Park Entrance (day-use)
This is the access road to the day-use side of the park - stop at one of the gatehouses to obtain your permit either with the help of a staff member or via our Pay-and-display machine.Avoid long line ups like this by having your payment method ready. Insider tip: Advanced booking for a day-visit is coming soon to Bronte Creek Provincial Park.Little Known Fact: Did you know that there is another access point? Our campground must be accessed via Bronte Road and Upper Middle Road W, Oakville. There is currently no bridge or way for visitors on THIS side of the park to get to the OTHER side of the park, from within the park boundaries. All visitors and staff who wish to use the facilities on the campground side must drive using the QEW/403 or upper middle-> Appleby line->Dundas -> Bronte Road -> Upper Middle Road W.
Remains of an early 1900's farm
This structure is called a silo. Silos are used in agriculture to store grain or fermented feed known as silage which is used to feed livestock.Little Known Fact: This silo uses glazed ceramic tiles a construction style that began in 1890's. This silo was built with the adjoining farmhouse around 1902. The mortar joints need regular maintenance to protect the joints from corroding the internal rods. You can see the reinforcing rods in the area where the tiles have cracked and fallen away. This silo style did not catch on due to its high initial price and inability to adapt to bigger sized silos. Look for 2 other silos in the park.
Wise Old Oak
We know Oak Trees to be tall, strong and sturdy and this tree in front of you is no exception. Little Known Fact: This tree is estimated to have germinated in 1685, one of the few trees in this region to predate European settlement.See the image Google Earth 1830's map that shows early land sections under cultivation.That is over 325 years old - just imagine what this area looked like!The colony "Canada" was still being explored by people such as Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Louis Jolliet.The fur trade was relatively new, and people were dying from measle and smallpox outbreaks.Oakville (established 1875) and Burlington (established1873) were still centuries away from being established.This tree, a White Oak, once valued for use in ship building and barrel staves, has somehow survived the lumber boom of the early 1800's.In 1840 Oakville ports exported 555 501 feet of pine board while just 10 years later the figure jumps to 4.5 million feet. This all ended by the 1880's as the water table had been seriously damaged by the lumbering activity and by 1850 the water flow necessary to operate the mills was only available at certain periods each year. Also by this time all the valuable timber had been reserved for use by the lumber merchants.This White Oak tree was recognized in 2022 to be an Ontario Heritage Tree for its unique size and cultural heritage.
No Fish-ing.
Little Known Fact: This pond dries up around mid-August - depending on how rainy the summer has been. The animals that call this pond home will either travel to another pond or wet area or bury themselves into the mud and wait for the pond to fill up. Ponds like this are called vernal pools/ ponds or ephemeral pools.Because it dries up each year, this pond is not a suitable habitat for fish. It is however perfect for amphibians! Frogs, toads and salamanders use this pond as an important breeding area where their larvae can thrive without threat from one of their major predators.
Sandcrest south
In 1796, John McIntosh found an apple tree growing at his farm near Ottawa. This tree bore apples that were particularly tasty and kept well. Efforts were made to graft branches from this tree onto other root stock, thereby starting new trees with the same high-quality fruit. The apples proved quite popular and the McIntosh or Mac, as it became known, has spread throughout the world.Little Known Fact: This is the Sandcrest South Orchard. Anjou, Kieffer, and Bartlett pears, as well as several varieties of apple, including McIntosh, Red Delicious, Margaret Pratt, and Spy once grew here. A few Maiden's Blush, apples a variety seldom grown today, was once found in this orchard. It is the Maiden's Blush apple that a park trail derives its name from. This Orchard has been left to naturally regenerate. You can find some new heritage plantings closer to Spruce Lane Farm.
Heard it Through the Grapevine
Its no rumour that the mass of vines growing on these trees is called Wild Grape. The plant produces a small, grape-like fruit. Although it is bitter to human taste, the fruit is readily eaten by more than one hundred species of songbirds and many common mammals. The seeds of the fruit pass unharmed through a bird's digestive tract and can be deposted a distance from the parent plant. This is how a vine germinates and spreads to a new area. Wild grape provides a dense nesting habitat and if you look carefully during the warm months of summer, you will see many kinds of birds darting in and out of the vines.Little Known Fact: Grape vines will grow upward at every opportunity. Tenrils, which are modified leaf structures, enable the vines to cling to tree branches, thus supporting their bulk. Eventually, the vine can completely cover a tree shutting it off from sunlight. All green plants contain chlorophyll, a pigment that is responsible for their green colour. Carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil and chlorophyll enable the plants to produce starches and sugars. These become the plant's food. When trees are shut off from sunlight, as with heavy grape vine infestation, the energy supply which fosters the making of starches and sugars is lost. Without food the tree dies.
Spruce Lane Farmhouse
Constructed in 1899, by Henry C. Breckon, Spruce Lane Farmhouse stands as a ‘living’ example of everyday life at the turn of the century in Halton County. Henry earned a substantial income through the sale of prize-winning apple and strawberry crops. Mr. Breckon (1861-1931) resided in this house with his wife Margaret, as well as his daughters Alice and Christina and his son Gordon. Descendants of the family lived in the house until the 1960’s when the farm was sold to a land developer. The house and 100 acres of land were then sold to the Ontario government along with surrounding farms for the establishment of Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Spruce Lane Farmhouse has been carefully restored and decorated to represent Late Victorianera designs, furnishings, and décor. Little Known Fact: Visitors have wondered if this old house is haunted. This question has come up so often that the park staff arranged for a paranormal investigation group to visit. Now the park host ghost walk tours in August to share the stories and experiences along with historical information about life and death on a Victorian farm. Watch for event announcement for when you can join a tour.
Frolf?
This is the start of the 18-hole Disc Golf course.The sport is played with special discs - not frisbees. Disc characteristics like size, weight, density, rim style, and dome height help determine if it is a putter or driver. This flying disc sport where players throw a disc at a target is played using rules similar to ball golf.Contact the club to find out about how to play sessions and disc lending. Little Known Fact: This public course was established in partnership with the Bronte Creek Disc Golf Club in 1998 (May 30) however Disc Golf was first invented in the early 1900's. It was played using tin lids and was therefore call "Tin Lid Golf".
Top of the world
This hill affords visitors with a stunning view of Lake Ontario and surrounding development of Burlington and Oakville. On clear days you can see across the Lake to the Niagara Penisula.When there is enough snow, brave park patrons flock to this hill to slide down on sleds and toboggans. Are you brave enough? Little Known Fact: This hill is made from the soil excavated during the building of the QEW/403.
Big Red Tractor
This area was most recently used for agriculture (1850-1960)such as growing wheat and then fruit. Horses were used up until the early 1900's for clearing, plowing and seeding the land. By the 1920's horsepower began being replaced by the tractor. Prior to the tractor 6-8 Percheron and Clydesdale horses were kept for farm work. By the 1940's the horse had entirely disappeared from the farm.Little Known Fact: The first general purpose tractor allowed for planting and cultivating three rows at a time, increasing productivity. Until the late 1930s, farm tractors had steel wheels (see tractor in Spruce Lane Farm area). Farmers were very cautious about whether rubber wheels would be able to do as much work as those with steel wheels.
Nature Centre
Central to our Discovery Education Program, the Nature Centre is where visitors will find a variety of aquariums and displays showcasing the natural world of Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Many interactive displays help visitors learn about how animals survive and adapt as well as understand biodiversity in our ecosystem. Little Known Fact: Although this building looks closed September - June it is home to our Discovery Staff who lead School Group Tours during these months. If you are interested in having your class visit please see Learn at Ontario Parks for details.This building is open to the public in the summer.
Circular Tower
This structure is called a silo and was associated with a barn that was torn down in the early 1990's due to being hazard to public safety. This farm is known as the the Burkholder farm. It is considered a "century farm" as it stayed in the same family between 1859-1946. Prior to the Burkholders, John Lucas cultivated this farm and there were 2 houses located along Middle Road, now the QEW. The Blacksmith Josiah Johnson lived in one and William H. McGee a carpenter, lived in the other.Little Known Fact:The brick house was built in 1892.A new barn (seen in picture) was built in 1890's (torn down in the 1990's).
Doggy playtime
One of two areas in the park where pet owners are allowed to have dogs off leash. Before taking your dog to the leash free area be sure that they are vaccinated and have good recall (will come back to you when you call them). Well behaved dogs only. Area can be wet and muddy at certain times of the year - please consider other leash free parks during these times as we are maintaining this area as naturally as possible.Little Known Fact: The accumulation of dog poop can attract coyotes. Please be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet, even if they "make a deposit" off trail. Please pick it up and throw it out in the garbage cans provided near the parking area. Parks and Protected area: The Leash free area was established in 1999 in response to the rising number of dog off leash issues the park was having. An area was provided so that pet owners could allow their dogs to exercise, leash free, while the park maintained the dog on leash rule in all other areas of the park. For health and safety purposes, all domestic animals must be kept under control, and on a leash not exceeding two metres at all times, except in designated leash free areas. Under the Public Health Act, pets are not allowed in swimming areas or on the beach at any time. You must clean up after your pet.
What is a silo?
In 1861 Ralph Breckon recorded that 100 acres had been cleared and that his family was living in a log house built in 1830. A brick farmhouse was being built (1860) and reportedly the bricks came from clay taken from a stream that cuts across the front of the property. In 1898, Ralph's son Fred moved to take up residence on the farm.Little Known Facts:In 1870's the orchard land was laid out and by the turn of the century there were 10 acres of commercial apple and cherry orchards. Strawberries were an important crop between 1900-1930. The park historical report notes that this farm boasted a smoke house for the preparation of dressed meats. Later in the 1920's a herd of 20-50 registered Holstein cattle were kept for dairy production. Similar to other farms the advent of the tractor 1920's meant fewer horses by 1940 the horse had entirely disappeared from the farm.
Trillium Trail
Walking the trails of Bronte Creek Provincial Park is an excellent way to explore the park and see all its unique natural landscapes and wildlife. In late April to early May - take a stroll and see the forest floor carpeted with Large White Trilliums. This is the best place in the park to see spring wildflowers and catch the breathtaking glimpse of the valley floor. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.Little Known Fact: Trillium seeds are primarily dispersed by ants.This dispersal method is known as Myrmecochory (try saying that three times fast!).Ants are attracted to the protein-rich elaiosome on the seeds of trilliums, which they eat after carrying the entire seed back to their nests. The actual seeds are not harmed during this process, and are later discardedby the ant, allowing them to grow a new plant.5 facts about Ontario's trilliums | Ontario Parks
Half Moon Valley Trailhead
This trail takes you directly to the creek for fishing and where you can explore the Bronte Creek valley and the park's early history. It includes some steep climbs, a set of stairs and may not be suitable for disabled visitors.Follow a different PocketSights tour to explore this trail! Tour can be taken as an audio tour with videos!Little Known Fact: Mississauga peoples had a camp in the area known locally as Half-Moon Valley (1805-1820). In 1820, this reservation land was purchased, and the Mississauga were moved to a reserve on the credit river. (Treaty 22).
Maiden's Blush Trail
This trail winds for approximately 1.1km through Burkholder woods. Along the paved trail there are excellent opportunities to observe the rural landscape and how it has been altered by people and nature.Little Known Fact: The Mice, Men and Maiden's Blush Trail was found to be a mouthful, so it was shortened to "Maiden's Blush". This trail was also home to 10 pieces of fitness apparatus and is sometimes referred to as the Fitness Trail. The fitness equipment was removed in the late 1990's.
Ravine Trail
If you look carefully you can see the landforms that took millions of years to form. 500 million years ago this area looked very different (see Ancient earth globe). A shallow sea deposited layers of silt and over millions of years the silt hardened into the red shale which now underlies the entire park. More recently (14000 years ago) when the last glaciers receded from this area their melt water further altered the shape of the landscape. Long gouges were deepened as the ice pushed out of the Lake Ontario basin. These can be seen today as low depressions running from south-east to north-west through the park.Little Known Fact:The magnificent ravine has formed since the glacial ice left and the water carved its winding course into the land. It has taken about 14000 years for this ravine to form and the process continues today. The water continues to carve out the banks and carry silt and mud downstream into Lake Ontario.The Bronte Creek valley corridor is designated as a provincially significant life science resource. It is the least disturbed and most continuous river valley system on the southward sloping shale plains north of Lake Ontario.
Scenic Lookout
You are looking at one of the reasons why this park was established. Pioneering a new concept in planning and programming, the development of Bronte Creek Provincial Park was unique and innovative. The establishment of the park in 1975 was intended to serve the needs of visitors from the rapidly urbanizing area of Southern Ontario. The park centers around a deep and winding ravine. The dense vegetation supports many kinds of wildlife. The management and protection of the natural environment was and still is of high priority and therefore all visitor activities and services are tailored to this concept.Little Known Fact: The valley was carved by the melt waters from the last glacial period some 14000 years ago. To learn more, go to #25 of this tour.
Farm Life
As the towering trees cast a deepening shadow over the fields, another day is closing at Bronte's Spruce Lane Farm. An eventful day on an old-fashioned rural farm - a calf was born, and a stray sheep was found. The shadows of the twilight bring the lowing of the cows, and the warning bell rings as the chicken's are gathered for the night. Weathered barn boards of timber frame structures, themselves part of the land's bounty, are drenched in fading sunlight. The final slam of the old screen door brings the day to a close.Little Known Fact: Your family is invited to share in these everyday sights and sounds at Bronte's Spruce Lane Farm. Come and explore the timber frame barns and sheds, meet the farm animals and walk the farm lane to the back bush. This and more will reward you at the farm.
Clearing the Land
The team of oxen strain as the heed the call of the farmer "pull, pull.." Again, the ropes snap tight, twanging like a gigantic base fiddle, the oxen put all their strength into the pull. With a savage snap of the timber, the stump of a huge white pine is ripped out of the ground and flips onto its back, and so the process of clearing the land continues.By 1870, most of the trees were gone. The stumps had been cleared and the fields of golden grain waving gently in the breeze. Grain was sent to local mills located on Bronte Creek and after milling the flour was usually exported to Britain. For the next 120 years, agriculture was to remain the mainstay of the area and most farms prospered. When the wheat market gave out (1856 with the ending of the Crimean war), apples and strawberries were adequate replacements. Modern farming methods improved yields, but improved transportation routes also brought intense competition. By the 1950's, urban encroachment had begun to create shortages of land. Finally, in the 1960's the farmer last ploughed, cultivated and cropped these fields.Little Known Fact: When the park was established these fields were maintained using heritage techniques and the crops used to support the farm animals at both the Children's Farm and Spruce Lane Farm. More recently, some fields have been turning into Tallgrass Prairie (25) while others have been allowed to regenerate naturally.
Buried Ravine
You are standing where a river once flowed. Before the last glacial period some 14000 years ago a waterway made its way to Lake Iroqois (now Lake Ontario) creating an equally deep ravine through the Queenston shale. When the Wisconsin Glacier receded it filled this ravine with gravel, sand and silt which eventually hardened into cemented till. The meltwater then carved a new path for the creek exposing a cross section of the old ravine.The impermeable Queenston Shale funneled rainwater to the cemented till which would allow some water to percolate through the gravel. This constant flow of water eventually created a cave, which at the time the park was established (1973-1975) was noted that it was likely not to last much longer as the structure was frail. The cave has since collapsed and is no longer accessible.One reason why Bronte Creek Provincial Park was established: The Bronte Creek valley corridor is designated as a provincially significant life science resource. It is the least disturbed and most continuous river valley system on the southward sloping shale plains north of Lake Ontario.Little Known Fact: Following the unsuccessful Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837, William Lyon Mackenzie, the leader of the rebellion, fled to the United States. As he fled, he hid briefly in a cave on the farm, on the banks of Twelve-Mile Creek (known today as Bronte Creek) in Oakville.
Leash Free area
One of two areas in the park where pet owners are allowed to have dogs off leash. Before taking your dog to the leash free area be sure that they are vaccinated and have good recall (will come back to you when you call them). Well behaved dogs only. Area can be wet and muddy at certain times of the year - please consider other leash free parks during these times as we are maintaining this area as naturally as possible.Little Known Fact: The accumulation of dog poop can attract coyotes. Please be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet even if they "make a deposit" off trail. Please pick it up and throw it out in the garbage cans provided near the parking area. Parks and Protected area: This leash free area was established in 2002 after the campground opened and in response to the rising number of dog off leash issues the park was having. An area was provided so that pet owners could allow their dogs to exercise leash free while the park maintained the dog on leash rule in all other areas of the park. For health and safety purposes, all domestic animals must be kept under control, and on a leash not exceeding two metres at all times, except in designated leash free areas. Under the Public Health Act, pets are not allowed in swimming areas or on the beach at any time. You must clean up after your pet.
Discovery!
This stage was built in 2009 as a temporary structure where our program staff could lead evening programs, campfires, and daytime children's programs.We hope one day to be able to build a multi-use structure that can be used for park programs, public picnics and school group trips.Little known facts: This structure was made possible with help from the TD Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Grant.
Changing Landscape
Think of all the changes the area around you has experienced over the past 400 years. Once covered in forest and roamed by creatures such as wolves and elk, this area was cleared for farmland in the early mid-1800's and is now being replanted with native tree species to return it to a more natural landscape. The land area of Bronte Creek Provincial Park was set aside in 1972-3 to prevent the urban expansion that was beginning to reach beyond the bigger urban centres like Toronto. Little known facts: In 2007 as part ofthegovernment of Ontario's 50 Million Tree Program the park planted 40 000 trees. The trees were small root stock, but they took hold and some area are barely recognizable today. Site 210 is one of our base camps for the Learn to Camp program where people new to camping can learn step by step the proper way to set up a tent, light a propane stove and how to ensure a campfire is really extinguished.
What is a Yurt?
A yurt is a soft sided, semi-permanent structure that provides more sturdy shelter and a bit more luxury than a tent. Ontario Parks offers roofed accommodation like this in 10 parks meeting the need for alternative camping options. A yurt provides the comfort of a trailer for families who might be new to camping, or couples moving beyond tent camping. Little known facts: Yurts come equipped with bunk beds that sleep up to 6 people, propane BBQ, picnic table, and firepit. What to know more? Roofed Accommodation at Ontario Parks
Play Time
Kids can swing, slide, climb and run! the campground opened in 2002 and has quickly become a favourite for travellers and local families. With the geographical challengesof Bronte Creek Provincial Park being divided by our namesake creek it was soon realized that the campground needed some play structures for the young campers to enjoy. There is another set located by the main washroom building by the woodland/ ravine loops.Little known facts: Since the play structures were installed in 2004-05, our younger visitors have spent many hours testing their bravery to slide down the slides and developing skills of running and swinging.
Oasis
Looking at the 1975 map of the park it is hard to understand why this particular section of land was identified for a provincial park. The surrounding area did not look so different then what was being preserved inside the park boundaries. The 1998 park management plan identifies Bronte Creek Provincial Park as an oasis. An oasis for recreation that is "Nearby and Natural". Looking at the 2021 google earth view we certainly can see that the park is just that, an oasis.Little Known Facts: In 1994, there was a controversal proposal from Oakville to lease 350 acres of Bronte Creek Provincial Park land for development of three golf courses. The community rallied to protect the land from being turned into golf courses.
Big Red Tractor
This area was most recently used for agriculture (1850-1960) such as growing wheat and then fruit. Horses were used up until the early 1900's for clearing, plowing and seeding the land. By the 1920's horsepower was replaced by the tractor. Prior to the tractor 6-8 Percheron and Clydesdale horses were kept for farm work. By the 1940's the horse had entirely disappeared from the farm.Little Known Fact: The first General Purpose Tractor allowed for planting and cultivating three rows at a time, increasing productivity. Until the late 1930s, farm tractors had steel wheels like this one. Farmers were very cautious about whether rubber wheels (see tractor in children's farm area) would be able to do as much work as those with steel wheels.
Waterfall
You might be able to see across the ravine to a small waterfall. Little known Facts: It is best seen in the spring before the leaves are on the trees and the snow has melted.
Who lives here?
This is a nesting box intended for Eastern Bluebirds. There is no mistaking an adult male with their striking royal blue back with bright orange throat and breast, and bright white belly. Females tend to be paler overall, grayish with orange on breast and sides of neck, and white belly.They like fields and open woods. They nest in tree cavities or nesting boxes. You can see them perched on fence posts, and edges of trees.Little Known Facts: These nesting boxes have beenmaintained by the volunteers of the Halton Bluebird Club since 1989. There are currently 72 bluebird homes in the park. Bluebirds suffered a major decline from the 1920s to the 1970s. The club's goal is to increase bluebird numbers in the areathrough monitoring nesting success. If you or someone you know is interested in building and maintaining birdhouses or getting involved with monitoring, please reach out to park staff.If you see a bluebird itsymbolizes hope, love, and renewal. If you dream of bluebirds it represents happiness, joy, fulfillment, hope, prosperity, and good luck.
