Short and Sweet Spring Walks

Spring has sprung and we are all more than ready to get outside and stretch our legs with a refreshing spring trek. The best spring walks not only keep our feet dry but if we’re lucky we might catch a glimpse of the first buds of the season, and maybe a bird or two.

Get your spring on with these easy but fun walks in Ontario’s Highlands. Pick up some food to go and park it on a bench or picnic table and get the most out of spring’s sunny bounty.

Riverside Trail (Carleton Place) 

This one-kilometre route takes you along the shoreline of the Mississippi River at Riverside Park in Carleton Place. The trail starts near the municipal boat launch and ends at the Carleton Place Canoe Club and Riverside Park beach. There are plenty of benches to stop at along the way and take in the spring views.
Access: Boat launch at the corner of boundary Road and Lake Ave. W. or Riverside Park

Kiwanis Walk Way (Pembroke) 

One of the best places to see the signs of spring is by the water’s edge, this is where wildlife are often spotted and spring growth begins to peep through the earth. Pembroke’s Kiwanis Way Walk takes you on a one-and-a-half kilometre walk along the Ottawa River between the water and Riverside Park. With a fully paved surface, this walking path is accessible.
Access: Alexander Street or from Algonquin College

McEathron Trail (Madoc) 

At O’Hara Mill Homestead you can choose between several walks that are all short and sweet. The McEathron Trail is one-and-three-quarter kilometres long and will keep your feet dry by crossing the creek by using a new footbridge, just in stalled in 2021.

Access: O’Hara Mill Homestead, Madoc

Minden Boardwalk Trail  (Minden)

This four-kilometre boardwalk begins at the Minden Hills Museum and takes you through a grassy marsh where you can keep a lookout for one of the hallmarks of spring, the red-winged blackbird. If you have time, take the loop through downtown Minden (which would also make a great place to stop for a bite to eat).
Access: Minden Hills Museum, Minden

Purdon Conservation Area (Lanark)

This 1.7-kilometre boardwalk is known for having the largest colony of Showy Lady's Slipper orchids in Canada, which bloom mid-June to early July, but is a lovely walk anytime of the year. The boardwalk ends at a nice viewing area overlooking a Purdon Lake. Technically this trail opens Victoria Day and closes Thanksgiving weekend.

Access: Concession Road 8, Dalhousie, Lanark Highlands