How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area with Kids
Crawford Lake Conservation Area with Kids
Crawford Lake Conservation Area offers a wide variety of family-friendly experiences. From incredibly scenic hiking trails to the Iroquoian Village’s historic longhouses, there is definitely plenty of opportunities for fun at the Crawford Lake Conservation Area. Spend a couple of hours there, or set aside a half-day, you are sure to enjoy yourself, and even learn something new!
About the Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Located near Milton, Ontario, Crawford Lake Conservation Area is a 232-hectare park. Established in the late 1960s, the lake is named after the Crawford family, who lived on the site and eventually donated the land to Conservation Halton.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is situated along the Niagara Escarpment and is special in many ways. Not only is Crawford Lake a part of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, but it is also an Ontario Area of National and Scientific Interest.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is also unique for its meromictic lake (which we will explain in more detail below), as well as for its reconstructed Iroquoian village.
With nearly 20 km of trails connecting to the Bruce Trail, Crawford Lake Conservation Area has become quite popular with families in the area. It is also a favourite for school groups, who regularly attend the park for its educational programs and exhibits.
What Type of Lake is Crawford Lake?
Crawford Lake is actually quite unique, in that it is a rare meromictic lake. In short, this means that the layers of water that make up the lake, do not intermix. Think layered cake… or trifles… sorry, back to biology!
In normal lakes (called holomictic lakes), there is a physical mixing of the surface and deep waters at least once per year. What this means, is that the water has the same temperature and density throughout the lake, at any given time of the year.
In the case of Crawford Lake, the lowest levels of water are very rarely disturbed. This means that very little oxygen reaches the lowest levels.
Fun Fact: Because Crawford Lake is meromictic, scientists were able to find ancient corn pollen deep in the undisturbed sediment. The corn pollen led scientists to believe that First Nations had settled the area over 600 years ago.
Can You Swim in Crawford Lake?
Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in Crawford Lake. As we mentioned, not only is the lake meromictic, but it is also a habitat for many species. Swimming in the lake (or allowing your dog to swim in the lake) would therefore be pretty disruptive to this habitat.
How to Get to Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Crawford Lake Conservation Area is located at 3115 Conservation Road in Milton. If you are visiting from Toronto, you would take Highway 401 westbound to Guelph Line. Then head south for about 5 km. The conservation area is well-signed, so you should not have trouble finding it.
Planning a Visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area
If you are planning a visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area, the first thing you will need to do is make a reservation. Currently, you are able to go to the Conservation Halton website and book a three-hour timeslot.
The reservation system will ask you to choose a day, time slot, and location. It will also indicate whether or not the park is busy.
Once you have made your choices, you will need to enter the licence plate number of your vehicle, which will be scanned on arrival at the park to retrieve your reservation. You can then make a payment, or enter your membership number (more on that later).
Upon completion of your reservation, you will receive an email with your e-ticket. You can either print out the ticket or keep it handy on your phone since the attendant will need to scan the barcode if there is any issue with your license plate.
Reservations are rain or shine. You can, however, make any changes up to 1 hour prior to your scheduled visit. Refunds will only be issued up to 48 hours prior to your visit.
Crawford Lake Trail Map
You can pick up a physical copy of the Crawford Lake Trail guide when you enter the park. You will also find a map at the trailhead located just off the main parking lot.
With over 19 km of trails at Crawford Lake, we found them to be easy to follow and well-marked with colour-coded trail signs.
Crawford Lake Hiking Trails
Depending on how much time you have, and your skill level, Crawford Lake has several scenic trails to choose from. We have enjoyed hiking in this conservation area in all seasons, so it really doesn’t matter when you choose to visit!
Hide and Seek Trail
Not really a hiking trail, but definitely worth mentioning, the Hide and Seek Trail is filled with incredible wooden carvings that depict Species at Risk, all created by local artists.
This short walking trail is perfect for families with younger children who may want to play their own scavenger hunt game. The wooden carvings are big and quite easy to spot, with some pretty incredible details.
Unfortunately in Ontario alone, there are nearly 200 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, insects and plants at risk. A few of the at-risk species that you will find on the Hide and Seek Trail include carved sculptures of the Hooded Warbler, the Jefferson Salamander, the Monarch Butterfly, and the Snapping Turtle.
Crawford Lake Trail
No visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area would be complete without a stroll along the Crawford Lake Trail. At approximately 1 km in length, this easy trail takes you through the woods and around the lake.
Not only are there some pretty awesome lookout points over the lake, but because the trail is mostly on an elevated wooden boardwalk, it is pretty accessible for most people, including families who need to need to push a stroller, and those requiring a wheelchair.
As a bonus, the beginning portion of the trail before reaching the lake and the boardwalk include the Hide and Seek Trail.
Woodland Trail
The Woodland Trail is also a pretty easy hiking trail. At about 1.5 km this trail differs in that you spend more time in the forest. The trail is wide with an even surface, and mostly level.
You could easily combine the Crawford Lake Trail with the Woodland Trail during one visit, and still have time left over. In fact, we have done this quite often during our winter hikes.
Escarpment Trail
One of our favourite trails to hike at Crawford Lake Conservation Area is the Escarpment Trail. At 2.4 km in length, this loop trail is rated as moderate.
The Escarpment Trail winds its way through lush forest on a pretty level pathway. The trail takes you to the Nassagaweya Canyon Lookout where you will find an incredible view of the canyon and the Niagara Escarpment.
Past the Lookout, however, the trail becomes quite rocky and a little more challenging to hike. At this point, the path narrows considerably, and you are faced with rocks and tree roots covering the trail.
We didn’t find the trail to be particularly difficult, but it’s not a hike that you would want to do without a good pair of hiking boots, and maybe even a hiking pole for balance.
Pine Ridge Trail
The Pine Ridge Trail is also considered a moderate hike at 3.6 km in length. Pine Ridge Trail is the longest hike that you can find at Crawford Lake, which stays entirely on the conservation area’s land.
This trail stays mostly within the forest, with only a short section hugging the edge of the escarpment. There is also very little overlap with other trails, making Pine Ridge a little more secluded.
Nassagaweya Canyon Trail
The longest hike you will find at Crawford Lake Conservation Area is the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail. At 9.5 km round trip (4.7 km one way), this hike is rated as difficult.
What actually makes the Nassagaweya Canyon Trail popular, is that it connects Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point, which is another Conservation Halton Park.
For most people, this hike will require that you set aside a full day. Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for 4-5 hours of hiking.
Experiences at Crawford Lake
One of the best reasons to visit Crawford Lake Conservation Area is that there are so many things to do aside from the incredible hikes. From taking part in seasonal programming and events to learning about the area’s Indigenous history to having a great meal, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep busy with.
Crawford Lake Iroquoian Village
One of the most unique features of Crawford Lake Conservation Area, aside from the meromictic lake, of course, is the 15th Century Iroquoian Village. After the corn pollen was discovered in the depths of Crawford Lake, excavations in the area were conducted between 1973 and 1987.
11 longhouses and over 10,000 artifacts were uncovered on the site. Three of these longhouses have been reconstructed and are now open to visitors.
The longhouses are fascinating to tour. Learn what daily life was like for the First Nations who lived there over 600 years ago.
Visitors can stroll around the village self-guided, or you can find Conservation Halton Staff who are more than happy to help explain what you are seeing. Crawford Lake also offers interpretive programs and demonstrations to educate visitors about the history of the First Nations.
During your visit, be sure to check out the Deer Clan Longhouse. Although it looks the same from the outside, inside you will find a modern building. The Deer Clan Longhouse features seasonal exhibits that explore contemporary Indigenous art and culture.
Special Events at Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Throughout the year, you will find special events that are held at Crawford Lake Conservation Area. From themed tours to art exhibits, nature walks, and maple syrup tasting, to arts and crafts days, there are so many things to do at Crawford lake.
One of the most popular tours is the Lake to Longhouse private group tour. This one-hour tour gives visitors a more in-depth look at the Iroquoian Village.
For those who are nature lovers, the Wildflower Walk takes guests through the woods in search of hepatica blooms, trilliums, trout lilies, and wild columbine.
And for the kiddos, the Habitat Hunt is a fun way to explore Crawford Lake. Kids have the opportunity to use binoculars to search for birds, explore a variety of habitats, and take part in a swamp tromp to look for frogs. Kids can also go hands-on with some of Mountsberg’s collection of bio-artifacts before making a craft to take home.
Many of the events require a reservation and a small fee. For a current listing of what is happening at Crawford lake, you can check the featured events calendar here.
Dining at Crawford Lake Conservation Area
New in 2022 at Crawford Lake, is the NishDish Marketeria pop-up. Owned and operated by Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, NishDish celebrates Anishnaabe cuisine while focusing on healthy, locally sourced, traditional ingredients that honour the land.
Open seasonally from May 13, 2022, until Thanksgiving weekend, 2022, visitors to Crawford Lake can enjoy a variety of delicious Indigenous meals including bison sausage, sweet potato salad, wild rice, and strawberry juice.
During our visit, we tried the bison sausage on a bun, the wild rice salad, the sweet potato salad, cedar tea, and sweetgrass tea. The food was delicious, especially the sweet potato salad! YUM!
The kids devoured everything but the cedar tea, which had a pretty strong flavour to it. Since their menu changes, we definitely look forward to our next visit when we can try something new!
NishDish is open 11 am to 5 pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). At this time, there is only outdoor seating available.
Crawford Lake Visitor Center and Gift Shop
The Crawford Lake Visitor’s Center can be found just off the main parking lot, and across from the Longhouses. Inside, you will find an auditorium where special events and programming are held, public washrooms, and a wonderful gift shop.
Our kids love looking through the gift shop! Aside from a small variety of snacks, you will find a ton of maple products, Indigenous art and trinkets, mocassins, clothing, and many other souvenirs to take home.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Crawford Lake
If you are visiting Crawford Lake Conservation Area during the winter, you will have the option of strapping on some cross-country skis or snowshoes before hitting the trails. Of course, hiking in the winter is also an option, and the perfect way to see Crawford Lake in a different way.
There are three trails available for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Unfortunately, the trails at Crawford Lake are not groomed for cross-country skiing, so skiers will need to make their own tracks.
Crawford Lake offers snowshoe rentals for a small fee. However, at this time, there are no ski rentals available.
More About Conservation Halton Parks
If you enjoyed your visit to Crawford Lake, consider taking the kids to visit the other Conservation Halton Parks. With eight parks in total, you could spend the entire summer exploring these awesome conservation areas.
The other Conservation Halton Parks include Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, Mount Nemo, Robert Edmondson, Mountsberg, Area 8 (temporary name), and Kelso (which includes Glen Eden in the winter). You will need to make reservations prior to entering any of the parks, with the exception of Robert Edmondson.
Currently, you are able to make reservations for a three-hour time slot. The cost is $9.75 per adult, $7.75 for seniors (65+) and $6.75 for children (ages 5-14). Admission is free for children 5 and under.
Is a Conservation Halton Parks Membership Worth it?
If you are planning to explore all the Conservation Halton Parks, we would definitely recommend investing in a membership. We have had our membership for over 3 years now, and it is so worth it!
A Conservation Halton membership includes admission to all eight of the parks, as well as entry into some of the special events held in the parks throughout the year.
Members are still required to make a reservation for their visits. The cost of a membership is currently $75 for an individual and $150 for a family.
For the average family of four, you would just need to visit the parks 5 times to make your membership worth it. And don’t forget, your membership covers everyone in your vehicle when you attend the parks.
Final Thoughts on the Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Crawford Lake is an amazing place to spend a few hours exploring with the family. From incredibly scenic hikes, and a meromictic lake, to Indigenous history, and delicious food, there is a ton of things to see and do. We hope that our guide will help you to make the most out of your visit to Crawford Lake Conservation Area.
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