Park Report: Snake through the Thirty Thousand Islands

Snake through the Thirty Thousand Islands

By: Craig Romano. Produced by: Michael Fagin

The Massasauga Provincial Park protects over 13,000 hectares of prime habitat for the endangered Massasauga rattlesnake. And although it may be hard to get excited over a venomous reptile-it's easy to be thrilled over its lair, for this elusive snake takes up residence in Georgian Bay's Thirty Thousand Islands. A sprawling archipelago of stunning beauty, Massasauga Provincial Park encompasses a large chunk of this famed region.

Although Massasauga's boundaries include large tracts of inland lakes and forests in addition to its hundreds of islands, the park is only accessible by water. From several boat launches (Pete's Place on the park's southern boundary being the main access), boaters, canoeists, and kayakers can set out to explore this wild corner of the Thirty Thousand Islands.

Caution should be exercised when visiting rattlesnake habitat, but the snake is rarely encountered. The Massasauga rattler prefers marshes and coniferous forests in its Ontario range. Once heavily persecuted, this species' population is dwindling. The park offers it refuge. Massasauga Park also protects habitat for skinks, hybrid toads, and map turtles. Bird watchers may be able to spot or listen for prairie warblers.

Much of The Massasauga remains in a natural state, but evidence of man's passing and intervention can be viewed throughout the park. Of particular interest is the Calhoun Lodge, an early 20th century cottage that now serves as the park's visitor centre. Over 100 campsites are scattered throughout the park, virtually all of them waterfront. Register at Pete's Place before setting out. Pete's also offers canoe rentals if you lack your own craft.

And although The Massasauga is primarily a water-oriented park, options for hiking also exist. The park contains nearly 40 kilometers of hiking trail including a difficult and challenging orienteering route. The 5.5 kilometer Baker Trail is one that can be enjoyed by most hikers. From its origin at the Calhoun Lodge, this trail winds through the woods and along the shoreline to an historic pioneer homestead. You probably won't encounter any rattlers as you snake your away through the forest. Just appreciate that they still survive here-and that a wild section of the Thirty Thousand Islands survives as well.

Access to Massasauga Provincial Park is from Pete's Place on Blackstone Harbour, located 40 kilometers southwest of Parry Sound.

For more information visit: http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/mass.html.