Mississauga has some beautiful parks and natural areas. None are as lovely as Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, located by Lake Ontario.
Frank and I recently took an early morning walk at the marsh with cameras in hand. Battling mosquitoes and hanging spiders, we managed to take several photos on a quiet weekend morning.
Just a warning – what I’m sharing with you here may inspire you to do some exploring of your own!
A Gorgeous Marsh in A Suburban Area
The Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is located in the southwestern part of Mississauga. It’s managed by the Credit Valley Conservation Area and is the last remaining lakefront marsh between Toronto and Burlington.
It’s nestled next to Jack Darling Park, located in a suburban area that’s fairly quiet on its own. All around the marsh are large homes. Perhaps one of the loveliest residential parts of the city, this area is extremely quiet on weekend mornings.
Yet, as you walk along the boardwalk of the marsh, you pass people with their dogs or runners. Occasionally you see somebody with their camera with them. Cycling is not permitted, so its best to keep your bike at home if you plan to visit.
Rattray Marsh is a popular spot for nature lovers!
The subject of their photos is the large number of birds that make Rattray Marsh home. Birds of all kinds come here for food and to hide their nests in the rushes.
Plant life is abundant and beautiful at the marsh. Rattray is home to a large variety of wildflowers, which include Ontario ‘s large-flowered trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit and the red-berried nightshade. There are also numerous tree species including oak, birch, willow, hemlock, ash and maple.
CVC.ca
Walk Along Lake Ontario
The trails around Rattray Marsh lead you through the rushes as well as to the beach along the lake.
You can reach Lake Ontario from Rattray Marsh. There’s a little stretch of beach that gives you a view out onto the lake and the surrounding shorelines. You can stretch out on a warm day with a picnic by the water.
The morning we were there, there was a haze over the lake, so we couldn’t see the views well. Nevertheless, it’s a lovely spot to check out, especially in the morning and evening.
Your visit at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area won’t take long. The walk around takes about half an hour or so. If you’re there for photography, you’re found to stick around longer.
There are many little restaurants and cafes in the nearby Clarkson Village for a place to eat after your visit.
Directions To Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
The best way to get there is to go connect through Jack Darling Park located at Lakeshore Road, just west of Lorne Park Road in Mississauga.
The best spot for parking is at the southern end of Jack Darling Park, which is adjacent to the Rattray Marsh Area.
From the parking lot walk a short distance southwest to join up with the Rattray Marsh trails. There are also entrance ways into the park via some of the side streets.
Question: Would you go for a walk on the trails or take photos of birds at Rattray Marsh?
3 Comments
Margaret – We used to live right down there and spent a lot of time when the kids were little exploring the marsh, skating on the pond and checking out the wildflowers, birds and other wildlife. There were no boardwalks then, but I must say it’s a much easier walk now! Thanks for the visual trip back – I must go for a walk in there again soon!
I enjoy your postings – lots of great day trip suggestions!
Audrey
Again, I am blown away by the beauty and magic you always seem to capture in your photographs, no matter the location. Always worth the click!!!
Audrey – I’m so glad to hear the photos have inspired you to visit Rattray Marsh. We had a great time walking there.
Fiona – we got lucky with great early morning light and fantastic setting. What’s funny is that the entrance sign shows that you can walk through the area, and they have a camera symbol as well. So photography is encouraged!