The largest nature reserve in Ontario Nature’s reserve system, the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve encompasses 470 hectares of central Ontario woodland and wetland. The reserve straddles the contact between the granitic rocks of the Canadian Shield and the limestone of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence forest.
The property exhibits a great diversity of community types due to its topographic variability, as well as its position on the edge of two major geologic formations. The granitic Shield areas have rolling topography, punctuated by pockets of open marsh, beaver meadow and cedar and alder swamp. These wetland areas are fed by Corben Creek, which runs through the southeastern areas of the reserve and eventually empties into Four Mile Lake.
In the north and western limestone sections, the level topography is blanketed with sugar maple and ironwood, with areas of old field regeneration and pine plantation. The northern areas of the reserve were once a refuge for Rudolf Altberg, the former landowner of the northern section of the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve. On the side of a granite boulder overlooking the pond is a beautifully engraved metal plaque in commemoration of Mr. Altberg’s generous donation of the 101-hectare northern portion of the property to Ontario Nature in 1983.
A marked trail system can be accessed from the parking area. Please stay on the marked trails and obey the signs posted at the reserve entrance.
Directions:
From the south, take Highway 35/115 north from Highway 401 to Lindsay and continue north past Fenelon Falls and Coboconk to Norland. At Norland, turn east on City Road 45 and continue for approximately 10 kilometers. The property is on the south side of the road just past Woodcock Line and a cleared farm area, at civic address marker 4164. A gravel parking area marks the entrance to the property.
2oldguyswalking website has a great review of this site, including map and images. Go here to read this review.
Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary has just some of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
