Ontario’s panoramic ‘Heaven’s Gate’ trail is home to very rare animals

With a name like “Heaven’s Gate”, you’ll want to see what this Ontario trail has to offer. It’s so beautiful that it has served as inspiration for the Group of Seven. Here’s what to know.

According to the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, “Heaven’s Gate” is a rough translation of its real Anishinaabe name, Kitchitwaa Shkwaandem.

This special place is the result of an acquisition by community donations, as well as the federal government’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Canada’s Nature Fund, and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance.

It was acquired in 2021 “to protect culturally and ecologically significant land from development and bridge the gap between LaCloche Provincial Reserve and Killarney Provincial Park,” according to the Conservancy.

Recent Posts:
This town with six sandy beaches has the most spectacular sunsets in Ontario
This white sand beach near Toronto is in a provincial park that’s a ‘hidden gem’

“The landscape of Heaven’s Gate inspired members of the Group of Seven, some of whose iconic paintings were created in the area.”

The land itself is extremely biodiverse and it’s home to 12 at risk species, three lakes and two mountains within its borders along the ancient Canadian Shield landscape.

The land itself sprawls over 1,900 acres and it offers stunning hiking trails to enjoy the surrounding nature to its fullest.

“Hiking in this pristine environment you’re likely to see some of our rarest and most beautiful flora and fauna, including Bald and Golden Eagles, River Otters, Blanding’s Turtles and maybe, if you’re lucky, catch a sign of magestic Algonquin Wolves,” shares the EBC.

In fact, Northeastern Ontario’s tourism website says it’s “one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets.”

The trails of Heaven’s Gate can be accessed from multiple points along Highway 6 and on Bay of Islands Drive.

Looks like a trip to Heaven’s Gate is in order.