Huron Shores offers the outdoors enthusiast a myriad of choices: snowmobiling, golfing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, horseback riding, boating, hunting and fishing offer year round recreation. Public boat launches, ideal for small watercraft, are available at several municipally-maintained parks. Snowmobilers have access to over 600 kms (372 miles) of trails with links to
Provincial, National and International networks. For more snowmobiling information contact Algoma Sno-Plan Affiliation. Cross-country skiers have approximately 5 kms of new trail. Visit the vast Kirkwood Forest with its stands of red pine or hike along the Voyageur Trail. The Municipality is also the entrance to the Mississagi Delta Provincial Nature Reserve, marking the mouth of the largest river flowing into Lake Huron. Bald eagles may be spotted soaring high above or perched in treetops during the salmon run. In the autumn, the Deer Trail Circle Route provides a spectacular scenic drive.
If you enjoy cycling, a large portion of the Lake Huron North Channel Great Lakes Waterfront Cycling Route passes through Huron Shores. For information on this cycling route and others in Ontario, visit www.waterfronttrail.org. The fully signed Trail is a combination of paths (21%), neighbourhood streets (21%), and rural roads (58%).
POINTS OF INTEREST
Red Rock Generating Station – the water cascades approximately 100 feet here at the last of the generating stations located on the Mississagi River before it makes its way to Lake Huron. Enjoy a scenic canoe, kayak or tube ride down the River. Watch the majestic bald eagles swoop over the water or sun themselves on the shoals. Drop a fishing line in the water and try for a salmon, walleye, small mouth bass or pike. A boat launch at the top of the Dam also provides access to Red Rock Lake.
Iron Bridge – The village lies nestled along the banks of the Mississagi River. Learn how Iron Bridge got its name with a stop at Tally Ho Park. Visit the Park in June and enjoy the fragrant 100+ year old lilac trees. For the hiking enthusiast, gain access here to the TransCanada Trail and Voyageur Trail or just stretch your legs with a leisurely walk on the recreation bridge, recently named Veterans Bridge, that spans the Mississagi River.
Dean Lake Bridge – Located in the former Thompson Township, east of Iron Bridge just off Highway 17, this steel structure spans 300 feet over the Mississagi River and is a must see for the avid photographer or bridge buff. Check out the billboard display of the photo of those in attendance at the bridge opening in 1908 – yes, the bridge is over 100 years old!
Formerly, en route to Blind River, there were two abandoned homesteads that were photography favorites but were recently torn down due to safety concerns.
They are pictured at the right.
CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE
During the summer months, learn about Huron Shores’ proud pioneer and agricultural heritage at the Thessalon Township Heritage Association’s Heritage Park Museum in Little Rapids and the Iron Bridge Historical Museum.
Take a step back in time as you stroll the grounds amid the authentic exhibits and period buildings. Friendly staff are available throughout the summer months to assist with questions about the area and its history.
Annual events include: the Thessalon Township Heritage Association’s Country Fair on the Civic Holiday Monday in August; and the Iron Bridge Agricultural Fall Fair held the Saturday of Labour Day weekend.
On Saturdays, the Iron Bridge Historical Museum and the new Cordukes/Weber 12-Sided Barn in Sowerby host weekly Farmers’ Markets from June to September. The markets offer an array of garden goodies, preserves, crafts and much more. The Cordukes/Weber 12-Sided Barn, (originally built 1919), has recently been relocated and restored for use as a seasonal public recreation facility. The Municipality boasts 2 of the 3 12-Sided Barns that are known to exist in Canada. The second 12-sided barn (built 1928), now The Round Barn and Gift Shop, is located but a few kilometres distant in Maple Ridge.
For additional information regarding tourism and recreational activities in Algoma District please visit Algoma Kinniwabi Tourism Association’s web site: Algoma Country