Lake Simcoe and its northerly extension, Lake Couchiching, are separated by a shallow region called the Narrows. Mara Provincial Park sits at the neck of Lake Couchiching, right by the Narrows.

With its open fields, forested areas and a swamp, this small park contains a wide variety of both vegetation and wildlife. The trees are typical of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence lowlands forest region -- including maple, oak, birch and white pine. More than 75 species of birds have been identified, and the park's small mammals include raccoon, skunk, muskrat and groundhog. The red-back salamander is often spotted at the edge of the swamp area.

The area has an important cultural significance. Archaeologists have dredged the Narrows and found fishing weirs dating back some 4500 years. On top of these were other more recently constructed weirs, the work of Huron Indians about 350 years ago. Around 1615, Samuel de Champlain noted the richness of the fish in these waters.