Callander residents Gilbert Morin and Marlene Perry enjoy the vista that greets hikers at the end of the Cranberry Trail in Callander.
CALLANDER – After years of planning and work the Cranberry Trail is open to visitors and residents of Callander.
Located at the end of Cranberry Road at the Municipality of Callander’s north-end, the trail is about a kilometre-and-a-half long. It meanders over relatively level terrain through dense bush to the shore of Lake Nipissing, adjacent to the significant wildlife habitat of the Cranberry Marsh.
The marsh is home to many different species of wildlife, but its most famous residents are the recently-reintroduced trumpeter swans.
The project to create the trail has been close to Callander council’s heart for some time, with former-councillor Robb Noon going so far as to stake it out when the idea started to come to fruition several years ago.
Councillor Virginia Onley says she believes the trail is a great addition to the walking/cycling places the municipality already has close to the Village of Callander.
“There is talk of putting in a paved trail from the Kate Pace Way to the downtown so roller bladers can visit Callander without having to change back into their shoes,” said Onley.
But it has taken more than council’s actions to make the trail a reality. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Lavigne told the more than 100 people present that many volunteer efforts went into the trail’s construction, and thanked them for their work.
And those efforts have paid off.
North Bay residents Brenda and Robert Barwell said they thought it was worth the trip to go and see the trail.
“It’s a beautiful trail and easy, too. It’s great for young children,” said Brenda. “I don’t think anyone would have any difficulty pushing a stroller on (the trail).”
The trail also has information signs where one can learn about the geology of the area and local flora and fauna.
Editorial
