Ditch the city and head west towards Mississauga. Explore the beautiful landscapes and outdoor trails at the peaceful Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. This thrilling escape is known for its abundant wildlife and scenic boardwalk that overlooks a lakefront marsh.
You’ll have to take a trip down to the Lake Ontario shoreline in Mississauga, just a short drive away from Toronto (depending on the day, of course).
According to the Credit Valley Conservation site, it is the “last remaining lakefront marsh of its kind between Toronto and Burlington.”
It features several amenities, including a shale beach with glistening water and a lengthy wooden pedestrian boardwalk that overlooks a natural wetland.
Boardwalk adventure
It’s not hard to find the boardwalk. We recommend starting at Jack Darling Memorial Park. Follow the path that lines the beach to your left, and you’ll come across the Pedestrian Trail.
In totality, this trail spans 1.1 km and takes about 20 minutes to complete.
As you continue your journey, you’ll eventually come across the boardwalk about halfway through the Pedestrian Waterfront Trail.
If you want to extend your trek, walk along the Knoll Trail boardwalk. It is only 0.3 km long, but it’s worth the mini adventure.
Enjoy the self-guided walk, passing by sensitive plant species and spotting marsh birds and wildlife, with several rest areas.
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area has five trails in total, including White Pine Trail, Sheridan Creek Trail, and Silver Maple Lane. Bring a friend or your pup, as long as they’re leashed (the dog), on this serene experience.
It’s important to note that trail access from Silver Birch (Station 15 on the map) is closed to the public, but entrances at either end of the Pedestrian Waterfront Trail are still open.
The conservation area is open seven days a week, right after sunrise, and closes before sunset.
Is it free?
It’s free to enter, and there’s free parking at Jack Darling Memorial Park, located at 1180 Lakeshore Rd. W.
Get ready to embark on this fun adventure.
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
When: Every day from sunrise to sunset
Where: 660 Bexhill Rd. – Mississauga, Ont.
Cost: Free
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