These magical Ontario wetlands offer scenic hikes and more
The warm-weather months that extend into fall in Toronto are unparalleled, with countless street festivals, outdoor concerts and movie screenings, patio parties, island forays, and more as residents (and businesses) try to pack in as much as they can before the arrival of winter.
But the constant action can be a little overwhelming, especially in a city as big and bustling as the 6ix, which is why so many people end up itching for a return to nature to breathe some fresh air, touch some grass, and, in autumn, stare out over a sea of red and orange hues as the leaves change.
Camping, cottaging, boating, swimming, hiking; Ontario, thankfully, is home to tons of spots to do all of the above. And if you're looking for a new-to-you natural reprieve full of fresh air and greenery to try — and one that isn't too far outside of the city — there are a number of stunning, rare and biodiverse wetlands within the GTA that are full of wildlife, flora and, most importantly, some peace and quiet.
These settings are perfect for wandering among the trees, watching birds and other critters, paddling peacefully along the water, or just enjoying and learning more about our natural surroundings.
Plus, along with fostering thousands of variable plant and animal species, wetlands help to purify our water and air, helping to prevent flooding and offset carbon emissions.
Consider giving them a try for a half-day trip out of the concrete jungle before the cold settles in — and, of course, be respectful of your surroundings and mindful of your impact on them if you visit.
Luther Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area
This sprawling conservation area covers 5,780 hectares just outside of Orangeville (about 1.5-2 hours from Toronto), with the eponymous Luther Lake at the centre of it all.
The body of water was created by a dam in the 1950s and is sprinkled with a handful of islands that you can weave around and explore. Canoe or kayak atop the tranquil waters as you experience some of the best bird-watching in the province, as the green space is known for having more than a whopping 263 species of fowl.
Conservation Ontario
If you'd prefer to take in the beauty of the water from solid ground, you can head out on one of the park's marked trails, which snake around the lake for multiple kilometres. Don't forget to stop to refuel in the picnic area before you head back home!
Residents should be aware that hunting is permitted on the property during the appropriate season, so check ahead to ensure you can still enjoy the park for other uses.
Luther Marsh is recognized as a DUC Wetland Centre of Excellence educational site.
Oshawa Second Marsh
While smaller than Luther, this wildlife refuge is accessible in under an hour from the downtown core, and is also extra special, serving as not only a coastal wetland of Lake Ontario, but also the largest natural wetland left in the GTA.
Friends of Second Marsh
The marsh is home to hundreds of avian species, from migrating waterfowl and songbirds to birds of prey, plus an array of other creatures, whether they be big, small, fuzzy or slimy — even our national icon, the beaver.
Its 137 hectares grow to around 400 when the connecting McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Darlington Provincial Park are taken into account, giving you an expansive green corridor to scout.
Happy Valley Forest/Pottageville Swamp
Dozens of at-risk species thrive in the habitats of this natural, ecologically-significant and scientifically interesting refuge, which serves as part of the famous Oak Ridges Moraine (and actually boasts the largest contiguous chunk of deciduous forest on the landform).
PJ C/Google|Vlad Podvorny/Google
Enjoy multiple kilometres of wide, accessible trails — the first of their kind in Canada — plus various boardwalked sections and lookout points to stop and stare in awe at the area's streams, hills, marshes and mature forests, which include treed wetlands.
There's the potential to spot some very special creatures in this space, from Jefferson salamanders, red-spotted newts and various frogs, to deer and brightly-coloured songbirds and hawks.
Beare Wetlands
These wetlands lie at the southern end of Cedar Trail out of Rouge National Urban Park, the largest of its kind in North America.
The 4.4 km-long path includes the 1.5 km-long Beare Wetlands Loop, from which you can gaze over Little Rouge Creek and its habitats, hike up hills and down into ravines, and immerse yourself in nature while still within Toronto's bounds.
LVisitors should note that Cedar Trail is a more difficult trek than others on this list, with some elevation changes and slippery spots on rainy or snowy days.
Rouge Park is also full of numerous other paths and activities to enjoy.
Claireville Conservation Area
This space is easily accessible from not just Toronto, but surrounding locales like Vaughan, Mississauga and Brampton, the latter of which is technically home to its 540 hectares.
Along with fields, flowing streams and forested areas, this site has wetlands and is well-supplied with winding routes to explore them — a slice of nature in the heart of civilization.
Cross over adorable wooden bridges and through overgrowth, all while keeping your eyes peeled — especially toward the canopy above — for local fauna.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
You can even try your hand at horseback riding at Claireville Ranch.
Humber Arboretum Wetlands
Here you'll find multiple different wetlands, from the unique horseshoe-shaped Oxbow formed by the Humber River, to newly-constructed shallow water ponds and restored marshes.
Meander through beautiful landscaped gardens, along educational discovery walks and trails, over boardwalks and past picnic sites, over hills and around an abundance of local wildlife.
The TRCA has invested a ton of effort into rewilding and maintaining the delicate ecosystems found across these 100 hectares, and it shows.
There is a wealth of resources on these and other Ontario wetlands that you can explore online to find your next favourite reprieve.
Ontario's Conservation Areas/Humber Arboretum
