Minesing Wetlands: Everglades of the North

ARTICLE BY ESCARPMENT MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY CARA WILLIAMS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAY DOLAN

Navigating the waterways of the Minesing Wetlands is more than an adventure; it’s an exploration of one of Southern Ontario’s largest and most diverse ecosystems.

Today, the Minesing Wetlands are touted as one of the most diverse and ecologically significant wetlands in Ontario. A living testament to the powerful forces of nature, it was shaped by glacial and post-glacial processes over the past 20 millennia. This incredible journey through time has led to the convergence of the Nottawasaga River, Mad River, Willow Creek, and Coates Creek. Spanning more than 15,000 acres, the wetland’s unique hydrology provides for an interconnected network of swamps, fens, bogs and marshes and is a hotspot for conservationists, recreation and tourism—especially for birding and eco-tours.

At first glance, the long-dead standing trees that line the wetlands might seem forlorn or even out of place, but they actually support Ontario’s second-largest great blue heronry, with approximately 200 nests near the confluence of the Mad and Nottawasaga Rivers. One of the day’s highlights was spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead, along with several endangered least bitterns, the smallest members of the heron family in the Americas.

For our little adventure, we decided to heed the warnings— we enlisted the help of Free Spirit Tours, and our guide Jim met us at the Willow Creek put-in, located at the northeast corner of the wetlands. Free Spirit has been operating since 1998, providing authentic outdoor experiences with expert leaders who equip and teach participants the necessary skills for various activities. Jim arrived with a fleet of canoes, lifejackets, paddles, safety equipment, and, most importantly, knowledge of the creek, swamp, and river. Oh yeah, he brought bug spray too.

A word of caution—paddling in the Minesing Wetlands is not for the faint of heart—the waterways are notoriously tricky, with many twists and turns that can easily disorient even experienced navigators. Hiring a guide from Free Spirit Tours was absolutely the right choice for us; Jim’s knowledge of the terrain and waterways ensured that we stayed on course and could fully appreciate the journey without the stress of getting lost.

Education and awareness are also key components of conservation. Guided tours, like the one we experienced, play a crucial role in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wetlands. By learning about the history, culture, and ecology of the Minesing Wetlands, visitors are more likely to support and advocate for their protection.”

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