Skyline view of Wellington Rd. in downtown London, Ontario Canada
  • A female sitting at the edge of  the boardwalk path in Sifton Bog looking up to the trees surrounding her located

  • Blog

    Outdoor Hiking Trails in London, Ontario – Sifton Bog

  • Back

    • Author Tourism London
    • Date July 18, 2024
    • Categories
      Parks & Nature, Things To Do
  • If you need a quick shot of nature, this is the place to see it!

    Located in Oakridge, Sifton Bog is close to one of London's popular local markets - Remark Fresh Markets. This natural gem has a meandering boardwalk that leads to a platform extending into Redmond's Pond. Although this ESA is not the largest, once you reach the pond it is amazing how remote it feels, especially so close to a busy intersection. 

    Along your stroll you might spot turtles, dragonflies, different birds and even deer. "Since the bog is surrounded by woods with Carolinian affinities, one can experience in a ten minute walk changes in vegetation that could normally take a journey of several hundred kilometres," (Ontario Trails).

    This place was essentially made for Instagram users! It almost feels impossible to take a bad photo along the winding boardwalk or lush green forest. Sunrises and sunsets offer fantastic shadows for organic and serene photos.
     


    OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION

    Did you know that this bog was created because of the cool, oxygen poor conditions and dead plants that sank and did not fully break down? The plants became compressed and ended up making layer upon layer of build up eventually forming a semi-floating mat that surrounds the open water at the centre (Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, ESA Brochure). This environment allows for easy camouflage for animals like the Midland Painted Turtle. The physical surroundings of the bog provide the perfect habitat for these turtles.


    TEACHING OPPORTUNITY 

    Ask your children if they are able to see a turtle or a frog! If you can't see any frogs right away, take a close look into the pond to see if you can spot any tadpoles. Take this opportunity to teach them about how tadpoles turn into frogs. Perhaps they might even want to find a frog to kiss it and see if turns into a prince!

    Alternatively you could ask questions like, which animals call the bog home and why? Do you think any animals would like the muddy areas over others? Do you think that you would sink into the mud if there wasn't a board walk!?

    BROCHURES & ACTIVITY

    View a digital copy of the trail map here.

    BINGO! Check out ReForest London's BINGO sheet that can be used for any of London's walks or hikes. Print it at home and use it in your neighbourhood (or wherever it's safe to wander outside)!  DOWNLOAD HERE.

     


     

    Parks & Nature Gallery


    Read more in this series

  • Back to listings

You Might Also Like…