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!
Trails of Silver Creek Conservation Area
Silver Creek Conservation Area is located in Halton Hills, about an hour north east of Toronto. The variety of trail options and unique geological features make it an interesting and worthwhile place to explore. The 1,000+ acres is preserved by Credit Valley Conservation. We walked down Roberts Side Trail and back west down Bruce Trail. […]
Caves at Limehouse Conservation Area in Halton Hills
Our recent visit to Limehouse Convervation Area was absolutely magical. As a proudly standing monument of geological history, the Niagara Escarpment never ceases to amaze me! The Niagara Escarpment runs across Ontario from Niagara to the Bruce Peninsula. The exposed dolostone (limestone) that makes up the escarpment itself is made of compressed sediment layers from […]
Whitevale Park and Seaton Hiking Trail
When we lived in Pickering we often hiked the Seaton Trail through it’s many access points closer to the town (Dixie Road, Valley Farm, Clarkes Hollow). This last visit back to the area, we decided to start our trek using a new entrance – through Whitevale Park. I absolutely love Whitevale in Pickering. I don’t […]
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 […]
thegroundstompers.ca 
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