Vernon Nature Trails is a hiking and birdwatching destination located in the community of Kenora, Ontario, Canada. During the winter the trails become cross country ski routes.
The hiking trails explore three eco systems called transition zones. They include the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Forest Region, the Boreal Forest Region and the Prairie Grasslands Region.
The Vernon Nature Trails measure approximately 5 kilometres in total consisting, of mostly, forested hikes with good signage and lookout platforms.
There is a large trail map near the main entrance of the trail network closest to the parking lot.
There are 6 trails in the park including the Aspen Trail, Bur Oak Trail, Fern Trail, Lookout Trail, Pine Trail and the Wetlands Trail.
The trails explore forests consisting of ironwood, bur oak, red pine, aspen and ash trees.
On one trail is a 300 year old white pine tree and two of the trails include lookouts (4 in total) providing views of wetlands and the Lake of the Woods.
Red Pine Trail (300 metres) : The easiest trail of the Vernon Nature Trails. The trail explores a grove of red pine trees.
Bur Oak Trail (1.1 kilometres) : One of the more challenging trails with an elevation gain of 40 metres. The trail explores a diverse forest of red pine, bur oak, ironwood and black ash trees.
Aspen Trail (600 metres) : A connector trail which connects to the Bur Oak and Wetland Trails.
Wetland Trail (1.4 kilometres) : A moderately challenging trail passing by two rock cliffs covered in moss and lichens. The cliffs cast a long shadow on the trail leaving some sections of the route muddy and wet. This trail leads to two lookouts and a small pond with a beaver dam. Lookouts provide views of the Lake of the Woods and birdwatching opportunities.
Lookout Trail (800 metres) : A moderately challenging trail with some steep sections. The trail explores a red pine forest before leading to two lookouts. Lookouts provide views of the forest canopy and are ideal for birdwatching woodpeckers and Great Horned Owls.
Fern Trail (600 metres) : An easy going trail passing through fields of ostrich, cinnamon and lady ferns. Located on this trail is a 300 year old white pine tree.
There is a covered day use picnic shelter, boat dock and washroom with in the nature park.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE
Region(s): Kenora District
Nearby towns and cities: Kenora
Trail feature tags: Interpretive signage | Lookout | nature trail
Vernon Nature Trails characteristics
Length: 6 trails totalling 5 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking and Snowshoeing
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: none
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: washroom, picnic shelter
Attractions: Interpretive signage, lookouts
Contact:
Ministry of Natural Resources 1-807-468-2501
Find it: McKenzie Portage Rd, Kenora, ON

GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 49.7256400
Longitude: -94.5811700
I have been trying to locate the people that maintain The Vernon Nature trails because after expanding the parking lot(which is great) they left the outhouse from the parking lot at the beginning of the trails. It has been there for over a year and a half with a sign that says do not use.
Also there is no garbage can on the property so the dog walkers have been leaving their poop bags on the ground or signs.
The trail is owned and maintained by Ministry of Natural Resources 1-807-468-2501.