Ever wondered what it was like to work in an Ontario mine during the early 1900’s? To take a step back in time, travel to Murphys Point Provincial Park. The park is located on Big Rideau Lake, part of the historic Rideau Waterway. It is the site of the Silver Queen Mine, which was a mica mine dating back over a century ago. The mine operated between 1903 and 1920, and employed around 30 men. In the summer, a tour of the mine offers an interesting example of early life in the area. After a walk in the mining shaft, you might want to cool off in one of the park’s three beaches. In addition to the abandoned mining site and beaches, the park offers a great mix of wildlife habitats, including forests, wetlands, fields, and three lakes. Keep your eyes peeled, because many animals call these habitats home, including deer, beavers, birds, frogs, turtles, and snakes. The hiking trails in the park will take you through a variety of ecosystems in the summer. While in the winter, these trails are turned into popular cross-country skiing routes.
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As of 2024, the Great Lakes Guide will be transitioning to Biinaagami.org. Biinaagami is a multimedia, change-provoking initiative rooted in Indigenous knowledge aiming to uplift voices and to connect people with their watershed.
