Distance hiked: 4.5km
Visited: April 2024
Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is located near the shore of Lake Erie in Leamington, Ontario. The wetlands here are an important stopover for many migratory birds who pass through in the spring and fall. As such, it’s reputed to be a great spot for bird watching. It also contains a nature centre, a bird viewing shelter and a hiking trail that weaves through the wetlands.
While visiting Point Pelee National Park for a few days, we decided to check out Hillman Marsh since it’s located nearby. The two areas were actually once part of the same wetland complex. However, they became separated to make way for fields, housing and other developments.
We parked at the main entrance near the nature centre. While the conservation area is accessible year round, the nature centre is only open at limited times during the spring. And the day we were visiting was not one of those times. We could however still access the viewing platform located at the back of the building.
From there we followed the trail through the protected wetlands. The path is actually situated on top of two raised dykes. They were created to help manage water levels and create mudflats, allowing wetland plants to grow to feed the wildlife. The path loops around a wetland cell and shorebird cell.
Considering all the rain we got over the past few days, the ground was surprisingly in good shape and wasn’t very muddy. There wasn’t much protection from the sun or wind though. There’s just a lot of tall grass, which was often taller than us.
The trail passes a few points of interest along the way, including a short boardwalk through the marsh.
A bird blind in the water.
There’s also a raised viewing platform.
And a bird shelter.
Hillman Marsh is reputed to attract over a hundred species of migrating birds, including sandpipers, ducks and warblers. It also attracts and supports marsh, shore and other field birds such as herons and songbirds. We were a bit too early in the spring to see much bird action, which typically occurs from mid April to mid June.
We ended our hike a bit earlier than expected and cut out the short section around the shorebird cell as the baby was starting to awaken. And so we raced back to Point Pelee.
L
Love the photo of you two. She looks like she’s having fun and such a well hiked and travelled baby already. And you are in such great shape post baby!
This conservation area looks lovely and you’ll have to go back one day to catch all those species of birds!
Thanks!! She’s already so curious and enjoys being outdoors. Getting her to nap is still a struggle, but putting her in the stroller or baby carrier and going for a walk always seems to do the trick. I’m just hoping this summer won’t be too hot and humid, otherwise I’m going to have to come up with some new strategies! And yes, we’ll have to come back to see the bird migration in action. That and the monarch butterflies at Point Pelee. Maybe next year.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Hope all is going well with the rest of your trip planning.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. We’ve been to Point Pelee so many times so it was nice to check out this nearby conservation area and explore a new trail. Cheers. Linda
The photography is wonderful. I’d love to sit in the midst of number six, for hours and number seven is just awwwww.
Thanks for your kind words. It’s too bad there weren’t many benches on the trail as the area is quite scenic and peaceful. But then again, the baby enjoys the motion while we’re hiking so we likely wouldn’t have stopped anyway!
Great images! I especially like how you captured the clouds.
Thanks!! I’m glad we visited earlier in the morning and enjoyed a bit of blue skies and sunshine as the afternoon was overcast. And it got windier.
Looks like a nice walk although I can imagine the wind really being fierce. I’d love to see all the different migrating birds, that would be really cool. Love the picture of you two 🙂
Thanks!! She provided a bit of warmth and protection from the wind, which was really nice! It’s too bad we were a bit too early in the season to see many of the migrating birds. Oh well, we also missed out on the mosquitoes. So I can’t complain too much!
I love the look of the old barn that is the Nature Centre. And the trails do look interesting. I am sure they would be very busy during the migration. So nice to see you getting out with the Little, creating some variety in their life and yours as well. Schedules are great, but variety helps them (and the parents) adapt to changes. Thanks for sharing Linda. Happy Thursday. Allan
I couldn’t agree more about how some variety is a good thing, for both us and the baby. The days start to blur together, so it’s always nice to shake things up. And getting some fresh air and exercise is always an added bonus. Even though we were a bit too early to see many of the migrating birds, the weather was pretty pleasant for hiking. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Linda
Looks like now will be the best time for bird-viewing. Hmmm….
I bet it’s a bug festival right now too though. That’s a hard pass for me. The mosquitoes absolutely adore me.
Good point. They feast on me too 🙂
It’s tough being a mosquito magnet! We just need to find someone to hang out with that the mosquitoes like even more.
That is some seriously tall grass!
Oh I know! And it’s very invasive. We actually had some in our yard that the previous owners planted. It took us forever to dig up all the roots. And if we left even the smallest amount of root behind, it would keep growing. I still have nightmares about it!
Oh, well that makes it substantially less cool…
Mhm. I don’t recommend planting it.
Beautiful area 🤗
For sure. We had the trail all to ourselves so it felt very peaceful. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Linda
How great it is that you’re introducing your little one to the great outdoors already. It’s the perfect way to start their education.
Oh absolutely! We’re going to need to upgrade to one of those backpack baby carriers though as our little one isn’t so little anymore!
Such beautiful views there, and I love the photo of you two! ❤️😊
Thanks!! She seems to be enjoying the outdoors as much as her mama! It was actually nice to have her close to me in the baby carrier as she kept me warm. I imagine that will change in the summer though. That and she’s getting heavier!
Aww so wonderful! 🙏🏻❤️😊
She’s a little cutie! And she gives me quite the workout carrying her around.
💙💚
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. It’s always nice to explore a new trail.
Another lovely walk, I can’t get over how similar it looks to Sourhern Finland. Your little girl looks gorgeous all snuggled up from the cold.
How interesting that the landscape reminds you of southern Finland. All the more reason for us to head to Finland someday! She was snug as a bug in a rug in her little baby carrier. She also kept me nice and warm too!
Another lovely walk, the weather seems cooperating.
Hugs to your little M ❤️
We really lucked out with the weather while we were in Point Pelee otherwise I doubt we would have done much hiking. It was a bit windy, but at least the sun was shining. Our little M is such a trooper. She’s the best.
Wow, that is tall grass. I love that you are taking your little one out for these walks.
I try to go for a walk everyday with her. It’s nice to get some fresh air and keep the body moving. She’s just over six months old now and is much more alert and curious. It’s been fun watching her look around and try to see the world through her eyes.
This looks a very peaceful and pleasant walk. I can’t get over how tall the grass is!
It was very peaceful and quiet. We didn’t pass a single hiker on the trail. The tall grass can apparently grow two to six metres tall!
This is a lovely walk.
I had a similar baby carrier and cover. They are so good.
We’ve gotten so much use out of our baby carrier. And the fact that it has a fleece cover was such a bonus. I don’t think the cover will fit her next winter though so we’ll have to think of something else.
I see that there is a heron on the entrance to the nature centre. They are such marvellous birds to watch; so silent, so motionless as they wait for a fish to swim by, and then they are so quick! Lovely photo of you and Baby M. 😊
That they are. It’s too bad we didn’t see one during our hike. Then again, we didn’t really stop and look. That’s the thing about baby M, if she’s sleeping in her baby carrier, you have to keep moving!
“We ended our hike a bit earlier than expected and cut out the short section around the shorebird cell as the baby was starting to awaken.” In the past, it was usually the weather that dictated the timing of your hiking trips. It sounds like you’ve been adjusting quite well so far since having Baby M! After all, I guess it’s a good thing to introduce her to the fresh air of the wilderness since early age.
You bet. Our schedule revolves around her and her nap times now. She’s been such a good sport while we take her along on all our hikes and adventures. I’m a firm believer that fresh air is good for us … just as long as it’s not raining of course 🙂
Wow! Wonderful place so relaxing and cozy for enjoy
naure, walking next to the water, lovely. Thank’s for share Linda.
Keep enjoying you nature time! Have a nice day. Elvira
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. It was nice to explore somewhere new and just enjoy nature. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Linda
Always it’s interesting visit your blog Linda. Keep enjoying Nature! Thank’s it was so relaxing. Hope yours too!
Have a wonderful day!
Aww thanks! You as well 🙂
Awww love the photo of you and Baby M 🙂 What a beautiful trail as well!
Thanks!! She’s such a conversation starter when we pass people on the trails. She’s clearly the star of the show.
That looks like a lovely place to be during migration season, it would be awesome to see all the birds.
For sure. It’s too bad the timing didn’t work out. But then again, we seemed to have also missed the bugs and the crowds.
Another decently day out for baby M’s burgeoning hiking resume. I can really see the wind in action with the images of the tall grass, must have been invigorating to say the least.
She was all snug as a bug in a rug in her little baby carrier. It was windy, but thankfully it wasn’t too cold outside. Now that summer is approaching I’ll probably be missing that cool breeze the next time we go hiking.
Sad you were a bit too early in spring for bird activities but this is a beautiful place you visited. Nice to see yourself and the baby in great shape😃
Thanks! It’s always great to get some fresh air and exercise, especially now when I’m home all day with the baby. Even though we were a bit too early in the season for birdwatching, we still had a wonderful time exploring the trails and enjoying the sunshine.
Looks like a great place for a peaceful walk. I can imagine when the birds are there and active that it would be a real treat to see so many of them and hear them calling around 🙂
Even though we didn’t see many birds, we still had an enjoyable time on the trail. And we had it all to ourselves which is always a real treat.
I felt like I was walking with you! Thank you for this tranquil space on the Internet ✨️
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. It’s always fun to discover a new trail. While we were a bit too early in the season to see many birds, we also missed the bugs. Cheers. Linda
A pleasure, thanks 😊
Yet another wonderful place to explore on foot and with a baby as there are plenty of walking trails, a nature centre, washrooms and viewing towers. I’ve actually never been to a place where water levels are actively managed in order to create mudflats – I’d like to visit one day! Thanks for sharing, and have a good day. Aiva xx
This area is such an important spot for many migrating birds. It was neat to learn about how they restored and protected the coastal wetlands which involves managing the water levels. It’s too bad the nature centre was closed, but that just means we’ll have to return at some point to check it out. Take care. Linda
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I thought at the beginning of your post that the trail might be muddy when it rains a lot, but I’m happy to read that wasn’t the case when you guys walked there. Before your baby can walk, she’s already going to be able to tick off quite a few hiking trails 😊!
We were expecting the trail to be a bit dodgy, especially since it’s along the marsh, but I’m so glad it wasn’t. Even though we wear proper hiking boots, I just hate getting them muddy. And yes, baby M has been getting around (and giving us an extra workout)!
Love this! Y’all look like you are having so much fun! Memories to cherish!
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. We were in our element out on the trail. It’s always good to get some fresh air and to keep the body moving. Glad we were able to share the experience with our little one who was oh so patient. Cheers. Linda
Canadian parks do such a good job with boardwalks and similar structures. The artwork on the building is wonderful!
Oh I know! And the trail signage is also really good.
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. It sounds like a wonderful place to explore, especially with the diverse birdlife and the scenic trails through the wetlands.
Reading about your adventure reminded me of the joys of sharing nature with children. There’s something truly magical about seeing the natural world through their eyes. Every bird, plant, and tiny insect becomes a source of wonder and excitement. These experiences not only foster a love for nature but also create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
I’m glad you could enjoy the hike despite the weather and the baby waking up. It’s those little moments, like racing back to Point Pelee with the baby starting to awaken, that add a special touch to our outdoor adventures.
Happy exploring and birdwatching!
Best regards,
Michael
Sorry, Linda, I got my authors mixed up.
Thanks for your lovely comment. Even though we were a bit too early to see many of the migrating birds pass through, we still had a lovely time on the trails. You’re absolutely right about how there’s something special about seeing the natural world around us through the eyes of children. They are so curious and inquisitive. They are present in the moment, which is something us adults can do a better job of.
My daughter’s name is actually Margaret. So I couldn’t help but smile when you referred to me as Maggie!
Anyway, have a wonderful weekend. Cheers. Linda
Beautiful Photos.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for your kind words and for leaving a comment. It’s always nice to get some fresh air and spend time in nature.
I agree. The photos are wonderful and it looks so Peaceful and Beautiful there.
Hope you had a Great Time .
You are too kind. It was definitely very peaceful. We had the trail all to ourselves and didn’t encounter a single hiker.
WoW. It was meant to be. Beautiful 👍🏻🤗
Your pictures make me want to visit this place. Thank you for sharing your experience. 🌺
Thanks for your lovely comment. Going for a hike here was a great way to stretch our legs and start our day. While we didn’t see many birds, we enjoyed the peacefulness and the scenery.
Yes, I think that sounds wonderful. 🌺🩷
For sure. Life doesn’t get much better than that sometimes. Spending time in nature is my happy place 🙂
What a fun outing with your little one. And such a pretty place too. I’ve taken two of my grandchildren (aged 5 and 3) to our Wildlife Reserve. They love it but their attention span is short. 🙂
Our little one was about four months old when we hiked here and mostly slept the entire time. I imagine that will change as she gets older and starts moving around! It’ll be interesting to experience nature through her eyes.
That’s awesome that, that place attracts so many birds!! I would be in heaven going there when migrating birds were there, especially the warbler. Their many songs are beautiful . Glad you enjoyed yourself
Oh I know! This area is a birdwatcher’ paradise. We were a bit too early in the season to see much action though. But I can’t complain too much as it meant we didn’t have to deal with any pesky bugs.
True! It’s worth missing out on the bugs lol 😆 😂. Their bites itch too much. I love birdwatching. I git to see a lot of warblers this spring. I was very grateful. I try every year now not to miss them. They love to frequent a few of the local trails and the nature parks around us. With work, it’s hard to find a good time to go though. I’m going to try to schedule days off that school is off so I could go on those days, instead of just weekends.
Oh yah! Mosquitoes absolutely adore me so I’m always happy to go for a hike before it becomes a bug festival. I’ve been meaning to pick up a bird guide to help with identification. We’re also planning to get a bird feeder to put up in our backyard in the winter. I know what you mean about how it’s tough to find the time, especially when you’re working. Time just seems to fly. I have no idea how I’m going to manage everything when I return to work after my maternity leave!