Top 3 Lakes around Tay

Midland Bay is a sheltered inlet of Georgian Bay, and this section of the waterfront trail gives you frequent views across the water towards marinas, boats and the opposite shoreline. The bay is closely tied to Midland’s harbour history, but today it’s also a quieter place to watch for waterfowl or stop by the shoreline. Around Pete Pettersen Park, the trail runs especially close to the water.

Spanning 8.5 square kilometres of marshes, open water, bogs, and upland forests, the Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area is Ontario’s inaugural provincially managed wetland and a recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) for birdwatching and nature photography. 250 species of birds have been recorded here, including nesting ospreys, 11 species of ducks, and provincially threatened species like the Least Bittern and Black Tern. The site is explorable though elevated dike trails above the water, along with boardwalks, observation towers and an interpretive centre designed for wildlife viewing and education.

The North Cell is a small seasonal vernal pool surrounded by earthen dikes and wetlands. Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area does not have two formally named ponds. Instead, it is classified as a singular 600-hectare marsh complex feeding the headwaters of the Wye River.

Awenda Provincial Park protects more than 2,900 hectares of forest, wetlands, and Georgian Bay shoreline on the Penetanguishene Peninsula. With over 30 kilometres of hiking trails, four sandy beaches, old-growth forest, and excellent birdwatching opportunities, it's one of Ontario's most diverse provincial parks. The Beach Trail offers one of the best ways to experience the park, linking all four beaches while passing beneath the Nipissing Bluff and along the shores of Georgian Bay. A valid Ontario Parks day-use permit or camping reservation is required to enter the park.

This lake in Awenda Provincial Park is the perfect place to visit for hiking, fishing, and canoeing. The peaceful surrounding and flat grade make it accessible for most visitors.