Weekday Access to Wet Woods

[Trillian Flummox]

I see that a couple of folk have been wondering about visiting the Leslie Spit on weekdays, and since I was asking the very same question last year, I'll tell you what I've learned.  YES you can go in, but as far as I know this is very UNOFFICIAL. Technically it's still closed. You can't use the gated parking lot, but you can park just across the road on Unwin. You can also park further along Unwin on the stretch between the two sharp turns (there is a nice wide shoulder) - then walk in just past the guard rail.  While in the park stay off the main road - the trucking activity is really quite dangerous. Please be aware that there are homeless folk who sometimes camp in the woods. Currently there is an active camp along the North edge of the park near the road.

On a good day like today, don't be surprised if you find quite a few birders in there. And don't forget rubber boots!  The water is past your ankles in many areas.

Good Birding!

-kris ito

[Bluffs Birder]

Thanks Kris for posting this helpful information.

Walter

[yep]

YES you can go in, but as far as I know this is very UNOFFICIAL. Technically it's still closed.

Is it me or is that a confusing sequence of thoughts?

Seems like you mean, NO you are not supposed to go in, but you can sneak in if you stay away from the road?

[Rotarran]

Just use your common sense and stay out of sight and out of mind.  And out of trouble  

[cloaca]

"I'll tell you what I've learned. YES you can go in, but as far as I know this is very UNOFFICIAL."

Just curious where you learned this from, since it doesn't really answer the question.   Of course YOU CAN go in, just like YOU CAN trespass on private property.   Whether it's being actively enforced is something different entirely.    Did someone tell you that it won't be enforced?

[mr.sharp-photo]

the reason why you can't go into the main part of the Spit during Mon-Fri is due to it being used as an active dump. spend any time near/in the Wet Woods and you'll see truck movement. so there's no issue with people being in the wet woods, since it poses no danger to the truck drivers or the birders.

i've gone through the main gates and Unwin. just use your brain and don't linger on the road if you decide to go through the main gates.

[Trillian Flummox]

Hmmmm, well I guess in fact I am trespassing since I haven't asked the city for permission to be there. If I am breaking the law, then I guess I'm in good company since I've met many of Toronto's best birders and nature photographers in there. Of course just because everyone else is doing it doesn't make it right, but I'm comfortable with my choice. I think that in many ways we birders act as good caretakers of the area, often removing or reporting dangerous items left behind by the late night party people and the homeless who camp there. There is always the chance that the city will suddenly start asking us to leave (especially if we are seen on the road), but I think it unlikely, given that birders have been going in there for years without issue and also the apparent tolerance for the homeless camps.

Some of us birders are just rebels who like to live on the edge!   :wink:

-kris