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		Hikes
		Hikes

Rattray Marsh

Just the Facts about hiking at Rattray Marsh:

		?? KM	40 KM / 40 Mins


How to get to Rattray Marsh, and what to do upon arrival: Enter off of lakeshore into Jack Darling Park, park in the Southwest lot (follow the park interior road and signs to 'park centre'). Once you've found a spot (it can get pretty busy during peak summer day hours), follow the paved path along the lake to the right until you get to the raised platform. There will be a large sign announcing your arrival at Rattray Marsh! This is the last waterfront marsh between St.Catherine's and Oshawa-- so it's well worth the short drive from the city to check it out. It is well known for its birdwatching, but other animals have made it their home as well; including deer, rabbits, beavers and foxes! We also saw a couple of swans hanging out last time we were there. Great place for kids (of all ages :) )!

Rattray Marsh proves that living in the city doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a good nature hike. Driving along Lakeshore Boulevard , you’ll soon come to the amazing realization that on one side of the road you’re looking at urban sprawl but on the other side you’re staring out at the blue horizon that is Lake Ontario . Once you make it to the South end of Jack Darling Park , it’s as if you’ve been transported into a little pocket of prime lake side “cottage country.” A quick look to your left, however, will reveal the stunning vista of the Toronto ’s city-centre and the reality check that you’re definitely close to home.

Rob and I followed the paved path along the shoreline to the West with such pleasure; the view adorned by families picnicking, brave people bouncing around in the lake, and rocky mounds that shoot out into the water for those who want a closer look (or feel of, as the case was on the eve of our trip) at crashing waves. A short five-minute walk from the almost-shoreline parking lot and we arrived at the wooden staircase and consequent boardwalk that would guide us through the marsh. Rattray Marsh is an environmentally sensitive area and the Peel Conservation Authority is keeping a close eye on the area.

The PCA also uses the marsh to monitor plant and animal species’ growth patterns. For example, they have set up carp pens to see how this non-native species of fish affects local plant life. You’ll also see that they have covered up some of the ground with large black plastic to determine the destructive potential of the rampantly growing plant in that area of the marsh. It is definitely a good idea to keep your eyes open for the interpretive signs that are posted next to these “sights”!

The pathways, a mixture of wood and gravel, are well-maintained and are suitable for novice hikers and families with small children. This seems to be a popular spot for people of all ages, so be prepared to share the trail! Of course, you’ll also share the trail with a wide variety of birds, a few bunnies and some mosquitoes (definitely put on the spray before you venture into marsh territory, also known as Mosquito Heaven). Along the route, we met three brave bunnies who were far more interested in finishing their grassy meal than dashing away from the two of us. Birds are everywhere—hiding in the reeds of tall grass that sprout from the marsh, up in the trees staring down at you or flying high above and dipping low across (or into) the water.

The very best place to see the birds (relatively) up close and personal, is on the shores of the little inlet where the lake feeds into the marsh.

If you enter Rattray from the entry point on the southwest end of Jack Darling Park and follow the pathup and over the mini-bridge and then up and down

the gradual staircase.At the base of the stairs the pathway will divide into two options, one which takes you towards the lake and the other veering away to the right. To get to the inlet, take the pathway that takes you towards the lake. Once at the rocky shore, turn right and follow the shore all the way to the point where the lake feeds into the marsh and then veer right. You will be greeted by a pond full of swans, ducks, heron and gulls.

It is a truly beautiful sight to see—a multi-generational community of bird families sharing the marsh. On the evening we visited, two swans and their newest additions to the family swam up to greet us. A mother duck and her ducklings swam past us later on, convincing us of just how incredibly fast her little ones could swim. A couple of herons were wading in the water off in the distance and gulls flew overhead.

Rattray Marsh is one of many ‘urban hikes’ that boast a whole lot of nature at its finest—lake Ontario , interesting vegetation and some impressive animal sightings. Given the fact that it is a short distance from both Toronto and Mississauga city centres, this hike is definitely something to consider on one of those days when you have a few hours to spare …or when you’re daydreaming of cottage country and want a quick fix!

Why not try Geocaching near Rattary Marsh?
(It's in Jack Darling park, where you parked...)

Official Geocaching Website

What's geocaching?

UPDATE:

After having such an amazing time taking pictures of birds during winter at Hendrie Valley Trail, I was really excited to try Rattray again. Surprisingley it wasn't very good. Not sure if it was the constant stream of people hiking/jogging/dog walking down the trials, but I didn't see anything but chickadee's, and even they wouldn't come down to feed... even after I left the food and walked away. I was very disappointed.
I might try going back during the week, and see if less people are there... but I doubt it will be much better. One side note though... the water was very low in the marsh. This might have contributed to the lack of wildlife.
During the summer, this can sometimes be a good place to view birds of all types though.

Hikes

Rattray Marsh