The Matchedash Bay Provincial Wildlife Area, which is the largest marsh in the area, is located just outside of Coldwater. There and 3 trails, of varying length, which are fairly flat with earth, grass and natural covering.
Here at the Matchedash Bay Provincial Wildlife Area, where granite shield meets limestone plain, wetlands, forests and rock outcrops come together to form unique habitats.
The Cowan Nature Trail – Highlights George Cowan’s role in the development of eastern Canada. Link to trail map: Cowan-Trail-Map
The Thiffault Nature Trail – Guides visitors through Thiffault Marsh and introduces popular wetland species. 2.3 km. Access off of Quarry Rd. 44.7717486 and 79.688078 Link to trail map: Thiffault-Trail
The Brereton Nature Trail – Provides historical accounts of the area from the vantage point of Brereton Marsh’s diked shores.
While on the trails please obey posted signs, keep your pets leashed and refrain from using motorized vehicles. Please also note that Black Bears are present on the property.
Fishing and waterfowl hunting are popular pastimes at Matchedash Bay. Shallow weedy waters are home to small and large-mouthed bass, pike, perch, and sunfish for the kids! Fish from the trail, or troll the mouth of the Coldwater or North Rivers for migrating walleye and salmonids. White-tailed deer, black bear, moose, and wild turkey are just some of the game species present. For more information on fishing and hunting opportunities at Matchedash Bay please contact MTM at (705) 322-2200.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Simcoe County
Nearby towns and cities: Coldwater | Orillia
Trail feature tags: Marsh | Viewing Platform
MATCHEDASH BAY PROVINCIAL WILDLIFE AREA characteristics
Length: 3 trails of varying length.Difficulty: Easy (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Snowshoeing, and Cycling
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported
Amenities: Outdoor privy, picnic shelter, beaver lodge
Attractions: Viewing platform
Contact:
MTM Conservation 1-705-322-2200
Find it: North of Coldwater on County Road 17 (Upper Big Chute Rd). Turn left onto Lawson Line to Kinnear Sideroad. Turn left and follow to entrance and parking.
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.7453310
Longitude: -79.6603850
Hello, do you have any programs or dedications for memorials for this trail?
Thank you for your enquiry, Elise! Ontario Nature Trails is simply a database of nature and hiking trails in Ontario. We do not own or manage any of the listed trails. Your enquiry is timely however as I have done some searching and determined that this trail is no longer maintained as the originating group has disbanded. Thus I will be deleting this trail from our database.
Be very careful there is a large wasp nest on the lookout tower!! My family and I were attacked, besides that is it a beautiful, well kept trail