'So much variety': New accessible coastal hiking trail along North Shore of Lake Huron
After two years of hard work in the Town of Thessalon, a new eight-kilometre accessible wilderness trail with views of Lake Huron has officially opened.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with more than 100 people in attendance was held Saturday at the Thessalon Coastal Trail, located about an hour's drive east from Sault Ste. Marie.
Ribbon cutting at Thessalon Coastal Trail. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
"Thessalon Coastal Trail offers something for everyone. For the hardy, seasoned hiker the entire return 8km wilderness trail will give you the workout you are looking for," the town said in a news release.
"Want to check out migrating waterfowl or herons fishing? Many birding spots to be had. Just out for a short walk in your running shoes, pick from several loops to hike. Mobility challenged? No problem – the crushed gravel accessible trail is ready for you."
Jordan Bird is the town's deputy mayor and trail's team leader who spoke about his vision for the project.
Thessalon Coastal Trail map. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
"In 2020, during the pandemic, my family had to travel north of Sault Ste. Marie or several hours’ drive to Manitoulin to partake in coastal hiking," Bird is quoted as saying in the news release.
"I started poking around in our own community and came across this hidden gem. Fast forward after two years of grant applications and many meetings and hours of trail creation, we can now hike in our own backyard. I am so proud of our trails team’s accomplishments and look forward to exploring expansion down the line."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The trail features floating walkways and crushed gravel along with red Muskoka chairs for a break to enjoy the view.
Hiker sits in red Muskoka chair on Thessalon Coastal Trail enjoying the view of the shores of Lake Huron. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
The walkways extend to small islands to provide "world-class views of Thessalon and Lake Huron."
Guided tours were held on opening day.
"The trail had so much variety," one hiker is quoted as saying in the news release.
Red Muskoka chairs give hikers a break to enjoy the views of the marshland on the Thessalon Coastal Trail. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
"One minute we are walking along the granite rocks and watching the North Channel waves then we dip into the quiet pine forest. Loved it. We will be back."
A volunteer group called 'Friends of the Thessalon Coastal Trail' has been created to maintain the trails and fundraise for "enhancements like benches and bird blinds."
Hikers enjoy views from shores of Lake Huron on new Thessalon Coastal Trail. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
Hikers gather at Thessalon Coastal Trail map on opening day. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.
Health Canada warns some naloxone kits contain false instructions
Health Canada is warning some take-home naloxone kits come with bad instructions that should be ignored in favour of the correct guidance.