Last summer, we decided on a final adventure to visit Mono Cliffs in Ontario before I flew back home to Newfoundland. My flight would be leaving that afternoon so we figured we’d have plenty of time for a morning walk… or so we thought! Did we almost get lost during the adventure? Aye…
If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic, and natural place to go for a walk, jog, or even meditate, then I highly suggest checking out Mono Cliffs. The trees are beautiful, the sounds from the streams are relaxing, and the pathways seem endless with different trail options. One could easily spend all day walking these trails and enjoying what this park has to offer.
The rock formations and how the trees have grown on them has to be the most interesting feature of the park. There’s a wooden staircase and walkway to explore the cliffs and there are some plaques with information as well. When you’re walking between the rock formations it truly feels like society is long gone and you’re immersed into the environment. Nothing else seems to matter when you’re out in nature.
It was a beautiful morning with the sun peeking through the trees. We explored the staircase area and then continued along the trail while enjoying a morning cuppa coffee. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches along the trails to sit and relax for a while. However, my main focus was looking for a tree I could climb and sit on. You can take a lady from Newfoundland, but you can’t take the Newfie out of her!
I grew up on the island exploring the woods and pretty much had the freedom of a free-ranged chicken. We’d always be playing outside, building shelters, climbing trees, and connecting with nature in whatever way possible. So, when I found this groovy tree along the trail here at Mono Cliffs, I knew it was the one for me.
After walking the trails for about an hour, we realized that we passed the same tree that we passed before… and then we realized we were walking in a circle. So, we tried to make our way out of Mono Cliffs by taking another route… and we ended up going in a circle again. Where is the way out?! I’ll be honest with you, I started to get worried I was going to be late to the airport and miss my flight home at this point.
Thankfully, a jogger came our way and we asked him for directions. He told us where to go but then figured it’d be best to walk with us to ensure we made our way out. It seems we passed by the exit trail once before without realizing it but this time, with the jogger’s help, we made it to the exit trail.
We thanked the jogger for his help then made our way up the staircase and back to the main trail to the entrance. I noticed a lady with a stroller walking with her baby and it made me smile. Mono Cliffs is definitely a peaceful place to go walking with your family and enjoying the fresh air and freedom to roam. Just be mindful of the trail signs and try your best to not get lost!
Once we were back in the car and en route to the airport, we couldn’t help but laugh at the fact that we almost got lost along the trails at Mono Cliffs and nearly missed my flight home. Like I mentioned before, one could easily spend an entire day exploring the trails and getting lost in nature.
Until next time…
Whoa Dana 