Cootes Paradise, Hamilton

Trip Rating: 4/5

Hamilton is my hometown, and I’ve spent a lot of time paddling in Cootes Paradise. The Princess Point / Cootes / Paradise / RBG system is one of the most unique urban nature sanctuaries in Ontario. It’s designated a Nationally Important Bird Area, and during spring and fall migration it becomes a major stopover for hundreds of bird species.

There are posted signs in certain sections—worth paying attention to—just to avoid disturbing wildlife. Some of the standout species here include the least bittern, hooded warbler, white pelican, Caspian tern, black-crowned night-heron, osprey, pileated woodpecker, and the prothonotary warbler. There’s also a nesting pair of bald eagles near the mouth of Spencer Creek—the first nest of its kind in more than 40 years.

The Chedoke Creek Section

Launch Sites

Park and launch at Princess Point

Parking is $6 (who knows in 2025, its been a while :) ) per day, or free with an RBG membership. Princess Point has a well-maintained launch dock with a canoe ramp just steps from the parking area. There are no bathrooms on site. For navigation, use coordinates:  43.2733935, -79.8965961

Trip Length

The Spencer Creek Section

This outing took me about 2.5 hours. Most of the water is calm and between 3–5 feet deep. There are plenty of side channels, sheltered pockets, and scenic spots to pull over for lunch or to recharge for a minute.

Cost

The West Pond Section

$6 per car, or free with an RBG membership.

Princess Point's Launch

Difficulty

This is an easy, beginner-friendly paddle, but as always—use appropriate safety gear and be mindful of conditions.

The Spencer Creek in the Summer (a looooong time agoooooo)

“Cootes Paradise Marsh is the largest wetland at the western end of Lake Ontario… It is owned and managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)… The site is a National Historic site, a Nationally Important Bird Area (IBA), and a Nationally Important Reptile and Amphibian Area (IMPARA).”