2020 has brought the travel plans of the world to a standstill but yours truly has not given up on finding some scenic spots close to the neighborhood. I don't enjoy visiting the same places over and over again, hence it's actually a hobby of mine to unearth some great vacation spots which can be reached without too much of a travel hassle (considering these are the days of the Pandemic). And what a gem it was, at just about 30-45 minutes drive from Toronto (right on the border of Pickering) and thoroughly accessible via Public Transit (TTC).
When I first googled Rouge Beach (which is one of the Lake Ontario beaches), I found something very similar to the pic below but I was able to learn from Google Maps that there was actually a park right next to the beach. That clinched the deal for me, if the water was cold the park would serve me well and give me the outing I needed.
I reached the park via public transit and had to walk almost a kilometre before the beach was in my sights. The first thing to greet me on my way was a giant swampland with scores of lily pads.
From the swamp I marched into the warm embrace of Lake Ontario's thunderous waves. The sandy cliffs, the row of micro islets, the cackles of children and the peaceful hush of those roaring waters all seemed to adorn Rouge Beach with a distinctive charm. I finally seemed to have found the spot I was looking for all summer.
After playing in the water which included being knocked around by the waves, I found some shade to rest on the beach.
My urge to explore the surroundings prevented me from staying longer on the beach. I took the overhead pass (seen in the above pic) to enter the trails surrounding the beach. The overhead pass immediately brought me to this picturesque sight of the waves caressing the micro islets sprawled out in the Lake Ontario waters.
The trail then took me through a row of houses and then led me on this beautiful waterfront trail.
There were spots where I could leave the road, for a walk through the dense overgrowth adjoining the trail.
Vistas such as the one below were sprinkled all along the waterfront trail.
Where the road ends the bridge begins!
There weren't too many benches but I was glad to see one as I neared the end of my walk.
On my way back, I took sometime to tip my hat to everyone who made this waterfront trail possible for all of us.
Just when I thought I had my heart's fill, the sight of the cliffs, the blue sky covered with innumerable white clouds and the waters of Lake Ontario on the horizon left me speechless. Try as I might, I do not have words in my dictionary to describe the magnificence of this scenery.
I left the trail but the memories will never leave me. I tip my hat to 'Rouge Beach' and 'Petticoat Creek Conservation' Area and salute once again everyone responsible for laying out this trail.
Whoever said 'Pictures are worth a thousand words' was definitely right. I couldn't have said anything better than what the pictures convey. Here was a place which doesn't get talked about often but one of the best short hikes in the great lakes region. It's an ideal spot for families (there's a large campground next to the trail), trekkers, cyclists and pretty much anyone who's willing to leave the hustle and bustle of big cities for a scenic hike next to the great lakes. The trail is extremely manageable by foot totaling about 5-6 km for the entire round trip. Next time you are in Toronto do spare some time for '
Rouge Beach and PettiCoat Creek Conservation Area Trail'. You will never forget this tryst with tranquility.
Rated: Must Visit
Word of Caution: You can take pics all day in such scenic surroundings but you've to be careful when you are in areas of high elevation. Don't let kids out of our sight when you are on a cliff and do not go in to areas which have been cordoned off by the park management. Stay safe and don't let your 'joie de vivre' veer you off the protected path.
Until Next Time,
Your World Traveller.
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