Explore Presqu'ile's Shoreline This Winter

Presqu'ile's shore-ice formations are most certainly the high point of any winter visit to the park.

Relentless wave action prevents shore-ice from forming a smooth, continuous sheet. Instead, the crinkled ice flows are heaped into an ever-changing pattern of bizarre shapes – clusters of thin shards are stacked at wild angles; mounds and hollows undulate like otters across the surface; arches with dripping stalactites are thrust upwards; and sea caves are carved out from below.  

While all of these shapes are exciting to see, the most spectacular of all the ice features that form along Presqu'ile's winter shoreline are the ice volcanoes.

Ice Volcanoes

Ice volcanoes are conical peaks of shore-ice that resemble true volcanoes.   When fully developed, they have a crater at the top, a central vent, steeply sloping sides, and a height of up to seven metres.   Instead of lava, lake-water spews from these icy mountain volcanoes.

As a large wave surges beneath a volcano, it sends a spray shooting up the vent and out of the crater.   This eruption of water freezes almost instantly when it lands on the outside surface of the volcano.   Each wave builds the cone a little higher … and higher.

The growth of an ice volcano depends upon freezing temperatures and an ongoing supply of water.   As the edge of the shore-ice keeps moving farther and farther out beyond the cone, it becomes more difficult for waves to reach that peak.   Eventually, the old volcano becomes dormant, and a new set of volcanoes starts to form on the lakeward side.   Under ideal conditions, these cones form ranges, with each row of peaks extending parallel to the shoreline.  

Ice volcanoes can form along the lakeshore; anywhere that thick shore ice develops. Observers have reported up to seven ranges of volcanoes off the south shore of the park. The best viewing area is from Lakeside Campground east to the Nature Centre. Shoreline ice features are best examined using binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens, because potential weak spots in the ice could be dangerous to the over-curious observer who gets too close.

The Marsh Shoreline

The winter shoreline of the Presqu'ile Bay marsh is another very interesting place, although volcanoes do not develop at this location.  

Freeze-up generally occurs in late November or early December.   The thickness and extent of the ice also vary considerably from year to year.   In an average winter, the bay will freeze almost to Calf Pasture, or perhaps Salt Point.   If it is particularly cold, there can be ice extending to the main lighthouse, and offshore for as far as the eye can see. Over the season, the bay ice expands lakeward or retreats back as the temperature fluctuates.

Wildlife Viewing on the Edge

For splendid wildlife viewing, the edge of the ice is the place to be.

There are always flocks of diving ducks wintering near Presqu'ile and the greatest numbers are seen at the edge of the ice. Since the arrival of Zebra Mussels locally, the winter population of ducks has increased substantially. Zebra Mussels are a major food source for many waterfowl.   Studies at Long Point have shown that virtually every duck species takes advantage of this food resource to some degree.

Ducks start to move into Presqu'ile Bay as soon as the ice melts.   Even in January, a thaw will bring numerous diving ducks into the bay.   Many birds fly out to the open lake during the day to feed.   Near dusk, they may be seen flying past the lighthouse, heading to the shelter of the bay to spend the night.

The most common waterfowl species sighted at Presqu'ile during the winter months is the Greater Scaup. Along with Lesser Scaup, these birds can number to up to 10,000 individuals by March. Other notable numbers include 3,500 Canvasbacks, 3,000 Common Goldeneyes and 2,200 Redheads.   During spring migration, the Presqu'ile peninsula is a major staging area for these and other species of waterfowl.

Of course, large concentrations of prey also attract predators. Snowy Owls land at the brink of the ice and wait for unwary ducks to surface. A Long-tailed Duck or Common Merganser could easily become a meal for a keen-eyed Snowy Owl.   Occasionally, a Bald Eagle is seen on the ice.   Mammals, including Coyotes and Red Foxes, also show up.

A Word of Caution for Visitors

Presqu'ile's shorelines present a wealth of opportunities for winter visitors.   Please remember that it is hazardous to venture out onto the ice past the actual shoreline because of invisible fissures and thin patches. There is also the risk of hypothermia if someone does get wet.  

Events and Guided Tours

Why not grab your toque and mittens, pack of a thermos of hot chocolate, and head out for a day in the great outdoors at Presqu'ile?   Our 16 kilometres of trails are open all winter long for walking and cross-country skiing.  

For a guided tour of Presqu'ile this winter, join us at one of our special interpretive events presented by the Friends of Presqu'ile:

Winter Bird Workshops

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

January 24 and 25, 2004

Presqu'ile is offering a winter bird workshop as part of Brighton's Winterfest Celebrations. Activities offered include an afternoon of bird feeder making for the kids; guided walks at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and educational slide talks on the winter birds of Presqu'ile at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Park admission fees apply year round. Donations to the Brighton Food Bank are accepted in lieu of admission fees on January 24 and 25 only.

For other Brighton Winterfest events visit    http://www.brightononline.ca/events/winterfest.htm

Winter “Soup” Hike

Presqu'ile NatureWorks Series

February 14, 2004

Spend an afternoon outdoors with a park naturalist learning about how much life there really is during the “dead” of winter. Enjoy bird watching, animal tracking, examining plant and fungus life, viewing marine activity on Lake Ontario, and a bowl of soup or hot chocolate.

You must pre-register for this workshop by calling the Friends of Presqu'ile at (613) 475-1688.   There is a fee of $5 per person or $12 per family, which includes park admission.

For more information on the Presqu'ile NatureWorks Workshop Series and the Friends of Presqu'ile, please follow this link: http://www.friendsofpresquile.on.ca

Contributed by Janine Dewit, Natural Heritage Education Leader, Presqu'ile