Morris Island in Fitzroy Harbour: Trail Report

Morris Island in Fitzroy Harbour: Trail Report

With a large 47 hectare site on the Ottawa River with multiple islands, Morris Island Conservation Area is a fun trail system to explore.

Suggested Stops

There are a few options when leaving like hitting up the historic and scenic town of Almonte. Although you can easily spend a day in Almonte shopping (shout out to Cheerfully Made and ThreadWorks!), sipping coffee (helllooo Equator Coffee) or strolling through either the river trail or the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area. However if you’re looking for a stop on your way back to Ottawa, my recommendation in driving down Carp Rd to the quaint little town of Carp itself. Got kiddos with you? Hit up the Defienbunker Museum. It’s an actual bunker rich with intriguing cold war era spy stuff. Umm, side note, did you know they hold summer spy camps for kids?! Gawd. Where’s the adult version. Ha ha. #nerdalert For us big kids, they also host escape rooms and laser tag. True story.

Important Insights

With multiple lookouts on the Ottawa River, Morris Island Conservation Area is an excellent spot to catch the sunrise. Morris Island has a few accessibility features such as a small trail, causeway with fishing access, washroom, and picnic areas designed with wheel chair access in mind. These features are clearly marked on the trail map.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin) 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

Morris Island Conservation Area is managed by Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.

GPS Coordinates

45.4594228215542, -76.27062682056912

Street Address

156 Morris Island Dr, Fitzroy Harbour, ON K0A 1X0

Directions

Hwy 417 West. Take exit 169 for Ottawa Road 20/Kinburn Side Road toward Chemin de Traverse/Pakenham/Kinburn. On exit, keep right (north) on Ottawa Regional Rd 20. Quick left (west) turn on county rd 17. In 6kms turn right on to Galetta Side Rd/Ottawa Regional Rd 22. Continue on Galetta Side Rd. Drive through Galetta and over a small bridge. Take a left at Loggers Way to your destination.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

Washrooms available at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Yes (for a portion of the trail)

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

6

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

5

Total Distance (km)

6

Elevation Gain (m)

40

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Interpretive Signs

Activities

Hiking, Birding, Snowshoeing, Geocaching

Dogs

Permitted on-leash. Absolutely no off-leash permitted. See the Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs in Ottawa and Region.

Trail Description

The trails are well maintained, about 1-2 person wide for the most part, and clearly marked with plastic tree signs. Large trail marker posts stand proudly at the major intersections. On the main trails, scenic view points are indicated by red plastic red signs. Each lookout offers a bench to rest and soak in the calm. Some benches are even sweetly dedicated to loved ones. The woodland is a mix that includes large evergreens that are gorgeous with a fresh coat of snow. The area is mostly a mix of woodlands, marshlands, and islands.

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