Environmental Education

We take pride in offering a wild natural environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the King Mountain and Robertson Cliffs' trails. Our commitment to preserving this haven for future generations necessitates a few guidelines. By following these simple rules, we can ensure that everyone—humans, animals, and plants alike—enjoys the tranquil charm of the highlands.

Silent Sports Only

Our trails are a sanctuary for those who appreciate the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, the gentle whisper of the wind, and the occasional rustle of wildlife. Therefore, all forms of motorized access are strictly prohibited. This means no ATVs, dirt bikes, or snowmobiles. By sticking to silent sports like hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, we minimize our impact on the environment and keep disturbances to a minimum.

Imagine the joy of encountering a deer quietly grazing or hearing the melodic calls of songbirds, unspoiled by the roar of an engine. The quiet of our trails has made it possible for species such as wolves, moose, bobcat, and bear, to thrive, offering visitors a rare glimpse of nature’s more elusive inhabitants.

A snowshoeing group of enthusiasts enjoy a view of the highlands.

Sky's Off Limits
In an age where drones have become ubiquitous, it's tempting to bring them along for breathtaking aerial shots, especially when you add fireworks to the mix. However, all AHC lands, including Robertson Lake Road, are designated as no-drone zones and fireworks are strictly prohibited.

We're not trying to rain on anyone's parade; but to be quite frank with you, these activities can be incredibly disrupting to the wildlife who find refuge within the conservancy. A disruption of this sort was witnessed in 2023 when illegal fireworks and drones caused our resident peregrine falcons to abandon their nest at Robertson Cliffs.

The peregrine falcons abandoned nest on Robertson Cliffs, May 30, 2023.

This unfortunate event was especially upsetting to our local community, as Robertson Cliffs was used as a site for Ontario's peregrine captive release program in the late '90s. Until the fireworks and drones, the falcons had been actively nesting on the cliffs since 1997, serving as an unofficial symbol of the highlands.

No Camping or Campfires

Come and stay a while! However, please note that camping and campfires are not allowed. Both King Mountain and Robertson Cliffs are designated as day-use natural areas, and any overnight activities can significantly disrupt the delicate cycles of wildlife. Moreover, there are no facilities to accommodate overnight stays, such as restrooms, garbage disposal, or designated campsites. 

In addition to preserving wildlife, preventing wildfires is a critical concern. Information shared by Ontario Parks indicates that during the summer and fall months, Ontario averages one wildfire a day caused by improper campfires, with an average of 200 wildfires annually. Every wildfire begins with a single spark—whether from a campfire, cigarette, or sparkler. To protect the delicate land of AHC and its visitors, campfires are prohibited and must be reported immediately.

To mitigate wildfires, Algoma Highlands Conservancy prohibits campfires.

Small cedar trees cling to the towering 400 foot face of Robertson Cliffs. Photo credits: Dan Weemhoff.