Day 2: 17km, Burnt River to Fenelon Falls
After a very filling breakfast of eggs benedict, Phil dropped me off back at the Canada Post in Burnt River for the next leg of my journey. Today would be a bit longer, but not much at 17km, which is well within the distance range I find enjoyable, with or without a full pack on my back. As I was staying another night at Sweet Dreams B&B, my pack was a bit lighter than yesterday which was lovely. While I’m comfortable hiking with a full pack, it is just a bit easier to do so with just a daypack (or mostly empty pack).
I really enjoyed this section of the trail, even though I got caught in a brief but heavy rain just before I finished. I knew as soon as I saw it on the far shore of Cameron Lake that I wasn’t going to make it to Fenelon Falls (the end for the day and where I was going to grab some dinner). But I’m getting ahead of myself as that was near the end of that day’s walk.
Most of the day was sunny and surprisingly warm for October and the later half of the walk this day was along Cameron Lake which was beautiful. There was a bit of everything to see while walking – forests turning brilliant autumn colours, marshes, wildlife, and a lake. The trail was a bit drier so I had less puddle hopping/avoiding to do which was nice. I think it was the busiest section as well but even so, I saw less than 10 people (not counting once I got into the town of Fenelon Falls) so it was another quiet day.
Despite being a shared trail that allows a wide range of activities on it, I didn’t feel unsafe and the few ATVs I passed, or rather that passed me, were friendly and courteous. Just be aware that it’s a shared trail and I suspect this is even more important in the summer (or winter) when traffic on the trail might be heavier.
There was some absolutely gorgeous colour – lots of reds and bright yellows, some orange, and still lots of green leaves which had yet to change. I’ve always loved walking in the fall and this day – and the trail in general – didn’t disappoint.
As I mentioned before, the second half of this section of the trail takes you along the waterfront of Cameron Lake (for quite a few kilometers) and by a number of very nice cottages. And as it gets closer to Fenelon Falls, it also gets narrower but it’s still plenty wide. I liked the first bit along the lake but as the cottages became more dominant, it wasn’t the natural walk I prefer, but still nice.
Once you arrive in Fenelon Falls, take a moment to check out the town and if it’s summer, watch the boats go through the Trent-Severn Waterway. As it was October when I was walking the trail, it was closed for the year but there’s still lots to see in Fenelon Falls, especially if it’s your first time visiting. Lots of little shops and restaurants to explore. I grabbed dinner at one of the pubs before calling the B&B for my pick up.
There was another quest at the B&B this night so we (the hosts, myself and the other quest) had a lovely chat over some tea in the evening which was nice. And then it was another early night as tomorrow was the longest section I would be walking this trip.
I’d like to say a huge thanks to Log Chateau Park, who allowed me to use their washroom even though they were closed for the season. I really appreciated it!
Rambles and Walks 