650 Governors Road
Dundas, Ontario L9H 5E3
905-627-1233
Fact sheet on the Dundas Valley
Dundas Valley photo gallery on Flickr
Directions to the Dundas Valley
Download the Main Loop Trail brochure
More information on the HCA's trail system
Information on the Thomas A. Beckett Forest
Welcome to the Dundas Valley Conservation Area - a favourite destination of any outdoor enthusiast.
Current Trail Conditions: Trails are now open to all users. For up-to-the-minute trail updates, please call 905-627-1233.
The valley's 1,200 hectares of Carolinian forests, fields, cold-water streams and stunning geological formations are home to an array of rare plants, birds and wildlife. More about Carolinian forests.
The Dundas Valley is part of the Niagara Escarpment which has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Share the Path
The Dundas Valley's 40-kilometre trail system is open to hikers, dog-walkers, cyclists and equestrians. Enjoyment and safety among such a diverse group begins with every individual. Visitors are kindly encouraged to visit the Trail Centre for important tips on trail etiquette. Being cautious and courteous helps ensure a great trail experience for everyone.
For more information on the Dundas Valley trail system, please see the brochures below.
Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail brochure
Dundas Valley - Main Loop Trail
- Page 1
- Page 2
Trail Centre
The Dundas Valley Trail Centre, a replica of a Victorian train station, is the hub of the valley's trail network.
Off-season Hours:
Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Weekends: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer Hours:
Weekends: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The centre has a food concession, interpretive displays, brochures and maps detailing the Dundas Valley. It is also the starting point for numerous guided hikes and nature-oriented workshops.
The 40-kilometre trail system is organized around a main loop with five linear trails providing visitors with access to almost every part of the valley. The conservation area is bisected by one of the region's most important walking, cycling and equestrian routes - the West Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail, which stretches 32 kilometres (20 miles), from Ewen Road in Hamilton to Mohawk Park in Brantford. Links to Cambridge and Paris extend the trail another 50 kilometres.
Detailed waterproof maps of the Dundas Valley trail system are available for purchase at the Trail Centre or at the HCA administration office in Ancaster.
Groups
The Stacey Meadow Pavilion can accommodate up to 80 people. Its pondside location and fishing bridge which extends out into the water makes it a lovely spot for group picnics and weddings. The Dundas Valley also offers open meadow areas with picnic tables and the trail centre’s attached pavilion is available for group rentals.
The Griffin House
The Griffin House, just west of the Hermitage, was the home of Enerals Griffin, his wife Priscilla, their children and descendants. Born into slavery in Virginia, Enerals Griffin escaped to freedom in Canada in 1828-29. The home has been restored to the pre-1850 period as a site for interpreting Black-Canadian history.
For more information about the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, call the Trail Centre at 905-627-1233 or send an e-mail to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Park Hours:
The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is open daily 8 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise posted. See park admission fees.
