Fairy Trail on northern Beausoleil Island Preview

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Walk carefully on Beausoleil Island

Some of the stories reference the laying down of Semaa (pronounced Say-mah) as an offering. Semaa (tobacco) is one of the four sacred medicines of the Annishnaabe, and also many First Nations across Turtle Island (North America).Here are the four sacred medicines:

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The place of juniper

Look around the sides of the trail, what plants can you see? Can you find any juniper? The plants you see around you have taken a long time to establish themselves and grow on this nutrient-poor, rocky soil.

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Welcome to Beausoleil Island!

As you walk along the Fairy Lake Trail, you will have the opportunity to listen to stories and teachings by Anishinaabe knowledge holders Trish Monague, Erika Wabigwan, and Shawn Corbiere. Their stories are an introduction to the cultural landscape of this island. The stories have been gifted to us to share with you, our visitor.

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Sphagnum moss: a natural sponge

The wet area beside the trail is full of a plant called sphagnum ( sfag-num) moss, it is often referred to as peat moss, or bog moss. The term sphagnum refers to almost four hundred different species, and many species of sphagnum may exist in the same wetland.

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The Massasauga Rattlesnake

This shy resident of Beausoleil Island and surrounding area is one of the rarest species of snake to live in our park. The Massasauga is Ontario’s only venomous snake and has a scary reputation, but it is quite shy and timid.

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Fairy Lake story

This is the most iconic of all stops along Fairy Lake. We invite you to walk down to the flat rocks along the Fairy Lake shoreline. Take a breath while you listen to, and reflect upon, the Fairy Lake Story that was gifted to us by Stewart King of Wasauksing First Nation.

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The archipelago landscape

Beausoleil Island is just one of many islands in this area. There are over 30,000 islands along the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, between Port Severn and the French River. Have you visited all of them yet?We invite you to walk out to the edge of the cliff and look at this wonderful archipelago landscape.

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Water is life

To the Anishinaabe of the Georgian Bay region, Nibi (water) is considered sacred and alive, it holds memories. It connects everything, it is the basis for every living thing on earth.

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A chance to reflect

You are almost at the end of your hike, around the corner you will come to Honeymoon Campground. Take a moment to have one last view of Fairy Lake before you finish the hike.

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Tikinagans

A Tikinagan is a traditional backpack, used by First Nations mothers to carry infants and support young children. A moss bag would be attached to the Tikinagan frame. While a moss bag keeps the baby warm, snug and secure, the Tikinagan holds the baby upright and helps keep the baby safe.

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