Want to taste nature and spend a memorable time with the best people around? Look no further because Island Lake in Orangeville has got you covered.
It has a huge oasis covering over 300 hectares of lakes, wetlands, and forests. You can easily view the four recreational seasons in the northeast region. Orangeville’s Island Lake conservation area has been a landscape since 1970, with two dams constructed in 1967. Two trails and an educational centre were then completed in 1975. For almost half a decade now, the island lake conservation area has expanded to include recreational play areas like roads, picnic areas, parking, and facilities, and the trails have been developed. And I can assure you have enough ways to experience adventure and thrill in this area. So, check what’s there in store for you.
1. Hiking Opportunities
Talking about adventure without hiking trails is impossible. The memorial forest loop is within walking distance of 2km, with extensive features like a living monument trail.
The Sugar Bush trail, a 3km stretch, is the best place for cyclists to enjoy a ride by bike. It is 1.17 acres loaded with a nature play area with authentic features, a sideways climbing trail, a climbing wall, and an obstacle course. The fun musical instruments are also here for your family and kids! Try to plan your trip during the summer season only. This is due to safety restrictions, as Sugar Bush’s incredibly icy, steep, and narrow terrain; this route is closed in winter.
Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail is pretty Challenging!! The trail rounds up the Orangeville reservoir for 8 km. But the good news for adventure enthusiasts is that you can enjoy hiking in all seasons at Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail! The path is covered with gravel, sand, and rocks. So, go for cycling, walking, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, canoeing, and much more. After enjoying it, you can rest on benches and rest areas.
For a more natural look, visit the island Lake Orangeville conservation area. This area is devoted to conservation headwaters and stretches 6km, with clean water distributed to the ecosystem.
2. Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve
After sightseeing the trails, I recommend you move on to the ‘Provincial Nature Reserve’ in Hockley Valley. It comprises 80% of the Cannings Falls area of nature and science. This place is ideal for hiking trails and enjoying the view of some exotic plants! The Bruce Trail connects the reserve to other Niagara escarpment-protected areas, where you can snowshoe and ski during winter!
3. Visiting the Scenic Lake
If you visit in the summer, you can have fun in the nearby waters by trying canoeing or kayaking. Adventurers or rowers would love the 400-acre lake. Also, for all my nature lovers, Island Lake Orangeville offers loons, waterfowl, ducks, ospreys, and oysters. The conservation area is an excellent fishing spot, so bait your hook along the shore to catch your favourite. Popular fish species to witness here are northern pike, largemouth bass, and some black crappies in the lake. But it would help if you inquired during summer because the island lake fishing spot is closed.
4. No Winter Hibernation
If you plan a winter visit, you can enjoy many activities at the island lake. Try skiing, snowshoeing, and walking on the gentle 8 km Vicki Barron lakeside trail. Orangeville has it all to make you feel the best of winter. The popular winter training ice fishing is great fun; try on open ice. When the ice gets frozen, trails are for leisure hockey and skating. It is such an amazing experience for all fun seekers!
5. Feel the Nature & Enjoy the Festivals!
Island Lake has it all for diverse seasonal events.
- The mind-blowing Colosseum offers free space for various outdoor yoga or walks.
- Enjoy live theatre and concerts or picnic areas with beautiful green spaces where you can walk.
- The official spring Maple syrup festival features fun traditions, games, and sugar bush tours. It is celebrated across the Ontario regions of Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Kortright Centre for Conservation, and Bruce’s Mills Conservation Area.
- If you love fishing, there are a variety of competitions, especially twice a year.
7. Dragonfly Arts on Broadway
Heading back home with no gifts for the family? Not a great idea, my friend! But do not worry; Broadway at Island Lake Orangeville has covered you. Make sure you grab some great street-style home decor to brighten your house. You can create beautiful various art mediums and collections by local artists. Don’t forget to buy paintings by nearby artists, home decor, ceramics, and some beautiful jewelry.
8. Adamo Estate Winery
If you want authentic wine, I would suggest you try some from Adamo Estate Winery in Island Lake. It is a small boutique winery with 28,000 vines that practices organic and biodynamic farming. They have designed a beautiful place with a tasting bar, cellar doors, and award-winning wines. Enjoy the special place with friends, tour the winery, and taste the fruit of their labour. You cannot miss tasting the fine wine and food with your friends!
9. Forks of The Credit Provincial Park
Canada’s oldest and longest park, the Forks of the Provincial Credit Park is named after the Credit River in Ontario. It is located on the Bruce Trail and is part of the Niagra biosphere. I highly recommend including it on your itinerary because this park is a hidden gem for people looking for picnicking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Try to visit this park during the fall season when the leaves change colour; the scenario is truly amazing!
Island Lake is a beautiful place to visit with your children and family for a fun and frolic staycation. The breathtaking views are a bonus. Trails, forests, parks, and lakes are excellent places to make memories. The maple syrup festival is another feast to attend wholeheartedly and enjoy the cultural and heritage traditions. The park offers watercraft rentals and ice fishing huts, and it is a popular wedding venue. Visitors can take advantage of various recreational opportunities. So, I highly suggest you plan a staycation at Island Lake to get the best experience!