There is something about having a bird eat out of your hand that makes you feel like you are in a fairy tale. It’s one of my favourite things about Beaver Creek Conservation Area, and now that my son has learned to be a bit more patient, it’s something he also loves.

We enjoy everything about this place, and we love it in every season! Going to Beaver Creek is a relief for both of us. It’s safe. It’s beautiful. It’s full of trails to help burn off a little one’s energy. You get to feed Chickadees from your hand. We always have an amazing time, and the fact that I get to see it all through my preschooler’s eyes makes it all the better.

Even with the Covid restrictions, this is an adventure that’s easy and stress-free. The information section in the building is closed for now, but you can still go in to use the washroom and get birdseed for the chickadees. Somebody once told me they always bring a bag for the seed, and it was the best advice ever. If you forget, you’ll end up carrying it in your hands the entire time.

From there, you can explore the paths, and take in the view.  They have many different trails to choose from, and benches to stop and take breaks if you or your kids need a snack.

Of course, there is always time to feed the chickadees. We’ve always been able to feed them no matter how busy they are, or how loud my son is. As long as he’s still with the food in his hands, they will come and eat. It takes a bit of patience, but it is worth it.

I actually have a fear of birds, but I love the chickadees at Beaver Creek Conservation Area. My fears melt away, and I wait with childlike excitement for them to come and eat out of my hand. I am never disappointed. Some days, you see a line up of chickadees waiting for their turn to eat out of your hand, and hearing the glee in my son’s voice as they land on his hand makes everything better.

When we aren’t feeding the birds, we are walking or running through the trees, and stopping to enjoy the view. It’s blanketed by snow right now, but each season has something to look forward to. You can make the visit as long or as short as you want to.

It’s also a lovely way to have a safe and socially distant visit with a friend. We sometimes go alone if we are just trying to escape our house, or we’ll meet another family there so we can catch up with our friends. It’s a wonderful day trip that doesn’t cost any money. The trails are free to visit.

Honestly, it’s the perfect place to visit when you need to get out of the house and into nature. 2020 has been exhausting, and it’s nice to have a safe place to visit. It is one of our go-to destinations when we want to have some fun, and we usually leave with smiles on our faces and feeling much better after a walk.

When: Open Thursday through Sunday
Time: 10am-5pm
Where: It’s about 15-20 minutes out of town off Highway 219. How to get there.
WebsiteMeewasin Trail