At Hilliardton Marsh, an accessible trail that can be used year-round leads through the marsh, where you can observe birds, wildlife and nature. The area is home to more than 600 species of waterfowl, songbirds, mammals, fish and plants.

Nature, Wildlife and Trails

Annual events at Hilliardton Marsh include owl banding, spring and fall bird banding, a Garden Party, World Wetland Day, a St. Patrick’s Day event, International Migratory Bird Day and Christmas Bird Count for Kids. If you plan to visit for a specific event, check the dates in advance: event dates and programs may vary. In the wider region, Hilliardton Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area covers 1,800 acres and is a provincially significant wildlife area.

In the wider region, Kap-Kig-Iwan Provincial Park features a series of waterfalls and numerous scenic viewpoints. The Devils Rock Trail System offers an easy, two-kilometre hike from Highway 567. The trail is an 11-minute drive from downtown Haileybury. In the wider region, Esker Lakes Provincial Park offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, hiking and fishing.

Silver History and Culture

In Cobalt, the Cobalt Mining Museum displays the world’s largest collection of native silver ores, as well as other mineral specimens; one mineral exhibit can be viewed under black light. Some Cobalt silver specimens are on permanent loan to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The museum’s hours are seasonal, so check them before your visit.

The Heritage Silver Trail runs through Cobalt and along the opposite side of Cobalt Lake. You can explore it on your own using a guide or map available at the Mining Museum. Guided tours may be arranged through the museum in summer and must be booked in advance. You can experience Cobalt’s silver history in two different ways by visiting the museum and exploring the trail.

In the wider region, the Bunker Military Museum displays artifacts from the Boer War to the present day. Its international collection includes uniforms and items from multiple sides of numerous world conflicts. The Haileybury Heritage Museum uses oral histories, photographs and artifacts to tell the story of the Great Fire of 1922. Its exhibits also cover early settlement experiences and Haileybury’s connection to the Hardy Boys.

If you’d like to get creative, the wider region is home to Open Studio Libre, a pay-what-you-can art studio run by the Temiskaming Art Gallery. Anyone can drop in and make art. The program also includes classes, workshops and other offerings, both paid and free. If you’re planning to attend a specific class or event, check the current program, as offerings may change.

Waterfront Trails and More Activities

The trails of the South Temiskaming Active Travel Organization (STATO) in Temiskaming Shores are suitable for walking, strolling, cycling, jogging, rollerblading and other non-motorized activities. Nearly 21.4 kilometres of paved trails have been completed and are open to residents and visitors. This network offers several ways to get active, so you don’t have to settle on just one activity.

New Liskeard’s waterfront offers a roughly one-mile beach and a boardwalk. The New Liskeard Waterfront Marina is on Lake Temiskaming, near the mouth of the Wabi River and beside downtown New Liskeard. A free boat launch is next to the marina. Since availability may change, check for your planned visit.

In the wider region, New Liskeard Golf Club is the only 18-hole golf course along the 370-kilometre stretch between North Bay and Timmins. Haileybury Golf Club offers a junior program that introduces children aged six and up to golf. Seasonal details about junior offerings may change; if they’re important to your plans, ask about the current dates.

Trip Planning Highlights

When choosing accommodations, consider what matters most for your trip: nature viewing and events at Hilliardton Marsh, silver history and the trail in Cobalt, or trails and waterfront activities. Check dates and availability wherever a seasonal event, guided tour or changing facility is part of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Elk Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Latchford, Earlton, Parry Sound District, Haldimand County, Lambton County

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