From finding former sugar shacks to hiking grassy meadows and narrow wildlife trails, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views lit up by an assortment of yellows, greens, golds and reds on an autumn hike in the Long Point Biosphere Nature Reserve. For the preservation of landscapes and for your safety, nature reserve trails in Long Point are well marked with signage and instructions, bridges over sensitive areas, and species identification (flora and fauna.) This makes a self-guided hike relatively easy, but also further enhances a guided interpretive hike, if you so choose.
The area made up of Long Point Region and Walsingham Township in southwest Norfolk County has the most forest acreage in southern Ontario, is considered environmentally important (rightfully so.) As part of a new Canadian program to protect forests such as this, the federal government has designated it the Long Point Walsingham Forest Priority Place – one of only 11 such places throughout Canada, and the only one identified in Ontario, so far. This prestigious appointment comes on the basis of its large number of species at risk, its high biodiversity, significant environmental pressures in the area, and a local conservation community which is highly-engaged. The area covers 1,000 sq km (100,000 hectares) and includes:
- The UNESCO Long Point World Biosphere Reserve
- 2 national wildlife areas
- Nature Conservancy of Canada nature reserve properties
- 3 provincial parks and additional provincial nature areas
- 5 Long Point Region Conservation Authority conservation areas plus additional natural spaces
- 5 Long Point Basin Land Trust nature reserves
- And a number of private for-profit operations which provide access to nature trails to enjoy the area on their properties (i.e. Long Point Eco-Adventures and St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre)
Your choice of forest block in which to experience an autumn hike through this southern-most part of the UNESCO Long Point World Biosphere is broad! Making up only 6% of the area (600 sq km,) its World Biosphere status has brought with it international recognition. The stunning views and experiences to be had are extensive, and to discover and appreciate this sensitive space is a true treasure.
A remarkable jewel in the heart of the Carolinian forest region, a hike at a Long Point World Biosphere nature reserve offers trails which are well maintained and guide you through a number of habitats. From floodplain to dry forested ridges, and from marshy areas to some of the oldest living tree acreage in all of Ontario, these trails are open year-round. Autumn being the most colourful of the seasons and offering a spectacle unlike any other, the Nature Conservancy Canada has installed interpretive signage throughout its properties, making it easy for hikers to not only enjoy the area but also learn. Some feature QR codes to enhance the experience and create an educational opportunity in the process.
The guided interpretive hike I chose focused on sustainable tourism, designed to not only celebrate the amazing biodiversity of the region but also to allow me to experience the nature and history of the area. The guide identified sites of environmental and historic significance and let me explore the trails, witnessing all the fall colours the changing habitats produced in the process! All the while we hiked, I learned about biological and physical features unique to the nature reserve and the collaborations it takes to sustain this beautiful region.
My guide took the opportunity to inspire and educate me on the natural surroundings, creating a powerful personal connection with the space. Each habitat along our hike told a story of the historical, physical, and biological features, not to mention the beauty! The sun shining through the colourful canopy in spots made it almost magical at times.
The time I took to explore a Long Point Biosphere nature reserve in the fall will definitely result in a repeat in the spring! This experience was inspiring. Exploring the towering, old-growth Carolinian trees, taking in all the fall fragrances and colours, and learning from a skilled guide all combined to form a uniquely authentic experience. The forest block that we hiked was relatively untouched, and for 4 hours I saw and learned firsthand about this beautifully preserved and maintained forest with a knowledgeable guide. It solidified my interest in returning and bringing those who I know will also appreciate and respect the space for everything it has to offer.
For more information on the Long Point World Biosphere, visit their region’s website at link available here. For guided interpretive hike experiences in the Long Point Land Trust Basin, visit the Grand Experiences website for further details and booking information. Their Long Point World Biosphere Hiking link is available here as well – and this is the wonderfully unique experience that I enjoyed this autumn!
Uncommonly Grand 