To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, Friends of the Tay Watershed invite you bring your family and friends for a FREE Guided Tay Walk & Voyageur Canoe Paddle at the Perth Wildlife Reserve, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11am – 4pm.

Reserve your spot on the tour early! Even if you have lived here all your life and are well-versed in local ecology and history, Friends of the Tay guarantee you are going to learn something new!

Take a 10-minute shuttle bus from Last Duel Park to the Perth Wildlife Reserve (no parking at the Reserve) where science experts will be on hand to lead you on a walking tour of the Reserve, talk to you and answer your questions about local flora and fauna, and point out the natural and invasive species that exist within the Tay Watershed. Arriving at the Tay Marsh Lookout and Old Lock 5, a local historian will tell you the history of the Tay Canal and the lock system. Also at the Lookout, a retired MNRF wildlife expert will share his knowledge of the wildlife of the Tay Marsh. Board a Voyageur canoe at the dock and go for a guided paddle of the nearby river, canal and marsh where you’ll learn about voyageur canoes and some of the waterway’s Indigenous lore. Follow your guided walk back to the trailhead and visit exhibitors who will talk to you about the butterfly garden and demonstrate the iNaturalist and Merlin Apps for tracking of invasive species and birds. Refreshments and snacks will be available and guests are welcome to bring their lunch to the picnic area. Outdoor privies available.

Register early!—Space is limited to 100 guests. The walking trail is 2.5 km and the voyageur canoe paddle is approximately 20-30 minutes.

To register online: https://taywalkandpaddle.eventbrite.ca
With the support of Perth & District Community Foundation and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority