Protected Property

The Oxtongue River stretches approximately 35 km from Algonquin Park to Lake of Bays and provides a corridor for many species migrating to and from the park. It was once an important canoe route for indigenous people travelling through Muskoka to hunting grounds further north and east. It is the major headwaters of the Lake of Bays.

The Lower Oxtongue River is the portion below Marsh’s Falls where the river slows and meanders for 4.5 km through a broad valley before emptying into Dwight Bay. Within this flood plain there are many meanders and oxbows left by the changing course of the river. This secluded valley of 425 acres has a variety of habitat which provide refuge for a great diversity of flora and fauna. The river valley is designated as a Muskoka Heritage Area and is recognized in the Township of Lake of Bays Official Plan as an area to protect for its ecological and scenic values.

Over 8 years and with the support of many generous donors, the Foundation was able to purchase 3 contiguous parcels totalling 170 acres of mostly wooded land and 3.5km of shoreline, or 50% of the Lower Oxtongue River shoreline. The purchase was made to protect and preserve the area for the community and future generations in perpetuity. The Foundation is returning the Lower Oxtongue River property to its natural state and has commissioned several biological studies to assess the habitat and species found on the property. The quiet edges of the winding river, with several meander scars and oxbow lakes, support a variety of aquatic and emergent vegetation communities. A number of species at risk have been identified. An existing building close to falls has been converted into an Education Centre and the original portage around Marsh’s Falls has been cleared for paddlers and trippers on the Oxtongue River. To ensure the protection of the property, a management plan was created and is being implemented. The property is now named the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve.



Join us for a nature event, paddle the Lower Oxtongue River, or visit for a nature walk. See Things To Do for more information.

Marsh’s Falls is rich in cultural history. This has been documented by the Foundation and can be viewed in Memoirs of the Lake.