Out & About #1122 | Island Lake Conservation Area

Fall has arrived early this year. If not the cooler temperatures, the fallen leaves outside have indicated the season's long-awaited descent (pun partially intended).

Since the last July baby hangout, I had extended an open invitation for a hiking catch-up. The time was now, for Mother Nature was cooperative and a CVC Lucky Day pass had been successfully obtained.

The selected destination was Island Lake Conservation Area - not too far from the popular picks of Mono Cliffs and Forks of the Credit, and constituting more of a trail than Ken Whillans, the initially contemplated conservation area.
I proposed carpooling, for the understanding was that the CVC pass would cover any parking fees and enable admission for all passengers of the same vehicle.

​We made a stopover at Tim Hortons after roughly an hour of driving. This location featured elements indicative of newness: red lawn chairs out front, wooden furnishings, Canadiana décor details, a communal table with a curling board design surface, and even a wall mural of Tim Horton - no "s"! - himself. Two accessible stalls were available at the rear of the eatery; stick figures in red-and-black checked flannel indicated availability of changing tables within.

​It was barely 11:30 AM, but this would be the last opportunity for sustenance before heading into the woods. I took advantage of the opportunity to try the chain's seasonal Thanksgiving Stack sandwich and revisit my beloved Pineapple Dragon Fruit Lemonade Quencher.

As if in response to my woes over tradition, the $8.99 compilation did, in fact, include cranberry sauce! It also housed a plentiful portion of turkey slivers that were cut like chicken breast, but not dry at all. A mayo-style sauce contrasted against the plush brioche bun to keep things balanced. The underside of my bun was partly burnt, but that's on the location rather than the item itself.

My long-time friend and fellow July baby opted for an Iced Coffee and Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza. At seeing the cardboard box, I was whisked back to memories of Wonderland, wherein similar presentations of fast food were encountered.

Despite boasting an extremely promising visual with gooey cheese, the slab leaned dry. There was also a lack of harmony with regard to the chunky, acidic tomato sauce, which had seemingly been smeared atop as opposed to baked in.

Just as we retreated back to the car, I realized that I had left the CVC pass at home! Of all the things I could have forgotten, the item that waived entry requirements was the worst one. I hastily requested images of the pass, along with the receipt that showed my library card number. I reckoned that, if the pass numbers aligned across the receipt and pass and the library card number aligned with my physical one on hand, it would be worth presenting the evidence for negotiation.

​Ultimately, I needed not be so concerned for we had opted to access the trail away from the main entrance anyway. The P6 lot at the northwest limit of the conservation area was unmanned, thus none of the 10-15 vehicles parked in the gravel lot were subject to admission checks.

Source: Credit Valley Conservation, 2025

​Commencing from Station 49, we followed the Island Lake Family Trail from the Dufferin County Forest to the Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail, the main trail that traversed along the perimeter of the waterway. The idea was complete a counter-clockwise loop about the lake, then return to our starting point via the Hockley Trail.

​It didn't take long before we caught sight of fall views. The boardwalk featured a handful of fallen leaves, a scene consistent with the relatively cooler temperatures and gentle breeze filling the air.

​The West Bridges provided an unobstructed perspective of the receding waters. Skies were gloriously azure and UV rays were intense. Yet, mercury levels were very bearable, even embracing a light chill in the air.

View the full album HERE !

​After hastily downing the entirety of my Pineapple Dragon Fruit Lemonade Quencher, I began to seek out indoor plumbing facilities shortly into the hike. Frankly, it was more of a leisurely walk than a hike, for the terrain was as flat as could be. This was unsurprising, given that the trail followed the edges of the water; at its southwest limit, trailwalkers could also return to street level and stroll across the intersection to the nearby commercial plaza.

​I did just that. The sight of Home Hardware sparked the possibility of a restroom, and no matter how potentially filthy, indoor plumbing was preferable to any outhouse.

My worries were appeased. There was, indeed, a restroom present on site.

​We then re-entered the Vicky Barron Lakeside Trail from Fourth Avenue and Hurontario St.

​The summer months had passed me by without realizing. Stepping into nature reminded me that autumn was steadily approaching. Leaves had began their hue metamorphosis, while the skies were clear and blue, but not unbearable to traverse underneath.

​There were countless viewpoints along the trail, and even a handful of benches and picnic tables for respite with a view.

​Nearing the pergola/ampitheatre, I heard music - the familiar sound of the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack!

​As it turned out, the space was being used as a wedding ceremony venue. Overlooking the dazzling waters of the lake behind, it was an unexpectedly innovative and admittedly strategic choice.

​We continued along the east side of the trail, bypassing the Sugar Bush and Memorial Forest Trails and its playground facilities. Station 39 provided a breathtaking view of the conservation area: an assortment of fall foliage reflected in clear waters. A gentle breeze followed suite, causing nearby branches to cascade into view.

​While temperatures rose steadily over the course of our extremely low-intensity "hike", external conditions remained comfortable for walking. It was merely the unshaded segments that resulted in instantaneous perspiration.

​We concluded the trail before realizing, returning to the P6 lot via Hockley Trail.

By this point, the idea of a cool beverage sparked interest for both of us. I headed towards the nearest McDonald's, which was located within a Walmart. While the TinyTAN Happy Meal toys had landed in store, the cold drink selection was notably limited. We opted to head to another location; the stopover wasn't in vain though, for I had procured Golden Syrup and aluminum pie plates in preparation of fall baking endeavours.

The final stop of the day was Al Ferri and Sons Farm Market. With their slated closing time being 5 PM, we had arrived just in time for browsing and purchasing.

​One bag each of Ginger Gold and Bartlett Pears made their way into my hands. Next came a 3L jug of Apple Cider; priced at $5.95, it was probably the most economic find in the GTA - and next best to The Apple Factory!

Just twenty minutes later, I was back at home. It was far too soon to head for supper, so we merely ended the outing early. I minded not, for it allowed retreating back into my house to finish learning the third chorus of Dayoung's "body", a track currently on repeat for me.

​By the end of the day, I had somehow managed a combined 4 hours of physical activity - varying in intensity levels though - and doubling my daily step goal. The conversations that took place during this excursion should not be overlooked either, for the perspectives and insights of long-time friends have never ceased to not be thought-provoking, constructive, and, of course, encouraging.