Hiking the Area

Our family loves a good hike. We were reminiscing about all the amazing trails that are in the area that we need to go back to soon. Every trail is different and each one has a story to tell. There’s nothing like getting out for some fresh air with the dogs! I’m going to try and take you on a “tour” to all of our favourite hiking spots around The Ridge.

Stop number one, Crawford Lake Conservation Area. While a little bit out of the way for some, this trail is worth the drive! It’s located near Campbellville, ON, which in itself is beautiful to drive through. Though once you’ve grabbed your morning coffee, you’re going to want to get yourself over to the lake. The trail is not very strenuous and provides a beautiful atmosphere in the woods as you walk all the way around the lake. We used to take our childhood dog Tigger there many times, but most recently traveled with our favourite doodle friend, Calisi. It’s a beautiful trail that you are not going to want to miss.

As you head south from Crawford Lake, you’ll come across stop number two, Mount Nemo Conservation Area. This trail provides views you wouldn’t believe! It is right on the Halton escarpment and a must see for nature-enthusiasts. It is rated for beginners and offers a nice loop that takes just over an hour to complete. Since it is a pretty easy trail, even our senior dogs love to tag along! With fall coming up you’re going to want to add this trail to your list to see the beautiful leaves at one of the lookout spots on the escarpment.

Now I know some of us have more athletic and young dogs that need a bit more of a challenge! Kerncliff Park in Waterdown/Burlington is here for it! It is in a super accessible location with ample parking, perfect for a big group adventure. The trail is more challenging as it has tons of ups and downs, twists and turns. There’s a mix of boardwalks through an old quarry and natural winding pathways through the forest. You and your energetic pup will be crawling into bed after this hike, I promise!

If you’re not much of a nature lover, that’s okay, we’ve got something for you too! Let’s head on down to stop number four, Bayfront Park in Hamilton, ON. This is the perfect spot to take the dog and family down for a leisurely stroll, grab an ice cream for the kids (and dog!), and sip an iced latte. It’s a level one walk that takes you down and around completely paved pathways alongside the bay, which is surrounded by lots of other urban amenities too. Finish your walk with a family picnic, shopping downtown, or lunch on the pier patios. There’s something for everyone here!

Hopefully you’re able to get out sometime soon and enjoy a beautiful day together with your dog and family. Whether it be in the woods or downtown, there really is nothing like a hike/walk to clear your mind. If you happen to make to one of these spots, let us know and tag us in your photos! :)

Dog Friendly Local Businesses

Rosie, West Avenue Cider

Gabby, Fairweather Brewery

Auggie, West Avenue Cider

We’re trying something a little new! Each month we are going to try to send out a blog post. Topics will range all over the place, from first-aid emergency scenarios to training tips to what to look for in a good breeder! Now, you’ll have to bear with me, I’m not a writer. But, hopefully I’m able to connect with everyone on some level and help make a difference now and then (or just brighten your day with something fun about dogs!). That being said, with summer in full swing, I’d love to share with you some of our favourite local dog-friendly hot spots!

First and foremost, West Avenue Cider. They are our neighbours and friends! Debbie and Katie are always welcoming in the cider house and the pours are unbelievable! Not only are the drinks fantastic, but you get to enjoy them with your dog by your side. Rosie the cider dog loves meeting new friends and is happy to share her space. They even have trails behind the cider house, through the fields, and into the forest that you can hike with your dog. Definitely a #1 choice for us and our dogs!

If you’re more of a brewery type of family, you need to check out Grain & Grit and Fairweather off Main St. in Westdale. Both are dog friendly, inside their facility and out on the patios. The breweries are each unique in their own way and have very cool atmospheres. Grain & Grit often will host dog events, like their recent Dog Day Bash and claim that “every day is dog day”. Both are a must if you want to hang somewhere casual and sip unique and beautifully crafted beers.

When we’re not on a patio sipping craft drinks, we also LOVE to take our dogs to Terra Greenhouse in Waterdown. It’s just down the road from us and such an easy, refreshing adventure. There’s something about walking into a greenhouse that is so full of life in the middle of winter or walking through vines and trees in their outdoor displays during the spring and summer. I’ve often taken our dogs there just for some casual and passive training time while we peruse the aisles. A favourite location by far.

The past year we have been in umpteen hardware stores as we worked every weekend and day off out in the barn prepping it for daycare! A few of our favourites (because they let our dogs in!) are Home Hardware in Waterdown, Rona, and Canadian Tire! All of them welcome dogs with open arms. I end up defaulting to all of these stores just because they let me bring the dogs in and I love bringing them with me whenever I can.

I’m going to end with a store that I was pleasantly surprised by, Chapters/Indigo in Burlington! With some exceptions (ex. dogs can’t be in café areas in the store), the majority of the space is dog-friendly! Grabbing a book and curling up on a chair with my dog by my side is always enticing and sounds like the perfect Sunday morning to me… sign me up!

More and more stores and patios are welcoming dogs! It’s a privilege to have this option and, as dog owners, we should respect that privilege.  I would caution that we all need to practice responsible ownership. If you do happen have a dog that can’t handle public spaces or maybe your dog is just having an off day and barking like crazy, you may want to reconsider bringing them into these public spaces. Otherwise, I hope you are able to get out with your dogs over this upcoming long weekend and do some shopping or patio sipping!