Mountsberg Conservation Area in Winter: Christmas town, Winterlit and Maple town

Conservation Halton has 8 beautiful yet unique conservation areas for local families to explore and enjoy throughout the year but we love visiting Mountsberg in Winter. Mountsberg Conservation Area is located between Milton and Burlington and is located on Milburough Town Line in Campbelville.

Photo Credit: Conservation Halton

Mountsberg is a beautiful outdoor location to explore in the winter as they offer hiking, snow shoeing, bird watching, cross country skiing, geocaching and many seasonal events over the winter months.

Keep in mind that specific details may change, so it’s a good idea to check the official website or contact the conservation area directly for the most up-to-date information.

You may be interested in: Winter Activities in Peel and Halton Region

How much is Admission to Mountsberg Conservation Area?

Families can access a Family Day Pass for Mountsberg or any other Conservation area this winter for free thanks to the Halton Hills Library, Oakville Library, Milton Library, and Burlington Library.

Passes are free to borrow with your Library Card. Passes provide complimentary day access for one vehicle and its occupants at any Conservation Halton Park. Use is subject to Conservation Halton’s admissions and reservations policies. 

Age GroupOnline PriceAt The Gate Price
Adult (15-64)$10.50+hst$12+hst
Senior (65 and over)$8.25+hst$9.75+hst
Child (5-14)$7.25+hst$8.75+hst
Children Under 5FreeFree
Prices as of Sept 2023

Option to pay at gate; gate attendants are on duty Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Weekends gate attendants staffed daily. If you require assistance please press the call button at the gatehouse.

How much is a Season Pass for Conservation Halton?

What Membership works best for you?

Individual – $105 +HST

Membership benefits apply to the individual named on the card. Proof of identity may be requested at the gatehouse. Any additional visitors travelling with the member will be required to pay the regular gate admission fee.

Individual Senior – $85 +HST 

Senior rate memberships apply to individuals 65 years of age or older. Proof of age may be requested at the gatehouse or through our administrative office.

Vehicle Membership – $165 +HST

Membership benefits apply to anyone you can safely fit into your car when you come visit our parks- friends, family, neighbours… whoever you want! Admission at the gates will be extended to all the occupants arriving together in one personal vehicle. 

Mountsberg Activities in the Winter

Mountsberg Conservation Area is a popular destination in Ontario, Canada, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities throughout the year. In winter, Mountsberg Conservation Area offers a unique and serene experience with various activities to enjoy.

Activities include:

Photography:

Winter landscapes can be incredibly photogenic. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and the peaceful atmosphere.

Wildlife Viewing:

Winter is an excellent time for wildlife viewing. The quieter atmosphere and the contrast of animals against the snow make it easier to spot them. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other wildlife.

Snowshoeing:

Mountsberg is a great place to enjoy snowshoeing as there is lots of wide open trails to explore and you can even stop by the paddocks to see the horses. Mountsberg does not rent snowshoes so you will have to bring your own. A great tip is ask in your local facebook groups if anyone has some you can borrow… this is what my husband and I did last year and it worked out really well. We picked up the snowshoes, used them and then returned them to the owner with a couple of beers as a thanks.

TrailDistanceDifficulty
Wildlife Walkway1.6 kmEasy
Lakeshore Lookout Trail5.6 kmModerate

Cross Country Skiing:

Mountsberg may have designated trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s a great way to explore the conservation area and get some exercise.

Please note that the trails at Mountsberg are not groomed for cross-country skiing, so skiers will need to make their own tracks.

TrailDistanceDifficulty
Wildlife Walkway1.6 kmEasy
Lakeshore Lookout Trail5.6 kmModerate

Hiking:

Mountsberg has a network of trails suitable for winter hiking. The snow-covered landscape adds a magical touch to the hiking experience. Make sure to wear appropriate winter gear and footwear. Checkout our Guide to Hiking Trails in Milton.

Birds of Prey Centre:

Mountsberg Conservation Area is home to the Raptor Centre, where injured birds of prey are rehabilitated. You may have the opportunity to witness live bird shows, even in winter. Check the schedule to see if any events are taking place during your visit.

Visit the Animals at the Barn:

Stop by to visit the sheep, rabbits, chickens and other small animals in the barn in the winter, and the horses are either in the paddocks or the barn depending on weather.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides (Seasonal):

Mountsberg sometimes offers horse-drawn sleigh rides during the winter months. This can be a delightful way to experience the beauty of the conservation area in a unique and traditional manner.

Mounstberg Events in the Winter:

All of these great events are ticketed individually and allow you access to the event as well as the rest of the activities Mountsberg has to offer!

Christmas Town:

Annually, Mountsberg presents one of the most popular holiday attractions: Christmas Town. Families from across the region eagerly anticipate this event as it offers a magical experience with Santa at his woodland hideaway cabin in Mountsberg. We were finally lucky enough to secure tickets in 2023.

The fully guided Christmas Town experience includes:

  • A guided woodland wagon ride out to Christmas Town (note: tractor may be used in some cases due to weather or horse health needs)
  • A private family visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
  • Holiday scavenger hunt
  • Cookie decorating and hot chocolate
  • Craft making
  • Wooden ornament keepsake
  • Visit to the Elf Academy and Toy Central play area
  • Visit to the Flight Academy
  • Visit to Mrs. Claus’ kitchen where all the tasty treats are baked
  • Guests will be able to also enjoy a self-guided visits with our resident raptors (daytime only) and farm animals or playtime on the natural playground

Tickets for this enchanting experience are quickly snapped up, often selling out within hours! Christmas Town is scheduled to delight attendees from November 16 to December 23, open from Tuesday to Sunday (excluding November 25/26)

Winterlit:

Infuse a touch of enchantment into your winter evenings by arranging a trip to Mountsberg’s acclaimed Winterlit showcase of outdoor lights. Revel in a moonlit promenade along two distinct trails adorned with sustainably sourced, illuminated art installations. This one-of-a-kind nighttime experience is a joyful celebration of nature, winter, and community. Grab a drink and enjoy some time around the outdoor firepits.

What to expect at Winterlit: 

  • Enjoy two twinkling trails – the Illuminated Sugar Bush (~1 km)and the Winterlit Trail (~1 km)  
  • Admire sustainably sourced, illuminated art installations 
  • Get cozy by Fireside Lounges located throughout the event 
  • Bring a book you’ve finished to swap for a ‘new to you’ read in our cozy Book Nook cabin! 
  • Learn all about the animals that call Mountsberg home in ‘The Den’ 
  • Take home a wood branded souvenir of your visit 
  • Purchase a heart to paint and then hang it on our LOVE display or take it to display at home. Your fee goes to our Animal Care Fund and supports our farm animals, raptors, and snakes. 

Winterlit runs evenings between December 28, 2023 and January 7, 2024 (January 2, 2024 excepted) and Friday through Sunday January 12 to February 19, 2024. 

Maple Town:

This attraction typically starts in late February or early March when the sap starts flowing. Visitors can learn about the process of maple syrup production and enjoy sweet treats.

It’s the sweetest time of year at Conservation Halton with Mountsberg Mapletown! The Mountsberg sugarbush has been producing maple magic for more than 150 years and educating the public for over 40 years. The park will tap about 300 sugar maples this spring and the crystal-clear sap will be magically transformed into sweet maple syrup in the Sugar Shanty. Purchase a delicious pancake meal, maple themed sweets & treats!

Things You should know before Visiting Mountsberg in the Winter:

  • Lots of parking (one vehicle) per reservation
  • Dress warmly for outdoor activities
  • Restrooms are available inside the main visitor centre as well as outdoor porta pottys
  • Trails are gravel so can be stroller friendly if you have a terrain stroller or wagon
  • Snacks and souvenirs such as maple products can be purchased from the gift shop
  • Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times
  • Reservations are required for events, and recommended for general day use visits

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