Category: outings

  • Gairloch Gardens

    Gairloch Gardens

    Gairloch Gardens is one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever visited! Everything about it exuded a sense of peacefulness and beauty, while still feeling welcoming . The grounds are immaculately maintained and it really encourages you to slow down, stop, and literally smell the roses. Not only are the gardens a must-see, but the close proximity to the lake is breathtaking! The sound of the waves crashing while looking out at the gardens, fountains, and grounds, made for one of my very favourite outings this summer!

    Note:
    Below I’ll address different elements that I take into consideration when planning in the hopes of clarifying any accessibility or suitability questions you may have as you plan your visit! These are all based on our personal experience (our oldest son is autistic and non-verbal, and we are a family of 5 with a 7-year-old, 6-year-old, and 2-year-old). I would suggest doing a quick search to ensure availability before heading out to avoid any disappointment (especially with changing health protocols, potential grounds upkeep, events, etc).

    Address
    Gairloch Gardens is located approximately at:

    1306 Lakeshore Rd E
    Oakville, Ontario
    L6J 1L6

    Click here for a helpful map!

    Parking
    There was a free parking lot onsite, with a path that led directly to the gardens. We visited first thing in the morning on a weekday and upon arriving, there were plenty of spots available! By the time we left a couple of hours later, the lot was full. So, that’s definitely something to take into consideration. Other than that lot, I didn’t see anywhere else nearby to park.

    Terrain/Accessibility
    For the most part, everything was paved and very, very clean and neat. There were a few areas that had steps, but were also accessible by walking alternate paths nearby. The gardens had a gravel terrain, that was very even and well-maintained. The path around, with views of the lake, was paved and fairly wide.

    Quiet Spots
    The whole location was very serene and quiet. Closer to the shore, the sounds of the waves and birds were louder, but otherwise, it was a very calm environment.

    Size of Location/Busyness
    There was plenty of space to explore and discover. We visited early on a weekday morning and it was very quiet, with only a few other people/ families walking around and taking photos. There are a variety of paths and areas to explore (see the next section!).

    Variety of Activities
    The gardens are absolutely stunning and different sections are scattered throughout the grounds. There’s a pond with a little bridge that is very picturesque, as well as a little pond filled with turtles, tadpoles, and frogs that captured E’s attention for a little while! The enclosed gardens are absolutely stunning, with a fountain in the center and different varieties of flowers planted and blooming in sections as you walk along the winding paths. Benches are situated within this area as well and it’s a beautiful spot to sit and take everything in. If you walk further south, there’s a paved area, with high rocks where you can sit and look out at the lake! The water itself is not accessible, but it’s an incredible spot regardless. If you continue walking on the paved path, there’s a little gazebo area and an enclosed little patch of green space, perfect for a picnic or to let the kids safely run around! I wouldn’t say that you’d need more than an hour, to see everything and maybe have a little picnic, but it is most definitely worth the drive! There was an art gallery, Oakville Galleries onsite, but it was closed when we visited. After checking their website, it seems that they are closed until further notice, but it does state that admission is free and it’s definitely something to consider adding on to your visit, once they re-open!

    Cost
    There was no cost to visit!

    For History of Gairlcoch Gardens and More Information Check Out:
    Gairloch Gardens

    Other helpful links in this series:
    Summer Adventures & Accessibility!
    What We Consider When Planning An Outing
    Guild Park and Gardens
    Glen Stewart Ravine
    Crawford Lake Conservation Area
    Sawmill Creek Valley Trail

  • Sawmill Valley Trail

    Sawmill Valley Trail

    Sawmill Valley Trail provided our family with such a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon! The trail was fairly easy, with no exposed roots or especially difficult terrain, which meant that all three kids, at their different levels and abilities, could navigate it independently and safely. As I mention below, we did remain cautious and vigilant of the creek, but for the most part, it was isolated from the trail by either railings or brush. It was a very peaceful walk, with the sounds of the rushing water as the soundtrack, and offered plenty of absolutely stunning views. It was almost entirely shaded, which helped it feel cool and not stifling on a fairly hot summer afternoon. The trail was also very clearly laid out, and whereas sometimes Y will attempt to detour or go off into the brush, this time it was easier to stay on course. Definitely one of the most family-friendly and enjoyable trails we’ve visited!

    Note:
    Below I’ll address different elements that I take into consideration when planning in the hopes of clarifying any accessibility or suitability questions you may have as you plan your visit! These are all based on our personal experience (our oldest son is autistic and non-verbal, and we are a family of 5 with a 7-year-old, 6-year-old, and 2-year-old). I would suggest doing a quick search to ensure availability before heading out to avoid any disappointment (especially with changing health protocols, potential grounds upkeep, events, etc).

    Address
    There are a variety of entrances to the trail and addresses to accompany each. The main address we used to get close to our destination was
    1955 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5L 3A5. There was also an entrance about 0.3 km from U of T Mississauga, so you may be able to input that as an alternate address to locate the trail. See below for the parking address we used that was super convenient!

    Parking
    We found a parking lot with free parking directly across the street from an entrance to the trail. Following the trail from here allowed us great views of the creek as well as the ability to explore a variety of different terrain. The parking lot was located immediately next door to Sawmill Valley Public School at:

    3675 Sawmill Valley Dr
    Mississauga, ON
    L5L 2Z5

    I’ve included a photo in the gallery below with parking information.

    Terrain/Accessibility
    We found the terrain very manageable. The kids were all able to walk independently and while we remained cautious and vigilant of the creek alongside the trail, it was a very pleasant and easy hike. The terrain did change a few times from paved, to light, even gravel, to a fabricated boardwalk, to a wooden one. The paths were very wide, with ample room to pass anyone walking by and at no point did we feel too confined. The boardwalk had a rail on one side and not the other and Y attempted to step off of it a couple of times, so that is something to note or be aware of. Unlike Glen Stewart Ravine or Crawford Lake, it isn’t enclosed on both sides (links to both trails can be found below). Photos of the different paths and terrain are included in the gallery below.

    Quiet Spots
    Overall, the trail was very quiet. There was a small stretch where you could hear the sounds of traffic from nearby roads, apart from that, the sound of the creek was the main thing heard! There was a formation of rocks that the kids sat on near the creek to take a break about midway through, other than that there weren’t many places to sit and rest.

    Size of Location/Busyness
    We visited on a Sunday afternoon in July and it was not busy at all! We occasionally passed other families or people walking dogs, otherwise, it was very quiet!

    Variety of Activities
    As I mentioned above in the Terrain/ Accessibility portion, there are a variety of terrains to explore, as well as different areas where you can stop and look at the creek fairly closely. There was an underpass with a few different murals that was a fun photo spot as well! We passed families who were walking dogs or biking, both of which are great options as well, if applicable for your family. 

    Cost
    There was no cost to visit!

    Other helpful links in this series:
    Summer Adventures & Accessibility!
    What We Consider When Planning An Outing
    Guild Park and Gardens
    Glen Stewart Ravine
    Crawford Lake Conservation Area

  • Crawford Lake Conservation Area

    Crawford Lake Conservation Area

    We’ve visited a lot of different trails as a family, but I can honestly tell you this was one of my very favorites! The grounds were immaculately kept, there was ample space to explore and run around, the scenery was breathtaking, and there was a boardwalk that was long enough that it was worth the travel time/visit, but not so long that the kids couldn’t manage it! Given how far the drive is, I would definitely plan to take plenty of snacks or, if possible for your family, a full picnic, albeit keeping in mind the time limit in your booking (explained below). It’s a really worthwhile outing and there’s so much to learn and take in from your visit!

    Note:
    Below I’ll address different elements that I take into consideration when planning in the hopes of clarifying any accessibility or suitability questions you may have as you plan your visit! These are all based on our personal experience (our oldest son is autistic and non-verbal, and we are a family of 5 with a 7-year-old, 6-year-old and 2-year-old). I would suggest doing a quick search to ensure availability before heading out to avoid any disappointment (especially with changing health protocols, potential grounds upkeep, events, etc).

    Address
    3115 Conservation Road
    Milton, ON, L9T 2X3

    Parking
    Once you’ve shown your reservation and entered the gates, there are a few different parking lots on site with ample parking. We were able to park right near the visitor centre, which was very close to the beginning of the Woodland and Side Bruce Trails, as well as the Crawford Lake Trail we ultimately ended up doing! There’s a very helpful map that you can download from the website, otherwise there are markings and signs posted throughout.

    Terrain/Accessibility
    We were able to complete the boardwalk trail that goes around Crawford Lake with E in a stroller and both boys walking. It was completely manageable with the stroller (summer 2020) and smooth enough that the boys were able to safely walk it! N did get a splinter when he touched the rail, so that’s something to be cautious of with kids especially, but otherwise, we found it perfectly family-friendly! There are photos in the gallery below which will give you an idea as to the width and construction of the boardwalk itself, if you need any clarification. I liked that it was enclosed and that the boys could walk ahead independently without the fear of them detouring!

    Having said that, we did attempt an alternate trail before finding the boardwalk and a family very kindly stopped us and suggested we go no further with the stroller, especially since the terrain was much more difficult to navigate (large rocks, exposed roots, more muddy than gravel, etc). If you’re looking for a more intense experience through the forest area, that’s definitely an option, but if smoother terrain is needed or you have very young kids, I’d suggest sticking to the boardwalk that surrounds the lake.

    Quiet Spots
    There were little areas just off of the boardwalk, complete with benches and an area to rest/ have some water and snack, etc., that we came across every now and then (I share an example in the gallery below). This was great to re-group, get an alternate view of the lake and pull out snacks or sunscreen, without causing traffic on the boardwalk itself! It was also fairly enclosed, so if M or I sat at the little entrance, the kids could walk around the little deck area with no issue.

    Size of Location/ Busyness
    The reservation site (located in the cost section below) has a status bar that provides information regarding how busy the park currently is. Having said that, it is very large, with many offshoots and plenty of space to explore. Even when we visited in the middle of a summer day, there was still plenty of space and we didn’t feel overwhelmed or crowded at any point!

    Variety of Activities
    There is so much to do here! We mainly stuck to the boardwalk, but there’s also the Hide and Seek Trail where you’ll find a variety of beautiful, large wood carvings that seamlessly blend into the surroundings, and where you can learn about species at risk in Ontario. At the Longhouse Village you can visit, “seasonal exhibits that explore contemporary Indigenous art and culture” which is both fascinating and an important and meaningful experience.

    Cost
    Reservations must be made in order to visit and there are time limits to your visit! You can reserve by clicking the link here!

    The website clearly states that, “Support persons for people with disabilities are free of charge.” We really appreciated this and it helped keep the cost of the outing down for our family.

    Otherwise, the fees are as follow:

    Adult (15-64) $9.50 +HST
    Senior (65 & over )$7.50 +HST
    Child (5-14) $6.50 +HST
    Child (4 & under) Free

    For more information, check out:
    Crawford Lake Conservation Area

    Other helpful links in this series:
    Summer Adventures & Accessibility!
    What We Consider When Planning An Outing
    Guild Park and Gardens
    Glen Stewart Ravine