Clarington

Clarington’s diverse waterfront features some 37 kilometers of wetlands, meadows, forests, bluffs and beaches. Highlights include Darlington Provincial Park, Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, Bowmanville/Westside Marshes Conservation Area and the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area. Thanks to its recognized wildlife habitat programs, Darlington NGS provides a home for 870 species. Both Bowmanville and Westside Marshes have been designated as provincially significant. They are two of the very few remaining wetlands along the north shore of Lake Ontario. Owned and managed by the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, the sites have undergone extensive restoration projects. Looming to the west of the marshes is St. Mary’s Cement, a major aggregate operation and employer in Clarington. Managed by committee of volunteers, Samuel Wilmot Nature Area is 77 hectarces of forest, a provincially significant wetland, and Wilmot Creek–great place to go birding, fishing and hiking. There are two lookouts a few kilometres off the main Trail.

Clarington’s cycling advocates have developed a number of scenic cycling routes in Clarington and helped bring many improvements to the Waterfront Trail. When they are not busy supporting trails they are leading wonderful cycling tours. Clarington Cycling Club is a club for active seniors interested in cycling and socializing.

Clarington is one of the few spots in the Greater Toronto Area where you can camp at an Ontario Provincial Park – Darlington Provincial Park.

• Stock up on drinks and refreshments because there are very few amenities en route.  Restaurants and amenities available at Port Darlington and Port of Newcastle–Check out Bobby C’s on Mill Street. Lovely patio and good food.  Terrain gets hilly east of Mill Street.