinian forest and stunning scenic lookouts. The Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment offer “must-see” experiences for hikers and climbers of all abilities. 

Hiking Sites and Trails

• The Bruce Trail
• Hilton Falls Conservation Area
• Christie Lake Conservation Area
• Kelso Conservation Area
• City of Waterfalls
• Limehouse Conservation Area
• Conservation Halton
• Limehouse Kilns
• Country Heritage Park
• Mount Nemo Conservation Area
• Crawford Lake Conservation Area
• Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
• Dundas Valley Conservation Area
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• Eramosa Karst Conservation Area
• Spencer Gorge / Webster’s Falls Conservation Area
• Greenbelt Walks

Cycling

Whether you’re looking for a smooth cruise around a leisurely loop, or the adrenalin rush of a rocky ride down an ancient limestone ridge, Hamilton Halton Brant has amazing cycling routes, paths and trails just waiting for your two wheels. And now cyclists can cruise the new route inspired by Hamilton’s famous Around the Bay road race.

Cycling Trails and Routes

• Brant Conservation Area
• Hilton Falls Conservation Area
• Dundas Valley Conservation Area
• Kelso Conservation Area
• The Hambur 
• Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail

Celebrate Canada’s First Nations Culture and Heritage

Experience Canada’s largest First Nation, the world’s first Royal Chapel belonging to native people, a 15th Century Reconstructed Iroquoian Village and one of North America’s most popular Pow Wows.

• Six Nations Of The Oakville County Of Brant Grand River Territory: This Iroquois nation located on the banks of the Grand River is home to the Haudenosaunee - the people of the longhouse. Come and celebrate the unique heritage and culture of the people of the Six Nations. The Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow attracts over 400 dancers from across North America each July.
• Crawford Lake Conservation Area’s 15th Century Reconstructed Iroquoian Village, Milton: This palisaded Iroquoian village offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore two reconstructed longhouses and learn from hands-on displays, exhibits and seasonal demonstrations.
• Chiefswood National Historic Site, Ohsweken: Visit the birthplace and childhood home of Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. This wonderful historic house and museum features a selection of original furnishings and Johnson family artifacts.
• Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, Brantford: Built in 1785, the Chapel is the oldest Protestant Church in Ontario and the first Royal Chapel in the world belonging to native people.
• Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford: The Woodland Cultural Centre is an integral cultural and educational centre within the Brantford and Six Nations communities that protects, promotes, interprets, and presents the history, language, intellect and cultural heritage of the Anishinaabe and Onkwehonwe people.

Relive the Stories of Canada’s Founding Families

From the simple home purchased by an African-American slave who escaped from a Virginia plantation in the late 1820s to the 40-room Italianate-style villa that was home to a Premier of the United Canadas, step back in time at over a dozen beautifully preserved homes.

• Dundurn National Historic Site, Hamilton: This 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830’s on the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813 was once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, railway magnate, lawyer and Premier of the United Canadas (1854-1856).
• Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum, Ancaster: This cultural heritage centre collects, preserves and exhibits local history and promotes the fine arts and the celebration of natural heritage through beautifully landscaped gardens and walking trails.
• Griffin House, Ancaster: Explore the history of Enerals Griffin and other early Black settlers at this preserved early 19th-century home, set on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Dundas Valley.
• Whitehern Historic House & Garden, Hamilton: Prominently situated in a walled garden, Whitehern is an outstanding example of a 19th-century urban estate originally owned by a wealthy industrialist.
• Erchless Estate, Oakville: Explore Oakville’s heritage through year-round guided tours and exhibitions, special events and workshops on the historic grounds of Erchless. The estate was once home to six generations of Oakville’s founding family.
• Ireland House at Oakridge Farm, Burlington: This historic site reflects farm life over four generations with tours, educational programs and special events hosted all year round.
• Joseph Brant Museum, Burlington: Guided tours, permanent and changing exhibitions, interactive displays, a hands-on discovery gallery, educational programming and special events tell the important story of the historical founding settlement and development of the Burlington area.
• Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead Estate, Brant: Situated in the rolling hills of Brant County, the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead is the birthplace and childhood home of a Canadian original who played a key role in the advancement of some of our country’s key institutions.
• Myrtleville House Museum, Brantford: Learn about and experience early Canadian life in this 10-room Georgian homestead that was home to four consecutive generations of the Good family, who originally emigrated to Canada from Ireland.
• Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trail, Brant: Explore this unique route and discover stories of community through colourful Barn Quilts, large decorative murals painted on large pieces of signboard that are either mounted on a barn or other building that use the art of quilting blocks to depict something in the history of the family, building or community.
• Westfield Heritage Village, Rockton: Step back in time and witness the evolution of Canadian culture as history comes alive at this site that features log buildings, a blacksmith shop, a railway station and locomotive, a one-room school and more.

Honour Canada’s Proud Military Heritage

Climb aboard Canada’s most decorated war ship, marvel at the only flying Avro Lancaster in North America, view amazing artifacts at southern Ontario’s largest military museum and retrace the steps of the brave troops that fought the Battle of Stoney Creek.

• Battlefield House Museum & Park, Stoney Creek: A National Historic Site, this early 19th-century homestead was once home to the Gage family, who retreated to the cellar during the War of 1812 as the Battle of Stoney Creek raged outside.
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton: One of the world’s largest displays of operational aircraft, this distinctive delta-shaped building houses over 40 historic aircraft, including the only flying Avro Lancaster in North America.
• Hamilton Military Museum, Hamilton: Investigate the War of 1812, the Rebellion of 1837-38, the Boer War and World War I at the Hamilton Military Museum. Visitors can also experience a reconstructed World War I trench, a medals display and exhibit gallery.
• HMCS Haida, Hamilton: Touring Canada’s most decorated war ship will give you a first-hand appreciation for the challenges faced by the ship’s outrageous crew during decisive and important sea battles.
• Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Brantford: Southern Ontario’s largest military museum houses collections from the War of 1812 to the present day and features artifacts from the army, navy, air force and restored vehicles.

Discover How Innovation and Transportation Shaped Our Nation

• Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology, Hamilton: Housed in a 150-year-old Waterworks, this National Historic Site has preserved two 70-ton steam engines and offers various exhibits and special events including Live Steamer Days from May through October.
• Halton County Radial Railway, Milton: Ontario’s first and largest electric railway museum features historic electric railcars operating on two kilometres of scenic track.
• Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Brantford: From 1870 to 1881, this was the Bell family’s first Canadian residence and the place where Alexander Graham Bell discovered the fundamental concept of the telephone in 1874.
• Personal Computer Museum, Brantford: With over 45 interactive computer displays and over 1,000 computers, this shrine to the PC houses the largest known collection of computers and video games in Canada.

Raise a Cheer for Great Moments in Canadian Sport

• Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Hamilton: With a collection of over 30,000 Canadian football artifacts including trophies, helmets, playing equipment, game and record balls, jerseys, sweaters, flags, banners, photographs, films and videos, this is a must-see for any true football fan.
• Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum, Oakville: Located on the famed Glen Abbey Golf Course and home to the Canadian Open Trophy, The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame celebrates the game – today and yesterday.

Looking for a unique experience that simply can’t be duplicated anywhere else on the planet? You’ve come to the right place. Hamilton Halton Brant’s Authentic Experiences combine the region’s signature landscapes, leisure activities and cultural gems into accessible, easy-to-book packages. Check out www.theheartofontario.com/see-do/authentic-experiences

Voyage Into Paradise

Voyage Into Paradise is a fabulous two-day, two-night luxury Grand River and Cootes Paradise paddling experience featuring a guided Voyageur Canoe trip, First Nations storytelling, music and dance, a behind-the-scenes canoe tour of the world-famous Royal Botanical Gardens, two nights at a luxurious hotel and gourmet meals.

Pricing for the trip is $449.00 per person inclusive.

Trip dates for 2014:

• May 23-25
• June 20-22 
• July 25-27

Bruce Trails Waterfall Walks

Experience waterfalls, scenic vistas, Carolinian forests and the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment on a two-day or five-day Bruce Trail Waterfall Walk. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll see a total of 19 stunning waterfalls on the 25-kilometre, two-day hike and 28 waterfalls on the 45-kilometre, five-day hike. Off the trails, you’ll enjoy outstanding local cuisine and overnight accommodations in the area’s best hotels.

Pricing ranges from $588 for the two-day trip to $1499 for the five-day trip.

Trips dates for 2014:

Two-Day Trips

• April 25-27
• May 9-11
• May 30-June 1
• June 13-15
• July 11-13
• August 15-17
• September 12-14
• October 3-5
• October 17-19

Five-Day Trips

• May 9-13
• June 13-17
• September 12-16
• October 3-7

Wake Up the Wild

Go “behind the scenes” at African Lion Safari during this privately guided tour with a Game Warden to witness the morning routines of some of the park’s most majestic animals. Watch a pride of African lions devouring their morning feast. Then go off road in a rugged “open air” truck on an incredible tour of the African savannah! Wrap up your safari adventure as you enjoy a morning feast of your own with a gourmet breakfast.

Pricing is $145 for children, $155 for youth and $165 for adults.

Trips are offered from June 7 to September 14, 2014.