Thanksgiving long weekend is my personal prompt for outdoor exploration. As much as I relish the vast natural wonders the nation has to offer, the harvest season is, simply put, just wholly more inviting. The breezy, balmy conditions and striking sceneries are arguably enough to coax to any Ontarian out of their pod of mundaneness into the wild, embracing the very essence of "being one with nature".
Leading up to the three-day weekend, I had been researching areas of interest. My coworker (and fellow baking enthusiast) had spoken highly of Sauble Beach, spurring a surge of intrigue. This location was an approximate 2.5h drive northwest; being just south of Tobermory, it was closer to Lake Huron than our usual fall getaway at Lake Simcoe. Devoid of the chauffeur services of the sleepy polar bear, I had to be selective: The extensive round trip ought reward me with breathtaking views. But colour change is a natural phenomenon, uncontrolled by mankind.
I proceeded with what any s̶a̶n̶e̶ critical person would do and resorted to the Fall Colour Report by Ontario Parks. Most of the province was a steady yellow, indicating pending colour change. Alas, there was one spot with a decidedly red indicator: Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
I proceeded with what any s̶a̶n̶e̶ critical person would do and resorted to the Fall Colour Report by Ontario Parks. Most of the province was a steady yellow, indicating pending colour change. Alas, there was one spot with a decidedly red indicator: Bronte Creek Provincial Park.
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Hurriedly preparing for a site visit, I checked only the travel time and availability of lavatories, and not the trip's potential economic impacts. Twenty minutes on the QEW later, we turned onto the Burloak Drive off-ramp. The first stop was Tim Hortons, for the obvious need for indoor plumbing facilities. Then, we navigated towards the park's sole access point off Burloak, eventually arriving at a toll house.
Admission fees would be required for all visitors, whether day use or camping. Seasonal and annual passes were also available, though only the Day Use numbers were applicable to us. This permit would enable parking on site and access to all trails and attractions beyond the campgrounds. Adults would be subject to a rate of $18, while Seniors (aged 65 and above) a rate of $14.50. There were no discounts for children under 12 years of age. Fees are taken per vehicle, rather than individual visitors, thus it is advised to carpool for maximum utilization.
Admission fees would be required for all visitors, whether day use or camping. Seasonal and annual passes were also available, though only the Day Use numbers were applicable to us. This permit would enable parking on site and access to all trails and attractions beyond the campgrounds. Adults would be subject to a rate of $18, while Seniors (aged 65 and above) a rate of $14.50. There were no discounts for children under 12 years of age. Fees are taken per vehicle, rather than individual visitors, thus it is advised to carpool for maximum utilization.
Maneuvering along the perimeter of the site to Parking Lot F, we pulled into the busiest lot - which, frankly, wasn't all that busy - and secured a shaded spot on the gravel terrain.
Past the plethora of picnic tables and Spruce Lane Farm we tread. The Spruce Lane Farmhouse was closed at this time, but presumably served similar heritage value to The Bradley House closer to home. The area featured farm activities and animals, haystacks, a tractor, and even playground facilities, rendering it exceptionally family-friendly. It also led into the Trillium Trail, a short 1.1 km loop featuring Harvest Story graphics and rhyming sequences.
Past the plethora of picnic tables and Spruce Lane Farm we tread. The Spruce Lane Farmhouse was closed at this time, but presumably served similar heritage value to The Bradley House closer to home. The area featured farm activities and animals, haystacks, a tractor, and even playground facilities, rendering it exceptionally family-friendly. It also led into the Trillium Trail, a short 1.1 km loop featuring Harvest Story graphics and rhyming sequences.
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We greeted the cows on the field before heading in the direction of the Half Moon Valley Trail. The quad of brown and spotted species appeared sluggish and somewhat irritable, all opting to remain seated instead of grazing.
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The Half Moon Valley Trail was designated as Trail 6, with copper-coloured trail markers visible along its entirety. Numbered checkpoints were also spotted at each fork and after each major elevation change. The extent of the trails were identified with extreme clarity, with closed connection points signed for "trail maintenance" and width clearly defined to prevent tick infestation or cow parsnip burns. As always, staying on the main trail is advised, especially when near steep sections by the ravine.
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Elevation differences along the trail were minimal, making for a relatively easy hike. Furthermore, wooden stairwells and boardwalks were maintained very well, facilitating the trek overall. Rocks and roots along the main path were rare, but usually obvious.
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