Oshawa Second Marsh

Oshawa Second Marsh is a 137-hectare wetland located along the shore of Lake Ontario. It is bordered on the north by Highway 401, on the west by industry and on the east by the McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve and Darlington Provincial Park. Collectively these natural heritage areas represent approximately 400 hectares and are one of the largest publicly accessible waterfront spaces available in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Second Marsh supports over 380 plant species, 305 bird species, and many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. As one of the last remaining Great Lakes coastal wetlands, it is vital for migratory waterfowl and numerous other bird species. Visitors can also access the Waterfront Trail and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. The Province has designated Second Marsh as both a Provincially Significant Wetland and a Provincially Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, requiring protection of its natural and cultural features, biodiversity, and only low impact, compatible recreation. Oshawa City Council has designated Second Marsh under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, recognizing its cultural heritage value. The site is tied to Oshawa’s early history—explored and mapped by Samuel de Champlain in 1616, home to an early French trading post, residence of one of the area’s first European settlers, and the southern terminus of the historic Scugog Carrying Place Trail. Misuse of the trail network and surrounding areas—such as bypassing barricades, hunting, fishing, entering the sensitive barrier beach, and bringing dogs on or off leash—remains a concern. The marsh is a fragile ecosystem that supports rare wildlife, and visitors are asked to respect the following rules to protect it: • No motorized vehicles (snowmobiles, motor bikes, A.T.V.s) • Use waste containers; do not litter • No camping • Keep noise to a minimum • No hunting, fishing, or boating • No dogs, except on the paved Trail