Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Much of the area was once used for agriculture, but most of the park's land is regaining its natural cover of trees and plants typical of the deciduous forest region. Species common to prairie areas and the Carolinian forest are also found in the park. Most small mammals common to southern Ontario live in the park, as well as some larger species -- White Tailed Deer, Red Fox, Coyote and Raccoon. Birds in the park include the Northern Mockingbird, Northern Shrike, Blue Jay, Blackbird, Red-Tailed Hawk and several kinds of sparrows, as well as the occasional Pileated Woodpecker and Red-Headed Woodpecker, Scarlet Tanager, Turkey Vulture and both Snowy Owl and Short-Eared Owl. As many as 20 species of amphibians and reptiles also make their home around Bronte Creek. More than 70 species of moths and butterflies have been identified in the park, as well as another 125 species of insects, including a rare Katydid. The Ministry of Natural Resources established Bronte Creek Provincial Park in 1972. However, it did not open its gates to the public until 1975. The Park is classified as a recreational park and offers a day-use area and a campground, which opened in July 2001. Bronte Creek receives over 250,000 visitors each year and with the opening of the campground, the park has become even more popular.