Darlington Provincial Park
The legacy of American settlers to Lake Ontario’s fertile shore remains – a tiny cemetery and log cabin – at this recreational park east of Oshawa. From the bluff, it's "Birders" paradise. Watch for migrating birds – warblers in spring, waterfowl and raptors in fall – or resident terns and plovers. In winter, skate on McLaughlin Bay or toboggan down the hills. The park has 4 main trails:
Burk Trail 1.25 km (30 minutes) moderate- This trail moves through fields, meadows and mature forest past a pioneer cemetery to a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario. Watch for the elusive Coopers hawk at the bluff and songbirds in the meadows.
McLaughlin Bay Trail 1.5 km (1 hour) easy - As you hike this trail from McLaughlin Bay, you travel through a marsh ecosystem into the transitional zone between wet and dry land. Plants and animals abound here, especially nesting waterfowl such as the Great Blue Heron. This trail links to the wildlife reserve and Oshawa Second Marsh Trails system at the west boundary of the park.
Robinson Creek Trail 1 km loop (30 minutes) easy -Starting and finishing at the Visitor Centre, this trail follows the intermittent Robinson Creek through a forested ravine full of mature willow, staghorn, sumac and maple trees and a diversity of plant and animal life. Take along the search-for-nature-trivia brochure.
Waterfront Trail 2.6 km (1 hour) easy- This is a small section of a 350-km, multi-use trail that follows the shore of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Trenton.
Darlington Provincial Park
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