Located between Kitchener and Hamilton, this little conservation area has a large campground, and is a great spot for families to explore by kayak. Read on for more details on where to launch and what to expect.
Our Recommended Trip
Put In / Take Out:
We launched at the boat launch in Valens Lake Conservation Are (Coordinates 43.386016, -80.140850). There is a large parking lot with room for trailers. There is a gravel launch with a raised side wall. This launch is also used by motorized boats, so be sure to stay clear when trailers are backing in to load and unload the boats into the water.
We launched at the boat launch in Valens Lake Conservation Are (Coordinates 43.386016, -80.140850). There is a large parking lot with room for trailers. There is a gravel launch with a raised side wall. This launch is also used by motorized boats, so be sure to stay clear when trailers are backing in to load and unload the boats into the water.
Trip Length: About an hour, 4 km around the perimeter of the lake.
Cost: Varies by age, check the Hamilton Conservation Authority's website for current fees.
Degree of Difficulty: Beginner. This is a great family-friendly spot to kayak.
Recommended Gear
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.
Wetlands
Valens Lake is a quiet, small wetland just outside of Hamilton. It's a great spot for families and beginner kayakers. You can easily kayak the length of it a few times, or work your way around the shore, exploring under the boardwalks and looking for fish and waterfowl (great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and red winged black birds are all easily identified).
Much of this conservation area is surrounded by a loop of board walk that allows pedestrian exploration of the marsh. We almost always see people having professional photography done at this location because it's so pretty!
Typical of wetlands, the marsh is surrounded by tall marsh grasses, with trees around the outside. One thing to note is that there are trunks of old trees submerged or partially submerged throughout the water. This can be a bit unnerving - you'll be paddling along and can feel something bump the bottom of your boat, causing it to rock... Sometimes you'll even end up with your boat on top of one, and it can be hard to pull off of it!
Both the photo above and below show small protrusions caused by old tree trunks. But as much as we find those trunks kind of weird, they are perfectly natural within wetland habitats, and they are often are used by birds and turtles as perches!
Wetlands
Additional Reading
Outfitter Options
Hamilton Conservation Area offers rentals at this location most years.
