Ecotourism is defined as "Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Nestled in the heart of Carolinian Canada, Middlesex County offers travelers and residents ample opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy. Choose from formal settings such as Longwoods Road Conservation Area, where you can participate in organized events like birdhouse building and tree planting or hiking along one of the many self guided trails.
In northwest Middlesex, you can explore the natural beauty of Joany’s Woods operated by the Thames Talbot Land Trust, after downloading the trail maps and guides from their website. For those in the eastern part of the County, Dorchester Mill Pond offers scenic trails with lots of places to stop and listen to nature.
If you like to discover nature with canoe and paddle, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority offers a route map for a trip from St. Mary’s to Delaware. You can also take your binoculars for a leisurely stroll along the Thames River Trail or visit one of many other conservation properties such as those in Southwest Middlesex’s Skunks Misery.
Getting out provides many positives, in addition to discovering nature! Walking 3km a day brings many health benefits too, in the form of reduced hypertension, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Middlesex County plays host to dozens of ways to explore and appreciate the natural heritage of Southwestern Ontario. And getting there is just the start of the fun!