Spruce Bog Trail (Algonquin Park)

One of the easiest and most delightful trails in Algonquin Park is this 1.5 km loop of the Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail.  It's really quite remarkable the time and effort put into making this boardwalk.  There are several different section that loop around giving you some excellent closeups of two typical northern spruce bogs.

Normally, one could see some really amazing closeups of bird species here, but it was really quiet and there were a few other people that had walked through the area within the last fifteen minutes or so leaving most of the wildlife scattering.

A Spruce bog is a type of northern habitat that is found in Algonquin Park.  There is an almost symbiotic relationship between the small bodies of water and the forests that surround you here.  I guess it could be described as a type of wetland but with a specific type of chemical properties with high levels of acid that comes directly from acid rain which falls from the sky.

There are some really unusual physical characteristics of a spruce bog.  You are safe up on the wooden planks that have been meticulously laid out for you, but if you really want to experience the adventure of walking on a spruce bog, you will find it's very much like being on a water bed as the whole area bounces up and down.

This happens because underneath there are floating layers of vegetation that have grown over small sheltered ponds and lakes.  On the surface you can see this vegetation in the form of moss or sedges.  Over time these plants become thicker and stronger.  In fact strong enough to stand on!

As I said though the wetlands are very strong in high levels of acid which makes it difficult for animals and plants to survive.  But as evolution proves to us, mother nature has shown to be very adaptable, and many species have survived these harsh conditions. 



So eventually, these Spruce bogs have evolved to provide food and cover for a wealth of bird varieties such as the Warbler, Swamp Sparrow and Fly-catcher.

Even in the winter months these Spruce bogs are homes to some bird species that do not migrate such as the Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay and of course the little Boreal Chickadee.

If you don't venture out onto the spongy, acidic ground of a spruce bog don't feel bad.  I didn't do it either.  Maybe someday but I just wasn't ready yet.

It took about 20 minutes to walk through it, but it was a very peaceful and great 20 minutes, so I suggest if you are in the area to stop and check it out yourself.

Vista Trail (Rouge Valley CA)

 Vista Trail is one of a series of 8 hiking trails in the Rouge Valley Conservation Area (Cedar and Orchard Trails are 2 more explored previously -see this blog).

As you can see from the pictures, this trail is a great work out, with lots of steps and steep footpaths covering 1.5km one way.

I had some issues before starting this trail today because of the weather.  I expected it to be a lot sunnier and warmer than it started out, but by the time we started moving on the trail, my body temperature started rising and my spirits lifted.  That's the funny thing about being out for walks in the woods, it always make one feel like the weight of their problems become lighter.  Maybe its the adrenaline rush, or the fresh air, or nothing more than the beauty of nature but whatever it is it works.

There was the familiar posting of 'watch out for coyotes' in this area.  I've seen it all over the trails in the GTA and Hamilton this year, and don't think this was typical every year.  If you look at this link, it shows that these carnivores are not new to the urban life and it's possible this trend my someday affect even larger carnivores.  This shouldn't be too much of a shock to us, as our population grows and continues to move outwards breaking into deeper rural areas; We are moving into their territories forcing animals out of their natural habitats.  The outcome of this leaves predators with less food and smaller habitat areas.

The Vista Trail begins The Pearse House .  This is located in the north close to the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo (see blog) and will follow you down to Twyn Rivers Drive in the south end of the trail.   You won't believe the panoramic views from the top of the bluffs looking down at the Little Rouge Creek and Rouge River Valleys.

There are a few interesting sites along the Vista Trail.  One is the overhanging tree which has bent over almost in a horizontal position for years, and has refused to fall into the bluffs below.  You will also notice a bi-level wooden platform that will gives you some awe-inspiring views looking east across the valley.

Abundant plant and animal life here in the rouge valley.  There are some very steep grades as you continue through the trail so be sure to use caution as there are deep drops.  For a 1.5 km walk you will not be disappointed and with so many other trails in the same area, you can easily spend a day hiking here in the Rouge Valley.