Bark Lake Drive: Your Adventure Begins!

If you have ever been to Bark Lake Leadership Centre you know our infamous driveway. Bark Lake Drive, from Highway 503 into the Centre, is about 5 kms. long and is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful stretches of forest in the area. Not only are you winding, swerving and dodging your way through, but you can look out your windows and see many wonders! Since my time at Bark Lake, I have heard many stories about this drive, and one thing is clear…it has always been ‘an adventure.’

I believe all the bumps and potholes are in place to remind us to slow down and look around… Take it in; we travel on highways that are flat and straight, and we get from point A to point B, often without noticing the sights, sounds, and smells of the journey. Here at Bark Lake, the drive into the camp is a reminder to get out of the ‘rat race’ because if you don’t you…and your vehicle, will not be very happy.

As the snow begins to melt, new life is emerging along ‘the drive’ that takes you past several marshes, where you can see beavers building their lodges, blue herons resting before their next flight and ducks returning to their nesting grounds for the summer. The forest that lines the drive is also alive, with the hoots of owls, the tapping of woodpeckers, the whooping of ravens and the songs of many other birds.

If you come at the right time of day and the right time of year, you may be one of the lucky ones who sees a bear wander by or, if you are really fortunate, you may catch sight of a wolf, or get a glimpse of the ‘giant of the forest,’ a moose standing in the middle of the road; all of which have been see by staff this past year. My favorite time of year is when the turtles come up from the water to lay their eggs; you can spot many Snapping turtles, Painted turtles and even Blanding’s Turtles which are somewhat familiar here though, being a ‘species at risk.’

So, if it is your first trip to Bark Lake Leadership Centre or you are a returning guest, take your time when you are meandering in on Bark Lake Drive. Look around; see what is to be seen! This road, though bumpy, is where your adventures begin!

~ Maria