Categories: Things To Do

This boardwalk trail in Ontario overlooks massive trees & lakefront marsh

Photo via Credit Valley Conservation

Escape the city and explore this peaceful conservation area near Toronto. This outdoor destination is known for its abundant wildlife and scenic boardwalk that overlooks a lakefront marsh. Here’s what to know about Rattray Marsh Conservation Area.

Take a trip down to the Lake Ontario shoreline in Mississauga, just a short drive away from Toronto.

According to the Credit Valley Conservation site, it is the “last remaining lakefront marsh of its kind between Toronto and Burlington.”

It features a handful of amenities including a shale beach and pedestrian boardwalk that overlooks a natural wetland.

In order to access the boardwalk, you’ll need to embark along the Pedestrian Waterfront Trail first.

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In totality, this trail spans 1.1 km and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You’ll come across the boardwalk about halfway through the Pedestrian Waterfront Trail.

The boardwalk loop aka Knoll Trail is only 0.3 km long but it’s worth the mini adventure.

Here you’ll take a self-guided walk, passing by sensitive plant species and spotting marsh birds and wildlife.

“Some of the largest trees in the park grow along this trail. It’s an ideal location to view spring flowers and Carolinian species,” according to CVC.

There are rest areas where you can take a seat and enjoy the wonders of nature in a peaceful environment.

Rattray Marsh Conservation Area has five trails in total including White Pine Trail, Sheridan Creek Trail, and Silver Maple Lane.

Bring a friend or your pup, as long as they’re leashed (the dog), on this serene experience.

The conservation area is open seven days a week, right after sunrise, and closes before sunset.

It’s free to enter, all you MAY need to pay for is parking at Jack Darling Memorial Park, 1180 Lakeshore Rd West, or Green Glade Senior Public School, 1550 Green Glade.

Isn’t Ontario just full of exciting adventures?