The sanctuary is part of a large-scale fishway project that uses a physical barrier to prevent invasive common carp from entering the marsh to spawn.
The marsh is historically significant for archaeological evidence of Indigenous settlements dating back several thousand years.
The sanctuary is recognized as a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its role in migratory pathways.
Water levels in the marsh are heavily influenced by the regulation of the Burlington Canal and Lake Ontario's lake-wide water management plan.
The site contains a diverse mixture of Carolinian forest species, which are otherwise rare in Canada.
Restoration efforts have been ongoing since the 1990s to combat the loss of emergent aquatic vegetation caused by industrial pollution and invasive species.
The sanctuary serves as an outdoor laboratory for McMaster University researchers studying urban ecology.
RBG Cootes Paradise Sanctuary is the largest urban wetland in the Lake Ontario watershed and serves as the primary base for the Royal Botanical Gardens. The sanctuary encompasses 600 hectares of marshland, forest, and shoreline habitats managed primarily for ecological restoration. It functions as a critical spawning ground for native Lake Ontario fish species, particularly northern pike and carp-control initiatives. The area features over 20 kilometers of trails, including the Desjardins Trail and the trail leading to Princess Point. It is a designated Environmentally Sensitive Area and a significant migratory stopover point for waterfowl and songbirds. The sanctuary facilitates year-round research into water quality and invasive species management. Canoeing is permitted seasonally, with access points provided by the Royal Botanical Gardens infrastructure. It acts as a natural buffer between the urban centers of Hamilton and Dundas.
The boardwalk at Princess Point provides a panoramic view of the marsh opening into Hamilton Harbour.
Wear waterproof footwear, as trails can become muddy or flooded during high-water seasons.
Bring binoculars for birding, as the marsh is home to egrets, herons, and various waterfowl species.
Check the official Royal Botanical Gardens website for trail closure notices due to ongoing ecological restoration work.
Attempting to feed the wildlife, which disrupts the delicate balance of the wetland ecosystem.
Trail access is available year-round, but specific sections may be closed seasonally for nesting or restoration projects.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive marsh vegetation and prevent soil erosion; keep pets on a leash at all times.
