The one hour escape

The one hour escape exists. While the city is an exciting place to be. Often, the pace of the metropolis is overwhelming and one needs to leave for quieter pastures. Here to noise disappears, the frantic manic congestion evaporates, if only for an afternoon

Within close proximity of the city of Toronto. This post has two messages. One is for the city dweller that needs a break. The other for the visitor that seem to feel cheated by just another city advertising the usual urban trade marks. Interested in the one hour escape?

Today I am offering a few locations that can calm your nerves and allow you to get the most of our visit to Toronto and Southern Ontario. Best of all they are all within an hours drive of the city.

Roll down your windows and fasten your seat belts as we drive west along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)

https://vacationtimeescapes.com/5-things-to-do-in-port-perry-ontario/

The Devil’s Punch Bowl. Conservation area.

Going as far as we dare within our one hour drive, we arrive in Stoney Creek Ontario- just west of Hamilton. Widely hailed as one of the Niagara Escarpment’s most unforgettable sights, it consists of colorful layers of stratified rock. The Devil’s Punch bowl was formed at the end of the last Ice Age by the melted ice, which rushed in torrents over the Stoney Creek Escarpment. Her we find an amazing lookout that even on our cloudy day give us a view of the immediate surrounding area and the city of Toronto off on the horizon. You can only imagine how nice it would be on a perfect day. The Punch bowl is located on the Bruce trail and is part of the Defasco 2000 trail.

As you look down into the abyss you notice a small river that has undoubtedly produced this canyon. In essence the Devils Punch Bowl. I would estimate that the distance to the bottom would be 37 meters (121 feet). At the far end, you can see where it begins as a small waterfall trickles to the bottom to create such a magnificent geological scene. Often times there is a torrent of hydronic action.

There is a parking fee of 5 dollars CDN. The view itself is worth it. Don’t forget to take a little time and drop into the local general store.

https://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca/devils-punchbowl/

Eramosa Karst conservation area.

Driving from the “Punch Bowl,” not more than 15 minutes. We came across the Eramosa Karst Conservation area. But what is a Karst? “Karst: when soluble bedrock dissolved by rainwater creating distinctive landscapes with sinkholes caves and subterranean caves.”

It is a grand geological event and rare for this area of Ontario. Eramosa Karst is designated as provincial ANSI (area of Natural and Scientific Interest) The park is vast and contains many paths and walkways so that the visitor can freely walk around and enjoy many of the easily recognized geological formations.

The area is quiet, perfect for an easy hike, Bicycle rides or only the walk your dog on a leash. Enjoy the environment even if you are not a geologist. Amazingly, all within the one hour escape.

https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas-2/eramosa-karst/

Dundurn Castle

As we make our way still further east to the outskirts of Hamilton, we are enchanted to find the Dundurn Castle. Completed in 1835, it is a testament to both classical and Italienne design. With its French window and large verandahs allowing for an exquisite view of Burlington Bay. The city purchased the manor in 1964 after years of independent ownership. By 1967 the Castle was restored to its previous splendour to which we can enjoy today. 

As with many Historical buildings, this one had an odd nuance. It seems that there was a building dedicated to the use of Cockfighting. Yes, I thought it strange too. Let me explain. When we arrived, the sun was setting. The interior of the Castle closed to visitors. We still wandered around and came upon this odd building with a sign inside it, indicating that its purpose was this very bizarre exhibition.

The grounds themselves are magnificent. From what I was able to see the interior depicted the era very accurately. If you love history and enjoy early Canadian architecture, the Dundurn is a must-visit. If you have a local Downton Abbey delectation. With a little imagination, your aristocratic fantasy can come true.

https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/dundurn-national-historic-site

Hamilton Cemetery

I have to admit that this may not be on everyone’s visit list. However, it is quiet, has paths that you can walk along and is full of architectural marvels. Located directly across from the Dundurn Castle is the Hamilton cemetery. Dating back to 1847 and spread out over 100 acres, many of the regions famous and infamous have found this to be their last home. I am not sure if it was because of a strange feeling behind the “cockfighting place” or it simply being near Halloween time. The Hamilton Cemetery was beckoning us to visit. Mausoleums and monuments abound, it did have that “Tales from the Crypt” feel as it was far beyond the last shards of sunlight. What we were able to experience some fantastic architecture and very well-manicured landscaping. Fortunately, we had some light, which made the experience all the more macabre. I have visited some of the world’s most famous cemeteries, and this one will surely make a list with the likes of Pere Lachaise in Paris. As always, please be respectful.

https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/639424/hamilton-cemetery

The Royal Botanical Gardens

For over 80 years, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) has been an ecological icon of Lake Ontario. Founded by early conservationist Thomas Baker McQuesten, RBG lands were set aside to create the region’s first botanical garden. Inspired by Kew Gardens in England, RBG designed as both a local botanical site and environmental advocacy.

At 2,700 acres (1100 hectares), Royal Botanical Gardens is the most extensive botanical garden in Canada and one of the largest in the world. With 60 documented collections, there are approximately 40,000 plants displayed in five major garden exhibition areas, including the International Sculpture Collection, which is a permanent collection located in Hendrie Park. RBG Centre, the Arboretum and Hendrie Park remain open during the winter season (outdoor gardens are open to the public– weather permitting.) Incredibly scenic, this one hour escape.

https://www.rbg.ca/

Who would have thought that within an hour of the C.N. Tower, an entirely new experience awaits? These locations are all effortless to find- with the help of your phone or GPS. Enjoy the tranquility that Ontario has to offer, beyond the amazing streets of Toronto.
Take a breath and breathe.
These are just a small sampling of what you can find. In the future, we hope to explore further to bring back other Ontario treasures that are just around the corner.
I am wondering if anyone else can let us know if they have been to any of the places mentioned above? Please let us know what they thought. Especially the Cock Fighting.
Perhaps you can even recommend some of your favorite locations. Our comments box is located below, so please send us your feedback.

https://vacationtimeescapes.com/escape-to-a-county-fairs/

Until next time
It is your Vacation, Your escape.

VTE.