MacGregor Point Provincial Park is located on the shores of Lake Huron, just south of Port Elgin, Ontario. We have been camping at MacGregor for many years now and have visited it in every season.
One of the trails that we always hike is the short but extremely interesting Huron Fringe Trail. The trail is wheelchair accessible, since the majority of it consists of a wooden boardwalk. The 1.2 kilometre trail takes visitors past Turtle Pond, the beach and Ash Swamp.
Views from the boardwalks are quite spectacular, especially when the light is right for perfect reflections. 
During the walk we often spot wildlife; spiders dangling from recently made webs, turtles creating underwater paths in the shallow pond, Green Herons perched up in tree branches and dragonflies flittering along the surface of the water.
The boardwalks have always been very well maintained and are accessible all year round. Each season offers different views and wildlife to enjoy.
Water droplets gather on leaves after a mid afternoon rain. 
Pine trees gather water droplets at the end of their needles and glisten when the sun makes a sudden appearance.
The trail opens up half way along when it comes to the beach area. The Old Shore Trail runs perpendicular for a time. The beach offers beautiful sunsets and the shore boosts an array of wildflowers from various ecosystems all in one place.
Shrubs find their way through the underbrush, while moss contributes ever so slowly to the soil in this sandy area.
The Visitor’s Centre and Gift Shop are located along the trail for anyone looking for a souvenir or to check out the displays put on by the park and by the Friends of MacGregor. Free wifi is also available around the building.
If watching the sun set over Lake Huron is on your nightly list of things to do, MacGregor Point offers several different vantage points. Port Elgin, which is a short drive up the road, is also a fantastic place to watch the sun set and have an ice cream.
The trail continues away from the beach once more and into a forested area where Chickadees can be seen and heard. In the winter this trail is a must for anyone wanting to have Chickadees eating from your hand. Bring some bird food because they will be waiting for you.
The boardwalk then crosses Ash Swamp where you can spot muskrat, dragonflies, wood frogs and several bird species.
On this particular day I photographed this female Darner laying her eggs in the water. Insects are so amazing, aren’t they?
MacGregor Point Provincial Park is a relatively short drive from many major locations in southwestern Ontario. Make reservations any time of the year and you won’t be disappointed. This park is also a great spot to explore the Bruce Peninsula.
