5 Places to Picnic in Halton
Published July 15, 2017 at 12:35 am
There are so many places to enjoy a picnic in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, or Halton Hills — we’ve got sun, shade, and plenty of green space for those blankets. I believe you can tell a lot about a person by their picnic game. Are their stainless steel utensils wrapped in beautiful cloth napkins, complete with pretty rings, or do they literally turn a cooler upside-down trying to find a plastic fork swiped from Pusateris? Are they into cute, flowery picnic baskets with labelled, portion-controlled containers or do they jam everything into an old knapsack? A picnic can be romantic or a fun, low-key lunch with friends (or if you’re related to me, a loud, salty-snack-inhaling-fam-jam). Here are five places to picnic in Halton, in no particular order.
5. Coronation Park
This beautiful park is timeless, and it’s a super chill option which doesn’t require driving far or packing to much stuff to enjoy the day. Situated on the shore of Lake Ontario, you’ll find it along Lakeshore Rd. between Third Line and Fourth Line. Coronation Park features five large designated picnic areas that can be permitted through the town, including a covered/shelter area. Each picnic area comes equipped with picnic tables and a barbecue pit. There are also two volleyball courts, a splash pad, and playground (note, flooding has closed off certain areas).
Address: 1426 Lakeshore Rd. W.
Photo courtesy of the Town of Oakville
Videos
4. Gairloch Gardens
Call it a hidden gem (unless you live in the south end of Oakville). This park and gallery (in an old homestead) is located south of Lakeshore Rd. near Morrison Rd. The gallery is a heritage home on the estate of the late James Gairdner who, in 1971, bequeathed his estate to the Town of Oakville. The gardens boast extensive rose gardens and 15,000 annuals that bloom between June and September. Gairloch Gardens is a very popular destination for special occasion and wedding photography. You may want to ride a bike there since parking is limited to 35 spaces.
Address: 1306 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Admission: Free.
Photo courtesy of gairlochgardens.com
3. Rattlesnake Point
Picnic tables are on a first-come first-served basis, and there’s also a picnic shelter you can reserve for your next fete in Milton. Keep it in mind for your next family or corporate picnic. You can take a stroll along Rattlesnake Point’s excellent hiking trails and catch some inspiring scenic views from the five lookouts dotting the edge of towering cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. Or you can just catch some rays and feed the ‘Gram.
Address: 7200 Appleby Line
Admission:
Adult (15-64): $6.75
Senior (65 & over): $5.75
Child (5-14): $5
Child (4 & under): Free
*Keep your receipt — it provides access to all Conservation Halton parks for the same day*
Photo courtesy of Conservation Halton
2. Mount Nemo
Pack a picnic and head to Burlington’s favourite sanctuary. While you’re there, take in some beautiful scenic views of the countryside. Mount Nemo offers picnic tables on a first-come first-served basis. Rich green ferns blanket limestone boulders scattered among old growth forests at Mount Nemo. Crevice caves and ancient cedars, a thousand years old, can be seen all along the meandering cliff edge trail. If you’re too lazy — err, busy, to pack more than a few snacks (been there, done that) head to Wundeba and treat yo’self.
Address: 5317 Guelph Line
Admission:
Adult (15-64): $6.75
Senior (65 & over): $5.75
Child (5-14): $5
Child (4 & under): Free
*Keep your receipt — it provides access to all Conservation Halton parks for the same day*
Photo courtesy of Conservation Halton
1. Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Plenty of picnic tables are waiting for you at Bronte Creek. This gorgeous park has everything you need to spend an action-packed day in the sun, including a stunning outdoor pool. The park is known for being clean and well-maintained. The park also has a variety of trails and even farm animals for your inner child. It’s an absolutely awesome oasis we’re lucky to have here in Halton!
Address: 1219 Burloak Dr.
Admission: $20 per vehicle in peak season.
Photo courtesy of Bronte Creek Provincial Park
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising