Things to Do in Hamilton, Ontario Part -1

Posted on by Karthic Vaidyanathan

Hamilton is a vibrant city located at the western end of Lake Ontario(my father still does not believe that this waterbody is called a lake rather than an ocean). The city has stunning landscapes and attractions for trekkers, history lovers, and food enthusiasts. This city has something to offer everyone. There are many attractions spread across the city, in this part, we will see about 3 attractions that would attract anyone who loves nature and waterfalls.

Attraction 1: Fifty-point conservation area

Location: 1479 Baseline Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8

A picturesque location that should be top of the list for any travel lovers, be they local or tourists. The area is located right on the shore of Lake Ontario offering a variety of outdoor activities like walking trails, sand beach for fun family activities, fishing, etc and natural beauty. The marina and the lighthouse are some standout attractions for everyone. On a clear day, the view of Downtown Toronto is spellbinding. Nevertheless, the sight of the lake is similar to an infinity pool and swimmers and sailing boats are something that beautifies the place. Hikers and nature lovers would be excited to enjoy the breezy winds flowing through the forests and open meadows. There is ample space for picnicking, designated barbeque spots, and an open play area for the family. Parking is also plenty and you can find a spot with ease. The one-day pass would cost you $11.

Best Time to Visit: All around the year.

Attraction 2: Tiffany Falls

Location: Tiffany Falls, 900 Wilson Street East, Ancaster

Put your hiking shoes on, get your cameras ready and be prepared to be amazed by the charming beauty of tiffany falls. You are sure to be spellbound if you visit this beauty a day after heavy rainfall. The waterfall is just 21 meters tall but the beautiful green cover surrounding the falls and the stream that flows through the thick woods make it an experience to cherish. The trail that leads you to the falls is well maintained with a couple of wooden bridges adding some rustic touch to the natural splendour. The trail is easy for all age groups and should be easy for all age levels. The spot is perfect for a good photo opportunity. The only downside of the place is the parking. It is limited and usually full on a crowded day. The parking would cost you $11 and is free with a conservation area pass. You would also appreciate the drive through the splendid town of Ancaster.

Best time to visit the falls: Early Spring and Fall season.

Capture by thescenesdaily

Attraction 3: Sherman Falls

Location: Walking distance from the parking lot, 917 Artaban Road

Oh, this one is a hidden gem and combine this with the Tiffany Falls bet you will not regret. The waterfalls can be reached via the well-marked trail from the parking lot. The picturesque falls trail is an easy one and should be accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. The lush forest and the cascading waterfalls will transcend you to a different world. The sound of the flowing water combined with the chirps of the birds is a heavenly experience. The place is perfect. If you are looking for a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature, Sherman Falls is must visit. There is ample parking and I would suggest using the bruce trail which is like 20-minute walk to access tiffany falls to get decent cardio and enjoy nature a bit more.

Best time to visit the falls: Early Spring and Fall season.

Capture by @thescenesdaily.

Hamilton Conservation Area Pass in my opinion will save you a lot if you plan to visit these places often. Mark these places for fall season and you will be in for a treat. If there are any places that you would love us to explore please feel free to share it in comments.

Follow vyasonkeys on Instagram for some good content and thescenesdaily for some fantastic photography.

Taking the Nature’s own course

Posted on by Karthic Vaidyanathan

We planned for a trekking experience but we rather had a tracking one. This blog should have come long back but better late than never. The interest is rekindled and I am here to post on the interesting experience while on a trip.

How does it feel, when your blind date happens to your EX who you recently dumped? That is how exactly I felt when we were trekking to the amazing Dudhsagar Falls. What I expected and what it turned out to be absolutely different. I hated that experience and was kind of pissed to say the least. But thinking of that now makes me laugh and enjoy every bit of that experience. I would even consider consider that as one of my best outings till date.

It all started with a short halt at Mangalore where we roamed around few temples and beaches and dinner at a restaurant where the waiter cannot wait to take our orders(pun intended). Amazing wait in the railway station till midnight or even past it to board the train to Madgoan. Then came the most adventurous part of the trip.

Got down from the train in just 4 hours to come to know that you have another 3 hours for the next train to Goa/Dudhsagar. Having boarded the train with an open ticket in a reserved compartment, we were being hunted by the officials and we had to resort to every possible antic to ensure that the officials do not throw us out of the train and finally, we got to Castle Rock station where we had our breakfast in the leaky cordon.

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We set off our journey into woods through a village which a friend of mine boasted he knew well of. But the bad luck continued to trail us, we ever informed that we need to get permission from the forest ranger who is like miles away and it was vacation day. Then came the horrendous train journey back to Dudhsagar station. Once again, we had to take the dangerous walk along the tracks.

It was a stunning sight to see the water flow down from such height. But the main part of our adventure started here. We searched and inquired our way to reach the top. But our friend Bad luck wins again. We missed a downhill path in between a double tunnel and went 2 or 3 miles further only to get lost and lose all the hopes of seeing the majestic falls in full view. We still had the best solution on hand. Walk in tow as friends with fun talk and not knowing where this one is going to end. Just like our childhood school days, we put the mobile phones in our bags and decided to talk the way humans did pre-technology. Walking in the woods and seeing awesome creatures on our way through including Peacocks, Monkeys, and snakes that looked like sticks.

Finally, we labored through to a station and somehow found our ways back to the Margoa station. Slept on the platform with unknown bugs and people lying around us, rather I was awake the most part of the night. This was an experience on its own. All these happening just 2 months before my marriage was even more terrifying. But thinking of it now, the trip gave the friends to catch on the school day banters and got everyone close. I am sure none of my friends would ever forget that trip and we will once again plan our Goa trip.