*** Note: Registration is now closed as this outing is now full. ***

Join TBFN member Rob Foster for a guided paddle at the Pearson Township Wetland on Saturday, July 12, 2025.  The 739-hectare Pearson Township Wetland is a Provincially Significant Wetland, with much of it protected as a conservation area, including 130 hectares by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The Pearson Township Wetland is part of the headwaters of the Pine River and contains three wetland types: fen, swamp and marsh.

Trip Description

This outing will consist of an approximately 6 km round-trip paddle into the Pearson Township Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) looking for otters, turtles, waterfowl, and other birds. Once at the small (6 ha lake) in the centre of the wetland, those who wish can walk on the floating mat to see interesting wetland species such as pitcher plants and sundews, peatland butterflies, dragonflies, and wetland birds.

Participants must bring and launch their own canoe at the bailey bridge on Highway 597 at Moore’s Creek. Parking will be at the parking lot for the Pearson Township Wetland Trail approximately 300 m south of the bridge (the same one that is used for fall hikes at the overlooking mesa).

Level of Difficulty:

The launch is steep and muddy, as are several beaver dams that must be pulled over, so the outing is not suitable for anyone with mobility challenges.  The moss and vegetation hummocks on the bog mat make for very uneven, challenging footing. Participants must expect to get feet and lower legs wet. Wear old running shoes or other footwear that you don’t mind getting soaking wet. Rubber boots can be worn, but it is likely if you walk on the bog mat that you will overtop them in places. There will likely be biting insects (mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, etc.) and participants should come prepared with appropriate long-sleeved clothing and repellant.  There are no washroom facilities anywhere on this outing.

Travel Plan:

Please meet at the Pearson Township Wetland Trail parking lot 8:30 am (see map below).  

From the Thunder Bay Airport:

• continue south on Highway 61 South for 22 km,
• turn left (west) on Highway 608 heading towards South Gilles and continue for 8 km,
• turn left (south) on to Hwy 597 and continue 9 km to the parking lot on left hand side just past the Moore’s Creek bridge.
• Total driving time for the ~40 km is approximately 30 minutes. 
• Use this GoogleMaps link https://maps.app.goo.gl/DDHhhohwybE5ky2J9 if you wish.

Congestion permitting, canoes can be dropped off on the side of the road at the bridge or can be portaged from the parking lot.  We plan to paddle and explore for about 4 hours.

What to Bring:

Water shoes (or footwear you do not mind getting wet!), sunscreen, sun hats, insect repellant, water, lunch or snack.  Each canoe must have required safety gear i.e., PFDs, sound signalling device, 15+ m throw rope, and bailer. Cell phones coverage can be spotty at this site.   

To Register: 

To register, or if you have any questions, please contact Rob Foster either by email at rfoster@tbaytel.net or by calling him at (807) 621-935. Note that Rob may be in the field in the next week or so – please be patient in awaiting a response.  This outing is limited to 6 canoes and 12 participants.  This outing is weather-dependent and will not occur if thunderstorms or persistent rain is forecast; rain date is Sunday, July 13.