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!
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Now that’s dedication! Hopefully the bugs weren’t too bad.
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Luckily they weren’t too bad – I have no idea why! Haha!
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