crawford lake conservation area

Since first going here on a school field trip I have always enjoyed returning. The boardwalk around the lake is beautiful and the last time we came we got to see a bunch of turtles that were up close to the path. Great place to go for a summer walk.

Just off Guelph Line, North of Derry road in the area of Burlington and Milton is a gem-like little lake. surrounded by fragrant cedars and bordered by limestone outcrops it is easy to forget one is a short drive from the Queen Elizabeth Way or the 401. But this secret little lake on the escarpmet holds a secret of its own. In its depths time virtually stands still. When the roof of a gargantuan cave collapsed a millenium ago the lake was formed very deep and with very steep walls. The result was a lake in which the winter to summer turn-over and mixing of the water only takes place in the top 30 feet. The bottom water have almost no disolved oxygen. Probes sent down found that the slow decay of materials on the bottom have left us with layer upon layer, a yearly record of the plants, animal and people around the lake.Long reputed to be a hunting area shared by several tribes, the escarpment area was not seen as inhabited. Pollen from Indian corn fields broved otherwise. Now, the area has been examined by archeologists and a village site identified. The ground has yielded countless examples of Wendat (Huron) artifacts. The Conservation Authority has built a replica village with longhouses and and interprative facilities. A stroll herewill take you back to the time before Columbus.Spring, summer or fall, wether for a picnik, a bit of edu-tainment or a quiet contemplative walk along the accessable boardwalk Crawford Lake offers a delightful and rewarding few hours.

The staff are always friendly and informative. Every year I purchase my annual pass and support Conservation Halton! Check out the benefits of the Pass!

We were nicely surprised by the historical content at this location, once we found it. The kids enjoyed looking at the exhibits before our peaceful walk around the lake.

I took my 9-year old daughter and my dog here last winter. We rented snowshoes and went for a hike on the trails reaching as far as the cliffs near the Niagara Escarpment. We had a great time. Even my dog loved it. Be careful of the cliffs as they are quite high and the snow can be deceiving. There is a reconstructed native village here. Crawford Lake is a special lake where, because of its nature, native artefacts were found preserved at its bottom. Did not get a chance to see the village though.

We love this place just up from Milton, on the Niagara Escarpment. The day we were there, they had fires burning in the great longhouse, and we got a good idea of how smoky it must have been when the First Nations survived the harsh winters up there. I was amazed at the bunks made of cedar branches and at how many people really lived here in difficult circumstances. The guides are extremely helpful and informative, and they really do know what they are talking about. This is a very fine place to take the kids.. The supervisors will have them playing lacrosse, and dancing around the fire as they listen to tall tales from the past in an atmosphere which is very difficult to beat. Crawford Lake is a must see if you are heading up to the escarpment.

This conservation is another one of the finest in the Niagara escarpment. It has a little tribal village and when you enter that place you feel so much back in time. Nice to see how the aborginals lived their lives back in the years. This place has different trails as well. The lake is very close from the parking and is a treat to the eyes once you reach it. If you are lucky enough you will get to see some turtles near the lake too. We stayed here for a couple of hours before heading to our next destination that day but we enjoyed every bit of the scenic place.

Great! easy! Lovely walk on boardwalk. Quiet and enjoyable. Will go back in spring. Unfortunate that payment is required to see natural environment.

Great hikes here but it gets very crowded on weekends.Try to go early in the morning to beat the crowds as it is also popular for rock climbing. Trails are well-maintained and there is lots of parking available. It's a nice hike to Crawford Lake as well.

Very informative re-ceations of native longhouses. Bbeautiful walks in natural areas. Dogs permitted on leashes.

Lovely walk on boardwalk around the lake. The reconstructed village really interesting and there was a presentation made by a staff member about the development of the village.

Loved the Crawford lake walkway and the Indian Village was really nice, showcasing the history of the Native Indians and how they survived in the wild

Nice conservation area. Good staff, very interesting reconstruction of Iroquio village. Very scenic, easy hikes.

We just came to see the Lake but we were very surprised to see a very interesting aboriginal village with amazing display of aboriginal tools, artifacts and animal hide.Its a two in one attraction...Crawford Lake and the Ndio tribal village.The lake was also a very leisurely 5 minute walk from the parking lot. One of the best places to visit in Milton during Autumn and Summer.

Crawford Lake Conservation is one of my favourite parks in the Niagara Escarpment. It has that amazing mix of aborigonal history when you explore the longhouses, it seems you go back on time, and while you explore the different trails you are one with nature. The trails are very well maintained. The one around the lake is very accesible and you have an opportunity to see Snappy turtles, as you can see from my reviews I am crazy about turtles. Huge wooden animal sculptures have been added to the main trail. They are really beautiful.This is a park for all seasons and getting the annual pass is a great option if you live in the area or love the outdoors.