Limehouse Conservation Area is really a great place to visit. Its 3 main trails provide a variety of terrain to enjoy all the area has to offer. The Black Creek Side Trail follows along the cool, clear waters of the Black Creek. While the CVC trail takes a scenic walk through the ever-changing forest. The “Hole in the wall” area and Kilns are all located along the Bruce Trail. Definitely one of our favourite places to explore.
Hidden away in the Halton Hills, about an hour outside of Toronto is Limehouse Conservation Area. One of Ontario’s underrated parks, the Limehouse Conservation area has tons of great features. we highly recommend exploring Limehouse Conservation Area with Kids this Spring, Summer or Fall – or even better visit during them all!
Limehouse is part of the Bruce Trail and has many historic features such as the Hole in the Wall, which is a cool cave in the escarpment rock that you can take a ladder into explore. There is also a bridge over the Black Creek to allow you to access the powder house and kilns. Limehouse is a Carrier Friendly Hike for those with babies or toddlers.
These natural and cultural features are part of the past Lime industry which was an important part of Ontario’s past use of the Niagara Escarpment resources. Not only were these hikes very easy terrain to hike when baby carrying, but they are also very short which allows you to do a combination of different trails while there. We saw most of the conservation area after our 2.5 hours of hiking.
Most of the trails were very well shaded which was ideal as Thumper was still to young for sunscreen at the time. There was also very little change in elevation throughout the hike.
Beautiful Escarpment Landscapes – Limehouse Conservation Area with Kids
The park’s history dates back to the 1800s when the grounds were part of a booming Lime industry. Many of the old buildings still remain, from a powerhouse to kilns and even the ruins of an old mill along the Black Creek.
Massive Kiln Remains
As well as its historical significance, the park also sits upon the Niagara Escarpment. Because of this, visitors can go through interesting geological features such as caves, fissures and cracks in the rock in an area known as the “Hole in the Wall”. There are so many interesting things to see at Limehouse Conservation, we feel it is such an undiscovered treasure.
What you need to know:
Trail Map of Limehouse Conservation Area:
How much does it cost to visit Limehouse Conservation Area?
The park is free for use. Although there are a few donation boxes around if you would like to support the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation.
Where can I park when visiting Limehouse Conservation Area?
There is a large free parking lot at the main entrance of the park or you can park by the Limehouse Memorial Hall and access the park by the kilns.
For another great park by the Credit Valley Conservatory check out Belfountain Conservation Area
Is there cell phone reception at Limehouse Conservation Area?
As the park is close to Toronto and right next to Georgetown, the park gets full cell reception on most carriers.
Are there washrooms at Limehouse Conservation Area?
There are no washrooms, only a port-a-potty onsite. Also, at the time of writing the port-a-potty is closed due to Covid.
How is visiting Limehouse Conservation Area with Children?
The park does have 2 baseball diamonds and a large open area, but the heart of the park is in its trails. There are 3 main trails, with a side trail to visit some of the kilns. The trails are quite easy and short, with a 2km loop being the longest distance.
The Bruce Trail from the main parking lot to the Kiln and “Hole in the wall” area is mostly flat and can mostly be traversed with a stroller. Although there are some stairs to get up and down the creek and mill area. The “Hole in the wall” area is a great place for kids to explore, but please be careful, sure to stay in the designated areas and tread lightly to preserve the natural environment of the area.
There are also tons of great informational plaques talking about the area’s history and its significance in Ontario’s history. Definitely worth visiting with your kids.
