This scenic Ontario bay is off-limits year-round due to 'undetonated explosives'

Despite its picturesque shoreline and stunning natural habitats, Wellers Bay National Wildlife Area (NWA) is closed to the public year-round due to "unexploded bombs" left behind after the site was used as a Department of National Defence training range during WWII and the years that followed.

The federal government routinely reminds the public that access is prohibited at Wellers Bay NWA, which consists of Bald Island, Fox Island, Baldhead Island and Baldhead Beach, near Trenton, Ont., in Prince Edward County.

The area is one of the last undeveloped sand spits on Lake Ontario, and consists of a fragile beach, dune ecosystems, and sensitive wildlife habitats.

Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO), including bombs, grenades, and flares, have been found both on land and in water, and if disturbed, could cause injury or death to both the public and surrounding wildlife. According to the federal government, UXO is the term used for military explosives that were used but failed to function properly.

"UXO will not look like it did when it was first made or likely what most people have seen in movies or video games. It is likely to have been in the dirt or water for many years and will likely look old and corroded," the Department of National Defence notes on its website.

"It may be missing parts and could look like a piece of old pipe, an old car muffler, a pop can, or small pieces of corroded metal. It is usually partly exposed or completely buried."

Between 1939 and 1953, the Department of National Defence used the area as a practice bombing range. In 1978, the area was designated as the Wellers Bay NWA in an effort to protect its sand dunes, species at risk, and coastal meadow marsh habitats, which are particularly sensitive to human disturbances.

Species at risk in the area include least bittern (threatened), eastern hognose snake (threatened), piping plover (endangered), monarch butterfly (endangered), and eastern ribbonsnake (special concern).

Anyone found trespassing in the area could be charged and fined up to $1,300 under the Wildlife Area Regulations of the Canada Wildlife Act.