The first weekend following one of us starting a new job, we were itching to get out of the house. First time in years we now both have weekends off! This deserved celebration.
We decided we were going for a short drive north to check out some local fishing spots, courtesy of a popular app we downloaded where locals can pinpoint fishing holes and give feedback. We tried a few different spots, of course most of them being private property and not able to fish on, and finally ended up at the very end of 13th Line in Bradford West Gwillimbury, Ontario, where the road meets Holland River.
Looking out North over fields from 13th Line.
We weren’t sure if we would be able to access the marshland area as it is surrounded by private land. Keep in mind to be quiet and respect neighbours when visiting – leave no trace!
After a short walk from the end of 13th Line, we reached a clearing with access to the river. Note that the trip from the road to the river is super muddy, and because you’re entering marshland, you’re probably going to get your feet stuck in mud or water once or twice. Trust me.
Underestimate muddiness = R.I.P. shoes (and quite possibly pants, too).
There is no real stable ground to rest or place anything on; it’s mostly fallen bulrushes and cattails mixed with mud, depending on water levels. But it’s definitely a great spot to access the Holland River.
Birding
The first thing you will notice when turning onto Line 13 from Yonge Street is a large bird of prey habitat atop of a power line. When we reached the end of Line 13, we spotted an Osprey gathering sticks to bring back to the nest.
Have you visited this area? Let us know in the comments down below!
Camping at Oastler Lake Provincial Park – Site #151
Woohoo! Finally COVID cases are decreasing in Ontario, and Ontario Parks has now made overnight camping open to the public. We snagged a last-minute camping spot at Oastler Lake Provincial Park located near Parry Sound just days before planning on camping. We snagged campsite #151 – and I can say it’s one of the best […]
Birding at Milne Dam Conservation Park in Markham
Being the first visit to this conservation area, the moment I stepped out of the car, I knew this would not be the last! Just by where my car was parked at the end of Princess Street, many birds were singing to each other amongst the trees off the road. It is a great recreational […]
Valley Farm Ravine in Pickering
Valley Farm Ravine is nestled between the suburbs of Major Oaks and Pine Ridge in Pickering, Ontario. Recently, a trailhead entrance with new parking was upgraded on Valley Farm Road in Pickering just south of Duffins Creek and north of Finch Avenue. The terrain itself is fairly even in its elevation and makes for a […]
Heber Down Conservation Area in Whitby
Heber Down Conservation Area is located in Whitby, and is owned by Central Lake Ontario Conservation. The area features 687 acres and three trail loops altogether over 5 kilometres. In exploring, you will come across forest, meadow, and wetlands. Devil’s Den Trail We started our journey from the main parking lot off Lyndebrook Road. There […]
Hiking at Greenwood Conservation and Brock Lands
Greenwood Conservation and Brock Lands are located on the northwest border of where Ajax meets Pickering. The area covers over 1660+ acres of land, and offers 35+ km trails. The terrain is a mix of meadows, forested areas, and rivers. There are a few different entrances featuring parking, including on Church Street, and Concession Road […]
Sunny Day at Wilder Forest in Uxbridge
The first time in visiting Wilder Forest was so enjoyable, we took the time to visit again (see our first visit to Wilder Forest here). Wilder Forest is just under an hour drive from Toronto, to the north-east. Being the first sunny and warm day of March, we wanted to revisit the forest! The terrain […]
Now that’s dedication! Hopefully the bugs weren’t too bad.
LikeLike
Luckily they weren’t too bad – I have no idea why! Haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person