Sugarbush Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views

This 32-acre island is located near Chaffey's Locks on Lake Opinicon. Sugarbush Island is an integral part of the 385-acre wetland complex known as the Murphy's Bay Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and Ministry of Natural Resources Fish Sanctuary. Sugarbush Island, widely regarded as one of the best natural areas in the Rideau Corridor and one of its top botanical sites, is a precious remnant of the region's original natural landscapes.

Start at the parking lot and follow the trail through the meadow. You'll head into a forest for some nice shade, with some grassy areas intermixed between the forest. At the fork, keep right and take the signs for the "wetlands lookout." This will take you to an area of Canadian Shield where there is some signage, a bench, and a viewpoint overlooking a marshy area. Note the beaver lodge on your left.

Return down the path, keeping right at the fork, following the signs for "narrows lookout." The narrows lookout is just a bench with not much of a view. Keep going and you'll arrive at the "lake lookout," again with a bench. The lake lookout overlooks Murphys Bay, which is part of Lake Opinicon. The island you can see is Murray Island.

Continue down the loop and you'll rejoin the main trail. Follow signs for "parking lot."

James H. Fullard Nature Reserve is home to many species-at-risk including the Northern Map Turtle, Gray Ratsnake and Eastern Ribbonsnake. Its woodland areas provide habitat for many uncommon breeding birds, such as the rare Common Nighthawk and the spectacular Red-Shouldered Hawk. The rich woodland nurtures the growth of many deciduous and coniferous trees. Large specimens of Butternut and Bitternut Hickory share the island with Sugar Maple and majestic White Pines. The understory consists of Dogwoods and other flowering shrubs while the shoreline vegetation is important to preserving the adjoining wetlands.

When the opportunity to acquire Sugarbush Island arose, supporters of the Rideau Waterway Land Trust rallied together. After a successful community fundraising drive, RWLT purchased this special place in October 2010.

As an RWLT protected area, Sugarbush Island is available to the community for passive recreational use and quiet contemplation. In 2012 a walking trail was developed leading from Davis Lock Road through the meadow and woods to the short causeway leading to the island.