Along the shores of Lake George lies Echo Bay, town centre for both Laird Township and the Township of MacDonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, which include tracts of the beautiful Sylvan Valley.
Visitors to Echo Bay can visit the Loon Dollar Monument, dedicated to artist and former resident Robert-Ralph Carmichael, who designed the common loon image that gave the Canadian one-dollar coin its nickname. From the site of the “Big Loonie,” be sure to stroll the Lake George Marsh Boardwalk, a 670m (2,200 foot) accessible path offering scenic views of dappled waters in the nearby bay and of the surrounding wetlands. Echo Bay is an ideal rest stop for those travelling the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail / Trans Canada Trail with amenities including groceries and hardware and excellent local restaurants.
Those leaving Echo Bay behind can enjoy the serene pastoral beauty and lofty views in the hills south of the Sylvan Valley and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the wandering herd of elk near Neebish Road.

Trail Attributes
Distance: 18km
Paved rural and residential roads, and provincial roadways with shoulder
- Ideal rest stop along the Trail with amenities and excellent local restaurants.
Attractions
- The “Big Loonie” Loon Dollar Monument
- Lake George Marsh Boardwalk — 670m (2,200 foot) accessible path offering scenic views of dappled waters in the nearby bay and of the surrounding wetlands.