We've been fortunate that it's been a warm fall. As such none of the winter activities like snow shoe rentals have opened, even north of Toronto yet. It will likely be another week or two before they do. Because of this, and because we needed to get outside, we ended up breaking our "no hiking unless it's at least six degrees outside" rule. It was worth it, even though it was close to -10 with the wind chill.
This past Saturday we hiked 5KMs worth of trails at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.
Wye Marsh boasts being open 362 days a year and is located just north/west of Orillia in Tay, Ontario.
Entry is $12 for adults and $9 for kids and is well worth it. Covered in your entry is some bird seed to allow you to feed the Chickadees while you wander the grounds.
Wye Marsh is a charitable organization that houses 3,000 acres of wetlands and woods. It is also home to 12 birds of prey, 6 turtles, and 2 snakes who require special care and would not survive in the wild. We were particularly taken with the snapping turtle, white owl, and bald eagle.
We spent over two and a half hours exploring the grounds, hiking, and enjoying the company of our chickadee friends.
Seeing the ducks and swan gather on the pond while ice began to form around the edges was pretty, especially since we don't get out into the wild quite as much this time of year.
When my sister in law saw the photos she mentioned that we all officially became Disney Princesses with adorable birds eating out of our hands. I argued that we were maybe a little more like the bird lady from Home Alone 2, but it was an amazing experience just the same.
The kids explored a lean-to shelter along the hike.
The boardwalk hike provided an easy to follow path for us.
One of the benefits of masking up for COVID-19 prevention is that your mask also keeps your face warm.
Along our path we spotted a small dock spider looking for somewhere to wait out the winter. Can you see him?
Wye Marsh is also home to bees. You can even buy their wild flower honey from their gift shop.
Such a pretty, frosty day. I'm happy to report that our new thermal gear worked and not once did anyone complain about being cold. We will definitely be back here, maybe in the spring and summer to enjoy some of the sites via a canoe rental and may try some snow shoeing here come winter. We are happy to support this amazing home for so many wonderful creatures! You can buy an annual membership, day pass, or simply visit their gift shop for some amazing purchases. We think the kids will remember this specific hike for quite some time!
