If you’re looking for a spot to kayak close to Hamilton, don’t miss Binbrook Conservation, home of Lake Niapenco. Niagara Region’s largest inland lake offers kayakers of all levels lots to explore.
Our older son exploring Lake Niapenco in his Pelican 80X kayak.
Our Recommended Trip
Put In / Take Out: Binbrook Conservation Area, 5050 Harrison Rd, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0
There is a small dock, and launching from the shore is also possible. If you are bringing your own boat, the Park staff will direct you to the boat launch, but for those planning to rent, the rentals are located on the other side of the public beach, not at the boat launch.
There is a small dock, and launching from the shore is also possible. If you are bringing your own boat, the Park staff will direct you to the boat launch, but for those planning to rent, the rentals are located on the other side of the public beach, not at the boat launch.
Trip Length: 15 km, 3-4 hours, depending on how much of the lake you want to cover.
Cost: Niagara Conservation admission rates apply, currently $8 per adult, $6 for youth and seniors.
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner
Gear Recommendations
Life jackets and all Transport Canada required safety gear are always a must. Sunscreen and sun hats are definitely recommended when you're on the water.
Great blue heron on the shores of Lake Niapenco.
Close to the City
Originally a narrow river, Lake Niapenco was created in 1971 when the Welland River was dammed to manage water flow. The size and shape of this reservoir (it's long and narrow, with lots of little islands and offshoots) make it more interesting than some of the other reservoirs we've kayaked on. You can choose to cover as much or as little of the lake as you want, which makes it very friendly for families and beginners, or for a leisurely evening paddle. The lake can get quite choppy on a windy day, but its relative safety makes it a great spot to start out.
With its proximity to Hamilton, and the fact that this conservation park also offers hiking, a splash park, tree top trekking, wakeboarding, and canoe and kayak rentals, Binbrook Conservation is a popular spot for local families.
With its proximity to Hamilton, and the fact that this conservation park also offers hiking, a splash park, tree top trekking, wakeboarding, and canoe and kayak rentals, Binbrook Conservation is a popular spot for local families.
The Local Fishing Hole
The surrounding land was built up into Binbrook Conservation Area, and the area is now a popular fishing spot for locals and birds. The fish population also supports a large population of birds, and the lake is now home to bald eagles and osprey, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and many other water fowl.
The boat launch and beach area are quite busy on a hot day, but if you venture further down the long lake, it's easy to forget that you haven't left the city - cottages dot the shores, the crowds thin out, and your chances of encounters with shore birds and wildlife increase.
The boat launch and beach area are quite busy on a hot day, but if you venture further down the long lake, it's easy to forget that you haven't left the city - cottages dot the shores, the crowds thin out, and your chances of encounters with shore birds and wildlife increase.
A dock, maintained by the Conservation Authority, connects paddlers to Tynside Trail. This was a great spot with a picnic table where we stopped for a picnic lunch before continuing our paddling.
Bald Eagle Island
Sign on Pickerel Island at Lake Niapenco warns visitors to stay off the island to protect the nesting Bald Eagles at Binbrook Conservation Area.
One of the small islands, called Pickerel Island, on Lake Niapenco is home to an active bald eagle nest in the top of a tall pine tree. Bald eagles build large platform nests from sticks, and the nest is clearly visible from the lake. Please note the posted signs on the island, as people are not allowed to explore the island.
Bald eagles are still a species of special concern in Ontario - the development of shoreline habitat for housing and industry, as well as the introduction of pesticides such as DDT that resulted in thin egg shells reduced their population significantly. They nest along large bodies of water where they can catch fish, and successful conservation programs have contributed to their return to the Niagara Region. We brought along binoculars, and it was a treat to watch the nest and these birds from afar.
Bald eagles are still a species of special concern in Ontario - the development of shoreline habitat for housing and industry, as well as the introduction of pesticides such as DDT that resulted in thin egg shells reduced their population significantly. They nest along large bodies of water where they can catch fish, and successful conservation programs have contributed to their return to the Niagara Region. We brought along binoculars, and it was a treat to watch the nest and these birds from afar.
While I didn't get lucky enough to see the bald eagles on our visit, we did find the nest. It's hard to depict the scale of the nest in a photo - this nest was huge!
Additional Reading
Binbrook Conservation Website details entrance fees and current park programs.
Bald Eagles Soar Back, But Return May Be Fragile (CBC Article)
Bald Eagles Soar Back, But Return May Be Fragile (CBC Article)
Outfitter Options
Rentals are available within the park from Binbrook Wave Rentals
