Great Lakes West

Special Places and Species

There are many exciting and accessible natural places to explore within the Great Lakes West region

1. Visit the Kinghurst Forest, a 280-hectare Federation nature reserve in Grey County which contains a remarkable, mature maple-beech forest that offers visitors a rare glimpse into Ontario’s natural past. Many of the old trees are 250-300 years old and tower over 30 metres in height. The Federation received Kinghurst Forest (240-hectares) through a landmark bequest from Howard H. Krug, a keen and well-respected conservationist. In December 1997, the Federation purchased an additional 40 hectares of the Kinghurst Forest. Follow Hwy. 6 north of Durham to Dornoch and turn west onto County Rd. 25. Travel about 5 km to Concession 4 and turn north. The road passes several pasture fields and starts to curve, with trees closing in on either side. On the west side, you will see the first of two gates. Beyond it is an old track that doubles as a great walking trail that runs to the 6th Concession Rd.
   
   
2. The upper Bruce Peninsula is known for its spectacular scenery and delicate orchids. The Georgian Bay side of the peninsula is rugged with cliffs and rock steps plunging into the cold, clear waters, while the Lake Huron side features sand beaches and warm shallow bays. Visit the National Park, but also be sure to take in some of the outlying pieces of the park, such as the former Federation Dorcas Bay nature reserve. This reserve preserves a wonderful section of Lake Huron shoreline, including fens and alvars, and boasts many rare orchids.
   
   
3. Further south, the large MacGregor Point Provincial Park is a good place to explore fen and sand dune communities with their unusual plants. This 1,200-hectare park has many trails that wind through everything from woodlands to swamps. There is plenty of bird and amphibian life, thanks to the diversity of habitats and the shoreline location.
   
   
4. The Bruce Trail is a great way to explore this region as it rambles from the tip of the Bruce, across the rugged terrain of Bruce County and into the more rolling hills of Central Ontario. You can pick up the trail at numerous points – watch for the white blazes.
   
   
5. Luther Marsh is the largest inland marsh in southern Ontario and a fantastic place to see wildlife, particularly water birds. At the centre of the property is Luther Lake, a huge marshy waterbody that’s a mecca for birds and amphibians. For example, 15 species of ducks nest here as well as a whole suite of marsh birds, such as osprey, loons, great blue herons and black-crowned night herons. From Grand Valley on Hwy. 25 proceed 8.5 km north to East Luther Concession Rd. 8-9; turn west and proceed 5.5 km to the parking lot.
   
   
6. Lyal Island - Federation nature reserve.
   
   
7. Petrel Point - Federation nature reserve.
   
   
8. Malcolm Kirk - Federation nature reserve.
   
   
9. George G. Newton - Federation nature reserve
   
   
10. Fathom Five National Marine Park.

For more areas to visit, see A Nature Guide to Ontario, available from Ontario Nature.

	The Ontario Nature Network is a province-wide network of more than 140 groups that protects Ontario's nature and provides provincial leadership in parks and protected areas, land-use planning policies and conservation science. A strong commitment and concern for nature is shared by each group and demonstrated through their own activities.