Over 300 different species of birds pass through the Long Point area every year during migration periods.
The Big Creek National Wildlife Area (NWA) has a gorgeous 2km trail through the marshes in the Long Point area. This NWA is home to birds, frogs, turtles, amphibians, insects and many other species which rely on the wetland for their main habitat. These marshes are remarkably undisturbed compared to other marshes along the Great Lakes coasts. The trail takes you through different parts of the marsh, with some grassy areas and some open water areas. At the trail head, there is a lookout point and small lookout tower so you can see out over the marshlands. If you’re quiet enough going up the tower, the marsh will likely be filled with waterfowl (depending on the time of the year). If you want to see a variety of species of birds, go in the spring or fall when they are migrating.
A look-out tower is located near the entrance, and from it you can view the entire Wildlife Area.
The water levels within some sections of the wetlands at Big Creek are artificially controlled using an impoundment technique. The water-level variation has vastly improved the habitats at Big Creek NWA.
Trail Location:
The entrance to the National Wildlife Area is located on the causeway on Highway 59 just 3km southwest of Port Rowan. There is a parking area and signage located at the entrance which will be on your right when heading towards Long Point.
Availability
The National Wildlife Area is open to the public from mid-May to mid-September for bird watching, hiking and photography, on designated trails and dyke tops.
Link to trail map: https://norfolk.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ffb64f3519b44a49a87fe5ae88291d9d&find=big%25creek%25national%25wildlife%25area
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Norfolk CountyNearby towns and cities: Port Rowan
Trail feature tags: Lookout
BIG CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE CENTRE characteristics
Length: 2 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Compacted soil/hard packed
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported
Amenities: None reporeted
Attractions: Lookout
Contact:
enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only)
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 42.5900510
Longitude: -80.4457980