Named for the eastern arm of Gananoque Lake, the Lost Bay Nature Reserve is 238 hectares in size. It is considered part of the Algonquin to Adirondack Connection (A2A) because it is located within the Frontenac Axis – the southernmost part of the Canadian Shield that forms the Thousand Islands.
These islands provide a bridge for plant and animal species to cross the St. Lawrence River, which enables wildlife to travel within the corridor between the two parks in response to environmental change, maintaining both population and genetic diversity.
Directions
The Lost Bay Nature Reserve is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Gananoque, in the township of the Front of Leeds and Lansdowne. From the 401, take Highway 2 east to Kyes Road. Travel north on Kyes Road and follow it as it changes into Russell Road and Black Rapids Road. Shortly after the community of Sand Bay Corner, take the Lost Bay Lane cottage road to the nature reserve at the end of the road. There is no parking provided at the reserve. Visitors must stay on the one marked trail that extends from the end of Lost Bay Lane.
Lost Bay Nature Reserve is just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
Region(s): Leeds & Grenville United CountiesNearby towns and cities: Gananoque | Lansdowne
Lost Bay Nature Reserve characteristics
Length: Not knownDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
The reserve is home to 24 species at risk, including Blanding’s, eastern musk, northern map and snapping turtles, all of which are struggling to hold their ground elsewhere in the province.
About three-quarters of the reserve is forested and the remainder consists predominantly of wetlands, which are provincially significant and home to important reptiles, birds and mammals. Ducks, especially wood ducks, are often seen foraging for food and sheltering in the marshes. The relatively undisturbed wetland areas, linked by natural corridors of forest, provide an excellent habitat for birds such as the red-shouldered hawk, great blue heron and osprey. Songbirds, such as black-capped chickadees and yellow warblers, nest in the tall maples nearby.
Amenities: None
Attractions: None
Contact:
info@ontarionature.org
Ontario Nature 1-800-440-2366, 416-444-8419
Find it: See directions in trail overview section
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.4705140
Longitude: -76.1044140