Paddling — Flatwater.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre runs guided interpretive canoe and kayak trips through marsh channels at the western end of Tay, threading the wetland mosaic of a globally significant Important Bird Area with a naturalist commentary. Matchedash Bay opens paddle access through bulrush channels at the head of Severn Sound at the eastern end of the township, with a route that connects to Georgian Bay under the Highway 400 crossing.
The brief.
Wye Marsh paddling is interpretive — the centre books guided trips and supplies craft and naturalist commentary; admission applies. Matchedash Bay paddling is unguided on Crown land co-managed by MTM Conservation, OMNRF, and Ducks Unlimited Canada; navigation through the bulrushes can be tricky in low water and the route to Georgian Bay passes under the Highway 400 bridge.
The Sturgeon River mouth at Georgian Bay (FMZ 16 boundary) and the open Tay Reach round out a sheltered flatwater base. May through October is the open-water paddling season; spring and fall are peak waterfowl staging at Matchedash Bay, which makes those windows the most rewarding for birding paddlers.
3. places.
- 01
Wye Marsh canoe/kayak channels
Guided interpretive paddling through marsh channels at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre on Tay's western edge.
- 02
Matchedash Bay
Paddle access through bulrush channels at the head of Severn Sound; route connects to Georgian Bay under the Highway 400 crossing at the northwest end of the bay.
- 03
Sturgeon River mouth at Georgian Bay
Paddling access at the Severn Sound shoreline; FMZ 16 boundary for fishing regulations.
Today's read.
Temperature (2.6°C) below the typical range.