The Loch Garry Fen Trail
The Loch Garry trail is a 1.9 km loop. Similar to the Garry Fen, the Loch Garry Trail is part of the Loch Garry Wetland and is identified as a Provincially Significant Wetland, and includes open water, swamp, marsh, bog and fen. The wetlands are classified as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is the habitat for many unique organisms, including two rare species of dragonfly.
Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) refer to specific lands and waters that contain important natural landscapes or features. These areas have been identified for their values related to protection, natural heritage appreciation, scientific study, or education. In Ontario, there are more than 1,000 ANSIs totaling over 460,000 hectares. These ANSIs play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting outdoor recreation opportunities while promoting economic growth in the resource sector. Ontario’s parks and protected areas | ontario.ca
A Natural heritage System is a connected system of natural features and areas that provide ecosystem services and maintain biodiversity. It may include wetlands, woodlands, watercourses, wildlife habitat and agricultural lands. Theses systems are important for the conservation of ecosystems and indigenous species. South Nation Conservation conducted a study to identify the Natural Heritage system within the County of SDG. It revealed that the Glengarry Trails are situated within a core natural heritage area.
Additional information can be found at this link: https://www.nation.on.ca/development/partner-county-planning-study-natural-heritage-systems .
Public Parking is available in the Lakeshore Parking lot, at the Loch Garry boat launch entrance .
Trail Etiquette
- Plan Ahead and Prepare. (no sanitary facilities)
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies, have a cell phone available as the use of the trails is unsupervised. Note that some areas on the trails may have limited cell coverage.
- Protect fragile vegetation by staying on the trail.
- Be considerate of those around you.
- Dogs must be on leash — keeps your dog and trail users safe.
- Pick up after your dog and dispose in bin located at the trail entrance — no one likes stepping in dog poop!
- During the winter months, the Loch Garry Trail may not always be groomed for cross-country skiing, check the website for details. Snowshoeing is possible.
- Though one can bike on the Loch Garry Trail, be careful of tree roots, loose rocks, and other trip hazards.
Please Note: Trail User assumes all risks as per Occupiers Liability Act RSO 1990, in case of Emergency call 911.
