The Unknown Treasures of Southern Ontario (10/29/2006)

This hike covers a little part of the Waterfront trail along the Canadian Shored of Lake Ontario.

Besides of its natural beauty and real wilderness (Rattray Marsh Conservation Area) and breathtaking views of Lake historical and architectural sites (Bradley Museum, Adamson Estate ), that reflect the history of Southern Ontario of 18 - 20 centuries, from Ontario Regency till the First World War. We will meet at the Waterfront trail close to the place were Cookswill Creek falls into Lake Ontario We will continue walking along the lake to the west, making stops at Adamson Estate and at Port Credit Marina. After Port Credit trail is separated from the lake by waterfront properties (about 15 minutes walking), however this short interruption is fully compensated by the following part of the trail, through Jack Darling Memorial Park and Rattray Marsh, one of the few remaining wetlands along Lake Ontario.

We will attend Bradley Museum with The Anchorage, an Ontario Regency style cottage and a small saltbox style farmhouse that was constructed in 1830 by Lewis and Elizabeth Bradley. It has been restored to reveal the everyday life of early settlers in Ontario. The hike ends at Lakeshore Road West and Clarkson Road. Happy ending could be celebrated at The Clarkson Pump, popular local friendly American-style bar and grill, that serves mouth-watering BBQ pork ribs as well as chicken wings, steaks and a variety of pastas and pizzas. Entrées: $9-$22.

From Toronto

Take the Gardiner Expressway West and head towards the Queen Elizabeth Highway. Exit at the Dixie exit and stay on the right lane and head north for a block. Turn left at the Dixie road South. Head South until you hit Lakeshore and head West. Just past Cawthra on the southside of Lakeshore at Hampton Court is where we will meat