Distance hiked: 8.0km
Location: Bruce Trail, Ontario
Date: May 17, 2020
We initially planned to spend the Victoria Day long weekend at Acadia National Park in Maine, which has become a bit of a spring tradition for us. But because of the pandemic, our plane tickets and campsite reservation were cancelled a couple of months ago. Instead we planned to spend our long weekend hiking close to home in Ontario.
The weather forecast for the long weekend wasn’t looking ideal. We had fabulous weather on Saturday and went hiking at the Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, but the forecast was calling for lots of rain Sunday (30 – 40mm) and Monday (50 – 75mm). The rain wasn’t supposed to start until later on Sunday, so we decided to get our hiking in first thing in the morning at the Silver Creek Conservation Area.
We parked along the road by this lovely little waterfall and first hiked along the Bruce Trail through the southern portion of the conservation area. The path was a bit rocky, but was quite scenic with the trees starting to bud and trilliums in bloom.
The path leads through a forest, down (and then up) a valley and crosses a creek. The path then crosses the road into the main entrance of the Silver Creek Conservation Area.
We turned off at the Roberts Side Trail and followed it back to the main entrance of the conservation area. The side trail weaves through the forest and features a stretch of boardwalk along the edge of a shallow pond.
Once we made it back to the main entrance of the conservation area, we walked along the road back to the car to avoid hiking down and up the valley again.
While we didn’t get to spend our long weekend at Acadia National Park, we were still able to get some hiking here in Ontario.
L
My progress on the 52 Hike Challenge can be found here
Glad you got your hike in before the rain. We long for the time we can get back to Jasper National Park for some hiking, but that could be a while yet. Stay well. Allan
Turns out that it didn’t start raining until much later in the evening, so we would have been fine either way. The one advantage to hiking first thing in the morning though is that we’re usually able to find parking and there are less people around. Fingers crossed that the national parks open up for camping soon. I spent about a day in Jasper a few years ago, which was so not enough time. I would love to go back there one day. Take care.
I’m sorry to hear your trip to Maine National Park had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus. It’s such an amazing place and they have one of the most beautiful lighthouses too. I’m glad you made the most of the long weekend, I have to use Google to find out what Victoria Day is. Thanks for sharing and take care 😊 Aiva
There are an insane number of lighthouses in Maine. Apparently it is commonly referred to as The Lighthouse State. I guess it’s not that surprising given that Maine has a large stretch along the coastline and various inlets and islands. Hopefully we’ll be able to spend next year’s Victoria Day long weekend in Acadia National Park. Thanks for reading.
You definitely made the most of a bad situation— not being able to take the trip you had planned. And your pictures show lovely, peaceful sights. So, kudos to you for staying positive and enjoying what you can.
For sure. While it’s not the hiking adventure we initially planned, we’re still happy that we were able to spend time outdoors. The pandemic has given me a good opportunity to explore new trails and hiking areas closer to home. Thanks for reading.
You know, there have been some benefits to sheltering in place. I’m finding new pathways in my neighborhood and I’m taking pictures of flowers growing here as well. I hope you’re beginning to open up where you are, and I definitely hope we’re sending the virus on its way.