Hamilton Conservation Authority

In July 2023, I purchased a 2 year membership (first time). I love nature and wanted to support HCA. I knew there were reservation fees for long weekends in the summer, but no where did I see (at the time of purchase) a warning that you have to pay the reservation fee starting Sept 23 and not just weekends, but every single day. I feel like there is no loyalty/perks to being a member! I was looking forward to the Fall where I could hike all I want because I purchased a membership.wrong! I am told that I have to pay $10 each and every day I want to go for a little hike. This on top of the membership fee. Members are making a commitment to support HCA and therefore should not have to pay the reservation fees! I GUARANTEE THAT I WILL NOT BE RENEWING MY MEMBERSHIP! It feels like GREED is taking over.like everywhere else. I have just retired and wanted to do something good for my health and wellbeing, like hiking, but $10 daily reservation fees on top of my annual membership fee is outrageous! Does HCA not realize by charging members another fee on top of their membership fee is just plain wrong and will deter future members from joining or from renewing. I went in person to purchase my membership and I was not informed of the reservation fees. Oh, I know why HCA doesn't inform you of the reservation fee because that would mean your potential member would be fully informed and think twice about purchasing a membership. This is completely unacceptable and sneaky! I'll just go hiking elsewhere where I don't have to pay outrageously high fees.

Still no boat rentals "due to covid" how long are we going to use covid as an excuse for laziness

Ah, Webster's and Tew's, what wonderful memories.until it was ruined by HCA! Expensive and restrictive, like all things run by these Karens.

It used to be possible to just park at the park and enjoy a picnic. It used to be wide open so kids could bathe under Webster's falls, and you could walk from Webster's to Tew's via a trail or go down into the valley and see fire-flies at dusk. You used to be able to hike here from other parks as well.

Now you must pay a lot of money to take a shuttle to get in so forget about having a picnic. It takes a lot of time to get in and out. Access to the trails below is now restricted. The toilets are disgusting and the place seems messier than before.

I had such wonderful memories at this park. Save your money and go to Niagara Falls instead.

The pay machine didn’t working so people cannot get in.and the staff was trying to open the gate and it was not working at all! Horrible!
It was much better years before! I’m so disappointed for this service. Btw, the parking fee is $16! Lol

I am raising a concern regarding the reservation system.

A few weeks ago, moment after I made a booking (Reservation No: INHC22-303306B1), I realized I booked the incorrect session and cancelled and re-booked it 5 mins later. I understand the processing fee s not refundable However, when I check my accnt wks later, the entire bookings (for three adults) are not refunded. If this s the case, for a 2-hour pleasant hike, it costs my family over 70 dollars and pays for a booking that s cancelled right on the spot.

With the current booking system of no other purchase option, it doesnt allow for human errors and people do make mistakes. The conservation view is surreal but reaching there might frustrate your patrons rather often.

Be precautious when it comes to yr reservation

If you're going to charge $40 for a park visit, maybe hire someone to pick up the phone during business hours.

If you're going to charge $40 for a park visit, maybe hire someone to pick up the phone during business hours.

Visiting again from Australia again after 6 years and Happy to pay the new $35 fee, however the toilets are disgraceful they where piled up to the seats with.you know what! Looks like they only get cleaned a few times a year? , I think management might need to allocate some of their new revenue to upkeep? Poor management.

I bought a yearly membership pass thinking that’s all I need to enjoy the beautiful conservation parks. Wrong! I have to pay additional $10 reservation fee for EACH booking for a two hour time slot- that can add up really fast. Ridiculous. That’s a deterrent from having an active lifestyle. You can manage crowd control without gouging money. Eliminate reservation fee.

I am happy to pay for the upkeep of our parks. However, these charges are excessive. You are charged for everything. Surprised they don't charge you for breathing. Definitely some pandemic price gouging here.

And the limited time they give you to even enjoy the park is ridiculous.

It is unfortunate because it will bite them back as people won't want to come to their parks anymore. Even making the reservation was cumbersome

Impossible to contact. Went there in person and door locked with note to call and make appointment. Called and left message four times over two months and no one calls you back.

Wish I could give 0 stars. I’m glad I have to start paying 7.50 just to go on walk near my conservation area. Like why even