Sunflower Farm Visit & Guided Lake Hike in Caledon
Campbell's Cross Farm is one of Ontario's largest sunflower destinations, with wandering paths through towering blooms, photo spots around every corner, a café, and their famous watermelon sandwich. Take your time here.This is the unhurried part of the day.
Then we head to Island Lake Conservation Area for a guided 8 km hike along the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail. Long wooden boardwalks stretch across the reservoir, offering views of quiet coves, wetlands, and forested shores. The trail is flat and well-maintained, with benches and rest areas throughout. Keep your eyes open for herons, turtles, and the occasional bald eagle overhead.
Sunflowers and a lakeside hike. A full day outdoors. No car, no planning, no hassle.
Pickup Locations
What will we do at Campbell's Cross Farm?
You'll have free time to explore 30+ acres of sunflower fields at your own pace. Wander the paths, take photos at the various scenic spots (including a heart-shaped sunflower cutout, vintage truck, and giant LOVE sign), and soak in the views of 700,000 blooming sunflowers. There's also a farm café and food truck if you'd like to grab refreshments.
How difficult is the hike at Island Lake?
The Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail is considered easy to moderate, primarily due to length rather than terrain. The 8 km loop follows wide, well-maintained crushed gravel paths and wooden boardwalks with minimal elevation change. Rest areas with benches appear every 800 metres or less. Your guide will set a comfortable pace and the group can stop as needed.
What if I can't complete the full 8 km loop?
That's completely fine! Active Days trips are designed to be flexible. You can join the group for as much of the hike as you'd like, or take a shorter route and enjoy the scenery at a pace that works for you. There are plenty of beautiful spots near the trailhead where you can relax while waiting for the group to return.
]What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes (the trail is mostly crushed stone and boardwalk), sun protection (hat, sunscreen—parts of the trail have limited shade), water, and a camera for those sunflower photos. Bug spray is recommended for the lakeside hike.
Is there food available?
Campbell's Cross Farm has a café serving coffee, smoothies, and snacks, plus The Watermelon Sandwich Food Truck with wood-fired pizza, their signature watermelon sandwich, lemonade, and ice cream. We recommend eating at the farm before the hike. Pack additional snacks if you'd like something for the trail.
What wildlife might we see?
Island Lake Conservation Area is a birdwatcher's paradise. Common sightings include blue herons, white egrets, loons, trumpeter swans, hooded mergansers, and occasionally bald eagles. The surrounding wetlands and forests are home to deer, red foxes, painted turtles, and flying squirrels.
Is the trail accessible?
The Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail is designed to be accessible, with a crushed stone surface and wooden boardwalks. It accommodates wheelchairs and strollers on most sections, though a few areas may present challenges. Contact us if you have specific accessibility questions.
When do sunflowers typically bloom?
Sunflower season at Campbell's Cross Farm runs throughout August, with peak bloom varying slightly depending on weather conditions. The farm opens their fields when the sunflowers are ready.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome at Island Lake Conservation Area but must remain on leash. Check current pet policies for Campbell's Cross Farm, as these may vary by season.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain typically doesn't stop the trip—the trails are well-drained and a walk among misty sunflowers can be quite atmospheric. In the event of severe weather, we'll be in touch about alternatives or rescheduling.
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