Iroquois Heights

The arrival of summer in the Golden Horseshoe of Ontario, Canada means different things to different people. However, it is universally agreed upon that being able to get back to nature is a universal desire for all. I know that I for one, cannot wait to come home at the end of a long, exhausting day, and change into my running gear and go exploring. There are a lot of trails and conservation areas to explore in Hamilton. For many, you have to bike to or drive to, however some are right in one’s backyard. Take for example the Bruce Rail Trail, the original route of the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway. This trail is not a one track trail, but multiple smaller ones, intersecting and separating at different points.

My photo story is of the Iroquois Heights SideTrail. Until last summer, I had no idea it existed just a stone throw’s away from my apartment in the beautiful, old neighbourhood of Westdale. Running shoes on, I set out at the top of the escapement and make my way down the metal stairs, all the way to the trail, passing through the the golf course. The narrow, winding trail opening up in front of me is nestled under a beautiful, green canopy of old, mature and imposing trees. As I take more and more steps on the trail, bald eagles are soaring over, welcoming me into nature. People are jogging and biking by and I need to remember to pay attention so to not run into anyone. After a while, I come to a fork in the road. I choose to not follow the trail in front of me, but to make a swift turn to the right, by the giant electrical transformers. Once at the top of the trail, I can spot to my right the busy, noisy and winding highway. I watch my step and continue down the ever winding trail. The sun is setting and I must admit, it is a stunning sight. The canopy seems to be hugging every ray and disperse it back tenfold. I feel like I’m walking through a fairytale forest. I keep a good walking pace and keep following the trail. It’s getting thicker and thicker, up and down alongside a tiny ravine, through the bushy trees. I pass people walking their dog or admiring the sights, birds chirping and butterflies buzzing by. I think I spot a frog on the path in front of me, so I stop to take a closer look.

All of a sudden and out of nowhere, the thick canopy gives way to one of the most beautiful, rugged trails and small bushed plains I have ever seen. The tall grass gently dances in the breeze, the air is filled with the smell of sweet flowers, the sun is shining through the thick, bushy branches; it’s safe to say I feel like I am transported to the Savannah. It is a mesmerizing feast for the eyes and the senses. I remember to only take pictures and leave only footprints. I continue down the trail, and I suddenly come to a screeching halt. Without noticing, the side trail I am on ends, and I notice a sign that reads: Iroquois Heights Side Trail, which I never knew was there. At the end of this almost 3 km loop off the main trail (as marked by the signage), I am thrown back onto the Bruce Trail, from where I continue my hike back up to Scenic Drive, where my car is and where I stop to ponder at the beauty I have just witnessed. I am mesmerized and speechless, and quickly plan a return hike tomorrow. I most experience it again, at a different time of the day.