Now that winter has arrived...Let's go Camping!

The stillness of the park, the whisper of the wind and NO BUGS - just some of the draws for winter camping.   It is a special type of camper that you need to be, a lover of the outdoors.  You need to be prepared to face some pretty cold nights, but with the right gear and the right knowledge, it can be an awesome experience.

Winter camping is not just for the “big rig” type of camper with a home on wheels that has a gas fire place, heat and a queen size bed.  Even those in a tent or even hanging in a hammock come out during the colder months to enjoy a campfire.  There is something about a campfire in the winter.  Not only does it bring some added warmth, it just makes the experience that much more enjoyable. 

I haven’t been a “warrior” like the ones we get at Valens Conservation Area, but I have enjoyed a weekend of the white stuff while staying in a yurt (a canvas type cabin with electricity and heat) up in Algonquin Park.  The peacefulness of camping during this season is something worth experiencing.  You won’t find many others out, and those that you do find enjoying the winter wonders, are the friendliest people you will ever meet.  And the calm nights allow you to hear the howls of the coyotes.   I’ve enjoyed the days with some bird seed in my hand and the winter birds will come by (chickadees, nuthatches) and eat right out of my palm.  A suet block will bring by some of the woodpeckers (red bellied, hairy and downy).  You can’t get this close to these birds during the summer months when they are scared off by quick movements and the busy-ness of the campground.   

I’ve spent the majority of the day exploring trails and the many tracks in the snow left by deer, rabbit, fox and others.  At the end of the day, it is so relaxing to sit by the fire and cook up a nice steak and baked potato, right on the campfire.  I don’t know if it is from being outside all day and starving or having dinner cooked on an open fire that makes it so delicious...mmm

Valens, sees on average a dozen or so “winter warriors” that will come out for a weekend camp during the winter.  The park has a different beauty than what you see in the summer.  The snow seems a little whiter, thicker and softer and the visitors practically get the park to themselves.  You can explore the trails on foot, ski or snowshoe. Typically Valens boasts a great spot to strap on a pair of skates or try your hand at ice fishing, however with the winter of 2012, the lake has yet to see"safe" ice. 

I think Valens is a perfect winter get away from the busy city - a peaceful retreat to allow for our batteries to recharge for the upcoming week ahead.  We hope to see you out this winter to experience for yourself how special and different camping can be during the colder months.  

Joanna Sanche

Assistant Superintendent

Valens Conservation Area

So this is Hamilton...

"Hamilton Conservation Authority". When I first read those words as a recent university grad on a job hunt, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. To be honest I didn’t really know what a Conservation Authority was. And my thoughts of Hamilton most certainly weren’t that of Conservation. 

I’d lived in Niagara nearly all of my life and really only knew of Hamilton as that place on the side of the QEW with all the smoke stacks. I will admit that it was a very limited perspective, but one I think many have while travelling over the Skyway bridge. It wasn’t until I started working at HCA that my view of the city (that I now call home) changed. 

As part of my training as a new HCA employee, I was given a tour of our watershed which was a real eye opener for me. I learned that not only does Hamilton have trees, but there are lots of them! It also turns out that there are a lot of waterfalls here too! Those of us from Niagara Region are taught to believe that we have the most beautiful and unique spots across the NiagaraEscarpment. After all, it is the ‘Niagara’ Escarpment, but it became obvious rather quickly that Hamilton poses some pretty stiff competition. 

Places like Christie Lake and Valens Conservation Areas showed me that it doesn’t take a 5 hour car ride to get out of the city and actually feel like you are out of the city. My drive to work in the Dundas Valley is certainly nothing to complain about either, and is quite a nice change from the hustle and bustle of downtown. 

Every now and again people will crack jokes about Hamilton, and now I find that I am the first to defend my new home. Not many people can walk out the door of their workplace and onto a hiking trail. There’s really no better way to find out what’s out there until you get out and experience if for yourself... and until you do, you truly won’t know what you’re missing. 

Brittany B.

HCA Information Services

Ice fishing a growing sport

For some, it is way too early to even think of how cold the weather will turn in the coming weeks…for others (including myself), the cold nasty weather that turns lakes into giant ice sheets – can’t come soon enough.

Each winter, thousands of ice anglers throughout this province will literally hit the ice by year’s end. (If I have any say in the weather, I expect to have a few trips under my belt before year end.) At Valens, we can expect to see our share of these winter ice fishers from the Greater Hamilton Area.  Plus, with the advent of better outdoor wear and specialized ice fishing equipment, the number is growing beyond your typical stereotypes. In fact I have been able to convince 2 of my 3 daughters to take the trip with me to Lake Simcoe, to take up the skill of ice fishing! 

Ice fishing at Valens is a “walk on” experience for the novice to the more seasoned ice fishing veteran.  Valens is a great location to introduce children to this outdoor sport without the 2-3 hour drive up north.   Winter game fish include – Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch.  No bait or rentals are provided at the conservation area, so a good start is to head out to your local outdoors store.

In order to protect this man made reservoir from over harvest, a “catch & release” policy was adopted and respected by the fishing community in 2008.  To date, the fish stocks have been steadily improving and the future has never looked brighter for this fishery.

The ice fishing season at Valens will commence as soon as safe ice has been established by park officials.  Generally the season runs from January to March, weather conditions pending.   A catch & release Ice Fishing Derby is held near the end of January each year.  Over 200 participants will vie for great prizes to take home on a cold winter’s day. Check out HCA Facebook page for more details.

So if you are looking for an ice fishing experience in a conservation setting close to home – Valens Conservation Area may very well be the place for you.  Hope to see you on the ice! 

Gord Costie 

Superintendent, Valens Conservation Area