Nature Reserve sights in Canada
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A
Kakabeka Falls
About 25km west of Thunder Bay, just off Hwy 11-17, is Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. The spectacular 40m waterfall is the source of many local legends. The moody chute is at its best after the thaw in early spring and it gushes year-round after heavy rains.
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Point Pleasant Park
Some 39km of nature trails, picnic spots and the Prince of Wales Martello Tower (a round 18th-century defensive structure) are all found within this 75-hectare sanctuary, just 1.5km from the city center. Trails around the perimeter of the park offer views of McNabs Island, the open ocean and the North West Arm. Bus 9 along Barrington St goes to Point Pleasant, and there's ample free parking off Point Pleasant Dr.
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B
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Get the flock over here and look out for some foul play at this nature reserve. With more than 260 bird species calling the sanctuary home, you are assured of meeting some feathered friends. It's a peaceful place with walking paths and benches to observe the residents. There is a small interpretive center to give you some more information about the birds, complete with displays that are popular with the young ones.
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C
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
About 8km north of the falls is this exceptional reserve, where you can get a sense of what the area was like pre-Europeans. There are 4km of walking trails winding down into a gorge, past huge boulders, cold caves, wildflowers and woods. The Niagara Parks Commission offers guided nature walks daily during the summer season for a nominal fee. Bring something to drink – the water in the Niagara River is far from clean.
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Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, right beside the Ste-Marie site, provides boardwalks, trails and an observation deck over the marsh. The park features an array of unusual birdlife including the much-trumpeted trumpeter swans, back from the brink of extinction. Guided walks are included in the price, kids can feed the wildlife, and canoe tours through the marsh are an extra $5.
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Fish Point Nature Reserve
Fish Point Nature Reserve is a long sandy spit – absolutely the southernmost point of Canada. A 3.2km return forest walkway leads to the point, one of the island's best swim spots. Like other spots in the region, Fish Point is a birder's Eden, with black-crowned night herons and a multitude of shorebirds.
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D
Fort Whyte
A vast, trail-laced natural site with an eco-focus, you can spot bison, deer and other wildlife here. Learn about sod houses and rent seasonal activity gear. Even better, in winter, toboggans are free. It's 13km southwest of the center.
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Mt Mackay
Mt Mackay rises 350m over Thunder Bay, offering sweeping views of the region's patchwork of rugged pines and swollen rock formations. The lookout is part of the Fort William First Nation, and reveals its most majestic moments in the evening when the valley is but a sea of blinking lights. A walking trail leads from the viewing area to the top of the mountain. Watch your step while climbing – the shale rock can cause tumbles.
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McNabs Island
Fine sand and cobblestone shorelines, salt marshes, abandoned military fortifications and forests paint the scenery of this 400-hectare island in Halifax harbor. Staff of the McNabs Island Ferry will provide you with a map and an orientation to 30km of roads and trails on the island. For camping reservations contact the Department of Natural Resources. The ferry runs from Fisherman's Cove in Eastern Passage, a short drive through Dartmouth. When the ferry staff are not too busy, they'll pick you up in Halifax for the same fare.
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Living Prairie Museum
Protects 30 acres of original, unploughed, now-scarce, tall prairie grass. Self-guided tours from the nature center show the seasons of wildflowers across what was once an ocean of color across the Prairie Provinces and which supported millions of bison.
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Lake Nipissing Waterfront
A walk along scenic Lake Nipissing reveals several enjoyable activities including antique carousel rides and the Chief Commanda II. This passenger liner cruises through the Manitou Islands , along the French River ($35/19) and down to Callander Bay at sunset ($26/14). Three-hour 'Blues Cruises' are a big hit during the summer (one per month).
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