Cooper Marsh Conservation Area: Trail Report

Beautiful boardwalk over marshlands for great sunrise views and birding opportunities. There are more than 130 species of birds and viewing platforms along the trails to observe them.

Suggested Stops

The post hike recommendation is to drive up County Road 2 (which turns into the 34) and it to Alexandria. Afterwards you can follow the 34 north to the 417 to get back to Ottawa. Why the post hike stop in Alexandria? Left & Write Paperie: Not only does the owner, Anick Bertrand, host the most adorable and trendy paperie shop, but she’s also the creative designer behind the GirlGoneGood logo! The store itself is in a beautiful brick building on main street. It’s a great stop to pick up hilarious cards and unique local gifts. #writeon Fauxmagerie Zengarry: Now becoming a staple in grocery stores in Ottawa and beyond really (spotted in Perth!). Lynda’s line of cashew based vegan ‘cheese’ are perfect, with a line that consists of seven unique flavours. Our fave is the Ale Aged made with Beau’s beer, sure it’s the only one that not GF, and we’re good with that. Buvette du Marche gastropub: Check before going as they are open thurs/fri/sat only but you'll want to experience this deliciousness with their incredible tapas and cocktails!

Important Insights

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), and Wendake-Nionwentsïo people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

Cooper Marsh Conservation Area is managed by Raisin River Conservation Authority.

GPS Coordinates

45.116291526106885, -74.5179867899229

Street Address

20020 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Road 2, Summerstown, ON K0C 2E0

Directions

125km (80min) drive from downtown Ottawa. Take 417 East for 60 kms. Exit 138, and turn right (south) towards Cornwall. Stay on the 138 for approximately 30kms until you reach the 401 in Cornwall. Take Hwy 401 East. Exit at County Road 34 / County Road 2 in South Lancaster. Turn right (south) on to County Road 2. Drive 5 mins. Parking and trailhead will be indicated by signs and on the right side.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from the Raisin River Conservation Authority.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

Elevation Gain (m)

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Marshlands, Ecological Significance, Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Nature Centre

Dogs

Not Permitted.

Trail Description

Right, so the trail names alone would make anyone smile. I’d say that it’s for the kids, but it made me giggle. Muskrat Motor…that’s the best. Swallow Swirl: 1km, the main marsh, half boardwalk, one observation lookout. Mallard March: 1.5 kms, the main marsh, half boardwalk, 3 observation lookouts, one tower lookout. Heron Hike: 2kms, the east marsh, overlooking the butterfly and songbird meadow. Muskrat Motor: 3kms, the main marsh, two lookouts including a view of the St-Lawrence river. Turtle Trail: 4km, the west marsh, one lookout, pond, separate parking area. The trails are well marked, cleared, maintained, and wide enough for two people to hike together side by side. Most of the paths are exposed so dress accordingly.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Cooper Marsh Conservation Area: Trail Report